Page 10 of Wilde Hearts

“Hi, Lynn. How’s it going?”

The first thing I heard was sniffles.

“Lynn? Are you okay?”

“Ensley…I’m so sorry to call you like this.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked, turning on my truck and already altering my plans—getting ready to drive straight over to Lynn and Jacob’s house.

“It’s Jacob. He’s had a heart attack! We’re at the Granby hospital.”

My stomach instantly felt sick. “I’m on my way.”

She started to cry, and I couldn’t understand anything she was saying, just bits and pieces.

“Lynn, don’t worry. He’s going to be okay. I’m leaving downtown River Falls now.”

“Be careful, Ensley, sweetheart.”

“I will. See you soon.”

After hanging up with Lynn, I pulled up Doug’s number and tapped to call him.

“You can’t possibly be there already,” he laughed.

“Doug, I hate to do this to you, but Lynn Owens just called me. Jacob’s had a heart attack.”

“Oh shit.”

“I’m sorry to back out on our plans.”

“It’s okay, Ensley. Do you want me to drive you? I’m assuming they went to Granby Memorial Hospital.”

“They did, and no, thank you. I’ll let you know what’s going on as soon as I learn more. Again, I’m so sorry.”

“No worries, Ensley. Be safe driving there, and we’ll talk soon.”

“Thank you, Doug. Talk soon.”

Hitting End, I set my phone in my purse and pulled out onto Main Street. I couldn’t help but wonder if the universe was trying to tell me something.

Something like, maybe Doug wasn’t part of the plan.

At least not part of my plan.

I tapped lightly before opening the door to the hospital room. Lynn was sitting in the chair she’d pulled up as close as she could to Jacob’s bed. Her head was lying on the mattress and, for a moment, I thought about slowly backing out. When I got here yesterday, she’d been beside herself. Afraid she was going to lose her husband. I couldn’t blame her one bit.

I slowly took one step back, but she lifted her head and smiled.

“Ensley, sweetheart.”

I held up a to-go cup. “I brought you some coffee.”

“I hope you brought some for me, as well,” Jacob said in a raspy voice.

“You’re up!” I said, as I walked into the room. I handed Lynn her coffee before bending over and kissing Jacob on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”

He sighed. “Tired.”