Page 27 of Kent's Honor
“They might send her home tomorrow but come whenever you like. Bring Nicky whether it be here or my place. I’ll take him for a ride on the Harley.”
She nodded. “Just answer my texts this time.” She bent over and picked up a protesting Nicky.
“What does that mean?”
“It would have been nice to know what was wrong with Elle. I had no idea until I got here and I wasn’t even sure I was wanted. But I was sick with worry. I’d never seen so much vomit come from one little girl.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I left my phone at the station, or I would have.”
She pursed her lips, shaking her head. “There are a million phones around here you could have used. Nicky, say goodbye to Kent.”
Nicky leaned over his mother’s shoulder as she walked away, waving frantically.
“I don’t have your phone number memorized.”
“I’ve got yours memorized.” She flipped her hand in the air. “But you had that as a priority on your lists, which I did read, by the way.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll work on it,” he called to the back of her hair. “We’re good? You’re not mad anymore?” God, he wished she would just turn around.
“That was only half the reason.”
“What’s the other half?”
He scratched the back of his head as she entered the elevator, mentally going over everything he could recall from the day’s events. It had all a haze. He remembered seeing the ambulance, which squeezed the air right out of his lungs. When he saw his daughter sprawled out on a gurney, his knees went weak. All he wanted to do was be by her side, and he’d barreled through anything to get to her…
Well, fuck.
What an asshole he’d been. Of course she was mad. He’d not only shoved her out of the way, but he never once said thank you for taking such good care of his Buttercup.
Flowers. He’d send her flowers.
And chocolate. That should be a good start at making things up to her.
At least he knew Jackie’s address.
Didn’t he?
8
Dixie curled up on the sofa with a box of her favorite chocolates, thanks to Kent, and her favorite housewife show. She’d forgive him for the lack of communication. If the tables were turned, calling him might have been the last thing she thought of, especially if she didn’t have her phone. She even had to admit, if only to herself, that she could have easily elbowed anyone, including him, if they stood between her and her sick child.
Ding-dong.
She jumped. The digital clock blinked nine thirty. Who the hell would just stop by at this time of night?
Leaning over the sofa, she glanced out the window, relieved and annoyed to see Kent’s car parked on the street. Her heart fluttered as if she were about to go on her very first car date. Her palms lined with clammy perspiration. But her mind tried to hold on to being angry just a little while longer.
Just to be safe, she peered through the peephole and sighed. On the other side of the door, Kent stood with a dozen carnations in one hand and a little fire truck in the other.
“Why aren’t you with Elle at the hospital?” she asked, taking the flowers he offered and bringing them to her nose. Shecouldn’t remember a time, other than her father, where a man had sent her flowers. The gesture was something she could get used to.
“They kicked me out. Something about me needing rest and Elle needing rest, and I wasn’t doing her any good being exhausted, hovering over her.”
She patted his arm, admiring his thick biceps. “They’re right, but how did Elle feel about that?”
“She rolled her eyes and agreed with them.”
“She’ll be fine. Why don’t you sit down while I put these in some water and get you a drink?”
