Will: How’s everything going?
Tapping a quick reply, I kept it short but honest.
Natalie: She’s doing great. They’re letting us go home this afternoon.
The message sent, and I set the phone back down, exhaling deeply. Will didn’t overstep or press, and that steadiness was something I didn’t know I needed until now.
Jason came back a few minutes later, carrying the duffel bag and looking a little more awake. He set it on the chair, then leaned down to check on Bebe.
“She’s still out,” he said quietly.
“She’s been through a lot,” I replied, glancing at the small rise and fall of her chest.
Jason nodded, running a hand through his hair before settling back into the recliner.
Not long after, Bebe’s eyes began to flutter open.
“Mommy, I am sore.”
“Hi baby, I know it hurts. You are doing great.”
Jason stood up and walked over to Bebe and placed his hand on hers. “You were so brave, my little princess. We are going to get you home soon, okay.”
There was a knock at the door, this time to the doctor entering with a clipboard and a warm smile.
“Good morning,” she said, her tone cheerful as she crossed to Bebe’s side, “How are you feeling today?”
Bebe nodded sleepily. “Okay. Just sore.”
The doctor listened to her abdomen with a stethoscope, then gently pressed down on the bandages. Bebe winced but didn’t pull away.
“That’s totally normal,” she assured Bebe, jotting down a quick note on the chart.
“You are doing wonderfully. Vitals look strong, and your recovery’s right on track.” She turned to me. “We’ll plan to discharge her this afternoon. I’ll have the nurse bring in your instructions for home care.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice steady but thick with emotion.
“You’re very welcome,” the doctor replied, then glanced at Bebe. “She’s a tough little one. Let me know if you have any questions, but otherwise, we’ll get her ready to go soon.”
As the doctor left, I leaned back in the chair, relief washing over me.
CHAPTER 34
HOME AGAIN
NATALIE
The car ride home was quiet, except for the hum of the engine and the occasional murmur from Meredith, who was narrating her mental to-do list as she drove. Bebe snuggled into Jason’s side in the backseat, her head resting against his chest.
When we pulled into the driveway, Jason gently unbuckled Bebe and carried her inside while Meredith grabbed the balloons and the stuffed duck. I trailed behind, clutching the hospital discharge papers and bags, feeling the weight of the past twenty-four hours.
Jason set Bebe carefully on the couch, arranging the pillows around her and draping a blanket over her, her small body sinking into the soft cushions.
Jason lingered near the couch, shifting awkwardly. Finally, he cleared his throat. “Do you want me to stick around? I don’t mind helping if you need it.”
I straightened, turning to face him. “That’s sweet of you, but I think we’ve got it. She’s just going to be resting, and it’s better if it’s quiet.”
Jason nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly, though he still looked uncertain. “Alright. I’ll call Brooke to come pick me up, then.”
