Page 52 of Christmas Promises

“I don’t have the specifics, but the surgeon will come out to give an update when they’re able. I’d suggest you go up to the surgical waiting room just down the hall there.”

Max thanked her before steering Nolan away from the desk. Once there, they sat side by side. Logan pulled out his phone. “I’m going to text Mom and Dad.”

No sooner had Logan texted than his phone rang. “It’s Mom.” He answered. “Hey, Mom.” He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s necessary. We’ll stay with him.” Logan paused, nodding. “Yeah, okay. We’ll see you soon then.”

“Mom and Dad are coming to wait with us.” Logan put his phone in the pocket of his jacket and sat down beside them.

“Of course they are,” Max said.

“Why isn’t anyone telling us what’s going on?” Nolan asked.

“A doctor or nurse will come out soon, I’m sure,” Max said, in a tone that didn’t sound at all sure.

Their attention was drawn to the doorway as a couple rushed inside. It was her parents, Nolan realized. White as sheets. He stood to greet them.

“Do you know anything?” Penelope asked him.

“No. Other than she’s in surgery,” Nolan said.

“We should never have let her go out in this weather,” Penelope said.

“It’s not your fault,” Nolan said. “The roads this time of year can be treacherous.”

Tucker Gray stepped forward, offering to take his wife’s coat. “Honey, sit. I’ll get us some coffees.”

Nolan led a very shaky Penelope over to one of the chairs, then introduced her to his brothers.

Penelope gave them each a stiff smile. “You all look like your father. I went to high school with him.”

“Very cool,” Max said. “Were you guys friends?”

“In a way,” Penelope said.

Tucker came back with three coffees, apologizing when he realized Nolan’s brothers were there. “Do you guys want coffees?”

“No, no, we’re fine. Just sit,” Max said.

“How did you know where she was?” Penelope asked Nolan. “And how did you beat us here?”

“It’s a small town, Mrs. Gray,” Max said. “We were having a beer at the Moose and someone there had witnessed the accident.”

Penelope sat up straighter. “What did he say exactly?”

“Not much,” Max said. “The ambulance took them both away. He couldn’t tell the extent of their injuries.”

“This is a nightmare.” Penelope looked over at her husband. “I told you this was a bad place for her.”

Tucker didn’t respond, merely bowed his head.

The doors to the waiting room opened once more, and Nolan’s parents entered. His mother rushed to him, taking his hands. “Is there any news?”

“No, she’s in surgery,” Nolan said grimly before turning to accept his father’s hug.

His father’s gaze settled on Penelope. He placed both hands briefly on her upper arms. “Penny, it’s been a long time.”

Nolan was surprised by Penelope’s bright smile as she looked up at his father. “You look well, Walter,” Penelope said.

“You do too. I wish we were meeting again under different circumstances.”

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