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“So you’re not—”
I stop. I won’t volunteer any information. Perhaps this is truly a coincidence.
“Not what?”
“Never mind.” Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Rory and Callie heading back toward Donny. Shit.
“Go, then,” I say to Lamone. “Get the hell out of here.”
“Not that I need your permission, but I’ve got someone waiting for me.” He walks away through the hallway and out of the ER. He doesn’t seem to notice Callie and Rory.
Thank God.
I walk briskly back to the corner where Donny, Callie, and Rory are.
Rory falls into my arms.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I tell her.
She pulls back. “It’s not okay.”
I swallow. “God, please don’t tell me—”
“No, no,” she says. “He’s not dead. But he’s got some blockage. We’re waiting for them to take him to the OR for a triple bypass.”
Callie is crying into Donny’s shoulder.
“Where are Maddie and Jesse?”
“They’re still in the back with Mom. Cal and I wanted to come back out and let you and Donny know.”
“What can I do for you?” I ask. “Anything.”
“I don’t know. It’s all so surreal. I want to feel something, but I’m numb. This is my dad. My rock. The one who takes care of all of us.”
“Did the doctor tell you about his prognosis?”
She nods. “It’s pretty good. It’s not an uncommon procedure. But it’s open-heart surgery, Brock.”
I kiss her forehead. “I know. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“We’ll be here for a while. You don’t have to stay.”
“Of course I’ll stay. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
She leans into me. “It’s okay. You’ve already seen me at my worst today. I don’t want to put you through any more.”
I pull back slightly and meet her gaze. “Hey. This is where I want to be. Exactly where I want to be.”
“Are you sure? Really sure?”
“Come with me.” I take her hand and lead her away from Callie and Donny so we have a bit of privacy. “What do you think it means when I say I love you? It means I’m here for you. For whatever you need, Rory. Iwantto be here.”
She leans her head on my shoulder. “There’s nothing you can do here.”
“I can be with you.”
“I know. I love you for it. But—”
