Page 29 of Faith for the Cowboy
“You think they’re going to let him come home?”
Lawson nodded even though she couldn’t see him. “I think that’s the plan. The doctor wanted to see his repeat test results today before deciding. Now that it’s later in the afternoon, it might be tomorrow morning before we come home, or really late tonight.”
“Well, whenever it is, we’re getting things ready here. Grace talked with the pastor and several of the church members have offered to help with meals if we need them, although all the sisters-in-law have said they can cover food. I know they all have kids and jobs to take care of, so I can help too.”
“You’ve been a huge help, Harper. Seriously, you’ve gone over and above.”
“Not at all. They took me in and cared for me, and even though I hate the situation, I’m so happy that I can help and return the favor.”
Lawson’s heart warmed hearing the kindness in her voice. “Just having you around is such a help. Maybe to me more than to anyone else.”
“That’s sweet of you to say. I’m glad I’m here. But I’m worried about you. I know you didn’t sleep much last night, and you’ve been working or at the hospital for days now without taking a break.”
Lawson ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath, feeling every ounce of the exhaustion. He knew Harper was right, but he couldn’t take a break. He had to make sure everything was taken care of so his dad wouldn’t have to worry. “Thanks, but don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I just want Dad to take it easy when he gets home. And I want to know what the doctor says and all the instructions.”
“I know, and you’ve been a great help. But it doesn’t have to all fall on you. You have all your brothers and the whole extended family. Promise me you’ll get some sleep tonight. If they are going to send him home in the morning, the best thing you can do is rest so that you’ll be ready to help then.”
Lawson considered her words. It would feel good to go home, take a long shower, and fall into bed. Even before dinner, he was sure he could fall asleep and not wake up until morning. But what if Mom needed him here? Or what if he needed to check on the cattle? There was no end to the work that needed to be done.
“Lawson?” Harper’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Yeah?” he asked, forgetting what she had asked.
“Promise me, okay? That you’ll get some sleep.”
“Oh, yeah, I will. I promise.” He would, just after he took care of things here.
“Let me know what the doctor says. I’m doing some cleaning around the house this afternoon and making a run to the grocery store. If there’s anything specific your dad wants to have on hand to eat, let me know.”
“I’ll ask him when he wakes up. I know he’ll have some restrictions on his diet.”
“I know, you sent me that yesterday.”
“Oh, right.” He could barely remember that, but he was grateful she was keeping up with it.
“I have a list, but I’m going in about thirty minutes, so let me know if you want me to add anything.”
“Thanks, Harper, for all of this. I’ll let you know. Talk to you later.” He said goodbye and ended the call. Lawson wondered if he propped himself up just right if he could catch a nap in the chair, but just then he glanced up and saw the doctor entering the room next door. Hoping that meant he would be in to see Dad next, Lawson lifted his phone and tapped the button to call Mom.
He didn’t even complete the call since she walked around the corner carrying two coffee cups in her hands.
Lawson shoved his phone in his back pocket and accepted the drink. “Thanks, Mom,” he said.
“You’re welcome, son. I can tell you need it. You’ve been here every possible moment, and I know you’re working hard at the ranch too. Caffeine will help you get through the day, but that’s not a long-term solution.”
He chuckled. “Harper made me promise to get some sleep tonight.”
Mom grinned. “I knew I liked her.”
“Do you?” he asked, suddenly wondering her real thoughts about the woman he was growing very attached to.
“Yes, I do. I liked her from the first day we met her. But she was different then. I’m sure she was tired and scared from the storm and everything else she had been through then coming to stay with perfect strangers on top of that. But we’ve gotten used to having her here, and I’ve seen a real change in her. There’s a difference in her eyes, and the tone of her voice. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s there.”
Lawson lowered his eyes to the floor. Harper would tell her it was because of her newfound faith, but he wasn’t going to say that. “Mom, I think that’s partly because of you. She’s so grateful to be here, and she’s mentioned that she feels welcomed and taken care of.”
Mom nudged him with her elbow. “I think it’s because of you too, Lawson. She absolutely lights up when you look at her.”
Lawson’s heart fluttered. “You really think so?”
