Page 52 of I Loved You First

“No,” Brady said, adamantly shaking his head as he started to cry again. “I don’t want them to take my blood out!”

Cam blinked, taken aback by Brady’s reaction. Apparently, their last doctor’s appointment had created some serious trauma. “They’re not going to take your blood out.”

Brady struggled in Cam’s arms, hurting himself more, clearly terrified. “Yes, they will.”

“Brady,” Fiona said, settling a firm hand on his knee. “When Ms. Stella hurt her arm, they didn’t take her blood out.”

Brady sniffled as he considered. “She has a cast.”

Fiona nodded. “That’s right. And now her arm feels a lot better.”

“You can come to the hospital with us. You can tell the doctor that they didn’t take Ms. Stella’s blood out.”

She huffed out a small laugh as she smiled at him. “How about you and your dad send me some texts to let me know how you’re doing, and I’ll go shopping for a surprise.”

Brady perked up. “A surprise?”

She nodded. “A boy who plays soccer the way you do—who’s so brave—he definitely needs a surprise.”

Brady nodded. “Okay.”

Cam looked at her. “Can you grab my chair?”

“Of course.” She touched his arm. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

He nodded, even though his stomach was a mess. “I’ll keep you up to date.” And then he left, eager to get his son taken care of.

For nearly five hours, Fiona worried while Cam and Brady waited at the emergency room on a major holiday. As the sixth hour drew near, Fiona hurried to her phone at the other end of the counter when it alerted her to a text.

We’re finally heading home with a splint for a mild sprain.

She typed back. I’m so glad he’s okay. If you’re up for it, I have the promised surprise.

Brady’s been waiting. Mostly patiently.

She grinned. I’ll head your way in a couple of minutes.

Fiona moved back to the treat she was preparing, spreading the last glob of homemade vanilla frosting on the chocolate cake she’d baked, covering it with the protective plastic top.

Grabbing the new books and various other quiet activities for Brady to enjoy, she put them in a basket before tying the Get Well Soon balloons she’d bought to the handle.

Food from the fridge came next—Cam’s surprise after he’d mentioned that he and Brady were skipping the party at his parents’ tonight.

After loading everything up in the car, she poked her head back inside. “I’m leaving, Mom.”

“Have fun,” Mom called from upstairs. “Gage and Cheryl are picking me up in about twenty minutes. I’ll be out until after the fireworks so don’t wait up for me.”

“Okay. Love you. Be safe.”

“You, too, honey.”

Fi left, eager to get to Cam and Brady. Most of the day had been agonizing after an endless wait. Heading out to the various stores and then back home again to get culinarily creative had kept her busy.

Making her way through the insane traffic, especially out by the lake, she eventually turned down Cam’s long, quiet driveway, pulling up next to his truck.

Cam opened the front door, looking tired but gorgeous as he smiled at her. “That was quick.”

She pulled out the gift basket and then the fabric cooler she’d used earlier at the park. “I won’t stay long,” she said, handing him both.