“He’s with your mom. She dozed off shortly after the doctor left, and he didn’t want to leave her side, so he asked me to call you.”
The weight of guilt pins me in place, making it hard to breathe. I wasn’t there when Mama needed me, and it hurts in ways I can’t fully describe. Rationally, I know being there sooner wouldn’t have changed anything, but the helplessness still presses heavily on my chest.
I let out a sigh of relief. “Alright, I’m on my way.”
“See you soon, sweetie,” Tess says before hanging up.
I stand frozen, my phone and T-shirt still clutched in my hands. My mind races through the tasks ahead.
Just as the dread threatens to crush me, I glance up and see Walker striding toward me. In an instant, he’s holding me close, murmuring words of comfort as I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent of leather and cedar. He may not know the details, but he heard enough of my side of the conversation to figure out my mom isin the hospital. It means everything that his first instinct was to comfort me when I needed him most.
He draws back, wiping a tear from my face. “Everything will be okay, sweetheart. I promise.” He releases the shirt still gripped in my hand and gently pulls it over my head, guiding my arms through.
As I stare into his earnest brown eyes, I’m struck with the realization that he’s become my safe haven—an anchor in a storm, the one I can cling to when my world is unraveling, trusting he’ll keep us both afloat until I’m able to stand on my own again.
“Let’s get you to the hospital so you can see your mom, okay?”
I nod. “Thank you, Walker.”
“Always,” he states.
There’s no question in my mind that he means it.
Good Intentions Paved With Secrets
By the time we pull up to Big Sky Medical Center, my stomach is in knots. Walker finds a spot near the entrance, and we rush inside, nodding at the security guard manning the front desk. Walker keeps his fingers laced through mine as we walk down the hall, his steady presence grounding me.
As we turn the corner leading to the medical wing, I spot my dad standing outside what must be Mama’s room. He’s holding a cup of coffee, finishing a conversation with a nurse who hands him a blanket before walking away.
“Dad,” I call out, waving when he turns.
He gives me a feeble smile, and I take in his wrinkled shirt and the dark circles under his eyes.
“Hi, kiddo. I’m so glad you’re here.” He tucks the blanket under his arm, freeing a hand to pull me in for a hug.
“Are there any updates on Mama?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No. The attending physician will check on her during his rounds this afternoon. Otherwise, they’re just monitoring her oxygen levels and vital signs. She’ll be so glad to see you. Tess got her set up with a show before I sent her home to get some rest. I figured the two of us could manage on our own while we’re here.” He glances at Walker standing beside me. “I’m assuming you’re staying too?”
“Yes, sir. I’m not going anywhere as long as Birdie needs me,” Walker replies, and my heart swells with gratitude.
“Birdie, can you take this blanket to your mother?” Dad asks, handing it to me. “I need to speak with Walker alone.”
I assume he wants help sorting out coverage at the sheriff’s office since he won’t be in today, and Walker can’t fill in.
“Of course. I’ll see you in a minute.” I squeeze Walker’s arm lightly before stepping around them into Mama’s room.
She’s sitting reclined in the hospital bed, her hair braided over one shoulder and a blanket tucked around her legs. An overbed tray stretches across her lap, where she’s propped an iPad playing an episode ofGilmore Girls.Thank god for Tess, who must have thought ahead to bring a little comfort from home to help Mama feel more at ease.
When she looks up and spots me, the corners of her lips lift.
“Mama!” I exclaim, rushing to her bedside and bending down to hug her.
“Hi, honey,” she says, then gives a weak cough.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier.” I drape the second blanket over her legs and settle on the edge of the bed. “How are you doing?”
Another cough rattles through her thin frame, but she still manages to broaden her smile. “I’m b-better, now that you’re here.”
