Page 46 of Love, Literature, and the Linebacker

Lucy nods, but she does not release her mother’s hand.

Because this is what caring looks like.

Showing up. Staying.

And somewhere between the beeping machines and Lucy’s shaky breaths, I’m past pretending this is casual.

“Dylan?” Mr. Bennett says after a moment. “Can we talk outside?”

“Sure.”

“I’m sorry we met like this,” he says, softer now. “But I appreciate that you came for Lucy.”

“I care about her. I wasn’t going to let her sit here alone,” I say before I can stop myself.

He studies me, then nods slowly. “Lucy doesn’t let many people close,” he says. “When she does, she means it.”

“I know.”

“She’s spent most of her life believing people will misunderstand her. Don’t give her another reason to believe it.”

“I know that, too,” I say honestly.

His gaze sharpens—not unkind, but protective. “Then you know if you hurt her, you answer to me.”

“I can’t promise I’ll never make a mistake. But I won’t treat her carelessly,” I say, meeting his eyes.

That seems to satisfy him. At least a little.

“I need a favor,” he says after a pause. “We’re going to be here for a while. Lucy’s going to want to stay, but this could take hours. Can you take her home?”

“Yes,” I answer immediately. “Of course.”

His shoulders ease. “Thank you.”

Mr. Bennett starts back toward the room, then stops. His expression is serious, protective in a way that leaves no room for misunderstanding.

“She’s my little girl, Dylan,” he says quietly. “And she means everything to me. You’ll remember that.”

“I will,” I say. I don’t hesitate. I don’t need to.

Back in the room, Mr. Bennett gently explains that Violet needs to rest before the nurse takes her for another test. Joss hugs Violet first, then Mr. Bennett. When she reaches Lucy, she cups her face and presses a kiss to her forehead.

“Call me if you need anything,” Joss says before patting my shoulder and heading out.

“I think you should go home and rest,” Mr. Bennett says. “Dylan offered to drive you.”

“I’d rather stay,” Lucy says, barely holding together. “I won’t sleep anyway.”

“Your mom needs rest,” Mr. Bennett tells her. “I’ll call you the second anything changes.”

Violet smiles weakly. “I’m stable, Lu-Lu Bear. Go home. Get some rest. Bring me blueberry muffins in the morning.”

“I don’t want to go,” Lucy whispers, her gaze darting between her parents.

Both of them look at me—not demanding, just hoping.

“I’ll drive you,” I say gently.