Robert Sterling was alive, but barely.
The doctors said the second heart attack had been minor compared to the first, but the cumulative damage was severe. His heart was weak, compromised, struggling. They'd stabilized him, but the prognosis was uncertain.
Caroline sat by his bedside, holding his hand with desperate strength, while Sophie stood at the window, arms wrapped around herself, looking smaller than Emma had ever seen her.
And Alexander stood frozen in the doorway, staring at his father with an expression of such raw anguish that Emma's chest physically ached.
"Go to him," Emma whispered, squeezing his hand. "I'll wait outside."
"No. Stay." Alexander's grip on her hand tightened. "Please. I need you here."
They entered together, and Caroline looked up, her face streaked with tears.
