“You got it.” Tobey got on the phone.
“Harper, the king is hungry.” Tuck laughed.
“He told you?” Harper asked.
Tuck crunched his brows. “What?”
“She called him the King of Sheba when his security stopped her from going into work,” Josh said.
“Harper, I like you more every minute.” Ian chuckled.
She giggled and made a tray to bring to Kip.
* * *
“Hey, beautiful,”Kip smiled at Harper, “what are you bringing me?” He balanced on one crutch and one foot, dressed in loose-fitting sweatpants.
Harper froze for a moment, her eyes on his chest. With a shake of her head, she said, “Thanks to Wes, I’ve got a cup of lemon chicken soup, a turkey club and some cranberry juice with a little seltzer.” Harper placed the tray down on the table.
“You said Wes? He’s here?”
“He cooked. Kyle said he’s here to help. Now, how do you want to do this? I’m thinking reclining a little in bed with your calf elevated will be good.”
“Let’s give it a try.” Kip wasn’t as sure as he sounded. He got onto the bed, groaning as he pressed up against the pillows Harper fluffed.
“You did it. Can I get you something for the pain? Tuck gave me a set of flexible orders to follow.”
“Just you and that tray of food.” He patted the bed and moved the tablet he’d been working on.
Harper placed the tray over his legs and sat on the bed beside him.
“Thank you for being here. I’m not good at being a patient.” He took a sip of the soup. “Mmm, delicious.” He rapidly ate his way through the tray. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“When did you eat last?” She picked up the tray and placed it on the floor by the door.
“A smoothie around six this morning.” He watched her. “You’re not going?”
“No. Tuck said Jamie is coming to watch over Channy, so he can sleep. I offered to watch over you tonight because Seth’s flight was delayed. Would you like to watch some TV?” she asked.
“Come sit next to me.” He pointed to the empty spot on the bed.
Harper climbed up beside him and played with her fingers. “I feel stupid for being scared to sit on the bed with you.”
Kip ran a finger down her cheek. “Your feelings were not stupid. And they’re not stupid now.”
“When you were hurt today, Brigitte told me about Addy.” Her lip wobbled.
Josh told Kip what happened. Harper’s remark about Brigitte’s feelings about her and Adelaide were concerning. “I planned on telling you this morning. I didn’t want you to hear things like that from other sources. How are you doing? Adelaide and you were close?”
With an audible gulp, tears began to fall. “I can’t believe she’s gone. She was a nurse in the ER when I started.”
Kip extended his right arm and wrapped it around her. “Come here.” She curled into his side. “Tell me about her.”
“Addy was motherly, even at thirty-two. Her girls, Desiréeand Babette, ages eight months and two years, were her life. Her husband, Gabriel, is a pharmacist at University Hospital. Um, I guess you met him. On our day off, we’d sometimes go get our nails done and go for lunch. After Babette was born, she asked to work Fridays so Gabriel could watch the kids. Friday is my usual day off plus every other weekend.” She cocked her head.
“What, sweetheart?” Kip asked. The concussion didn’t dull his perception.
“Wait a sec.” She ran out of the room. Ten long minutes later, out of breath, she returned clutching two drug trial binders. “Addy—was it an accident?” She sat on the edge of the bed.
