“Then I’ll wait with Dad until he comes,” Asher said, and went down the hall to Jacob’s room and walked in.
Jacob’s face lit up, and when he saw the bag Asher was carrying, he knew he wasn’t going to have to go home with his backside shining.
“Morning, Dad,” Asher said. He set the bag down and gave Jacob a quick hug, then took off his coat and pulled up a chair.
“Morning, son. You are a welcome sight.”
“I just dropped Gunner and Dylan off at the airport. They’re both flying home this morning.”
“What about you?” Jacob said. “You need to get back to work, too.”
“Oh, I’m flying out this afternoon sometime. I came in the chopper, so I don’t have a timeline to meet. It will be ready when I get there. Your nurse’s name is Benny Armstrong. He lives in Tulia. You may know him.”
Jacob beamed. “You got a male nurse! Thank you. I really appreciate the wonderful care I’ve been given here, but I’m a bit weary of those bossy little nurses telling me what I can and can’t do.”
“Now you’ll have a bossy man saying the same things, and we expect you to appreciate his wisdom,” Asher said.
“Yes, I will. I swear. I have never been this sick or helpless in my life, and I do not want a repeat of it,” Jacob said, and then clasped Asher’s hand. “I saw the Feds’ announcement. I have never been so proud of having you boys for sons. I know you’re the one who demanded the clearing of my name, because you were the only one old enough to remember what we all went through, and a simple thank-you isn’t enough.”
“It’s enough for me,” Asher said. “Sometime in the near future, we hope to be needing a grandpa. Dylan and Angie are getting married, and so are Nora and me. I don’t knowwhat Dylan and Angie’s plans are, but I’m telling you now that Nora and I will just go the justice of the peace route. Losing both parents within the last four years has taken the heart out of her for having a big, elaborate wedding.”
“Don’t blame her one bit. Brenda demanded the big wedding. The only thing about being married that she really loved was her boys. I look forward to seeing you happily married and raising families. I want someone to call me Poppa. I want babies on my knee before I’m too old to remember what to do with them,” Jacob said. “Nearly dying reminded me of how fragile life is, and that nothing is promised.”
Before Ash could answer, Doctor Reading walked in.
“Good morning, Jacob. It appears you have a ride waiting for you.”
Asher stood. “I brought his going-away clothes. We’re just waiting for the okay,” he said.
Reading’s nurse was right behind him, and pulled up Jacob’s most recent numbers while Reading gave him the once-over.
“Well sir, I think we’re done with you here. A nurse will bring your release papers and you’ll be free to go. Jacob, you are an amazing man. Few would survive what happened to you. I wish you a long and happy life,” Reading said as he shook Jacob’s hand, and then Asher’s. “We know your father’s life was in danger for the time that he was here, and we all know what you and your brothers did to secure his safety and clear his name. Remarkable family. All of you,” he said, and then he left.
“Well now,” Jacob said, struggling with his emotions. “How about you close my door, then help me into some real clothes for a change?”
Asher grinned. “I’d be happy to do that,” he said, and shut the door before putting the bag on the bed and removing the clothes.
Jacob was dressed and sitting in the chair, and Asher was sitting on the bed, when a nurse came back with his release papers, and an orderly following, pushing a wheelchair.
“Okay, Dad, I’m going down to bring the car up. Meet you downstairs,” and he took off out of the room.
“That is one handsome son you have,” the nurse said.
Jacob nodded. “I have three of them—they are my abundance of riches.”
The orderly helped him into the wheelchair, while the nurse put the release papers and the odds and ends that came from patient care in his bag, and set it in his lap.
The orderly paused. “Are you comfortable, Mr. Kingston?”
Jacob nodded, and off they rolled.
Asher was waiting at the entrance when they brought Jacob out. He had already notified Benny Armstrong that his dad had been released and they would be home within the hour.
Ash jumped out to open the door, and a quick transfer was made. After reclining the seat and propping a pillow beneath Jacob’s arm to ease his shoulder, he buckled the seat belt for his dad.
“Tell me if you hurt or feel nauseated, and we’ll adjust accordingly,” Asher said.
Jacob shook his head. “I’m good to go, son. Let’s go home.”
