Page 43 of Loved by a SEAL

Chapter 12

“God, I’m so sorry,” Sarah said as she hugged Rebecca goodbye. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I can watch the kids if you want to rest or have some time alone or whatever.”

“No, I’ll be fine,” Rebecca sniffed, rubbing her red eyes. “He’ll be fine,” she whispered. “He has to be. And you have to get back to your patients. I know you’re missing work to be here.”

“Well, if you’re sure. I could always rearrange my schedule for the rest of the day. I already cancelled my morning appointments since I’ll never get back in time.”

“Kenley’s coming over,” Rebecca said, mentioning Mike’s girlfriend. “And Lexi’s on base already, but she said she’d come as soon as she can. If they talked to Mike or Christopher, maybe we’ll have more information. I know the guys usually can’t call us when they’re deployed, but I’m hoping somehow they’ll make an exception this time.”

“I’m sure they’ll call as soon as they can. Any word on when they’ll be back?”

“I’m not sure,” Rebecca said, shaking her head. “Lexi made it sound like the mission was over already.”

Sarah and Rebecca exchanged a glance. “Have you watched the news?” Sarah asked. “I wonder if they did save that woman.”

“I don’t know,” Rebecca said, wiping away a stray tear. “I’ve been so upset about Patrick, I haven’t turned on the TV.”

“I haven’t either,” Sarah said. “Are you sure I can’t do anything else?”

“No, but thanks for asking. I have to go over and check on Alison anyway. It’s good that she’s home—it’ll give me something to do. I need to get out of the house and not just sit and wait for bad news.”

“It won’t be bad,” Sarah assured her. “Patrick’s a fighter—and you know he’d do damn near anything to get back to you and the kids.”

“Right. I know you’re right.”

Sarah said goodbye and walked down the block toward her mini cruiser. Funny she’d just walked this same path a couple of nights ago—with Ryan of all people. That felt like a million years ago now. What had they been arguing about then? Gas mileage or something stupid? That seemed so unimportant and insignificant now.

She hadn’t heard from Ryan since he’d left early this morning. Not that she expected to. Evidently he’d called Rebecca after missing her at the hospital, so she’d walked in the front door sobbing.

Good God.

He’s lucky she didn’t have an accident driving home. What kind of a control freak had to tell her the bad news that very second? Sarah could’ve told Rebecca herself. Ryan was so hellbent on doing things his own way, he probably just made it harder on Rebecca by having to find out that information when she was alone.

Sarah shook her head in disbelief, dropping her overnight bag into the trunk.

She’d quickly showered and thrown on skinny jeans and a tank top this morning but had already cancelled her morning appointments. She quickly called the physical therapy office from her car and notified them of her family emergency. It was probably better she didn’t go in today anyway. She was a mess and needed some time just to think. Her brother was lying alone in a hospital bed somewhere. Was he conscious? Did he know what happened? No one had given them any information aside from the fact that he’d been injured.

Rebecca didn’t seem to need her around with the other girlfriends of the SEALs coming over. With Alison needing her help. It would be silly for Sarah to sit around moping at Patrick’s house. The kids would be off at whatever day camps they were doing this summer—and it was better for them to go about their normal routine. There was no point in upsetting them until they had more news on Patrick’s condition.

She sighed, pulling her wet hair up into a top-knot. Maybe she’d head down to the beach and get some tea. Sit on the boardwalk and clear her head. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore always soothed her, and she could use some sunshine and fresh air.

She pulled out her phone and sent a quick string of texts to Morgan.

Patrick was injured on a mission.

I know you’re busy with camp today.

I’ll call you later.

Morgan’s reply came a few minutes later.

Holy crap! Let me know if you need anything.

Call me later.

Sarah sighed and tucked her phone back into her purse. Morgan was off for the summer and busy working at a children’s camp. She didn’t have time to talk now. And honestly, Sarah was so drained she didn’t feel like talking to anyone at the moment anyway.

Two hours later she sank down onto a bench in a shaded area near the middle of the boardwalk. She was hungry and tired after walking up and down the boardwalk all morning. Usually the beach cheered her up, but worry was twisting her stomach in knots. She hadn’t heard from anyone about Patrick’s condition and was wondering if no news meant good news.

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