Page 74 of The Golden Hour

He realizes he must look half-insane right now, dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, teeth clenched, body angled forward like he is a second away from launching himself across the desk. It’s no less than how he feels.

“Dr. Carpenter,” Kelly starts, her voice even. “You know that we are investigating the claims you’ve made against Dr. Mortimer. We are taking this very seriously.”

Mason barely resists the urge to snort.

Kelly purses her lips.

“We will open an investigation into Dr. Lewis to see if this is a pattern of behavior,” Kelly says, before adding, “And we will issue her a warning not to approach your wife or daughter ever again. Does that work?”

Mason opens his mouth to snap. It isn’t enough. Not even close. He wants Dr. Lewis removed from this hospital, her badge deactivated, her locker cleaned out, and her escorted off the premises in front of everyone. He wants her as embarrassed and ashamed as she tried to make Honey feel. Now.

But then he remembers Ellen’s words about paper trails and patterns. This would have been over by now if he had reported it a month ago. This is partly his fault. The reason he didn't do the right thing when it first happened was that he thought ignoring was the same thing as handling it. He thought that warranted a pat on the back.

“For now,” Mason says. “But I want it documented that I am formally reporting this as workplace sexual harassment and inappropriate access to a vulnerable patient’s room.”

“Your wife will need to give a statement.”

“And when she’s ready,” Mason says, his voice a low, challenging growl. “She will if she wants.”

Kelly pauses, then nods.

“Understood.”

She has him sign a couple of papers regarding the investigation, and he stands to rush back toward Honey. Exhaustion blurs his vision, so he makes a quick stop at the hospital cafeteria for a large coffee and runs into Ellen on his way back to the elevators.

“Hey, kid,” Ellen says, tilting her head down to peer at him over her glasses. “How are your girls?”

“Day by day,” Mason mutters.

“Ain’t that the truth. Tell Honey not to rush anything and to give her body some grace,” Ellen chuckles. “A human exited her body.”

He is a doctor. Clinically, he understands the human body and pregnancy, but it is still weird to think about the fact that Honey literally grew their baby inside of her. Her body provided all the nutrients Daisy needed. For nine months, through sickness and misery, through pain and fear, Honey’s body made a person.

Made Daisy.

Then survived bringing her into the world.

She’s a miracle.

“She’ll never change a diaper if I have my say,” Mason swears. “Not unless she wants to.”

“That’s bare minimum, kid,” Ellen points at him. “Think bigger.”

Mason smiles.

He already is, and feels determined to do everything he can for Honey, for Daisy.

Everything.

“Hey,” Ellen says, looking unsure in a way Mason is not used to seeing on her. “I know what happened with Dr. Lewis, but I wanted to ask—would it be alright if I run up later to say hello?”

Mason softens as he looks at the older nurse.

“I think she would appreciate it,” he says, before adding after consideration, “but I’ll ask her first.”

Ellen nods and looks very happy with his answer.

“Now you’re learning,” Ellen shakes her head. “You men are always a little slow on the uptake.”