Page 59 of What Remains True
“Adam Locklear? I’m a nurse at Southeastern Regional Medical. I’ve got a patient here who’s asked me to contact you. Carly Fowler.”
“What’s going on?”
“Do you know Carly Fowler?”
“Yes. She was here at my house yesterday afternoon. I expected her to come right back, but she never showed up.”
“She was in an accident. Her car went off the road.”
“Is she okay?”
The nurse quickly responded, “Yes. I’m sorry. I should have started with that. She’s banged up and upset. She asked me to call you and let you know.”
He pressed his hand to his chest. “How long will she be there? Her daughter is here.”
“Zan. Yes, she said you’re taking care of her. We’re not sure how long she’ll be here. They may be transferring her to another facility.”
“She’s your daughter.”
“I know she is yours. I’ve always known.”
“Mom threatened to tell you at least a hundred times.”
“I’m desperate.”
“I need your help.”
“Did you call her parents?”
“Yes, they’ve been informed. Maybe she’ll feel up to calling you later. Until then, she wanted to be sure you knew what happened and that she’d need you to take care of your daughter for the time being.”
My daughter? That remains to be seen.He ran a hand through his hair.
“Thank you for letting me know. Please ask her to call me as soon as she can.”
“Yes sir.” The nurse gave him the phone number and hospital information. “She can’t have visitors right now, so call before you make the drive to be sure you’re on the list.”
That seemed so odd, but right now his main concern was how he was going to care for a little girl.
“Thank you.” He turned around to go into the kitchen, and Zan stood in the doorway, looking at him.
Adam swept Zan into his arms. “Hey, little one. Did you already finish your sandwich?”
“I’m full.”
“Good deal. Don’t want you hungry. Your mom was in a little car accident. She’s okay, but she’s going to be away for a little while to get well. Are you going to be okay here with me?”
What am I supposed to do with a little girl?
Tears welled in her eyes. “Did Mommy say it’s okay?”
“She did. Areyouokay with it?”Please don’t cry.But her lower lip was starting to protrude, and one tear slid down her cheek.
“Yes sir.” She brushed it away, then placed her hand on his cheek with a smile.
His heart ached for her. This had to be so confusing. He put Zan down, then walked over to the window as he tried to figure out how he could handle this and not miss the rodeo in Dare County tonight. That just wasn’t an option. But he couldn’t leave this little girl behind either. Even if she turned out not to be his, he couldn’t do that.
He pulled his phone out and tapped a number. “Hey, Squatch. Your family coming to the ride tonight?”
