Page 90 of The Bitterroot Inn (Jamison Valley 5)
“How long does he have to stay?” Beau asked.
“At least overnight,” Hunter said. “If things look good tomorrow, you can probably take him home.”
“And then he’s going on a diet,” Mom declared.
“He’s going to love that,” Michael scoffed. “No more Fried-Foods Fridays.”
“That’s right.” Mom nodded, then looked back at Hunter. “I think I’ll stay tonight, if that’s okay?”
“That’s fine.”
“Are you sure, Mom?” Beau asked. “Don’t you think you’d be more comfortable at home?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”
Mom had slept next to Dad for decades. There was no way she’d be going home without him.
“Come on.” Hunter swung out a hand. “I’ll take you up.”
“I know the way.” Mom walked toward the staircase with Michael, Beau and Sabrina following behind. Hunter and I followed them all, hand in hand.
He bent down to kiss my hair. “How are you doing?”
“Better now that Dad’s going to be okay.”
Better now that I’d made my resolve.
While we’d been sitting in the waiting room, I’d made a decision. I wasn’t leaving this hospital tonight until I could come back tomorrow and visit my dad without Hunter having to practically drag me through the doors.
Before I left tonight, I was going back to the place where my nightmares began. I was going to the basement.
But first, I wanted to hug my dad.
When we reached Dad’s room on the second floor, the nurse was just walking out of the room and he waved us in.
“Oh, Brock,” Mom gasped and put her hands on her cheeks.
Dad was blinking at us like he’d just woken up. “Hey, baby.”
Dad’s endearment brought a fresh wave of tears and I buried my face in Hunter’s side to keep quiet. He just held me tight, whispering into my hair that it would be all right. When I’d regained my composure, I shuffled into Dad’s room behind my family. Then one by one, we all hugged Dad.
“I love you, Dad,” I said into his neck.
“Love you too.”
“We’ll let you get some rest.”
“Marissa, can we get you anything?” Sabrina asked.
Mom shook her head and took Dad’s hand. “I’ve got everything I need.”
“We’ll be back first thing in the morning.” Sabrina bent to kiss Dad’s cheek and then hug Mom good-bye.
Beau did the same before hugging me and shaking Hunter’s hand. “Thanks.”
Hunter nodded and then gave Sabrina a hug.
“I’m going to stay for a while,” Michael said. That meant he was going to stay all night. There was no way he’d let Mom sleep here alone.
