Page 109 of His North Star
“Yes,” The doctor nodded. “But only one at a time. He’s heavily sedated and needs rest.”
“Show me the way,” Denise said.
The doctor looked at me as if asking my permission for Ty’s mom to be first. I didn’t say I was his wife, my goodness. Of course his mother should go first. Followed by his dad and Charlie. Even James, who watched the horrific incident happen, deserved to go before me. Even if waiting longer to tell Ty I loved him might kill me with impatience.
I nodded. Did Ty’s family notice the preferential treatment the doctor had given me?
I stayed in the waiting room as, one by one, everyone else went in to visit Ty. At ten o’clock, James said he had to get going. It was his last day at the Kalispell clinic tomorrow. He’d already popped in for a brief visit with Ty. There wasn’t much else he or any of us could do.
It took every ounce of patience I possessed, and then some, to keep my butt in my seat. Why was Gregory’s visit taking so blasted long?
“Thanks for stopping by,” Charlie said to James. “And for calling me.”
“No problem. Please text me with how he’s doing. I’ll try to stop by one more time before I leave Saturday.”
He shook Denise’s hand before turning to me.
“I’ll walk you out.” I pointed to the door.
Once outside, we stood facing one another. Our sadness reflected in each other’s eyes.
I touched his elbow. “I’m glad you were here today.”
“I feel awful.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Ty seemed a little off all day. I shouldn’t have agreed to go rafting.”
“No.” I squeezed his arm. “Today wasn’t your fault.” If anything, it was mine. I should have talked to Ty last night when I realized I was being an idiot. “I’m sure Ty doesn’t blame you. No one here does. It was a freak accident, that’s all.”
“Yeah. I’m sure you’re right.”
“Go home and get some rest. Tomorrow will be better.” I hoped so, anyway.
“You’ll call me with updates?”
I nodded. “Of course. I’m glad you were with him and that he wasn’t alone when he got injured.”
“I didn’t do much.”
My brows rose as I took in his hunched shoulders. Had he always put himself down like that? Minimized himself? Why hadn’t I noticed before? “I doubt that. You’re pretty amazing.”
He nodded absently, looking somewhere over my shoulder. Eventually he said, “Well, I should head out.” He held his arms out for a hug.
“I really do wish you all the best.” I stepped forward into his embrace. He squeezed me tight. “You’re a great friend, James.”
He cleared his throat. “Thank you. I’m glad we met, even if our time together was short.”
I stepped back. “Me too, but we weren’t meant to be. Your future wife is waiting to meet you, just like my future husband is waiting for me.”
“I am quite a catch.” He winked.
I laughed. “Yes, you are.”
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Night, James.”
He strode to the parking lot. Before turning the corner, he looked back one last time. I offered him a small wave.
Back inside, I joined Ty’s family. I hadn’t visited Ty, and I was clawing at the chance to do so. A few minutes later, Gregory slumped himself into the vinyl seat across from Charlie.
