Page 85 of Tumbleweed Temptation
“Get Dr. Fredrick on the phone, let her know Mrs. Bryant is in labor and we’re on our way. Here are her vitals.” He set a notepad on the counter by the phone.
She looked from the numbers and up to his face. She didn't have his medical training, but she knew high blood pressure when she saw it. He gave her a small nod, then put his hand on her shoulder.
“I’m going in their car,” he said. “Just to keep an eye on things.”
“You’re going to need a ride back.”
“I’ll figure it out. Not sure how long I’ll be up there.”
So did he not want her to come get him, or was he not expecting her to come? She didn't like the way her brain was processing things when she just wanted to ask him to be honest with her.
Now was not the time, though.
“Be safe. Good luck!”
She didn't even think Mrs. Bryant heard her as she shuffled out the door.
Chapter Nineteen
Austin scrubbed hishands down his face, his hands resting on his knees, and he let his head fall.
Ginny was on her way—she should be here any minute. He’d hated to call her, this early in the morning. He hadn’t slept, and he had a full day ahead. When he’d called her, she hadn’t sounded like she’d had much sleep either. But he couldn't think of asking anyone else to make the long drive. And he needed her, her steadiness, her reassurance. He just needed to see her.
Maybe he could get a little sleep on the way back to town. Maybe. He didn't know if his mind would shut off.
He expected Ginny to text him when she got there. He didn't expect to look up and see her walking into the waiting room. She walked right over to him before he could rise. She sat beside him and put her hand on his.
“You ready to go?”
He honestly didn't know. At different points during the night, he wanted to be anywhere but here. But now, he was scared to leave. What if Mrs. Bryant needed him?
But Ginny had come all this way, and he had appointments, and Mrs. Bryant had Dr. Fredrick. The last time he’d felt this helpless, he’d been trying to pull his mother from the flooded bus.
“Yeah, let’s go.” He released her hand and stood, holding back a groan. He’d been sitting a long time, but had been on his feet most of the night, so everything hurt. He’d gotten soft since med school, apparently.
Ginny didn't say anything as they walked out to her car, for which he was grateful. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet.
