"Come on, you know me. I'm a steel vault of secrets. But, uh… you knew me before, didn't you? In your other life," Aiden deduced. It was fairly obvious how Aaron knew about his illegal exploits and had bribed him into becoming his informant as a child.

Aaron nodded. "I met you in 2020. You hacked into a video feed that proved Lacy Knighton murdered her accomplice, Max, and she ended up dying in prison. I figured it was better to get you onboard early to help me with my plans, since I knew you were out there."

It was hard to comprehend. Aaron had been a constant in his life for thirteen years, and now he was saying their meeting wasn't supposed to happen for another year.

He clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Well, I'm glad you did. My life would have been completely different if I hadn't met you before starting high school."

The nurse returned, smiling at Aaron. "Mr. Hale, your wife's blood transfusion is complete. She's still unconscious, but you can visit her now."

His eyes lit up at the thought of seeing Keeley, but he frowned. "Can we move my son into her room? He needs to be with his mother."

"We were about to do that. Having him nearby might help with her recovery. Follow me; you can carry him."

They had already moved a small, glass-sided crib into Keeley's room. She wore a neck brace, and a gauze pad covered her forehead as she lay unconscious. Her left leg was in a cast, and a sheen of sweat covered her face. She was clearly in pain.

Aaron sat in the chair closest to the bed, cradling his son in one arm and caressing his wife's cheek with the other. He looked heartbroken and elated that she was still alive.

Aiden didn't blame him. Seeing Keeley like that was difficult, even as a friend. She was usually so cheerful and lively. It was jarring to see her battered and unconscious.

He imagined his friend's feelings. The fleeting thought, "What if this was Nova?" crossed his mind, but he dismissed it. It wasn't the same.

He loved his wife deeply, but no love compared to Aaron's; he loved Keeley enough to chase her across the world in another lifetime. If there were a Love Olympics, he'd win gold. He briefly considered who deserved silver and bronze before dismissing the thought.

"Aaron, do you still need me, or should I go back to work?" he asked. He felt like a third wheel, even with Keeley unconscious.

"You can go back to work. But could you find Roger and tell him to let Alice know they need to keep my kids a while longer? Their mom's in the hospital. I left my phone in the office. They're probably wondering where she is, and I don't want them to worry."

"Sure thing, dude. Hang in there. She'll wake up soon. Are you coming back to the office, or should I have someone send your phone?"

Aaron gave him the "are you stupid?" look, answering the question. He'd have someone send the phone.

"Tell her I hope she feels better. See you."

Aiden heard a faint but heartfelt "thank you" as he left. He smiled. Despite Aaron's usual coldness and insults, Aiden knew how much he valued him in moments like this.

Alice looked at her phone in shock. Keeley had been in a car accident and was in the hospital?! What was she supposed to tell the twins? Violet had already been asking when her mother was coming home.

Roger sent a second text: "She gave birth to her baby, too. C-section. Aiden said she was still unconscious, but that's to be expected given her injuries from the crash. Good luck."

She scowled. Good luck? That was all he had to say when she needed to break earth-shattering news to five-year-olds?

"Violet, Kaleb, come here for a minute," Alice called softly.

The children, who had been playing, came over. Lila was unhappy to be left out. Violet looked up with her father's intelligent dark blue eyes.

"Why is Mommy late? She was supposed to get us."

"Your mom's in the hospital with the new baby. Your dad's there with her," Alice said lightly. It was easier to explain the baby than the accident.

Kaleb frowned. "I thought the baby was coming in a few weeks."

"He came early, but now you have a new brother! Isn't that exciting?"

They both nodded. "I want to see Mommy and the baby! Why does Daddy get to go, but we don't?"

Alice didn't know how to answer. Perhaps Aaron didn't want them to see their mother unconscious? Or maybe small children weren't allowed to visit trauma patients?

"I'd ask him, but your daddy doesn't have his phone. I'll try to reach him later, okay? You guys can keep playing."

Kaleb returned to playing, but Violet eyed her shrewdly. "You're lying! Something bad happened to Mommy, didn't it?"

How did this child guess?! Ah, Aaron, your offspring is too much like you! Alice thought.

"Your mom is fine," she insisted.

"Mommy got hurt, didn't she? Daddy's been acting funny lately, like he's worried. He knew this was going to happen. I want to see Mommy NOW!" she shouted, stamping her foot.

Violet wailed, "I want Mommy! I want Mommy!" and Alice was at a loss. The situation had spiraled out of control.