“Okay, then,” he said. “So here’s my plan. I’m going to go check in at the office, then I’ll pick up Dillon, and after that, I’ll run by my house to grab a few things. I’ll be back by the time you need to ice your ankle again.”
“Wait a minute. What about Roger?”
“He’s hanging out at the office as usual. I’ll pick him up when I run by there.” He had that look, like he needed to remind her yet again of her situation because he knew she was trying to pretend that there wasn’t one.
“Go ahead,” she muttered darkly. “I’m listening.”
“All right. Keep your ankle elevated. Don’t get up if it’s not absolutely necessary. If you have to go the bathroom, use the walker, take it slow and don’t put any more weight than you have to on—”
“Josh. I have the instructions. I promise I’ll follow them—allof them.”
He stood there smirking at her for a good ten seconds. “You are a very crabby patient.”
“I don’t want tobea patient.”
“Yeah, well. Right now you don’t have much of a choice.”
“Too true—and, well, thank you. Again.”
“You’re welcome.” They just looked at each other. And then he added quietly, “Any time.”
* * *
When Josh entered the classroom at Bright Beginnings, a few other parents had already arrived, and most of the kids were getting ready to head home.
Shane rushed at him. “Dad!”
Josh scooped him up for a quick hug. “Hey, buddy…”
“Are you picking me up today?”
“Not today, son. Your mom will be here soon, I’m sure.” When he set Shane down, Dillon was right there, staring up at him through eyes so much like Riley’s. He was about to explain things when Lenore walked in.
She seemed as puzzled as the boys. “What’s up?”
“Today, I’m here to pick up Dillon.”
“Why?” both Dillon and Lenore asked simultaneously.
Josh knelt and focused on Dillon. “Your mom is at home and resting. She’s going to be fine, but she hurt her ankle and bumped her head, so I came to get you.”
“Yikes!” cried Lenore. “But she’s okay, right?”
“Right,” Josh replied, his attention still on Dillon. “But she needs to rest, and that’s why I’m here to pick you up and take you home to her.”
Dillon gulped and nodded. His eyes were wide and worried. “She’s really okay?”
“She will be. Right now she’s taking it easy. She has to be careful of her ankle, and she needs our help. I figure you and I can take care of her together.”
Dillon brightened at that. “Okay!” he said with enthusiasm. “We better get going then.”
“Yes, we should.” Josh rose and held down his hand. Dillon took it.
Lenore said, “Tell Riley to get well quick.”
“Will do.”
Shane moved close. “If you guys need me, Mom can bring me over. Won’t you, Mom?”
