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“And that means?” Roy said.
“It means Duke has a virus. He’ll be good as new in a few days. Keep him rested and push fluids. Give him ibuprofen for the fever as needed.”
“But the bruises,” Carrie said.
“He’s a little boy. Little boys get bruises. It’s not uncommon for a little boy to not know how he got a bruise.”
“But Doc Larson—”
“Doc Larson did the right thing by telling you to come here, especially with the medical history. Although as I said before, blood cancers are rarely hereditary. I’d like you to repeat the blood work in a month, just to make sure. I’ll write out the instructions for your pediatrician at home.”
“Thank you,” Carrie breathed. “Thank you so much!”
Sydney burst into tears.
“He’s okay, sweetheart,” Sam said. “He’s okay.”
“I know that. It’s just… I don’t know.”
“You’re letting down,” the doctor said. “Completely understandable and normal. I’m so sorry you had this scare. But Duke is just fine.”
“Should we get him home to Nevada right away?” Carrie asked.
“There’s no reason why you can’t continue your visit,” the doctor said. “It’s really up to you. He’d be more comfortable at home, of course, but the travel might be difficult for him. If you stay, he’ll be on the mend by the time you leave, and the trip will be much more comfortable for him.”
“I have another barrel race the day after tomorrow,” Sydney said, “but I’d feel better if you and Daddy took Duke home.”
“Well, we can’t go anywhere tonight,” Roy said. “Let’s get him back to Bakersville to the hotel and make sure he gets a good night’s sleep. We can make that decision in the morning.” He held out his hand. “Thank you so much, Doctor.”
“You’re most welcome.” He handed Roy a paper. “Here’s the instructions for your pediatrician. You all have a good night.”
Carrie picked up a sleeping Duke.
“Just a minute, Doctor,” Sam said.
“Yes?”
“I assume you still have Duke’s blood sample?”
“Of course. It’s in the lab.”
“Then I want you draw some of mine. I want a DNA test.”
“Excuse me? I’m not sure I understand.”
“He’s my son. I want proof.”
Sydney’s stomach tumbled. “Please, Sam, not right now.”
“Right now’s the perfect time. He’s already had his blood drawn so we don’t have to poke him again. And he’s sleeping. He can’t hear us.”
“I can’t run another test without parental consent.” He turned to Roy and Carrie. “Are you okay with this?”
“No,” Carrie said. “I am not.”
Roy soothed her. “Carrie, it will happen sooner or later. If we do it now it saves Duke an additional pinprick.”
“You realize insurance won’t cover this,” the doctor said.
