“Working?” Wouldn’t that be like Carli to jump in and help, even while injured.
Jan laughed. “No, she was getting x-rays. Apparently, since it was so crowded down here in the ER, they let her hang out there until the results came back.”
A huge weight lifted off his shoulders, knowing she wasn’t in life-saving surgery or something else equally bad. But x-rays meant a possible fracture.
“Where is she now?”
“They just brought her back. Exam room twelve.”
“Thanks, Jan.”
As he hurried down the hallway, he noticed things seemed a bit calmer. Most of the minor injuries had probably been cleared out. The door to the exam room was ajar, so he tapped lightly and pushed it open.
Carli reclined on the bed, her right foot elevated on a pillow and an ice pack on top. When she looked up, he almost cried. Her face was bruised and bloody in a few spots, but her eyes signaled her relief at seeing him.
“Blake.”
“I’ve been frantic not knowing where you were.”
Her smile slipped, and tears sprang to her eyes. Once he got closer, he perched against the side of the bed.
“My phone was cracked in the accident. So were my processors.” She lifted her hair to show him. Curls matted with blood stuck to her head.
“I’ll buy you new ones. I’m so glad you’re okay. What has the doctor said so far?” Get her talking about something to get her mind off her fear. Her entire body shook.
She pointed to her foot. “Probably only sprained, but they x-rayed it to be sure.”
“And these?” Carefully, he touched her head near the abrasions. His clinical observation showed they were minor, but the part of him that cared deeply for this woman grew anxious.
“He said I’ll live.”
Blake laughed. He had to or else he’d be sobbing, thinking he could have lost this amazing lady. That thought scared the crap out of him. How could she have inserted herself so far down in his heart in such a short time? His feelings had never been so strong for a woman before.
“Are you stealing my patient, Dr. Wentworth?” Dr. Jillian Brennan asked as she entered the room behind them. Another doctor he’d worked with during the blizzard.
“I’d like to. What’s her situation?”
Glancing at the chart in her hands, she addressed Carli. “Minor cuts and abrasions and possibly a slight concussion. The ankle is only sprained. I suggest no weight on it for a few days and ice it several times a day. I’ll give you some anti-inflammatories to keep the swelling down.”
The tug on his hand had him looking at Carli.
“I didn’t get that last part.”
“A pill, so the foot doesn’t swell.” He made up a few of the signs, but she got the idea. So many signs were visual representations of the words.
“Are you taking responsibility for her?” Jillian asked, her eyes curious.
“I’ll make sure she follows doctor’s orders.”
Release papers were drawn up, medication prescribed with a few sample pills given for the interim, and crutches acquired. Once everything was signed, Blake phoned for his car and escorted Carli to the door.
On the way, Sam stopped him. “You found her. Good. Everything okay?”
“It will be.”
Sam stuck out his hand. “Thanks for stepping in again today. Better watch out or we’ll steal you away from pediatrics.”
“I’m glad to help, but only when absolutely necessary. Hope things quiet down.”
