Page 95 of Contentious

“I’ll go get him.”

“Make sure you tell him I’m fine before he sees me like this.”

“I will.”

She returned to the waiting room where the Remingtons had gathered. The only one missing was Corbin, who’d gone to get his father to bring him in to see Carson. “Ty, honey, Carson wants to see you.” He was seated between Jordan and Gillian.

He jumped up from his seat. “He said that? He wants to see me?”

“He specifically asked for you.”

A big smile lit up his cute face. “Well, let’s go, then.”

With all of Carson’s family watching every move she made, she took Ty’s hand to lead him toward Carson’s room. “Before we go in, I want you to be ready for what you’ll see. There’re a lot of machines and things next to his bed, but he said to tell you he’s fine, and he doesn’t want you to be worried about him, okay?”

“It’s okay. I can handle it.”

“If you can’t, just let me know.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’m tougher than you think.”

“I know you are, but this is upsetting stuff.”

“All that matters is that Carson is going to get better. He is getting better, right?”

“He’s already much better than he was.” She held the door open for him to go in ahead of her.

“Hey, buddy, come see me.”

Ty approached the hospital bed and took the hand that Carson offered him.

“It’s good to see you,” Carson said.

Ty’s chin quivered as he took in the sight of Carson in the bed, surrounded by machines and wires. “You, too. Thank you for not dying.”

“Don’t make me laugh. I’ve got staples.”

“Ew, they stapled you?”

“That’s what they do after surgery.”

Ty winced. “Sorry I made you laugh.”

“I’m teasing.”

“I was really scared.”

“I’m sorry to put you through that.”

“It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry my dad hurt you. I don’t know why he would do something like that.”

“Cres, can you put him up here with me?”

“Should we do that?” she asked.

“There’s a spot for him right next to me.”

“Kick off your sneakers,” Cresley said before she picked Ty up and gently lowered him to the area on Carson’s left side where there was a bit of space. “Don’t make any sudden moves, pal.”