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Rafferty Fitzgerald, Micah’s best friend and an honorary member of the Donahue clan, came rushing in. As a firefighter, he was used to emergencies and being at the hospital. He was a great asset in a crisis.
Lorelei appeared at Daniel’s side and held on to his arm. “How are you holding up, Daniel?” she asked, her features showing her deep concern.
He let out a sigh. “I’m trying to hold it together. I need to stay strong for my family.”
“It’s okay to fall apart, Daniel. I’m here for you. I promise I’ll pick you up if you fall.”
Daniel took Lorelei in his arms and kissed her forehead. “Thank you,” he murmured. “Having you here is wonderful. You make me feel so much calmer and more centered.”
“I’m so glad I can be here for you and your family,” Lorelei said. “We have to believe that Parker is going to pull through with flying colors. This too shall pass.”
All of a sudden, Penelope began to sob and the sound of it was heart wrenching. Daniel turned toward his mother, wanting to go to her, but realizing his father already had the situation firmly in hand.
“We’ve got to have faith, Penelope. Pray, sweetheart. Believe.” Jude cradled Penelope in his arms and whispered words of encouragement.
It felt like old times seeing his parents holding each other and seeking strength from one another. To have it happening due to Parker’s crisis felt surreal.
“I think we should pray,” Daniel said, looking around at his family members. “Let’s join hands and offer up prayers for Parker.”
Everyone began to nod and gather around in a large circle as they reached out to hold hands with the person on either side of them. Once everyone was gathered, Daniel began to speak. “Dear Lord. Our beloved Parker is in serious trouble. He needs you, Lord. He needs Your healing touch. We need your divine intervention. He’s the very center of our family and we can’t imagine being without him. We need Your comfort and strength, Heavenly Father to sustain us during this difficult time. We ask this in Your name. Amen.”
Calm descended over the group. It felt as if God was with them in the waiting room. He was there, lifting them up and giving them strength. This was the part of his faith that Daniel couldn’t ever put into words. It was a feeling, a deep knowledge that you weren’t alone on your journey. Faith. Belief. They weren’t alone. He was with them.
In the wee hours of the morning the surgeon came into the waiting room with a shuttered expression on his face. It felt as if they were all holding their breaths awaiting his announcement. Daniel gripped Lorelei’s hand. The room was eerily silent.
“I’m Dr. Hanson,” he said, looking around the room. “Parker just came out of surgery. He’s incredibly fortunate. His injuries were severe. He sustained two broken ribs, a lacerated liver, a collapsed lung and a fractured leg. According to the police, the person who ran the red light was drunk. Parker must have had an angel sitting on his shoulder because he’s going to pull through. His recovery might be lengthy, but he seems like a tough customer.”
“Oh, Hallelujah!” Cadence cried out, rushing to hug the surgeon. He looked at her with surprise, as if he wasn’t used to receiving hugs from the wives of his patients.
The room suddenly erupted into cheers and shouts of triumph. The joy floating in the air was palpable. Daniel felt tears pooling in his eyes. Parker was going to pull through!
“Well,” Dr. Hanson said in a brisk tone, “I’ll let you know when you can visit. He’s still coming out from the anesthesia, but he can have a few visitors in about a half hour or so.”
“I can’t wait to see him!” Cadence said. “I plan to tell him if he ever rides a motorcycle again he’ll be doing it as a single man.”
“Amen!” Penelope said in a raised voice. “He better never think about riding one again, not after this close call.”
“Let’s just be happy he’s going to make it,” Caleb said. “This was way too close for comfort.”
“Truth,” Jason said, shaking his head as if trying to shrug off the last few nightmarish hours. “God has been good to the Donahue clan tonight.”
Nash clapped him on the shoulder. “He sure has, Jason. And we’ll be here for Parker throughout his recovery.”
Jason ran a hand over his face. “Yes. Whatever he needs! I’ll have to rearrange his work schedule until he’s able to come back.”
“I’m so glad the two of you are working together now,” Cadence said. “You know Parker. He’s going to be so upset about being MIA from work.”
Jason let out a groan. “We’ll never hear the end of it.”
Cadence let loose with a ragged sigh. “I’m thankful that he’ll be up and complaining soon. Things could have been so much worse.”
Parker thoroughly enjoyed being a PI, as did Jason. It was yet another thing that served to bond the brothers. Parker had been Jason’s mentor in the PI business, and now the tables would be turned since Jason would be holding down the fort at Donahue Investigations.
“Let me get you home, Lorelei. It’s almost four o’clock in the morning,” Daniel said. “I know you must be exhausted.”
“No worries at all. I’m really happy I could be here with your family as a support system. And if you want to stay I can call an Uber to take me home.”
“I’d feel better taking you myself. And I can do a coffee and donuts run for my family on the way back. Now that we got the news about Parker I think everyone can relax a bit and stop fearing the worst.” He let out a deep sigh. “I know I feel a lot better now that the surgeon gave us the good news. For a while there I felt as if there was this massive weight sitting on my chest.’
