Page 81 of Keeping You

“Of course.” I turn to Grayson. “I’m just going to step out and call the hospital and get us the next week off. We can decide later if we need more time.” I kiss his cheek and leave the room before heading outside and calling the hospital. I’m able to get both of us the week off with little fuss for a family emergency and then call Liz. I settle on a bench as the phone rings.

“Hey,” she answers.

“Hey,” I say before breaking down in tears. My chest heaves as all the stress and worry from the last few hours pours out of me. Not only from hearing about Randy but watching the pain Grayson was going through. Watching him in that pain was pure torture, because I could do absolutely nothing for him. I felt so useless when I’m so used to having some control. Not being ableto do anything for him was probably the worst thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.

When my sobs subside and I gather myself enough to talk, I say, “He’s okay. They’re gonna keep him for twenty-four hours, and we’re gonna stay for at least a week to make sure that he gets settled at home. We’ll be back before Caleb and Bailey’s wedding for sure.”

“Okay. How are you?” she asks, concern filling her voice.

“I’m okay. I felt so useless watching the pain that Grayson experienced. I couldn’t do anything for him.”

“Oh, babe. You’re doing everything for him. Being there right now is what he needs. He needs you.”

I release a breath slowly as my brain slowly catches up to my feelings. “I love him,” I whisper.

“I know.” That’s all she says, but Liz has always been observant. I guess I’m not surprised she knew before I did.

“I don’t know what to do. This is the worst possible timing, and I know he’s keeping something from me.”

“Han, you know exactly what to do, but for now, just go be with your family. The rest of it will fall into place.”

I nod even though she can’t see me. “Thanks,” I say.

“Any time. I’ll update everyone else that his dad is okay, so don’t worry about that. Call if you need anything at all.”

“I will. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

I hang up and sit on the bench for a few more minutes before I head back inside and join my family.

CHAPTER 29

Grayson

Hannah has been my rock ever since Mom called. She’s not only made sure I have everything I need, but also that my family’s taken care of, too. When we got here, I never thought to go talk to the nurses to see if they could give any sort of update on my dad, but she knows nurses know almost as much as the doctors about patient status, if not more at times. She got enough information to give us peace of mind, and that’s all I could ask for.

She holds my hand tightly for the thirty minute drive to my parents’ place. The doctors eventually kicked us out, saying Dad needed to rest, and I know they’re right, but seeing him lying in that bed and not being able to stay was hard. Hannah assured me we could come back as soon as visiting hours begin tomorrow and said we needed to grab some real food.

After we eat, we head upstairs and crash. The day has wiped me completely, and I sleep straight through until morning.

We’re up early so we can arrive at the hospital as soon as visiting hours start. Seeing Dad lying in a hospital bed in a shitty hospital gown will never be easy. He’s in his usual good mood when we walk in. The doctor comes in and tells us his overnight observation went well and that they’ll be discharging him today. Hannah is doing everything and anything that can be done to help get him out of here quickly. After a couple of hours, we’re loaded in the car and begin the drive back to Willow Valley.

Dad keeps the drive full of chatter, either talking Vancouver Cyclone trades with me or sharing memories of my childhood with Hannah. The two of them get along so well, and it has her worming herself deeper into my heart. I already loved her, but seeing her with my family is just another sign she’s the one for me. The only person I’d ever settle down with is her.

Dad settles into his chair at home, and Hannah and I walk Mom and Chloe through his new diet and how they need to push him to exercise. Even going for long walks can greatly help him. We confirm we’ll stick around for the week to monitor him ourselves to make sure he doesn’t have any residual effects from the heart attack. Hannah and I discuss the fact that we’re without a few supplies to get us through the week. She writes me a list of what she needs, and I run into town to grab everything. I’m walking out of the grocery store when Rebecca’s voice stops me.

“Grayson,” she says.

I turn and smile, although it’s awkward and I’m not sure it comes across as a smile. This is why I don’t come to visit often.

“Rebecca.”

“I heard about your dad. I hope he’s okay. I know it must be serious if you’re here from the city.”

I run a hand down my face and take a deep breath. “We were in Osoyoos, so it wasn’t that far of a drive. He’s doing okay. They discharged him this morning, so Hannah and I drove him back. He’s settling at home now,” I say.

She nods. “I’m glad.” She fidgets with her hands in front of her in a way she only does when she’s unsure or nervous. I used to take hold of her hands and kiss her knuckles when she’d do it. Her cheeks would turn pink, and her attention would be focused solely on me and her nerves would go away.

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