Papa and Mama Hen turned, scowling at him.
Papa said, “You would say such things about the wife of your president?”
Coop’s eyes widened and his hands flew up. “Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood. I’ll just be outside.”
Mama Hen shooed him off with her hands then said, “I’ll get all your stuff ready in the bathroom. Take a little trip around the hall with your dad then come see me. Squatch, you go in case she gets unsteady, and tell Coop to stay by the door.”
Great. Papa and Squatch may see my ass. Still, I was ready to go to the clubhouse and have some good coffee andsleep in my bed, so I let Papa help get me off the hospital bed.
Mama Hen came over and adjusted my gown. There was no draft on my backside. “Thank you,” I told her.
“Just go so we can all leave, hon. I hate hospitals.”
Papa grabbed the IV stand with one hand and my arm with the other. “Are you alright my littleKatushka?”
“Yes, let’s get out the door and see if I can stay steady on my own.”
Squatch opened the door and I patted his huge arm as I passed him. He was big and hairy but had the kindest smile.
I took small steps at first, but after we got halfway down the hall, I was taking normal strides. Still, a heavy sigh left me.
“Katushka, are you alright?” Papa asked.
“Oh, yes. Just tired. And…”
“And what, my dear?”
“It’s so silly and immature.”
Papa said, “You tell me. What’s on your mind.”
“I just miss my husband.”
“Oh my dear, that’s expected. But I’m sure you know he’d be here if he could. A man in his position has many obligations. Especially at a time like this.”
Nodding and walking to the end of the hall, I said, “I know. I told you it was silly.”
“It warms my heart to know you have a care for him. Iknew it would be an appropriate pairing, but I’m glad you hold him in high regard. I want you to be safe always, which is why I chose him. But I hope you know I also want you to be happy.”
My hand went to his and we stopped. “Thank you, Papa. That means a lot.”
“You’re my littleKatushka. Of course I want the world for you,” he said as if I’d insulted him.
“I’m very happy here and very happy with him. And I must say, I appreciate you not bringing up the incident.”
“Oh my littleKatushka. Even though you’ll always be my baby, you’re not mine to discipline any longer.” He chuckled, his round belly shaking. “That’s Hawk’s problem now.”
I playfully smacked his arm, then started to walk again.
He tried to pull his hand away. “The nurses will not allow this to count.”
Squeezing, I said, “Just another minute. We can just walk a little longer.”
He smiled over, nodding as he tightened his hand. It was such a small gesture, but for the first time, I felt like he finally saw me as a woman and not his little girl.
After my stroll around the halls, forcing Papa to wait outside while I used the restroom and showered with minimal help from Mama Hen, then had another exam, I was finally discharged from the hospital.
“If I must walk in order to leave, then why do you forceme to be wheeled to the car?” I asked the nurse as she pushed me down the hall.
