Thomas seemed to gather the strength to raise his arm to stop the paramedics. He took Jameson’s hand and put it on top of his and Caroline’s.
“Take care of her, son. Make sure she’s happy,” he faltered.
Jameson nodded. “I will, sir,” he vowed.
They rushed Thomas to the ambulance. Jameson helped Caroline climb inside with her father. He turned to help Nancy when she shook her head.
“Caroline needs this time. Go,” she ordered.
“I’ll meet you there,”he said as they closed the doors and raced off toward the hospital. Jameson helped Nancy into his truck and called Garrett.
“What’s up, brother?” Garrett answered.
“Something happened to Caroline’s father. They’re rushing him to the hospital by ambulance. I need an extra pair of eyes,” he said.
“We’re leaving now,” Garrett said, hanging up the phone.
“What happened?” he asked Nancy.
The older woman turned her teary eyes toward him.
“Thomas collapsed. He has a bad heart. It doesn’t look good,” she murmured sadly.
Jameson’s heart fell. In the short time he knew the man, Thomas earned his respect. He loved how the man called him “son,” making it feel like an honor, unlike how his father referred to him. Caroline must be devastated. He meant every word of his vow. He’d ensure Thomas’ daughter led a happy life, and he’d care for her to his dying breath if she let him.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The team and their spouses sat in the waiting room while Jameson paced the floor, waiting for Caroline. Nancy went back, and, due to hospital rules, only two people went back at a time. He swiped his hair back, stressing about the woman he loved and her father.
“Why won’t they tell us anything?” He said, fighting the frustration.
“I’m sure they’re doing everything they can,” Rebecca replied, handing him a cup of coffee.
“Thanks. I haven’t seen Caroline since the ambulance arrived. I’m worried about her,” he confessed. “She’s already endured enough. It’s not fair.”
“She’ll get through this with you at her side and her friends at her six,” Riley comforted him.
“Delaney sends her love. Mac went to stay with her. She’s experiencing Braxton Hicks, and we didn’t want her stressed,” Rachel told Jameson. “Caroline’s strong, like Rebecca. She’ll be all right.”
The minutes ticked by, and Nancy’s son joined the group, waiting for his mother.
Jameson walked to the ER reception desk.
“Do you have any word on Thomas Bates?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to give out information on patients unless you’re family,” the woman told him.
Jameson returned to the waiting room and plopped into a chair.
“Breathe, Jameson,” Garrett ordered. “Caroline will come out here most likely in a hot mess, and you need to stay strong for her. You can’t show your frustration.”
“Damn it,” he swore. “They didn’t get enough time together.”
“We never know when we’ll depart this earth,” Garrett said. “It’s why we cherish every moment.”
Finally, the doors opened. Caroline and Nancy exited the ER, clinging to one another. The older woman held tissues to her nose as she sobbed. Caroline rubbed her back, whispering soothing words. When they approached the group, Nancy’s son rushed to her side.
“Dad’s gone,” Caroline announced. “Thank you all for coming.”
