Page 26 of Drive Me Crazy

She pats his chest and flips around. "Thank ya, Baby Daddy. Gotta pee."

"You alright, man?" Boone holds his hand out for me, I take it. Boone and I haven't always seen eye to eye about our girls here, but he's a good man.

I roll the tension out of my shoulders as I stand. "I need to see her. I don't have a clue how to tell her all I have to say."

"Just do it, isn't that what you told me?" He shoves his hands in his pockets. "I've been gone for a long time, had it not been for you, I would've ever faced my demons. I know Kenzie sees it the same way."

"He's always been great about dispensing the advice but don't hold your breath on him taking it." She adds, joining us again.

"I know guys." I run my hands through my hair, destroyed and frustrated. "I have to go see her."

There's a tug on my arm, followed by a sleepy little mumble. "Hey, Unc." Rumor's hair is all over her head. She wraps her arms around me, and I press her to my side.

"You need to prepare yourself, Landon said she's looks pretty rough." Mack leans into Boone's side.

My stomach falls, a wave of nausea washes over me. "You say she has a guard?"

"They're hoping to find her a safe place with security, so he won't find her." Mack's brows knit. Her concern written on her face, mine is churning in my gut.

"I'm gonna jump in the shower, maybe grab some coffee for the guard." I rub the deep ache in the center of my chest.

Mack reaches for me, pulling me in for a hug. "Let me know if I can help."

"I will." I fist bump Boone and hug my girls. "Love you, Boo Baby."

"Love you, Unc." Rumor kisses me sweetly on the cheek.

Mack releases her lip she's been chewing on. "If you need to talk, call us."

"I promise, I will."

She presses her finger to her nose. "And umm, brush your teeth."

"Yes, Mom." I hold the door open as Boone walks out with Rumor. "You want me to stay behind you, offer some counterweight or something."

She purses her lips. "What? Like you and your hoard of crusty crabs gonna help me out."

"C'mere, I'll share with you." I hold my arms open.

"Love you." She says as she starts down the stairs.

I watch until they pull out of the back-parking lot before I head inside to shower. And brush my teeth. This isn't how I imagined seeing her again, but honestly, I never imagined I would see her at all.

A five-minute shower and a quick brush of my teeth, I'm in my car and on the highway. I swing by the coffee shop, grabbing a couple of to-go cups. At least I have an excuse for stopping by, instead of looking like a teenage crush.

I park near the front; luckily there happens to be a parking lot close to empty at one in the morning. I take the cup carrier and head into the hospital entrance. "For the love of..." I come to a full halt in front of the elevators. "I don't know what room she's in."

I pull out my cell phone, I send a quick text to the one person I know will answer me at this time of night.

Ridge: What room?

Landon: She's not going to be happy.

Ridge: Neither am I.

Landon: 432 CCU

Landon: Easier to keep her safe.