When his phone rang again, he just chuckled, answered, and climbed into the passenger’s side of the truck.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Coke dropped Dillon and the bassets off at AJ’s to sleep, then took himself to the hospital where AJ was waiting for him. He parked the truck and texted Aje, to find out which floor he needed to be on first—maternity, ICU, pediatrics, or general surgery.
“Mat” was the answer, which he’d bet was so short due to getting scolded for using a cell.
He headed for the third floor, running up the stairs, boots clacking. He found a smile for the gal at the nurses’ station. “I’m here to see Mrs. Gardner, please, ma’am.”
“She’s in three-oh-two, Mr. Pharris.”
Sometimes it was good to be him.
He headed down toward Missy’s room. Lord, he hated hospitals.
He knocked, heard a soft, “Come on in, Gramps.”
Missy was in there in bed, swollen and huge and pale.
“Oh, now. You been working hard on getting all swole, girl.”
She smiled at him. “Don’t blame me. Blame these two baby boys. You been to see Janie? They won’t let me see her.”
“Not yet, honey. I came here first. I’ll go see her next.” He settled down, took her hand, “How you doin’, girl?”
“I’m scared, Poppy. These babies aren’t doing so good and my blood pressure, then the wreck…” Tear-filled eyes met his. “They were leaving me.”
“Now, Missy.” He held her hand, her gaze. “This ain’t your fault. You know that.”
“I know that, right? But I can’t help it.” Her lips quivered, and he squeezed her hand. AJ came in then, and he’d never been so happy to see that lanky fool.
“Hey, son.”
Coke stood, gave the kid a hug. “How you doin’?”
“Okay.” AJ hugged him so tight his ribs creaked. Yeah. Okay his ass.
“I got you. Your missus is looking like a snowman, all round and all.”
Aje gaped and Missy laughed, threw a pillow at him.
“What?” That was what they needed. To laugh a little.
AJ went to her, hand on her belly. “Hey, baby. You doing okay?”
“How’s Jeannie?”
“Chey is with her.”
“What do you need me to do first, y’all?”
Aje glanced at him, almost lost. “I don’t know, Coke.”
“Well, then. I’ll tell you what’s done. The Taggarts, Hank, and a shit-load of Brazilians are working the ranch. Nattie and them are there with groceries and the kids. Coop’s got that new baby, and Fred’s in Australia, but Mack’s driving in to help.”
AJ seemed a little stunned, then a little wet at the eyes. Bless his heart.
“Dillon’s sleeping, but he’ll be dealing with all the phone and email stuff. All y’all have to do is breathe. We got you.”
