“Good answer.” Holly grinned for the first time since she had received the phone call. “Because that sounds like something Jason would say.” She woke her phone and placed the call.
Zack tried to focus on the road, wondering how the appearance of Holly’s family might change things. Would they push for her to return home? What would it mean for them as a couple if she wanted to live closer to her family?
It usually took a little over five hours to get to Denver from Canyondale, so not a terrible drive, but not always an easy one either, depending on the weather. As evidenced by her parents’ attempt today.
“That went better than I expected,” Holly said, after disconnecting the call. “I promised to let him know as soon as I have more information on their conditions. Oh, Zack, what if they had died, and I hadn’t fixed things with them?”
“You have to stop thinking that. But you may want to consider something before you talk to them,” he said, choosing his words carefully.
“Brett.”
So she had already gotten there. Good. “I keep asking myself how I would feel in your position if they had brought him with them.”
“Right. What if Brett not coming with them is because he and Ivy split up? The last I’d heard before breaking off all contact, they were talking about marriage. It honestly kind of blows my mind. I don’t know how to have a normal family relationship with him between us.” Holly rubbed her temples. “But I still want to make peace. I’m tired of the anger and the bitterness and the hurt.
“You’re in a tough situation, and I wish I could take this pain from you.” Zack eased into a parking space at the hospital.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone I cared about.”
He killed the engine and shifted in his seat to face her. “I can only offer you a healthy relationship to push the bad memories away.” Zack took her hand and brought it to his chest. “More than anything in the world, I want to make you happy.”
Tears glistened in her eyes but before she could reply, the ambulance arrived, followed by a sheriff’s vehicle, probably with Holly’s dad.
“They got here fast. That’s good.” Zack opened his door.
He hurried around to help Holly on the slippery walk. Staff had kept the snow from getting too deep, but it was still slick to walk on. They even had aWhile You Were Sleepingmoment where, slipping and sliding, they barely stayed on their feet. If not for the situation, it could have been funny.
Once Zack and Holly stepped into the entry, both gave a sigh of relief. They stomped their feet on the rug, and holding hands, hurried to the front desk.
“My sister and mom are in the ambulance, and I’m guessing my father is close behind,” Holly said.
Dr. Miller stepped out of his office. “I’m so sorry. You sit out here with Zack, and I’ll make sure you’re kept up to date on everyone’s condition.” He frowned, taking in her still-wet dress. “Why don’t you change into some scrubs? I know you keep an extra set here.”
Holly gave a dark chuckle. “I’ve been too worried to pay attention.” She turned to Zack. As if she was about to say something, she paused, frowning as she scanned his body. “Your clothes are still wet too. You should go home and change into dry clothes.”
“I’m not leaving.” Even though he’d worn snow boots, the depth of the snow had let it get inside. It was a good thing he’dput on a pair of wool socks one of his younger brothers had given Zack for Christmas last year. He took her hands in his. “Holly, I’m here for the long haul.” And he never meant any statement as much as he did this one. “Go change. Your family will need you.”
With unease, Zack watched as Holly hurried away. What would he do if she left? He loved Canyondale again now that the residents weren’t at each other’s throats anymore. And he hated large cities. Heck, Denver and the surrounding communities had a population close to that of the entire state of Utah.
Would he be willing to live in a place he detested if it was the only way to keep Holly in his life?
“Holly,”the charge nurse said, peeking into the dressing room, “Dr. Miller said you can talk to your father.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there.”
With shaking hands, she shoved her damp clothes in the locker and closed it. Fighting down her horribly conflicted feelings, she took a deep breath and went to face one of the people responsible for her biggest betrayal.
“We’ve transferred your sister to the ICU,” Dr. Miller said. “Your parents are waiting for an x-ray of your mother’s arm—it’s likely broken—and your father hit his head. Most of the townsfolk have stayed home tonight, so we haven’t been swamped. Would you like me to come in with you?” Dr. Miller offered kindly, his expression worried. Late one night, when things were quiet in the ER, Holly had confided in him about her wedding fiasco. His outrage on her behalf had been unbelievably satisfying.
“Thank you.” She gave his cheek a quick kiss. “But I almost lost them all tonight, so I have to do this.”
“All right.” Dr. Miller nodded toward the nurses’ station. “We’re here if you need anything.”
Holly patted his arm, touched by his worry and support. It was a shame her own family hadn’t been willing to give her the same thing. With resolve, she headed to the examination room.
She carefully opened the door and paused, giving her parents time to realize she was there. Her mother lay on the examination table, while her father sat nearby holding her hand. He was the first one to see Holly and struggled to stand, a bruise already growing on his cheek where he must have hit the window or been struck when the airbag deployed.
“Sit.” Holly hurried forward to put a hand on his shoulder, relief crossing his face.
