“Maybe you can go back the day after tomorrow,” I said.
“I’m going to miss the field trip to the dairy farm.” Madison’s eyes filled with tears. “I wanted to see all the cows.”
“When you’re better, maybe we can go visit it together?” I asked, glancing up at Esme, who nodded.
“But I won’t get to go on the bus,” Madison said. “My best friend Holly will sit with someone else, and maybe she won’t like me when I get back to school.”
“Impossible,” I said. “She’s probably going to miss you very much.”
“I hope so.” Madison slipped her tiny hand into mine. “Grady, do you think I could have ice cream for dinner?”
I chuckled. “Doubtful. Your mom will want you to eat something healthy. I made your favorite muffins, though.”
“Will you carry me to the car?” Madison asked.
“You got it.” I scooped her into my arms, careful not to jostle her arm. She laid her sweet little head against my chest. “My eyes are tired.”
“Just rest. When we get home, we’ll get you settled on the couch,” I said.
I’d grabbed Madison’s booster seat from Esme’s car before I’d come. I carefully got Madison settled in, buckling the seatbelt over her lap.
“You remembered my special seat,” Madison said. “Just like a Grady does.”
“A Grady?” I asked, amused.
“A Grady is the very best of all,” Madison murmured, closing her eyes.
Esme got in the passenger seat, sinking back with a long exhale. She closed her eyes.
“You okay?” I asked as I started the engine.
“Just tired. Those hospital chairs are medieval torture devices.” She opened one eye. “Is Robbie okay?”
“Yep. I made him grilled cheese and tomato soup, as instructed.”
She reached across the console to touch my thigh, just for a second, but long enough to send sparks through my bloodstream. “Thanks so much for looking after him.”
“Grady?” Madison said as I pulled out of the hospital.
“Yeah?”
“Will you sign my cast first? Before anyone else?”
My throat tightened. This little girl wrecked me. “Sure. Soon as we get home.”
The morning was overcast, threatening rain again. Esme was quiet, resting her head against the window.
“Did you sleep at all?” I asked.
“Maybe two hours. They came in every couple hours to check on her.” She rubbed her face. “I’m going to take a shower and then pass out for a few hours before I have to open the shop.”
“Could you stay closed for today?”
“I have to finish the centerpieces.” She closed her eyes, sinking further into the seat.
“I’m here to help,” I said.
I glanced in the rearview mirror. Madison was asleep already, head tilted against the window.
