Chapter 16
Logan
Needing to talk with Jaxson, I walk into his office and wait for him to finish the call he’s busy with.
“Please, anything you can do for us will be appreciated,” he says. “I know you have to follow rules, but we’ll build a new wing for the hospital, if that’s what it takes.”
When he’s done, he leans back in his chair and wipes his hands roughly over his face.
“It’s fucking killing me. I don’t know who else to phone. I swear I’m at the point where I’m willing to buy a fucking heart on the black market.”
There’s nothing I can say that will make this easier for any of us.
“He called Carter. He’s taking a sick day. Mia was with him last night. Jax, it’s worse than we thought. She says he’s really bad. I was thinking we should go talk to him. It’s time he knows that we know.”
My brother instantly breaks down. I’ve only seen him cry once and it was at Dad’s funeral. We were seven.
I rush around his desk and pull him up. Jax is the strong one. He took on every bully for me. It’s unbearable to see him like this. I hold my brother as he cries for his best friend. I don’t think there’s a person on this planet who loves Marcus more than Jax does.
I give him time to compose himself before I let go.
“I can’t lose him, Logan.” His voice is raw with pain.
I wish I could promise him that we’ll find a way to save Marcus, but I can’t do that to him. False hope will only hurt him more.
“Let’s go see him,” I say. When we walk out of the office, we run into Della. “Jax is puking his guts out. I’m taking him home. Will you keep an eye on the office?”
“Sure. Make sure he gets lots of fluids,” she says, giving Jax a concerned look. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“Thanks,” he rasps.
I manage to get him out of the office, without drawing any more attention to us. We take my car, because I don’t think he’s in any condition to drive.
When we get to Marcus’ apartment, I’m surprised when Willow opens the door. She looks like she hasn’t slept.
“Hey, guys,” she whispers. “He’s been sleeping a lot.”
“I just need to see him,” Jax says. “I won’t wake him.”
She nods, letting us in. I follow Jax to the bedroom, but stand back, as he goes to the side of the bed. He looks down at Marcus. Jax takes deep breaths, but it doesn’t help. His body starts to jerk with silent sobs, as he takes in the fragile state Marcus has somehow managed to hide from us.
“Dude, you better not be crying,” Marcus says, without opening his eyes.
“Fuck you,” Jax rasps.
At first, Marcus must think that Jax is joking until he opens his eyes.
“Fuck you, Marcus Reed. How dare you fucking hide this from me? How dare you fucking give up?”
I watch as the meager strength leaves Marcus. I didn’t realize how much it took out of him to pretend he was fine.
Jax sits down on the bed, and it’s painful to watch his strong arms wrap around Marcus’ frail frame.
He starts to rock Marcus, whispering, “I’m going to find you a heart. I promise you, I’ll find you a heart.”
Marcus shakes his head, too emotional to say anything.
“I won’t give up. There’s no way I’m going to your funeral. I’m not going to be that fucked up friend who has a beer on Fridays with a fucking grave.”
I press my palms to my eyes, fighting to not break down.
I leave the room so I can compose myself.
“How are you holding up?” I ask Willow, where she’s standing by the window.
“The man I love is dying,” she whispers hauntingly.
I go stand next to her and place my hand on her back, trying to give her some sort of comfort.
“I’ve been talking to Leigh. Her father is huge in the medicine industry. I’m hoping Mr. Baxter can somehow help.”
I know there was a time we all thought Jax and Leigh would end up together. I’m not sure what went wrong between them, but I’m thankful that she’s willing to try and help Marcus.
~
After everything that’s happened the last few weeks, I think we all need a breather. I’ve called all the guys up to my office. Marcus has been doing a little better since Willow moved in with him. It’s as if he has more fight, maybe because he now has a reason to live.
As they all come in, they give me a weird look. They must be wondering who the man is that’s sitting at my desk.
“Thanks for coming guys, this is Mr. Specter,” I introduce everyone to him, as well.
“Take a seat.” When they’re all sitting, I smile. “I’ve asked Mia to marry me.”
“Fuck,” Rhett says, and he’s the first to get up. He hugs me tightly, and I think he’s trying to see if he can crack a rib in the process. “You’re going to be my fucking brother. I couldn’t have chosen a better man for my sister.”
“Aww … Fuck,” Marcus mumbles, wiping tears away from under his eyes. “You’re all turning me into a pussy.”
I walk to him, so he doesn’t have to get up. I know Carter and Rhett suspect something, but Marcus hasn’t told them yet.
I shake Marcus’ hand and say, “You better be at my wedding.”
He just nods, and I avoid the questioning looks from Carter and Rhett.
Carter shakes my hand as well. “It’s about time the two of you make it official.”
Jax gets up, and he looks away for a second before he says, “You deserve this, Logan.” I shake my head, and he repeats, “You fucking deserve, Mia. You’re worthy of her love. If anyone deserves to find happiness with Mia, it’s you.”
I nod, knowing that he’ll keep saying it until I agree.
“I have two favors to ask of you all,” I say, clearing my throat. “I need you to help me pick a ring that’s perfect for my fiancé.” I smile as they holler. “I also want all of you standing up front when she comes walking down that aisle. Well, besides Rhett.”
He scowls at me, and I let him suffer for a second.
“You’ll be walking her down that aisle so you can give her away.”
“Fuck, this is emotional,” Marcus says with a hoarse voice. “I think my balls just retracted and I’m growing a pussy.”
We all laugh, and I’m in awe of Marcus being able to still joke and make us laugh.
Minutes later, the laughter is gone. The moment Mr. Specter lays out the rings he brought with, they all start to argue over which ring I should take. This is what I wanted for them. I look to the hidden camera and wink. If we can’t save Marcus, then I’ll get as many memories of him on camera as possible.
~
“I really like this ring,” Carter says, twirling the small circle of platinum between his fingers. He looks up at me, and the smile says it all. “This is her ring.”
I nod, knowing he means Della. “It was made for her.”
“For who?” Rhett asks, catching the end of the conversation.
Carter holds out the ring to him. “What do you think? Is it Della?”
“Are you serious or yanking my chain? Usually, I can tell.”
“I’m serious,” Carter laughs. “It’s time I make an honest woman out of her.”
“You got that right,” Rhett jokes.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marcus talking with Mr. Specter.
Hell, even Rhett and Jax are looking at rings, and they aren’t in relationships. I get a feeling that soon the screw crew will be renamed, devoted dudes. I’ll leave the renaming to Marcus, though. It’s clear I suck at it.
I finally decide on a ring and ask Mr. Specter to add an engraving to it for me.
Now I just need to plan the perfect way to give Mia my ring.