Page 23 of Love's Cure

A doctor checked her over, quickly concluding with her that she was okay, but that she might get a headache, and if it got bad, she’d need to be seen by a doctor again for possible medication.

She left Emmett in his cubicle and went outside to make some calls. After informing her insurance company where the car was being towed and requesting the insurance adjuster to inspect it there, she got more details on the procedure for renting a car. Then she called the dealership and spoke to the manager. He agreed to handle the insurance company on a rental for her and said he’d have one ready to go.

Sighing with relief, shaking her head at what had happened, she made her way inside to check on Emmett.

He was sitting up on a gurney, talking to the doctor. He turned and smiled crookedly at Crystal. His nose had been taped into place. His facial cuts had been treated. Most were left as they were, but a couple were covered by small pads taped to the skin.

“This ENT specialist says my nose is going to be fine. He barely had to realign it and taped it just to help keep the position secure for the next couple of days. It looks worse than it is.”

“You’ll be a prime example of quality care for your patients,” said Crystal, standing by as the ENT doctor helped Emmett off the gurney.

She took hold of his arm. “I’ve got everything arranged. We’ll take an Uber to the dealership and pick up a rental car there. I’m anxious to get you home to give you time to rest. I know how busy you are.” She caught the edge of her lip between her teeth and fought tears. “I’m sorry this happened.”

“That stretch of road by the outlets can get very busy,” said the doctor.

“It’s not your fault, Crystal,” said Emmett. He shook hands with the ENT doctor. “Thanks for seeing me so quickly.”

“I’m glad I was in the hospital and able to help.” He bobbed his head at Crystal and left.

In the reception area, Crystal called an Uber driver and shortly after, a driver pulled up to the ER entrance.

As they made their way to the dealership, Crystal and Emmett were quiet. Crystal didn’t know what he was thinking, but she was reflecting on how lucky they were that it hadn’t been worse. Still, she’d never forget her helplessness at the sight of that truck coming at them.

CHAPTER NINE

After taking care ofall the necessary paperwork at the dealership, Crystal climbed behind the wheel of her rented RAV4 and waited for Emmett to get comfortable in the passenger seat.

“Are you sure you don’t mind me driving?” Crystal asked.

“Not at all.” He waved away her concern. “You know where we’re going, and I don’t think it would be wise for me to drive. I was given some pain medication. Besides, you need to do it, sort of like getting back on a horse after you’ve fallen off.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

They headed back home in a much different spirit from when they’d started. Crystal had removed all her personal belongings from her car and noticed the cooler in the back seat. “How about a cookie?” she asked him.

“That sounds delicious.” Emmett got them out of the cooler, and they enjoyed them as they headed back to Lilac Lake.

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