“Jacob, please have some painkillers. They’ll help you rest and keep you out of pain,” Fran said to him.
Jacob looked at him for a moment. The pain really was excruciating. Nodding, he said, “Okay.”
“Thank you,” Fran said to him, sounding relieved.
Robbie grabbed a syringe and injected something into his antibiotic solution. “This kicks in quickly and will make you sleepy. Don’t fight it, the sleep will help.”
Jacob nodded and moved about to get comfortable and settle down.
Fran helped him. “I’ll be here when you wake up,” Fran told him, smoothing the covers.
Jacob looked at him in confusion, but already the meds were kicking in and before he could say anything, he fell asleep.
“He looked confused that someone would stay with him while he was injured,” Robbie observed softly.
“Wouldn’t you be if you had Bishop as a father? He showed Jacob no kindness, so why would he stay with Jacob when he was injured?”
“We’ll find out more about Jacob and his life when he’s better,” Robbie said. “I’m going to write Jacob’s notes up. Do you want me to get you anything? Jacob should be out for the next four hours or so.”
“If you can grab me a book to read that would be great.”
“I can do that,” Robbie said, turning away.
“Robbie, thank you,” Fran said to him. “I didn’t know how to tell anyone, especially Finn. Everything felt like such a mess.”
Robbie walked around the bed and pulled Fran into a hug. “You’re my cousin and I will always support you. I love you, you nutter.”
Fran blinked away the tears that threatened to fall and hugged him back.
“So do I,” Ezzy said, having walked into the room, and hugging Fran from behind.
“And me,” Finn said, joining in.
Fran laughed and pulled away, wiping his eyes and looking at his family. “Thank you. I love all of you as well.”
“Good, because we’ve come to keep you company. Clairmont is bringing up a shed load of snacks that we can work our way through,” Ezzy said.
“Where’s Emory?” Fran asked, looking around.
“He’s taking my shift at the hospital, so I can stay here and keep an eye on Jacob. We didn’t want to overwhelm Jacob with too many people when he first woke up,” Robbie replied. “And now I will leave you.” He pointed to the side, “Fran, keep an eye on the antibiotic bag, there’s another over there if you need to change it out. And call me if you need me.”
Finn leaned up and kissed him. “See you later.”
“You will, sweetheart.” And with that, Robbie walked out just as Clairmont walked in carrying a large tray.
“Here you go, boys. If you need anything else just phone,” Clairmont said, putting the tray down on the coffee table. He looked towards the bed. “How is your mate, Francis?”
“Sleeping and healing. He needs bed rest for a few days and I’m hoping the painkillers will keep him asleep for today at least.”
“Good. Also, your hair looks good.”
Fran grinned. “Thanks.”
With a final smile, Clairmont left the room, closing the door behind him.
CHAPTER 15
“Come, sit down and eat. Like you said, Jacob will be out for hours. We can munch on these yummy treats and chat,” Ezzy said, grabbing Fran’s arm and leading him over to the sofa, before pulling him down next to him.
