AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Clutching the little turtle tightly to her chest, she nods.
The unit slows as it pulls off of the exit. My eyes connect with the EMT. “Are we close?”
“Yes, sir. Almost there.”
A few moments later, the ambulance turns into the St. Luke’s Hospital medical complex, the external strobe lights flicking off. But the driver keeps the unit moving past the emergency room toward a different part of the hospital. He pulls over to a back corner of the parking lot, alongside a large, dark SUV.
“This is where you move on to your next stop,” the EMT directs.
Next stop?
Jillian looks to me, and I give her a nod, encouraging her to follow us down the stairs.
As I come down the steps of the ambulance, the EMT extends his arm to the open door of the SUV. I poke my head in the back door long enough to get a feel that we’re safe and stop.
“I don’t understand?”
“Your cousin, Gianni, is a dear friend.” Dr. Weston smiles from the front passenger seat. “I told you I’d be happy to help if you needed anything.” He winks.
I back out of the car, encouraging Jillian to climb in. “You’re never going to believe this.” Her head snaps in my direction, and I lean in to kiss her cheek. “Slide in, I’m going to put Tarzan between you and Myla.” I jump in and close the door behind me as Jillian gasps.
“Dr. Weston?”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Jillian
“Hi, Jillian. Heard you needed a lift,”Dr. Weston jokes. “It’s not far to my place. Then we can let the kids get some rest and talk.”
I slump back in my seat, completely shocked, but admittedly more relaxed than I was twenty minutes ago. I turn to see Luca looking back at me, just as confused as I am. Maybe I did fall into the looking glass.
We ride in silence until we reach the gates of a stately, craftsman style mansion on a hill. It’s clearly a spacious home on several acres. Dr. Weston’s driver pulls the vehicle in front of the slate stairway before coming to a stop.
As Dr. Weston and the driver open their doors, Luca follows suit. He helps Myla out of the car just as Dr. Weston opens the back door for me. Luca and Myla round the back of the SUV, seeming as unsettled as I am, when the front door opens.
“Oh, look at you. Come on in,” Poppy says. Okay, I feel like I’m in an alternate universe right now.
“Luca, this is Poppy. Dr. Weston’s wife. She’s a pharmacist at St. Luke’s.”
“It’s very nice to meet you. I’m so sorry we’ve interrupted your evening, but thank you so much for helping us.” He’s trying to cover well, but I can hear the slight quiver in Luca’s voice. He’s still reeling from whatever led up to this.
“We’re happy to help in any way we can.” She leans down to greet Myla. “Come with me, beautiful girl. I’ve got a place where you and your brothers can sleep. Then we’ll have a chance to get to know each other better in the morning.”
“Truitt hasn’t moved to a bed yet, Poppy. I’m not sure how he’ll do.”
“It’s okay, Jill. Our little Sara just graduated to a big girl bed. Her toddler bed has rails, and it’s all set up. We placed it in the same room with your other two. He’ll be okay.” She looks at Caleb affectionately before turning back to Myla. “You two have been on quite the adventure tonight, haven’t you?”
I hand Truitt to Myla. “I’ll be in and check on you in a bit. Please try to get some rest.”
“Okay, Mama.” Hearing her voice will never get old.
Kissing my beautiful girl on her head, I watch as she bravely walks away.
“Dr. Weston, I know it’s late, but my head is spinning. Could you explain what’s going on? I don’t understand?—
Knock, knock.
“Hold that thought for just one moment, Jillian. I promise we’ll explain everything.” He gets up as someone who appears to be a plain clothed security officer opens the front door and someone walks in resembling Luca.
