I nod, but for a moment, I’m frozen in place.
“Ben,” Ash says again, her voice breaking through my haze. “You need to get ready.”
I nod again, mechanically pulling on my jeans before crossing the hallway to Laney’s room.
The door creaks quietly as I push it open. I walk over and sit on the edge of her bed, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle shake.
“Laney,” I murmur.
She blinks up at me, sleepy and confused. “Dad? What’s wrong?”
For a second, I hesitate, the words catching in my throat. Then I force them out.
“It’s Mom, sweetheart. We need to get to the hospital.”
She bolts upright, instantly wide awake. “The hospital? Why? What happened? Is she okay?”
I shake my head, wishing I had more to tell her. “I don’t know a lot yet. She’s got an infection and they’re saying she’s not responding to treatment. They’re transferring her to the hospital by ambulance.”
Her eyes widen, the same fear I’m feeling plain on her face. I pull her into a hug, holding her close as she clings to me.
“It’s going to be okay,” I promise, my voice low but steady. “Whatever happens, we’ll get through this. Just like we always do.”
“Okay,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my chest.
I hold her for a moment longer before pulling back.
“Get dressed, sweetheart. I’ll meet you downstairs in a few minutes.”
She nods quickly, already swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. I leave her to it, stepping quietly back into the hallway and heading for my room.
Ash is up now, the soft glow from the nightstand lamp filling the room.
“Are you okay to ask someone to come get you?” I ask her, guilt tugging at me. “I can’t take you home. I’m sorry, baby.”
She’s already crossing the room to me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“Don’t worry about me,” she says gently.
I press a kiss to the top of her head, grateful.
“Unless…” she starts hesitantly. “Unless you want me to come with you?”
I pull back just enough to look at her. “Thank you for offering,” I say, my voice thick. “But I think it’s better if it’s just me and Laney right now.”
She nods in understanding, her fingers giving mine a final squeeze before letting go.
Ten minutes later, Ash and I are in the kitchen, waiting on Laney.
“I’ll call you as soon as I know anything,” I tell her, pacing back and forth, glancing toward the stairs every few seconds. I wish Laney would hurry; we need to get on the road. Phoenix is a two-hour drive on a good day, and time suddenly feels like it’s slipping away too fast. “Try to get some rest after we leave. Just pull the door closed behind you and it’ll lock automatically.”
I step out of the kitchen and call up the stairs. “Laney, let’s go! We need to leave!”
Ash reaches for my hand, her fingers warm and steady against mine.
“Take a breath,” she murmurs. “It’s going to be okay.”
I wish I could believe that. I said the same thing to Laney not ten minutes ago, but now the words feel hollow. Molly’s had infections before over the years, but she’s never had to be rushed to the hospital. This time feels different. Olivia’s voice on the phone told me everything I didn’t want to hear. I hope I’m wrong. I pray I’m wrong, but the sinking feeling in my gut won’t ease up.
