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“I don’t have my purse or my phone.”
“I will have someone bring it out.”
“I hate to ask anyone else to come out here.”
“Don’t think twice about it. You might think you know our family, but the Youngs live for helping others.”
“I’m figuring that out.”
“I’ll have someone drive your car out here so that you have transportation.”
“Okay, that would be good.”
I lifted her chin and stared down into her scared eyes. “I’m here for you, Nolan. My entire family is here for you. I know you don’t love me, but I love you. I would do anything for you or your girls.” I leaned forward and kissed her tenderly before I stepped away and went back to the waiting room.
The last thing I wanted from her was a declaration of love. She had way too much going on right now, and I wasn’t going to add to her stress. I had told her how I felt because I wanted her to know how much I cared and that she was not alone in this.
What Nolan did with that was up to her, but I was in no hurry to push it. We had plenty of time to figure things out.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nolan
Ihad never been so scared—or felt so guilty.
Why had I thought bringing Lauren to the picnic would be a good idea? Why hadn’t I left them at my mom’s this weekend and followed the original plan that we had? If I had done that, Lauren wouldn’t be fighting for her life.
Finding out on the way there that Lauren was alive helped ease some fear, but not the guilt. I wasn’t one to fall apart, but I did anyway. I was glad that Brad was there with me. If there was anyone I wanted beside me, it was him right now, but what about Emmy?
I worried about her almost as much as Lauren on the way, but I knew that Kayley would make sure she was okay. She was safe. While she might get upset or throw a tantrum, it was Lauren’s life that hung in the balance, not Emmy’s.
I couldn’t get to her side fast enough at the hospital, and I found Wes sitting at her side talking softly. Lauren was awake, and she looked relieved that I was there. I forced myself not to fall apart again, but I couldn’t help the few tears that leaked out.
“We think that the hay might have caused an asthma attack. Her lungs were pretty closed, and that put a strain on Lauren’s heart.”
“What happened in the helicopter?”
I was thankful that he was so straightforward. “Her heart stopped, but we shocked her once and started it again. Then we were able to get medicine in her to help open her airways. She’s taking a breathing treatment right now. That’s what that is.” He pointed at a different mask she was wearing.
“Is she going to be alright, Wes?”
“She is. I want her to stay for at least a day, if not two, so we can monitor her. I already put a call in to a friend of mine. He specializes in pediatric coronary issues, and we’ve already requested her medical files from New York.”
I startled back. “You did?”
“Yeah, Kayley sent me the information, so we called up there and spoke to the emergency service. Her cardiologist called me back, and I explained what happened. He is going to send all her files over this afternoon.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, Wes. If you hadn’t been there—”
He stood and came around the bed. “Don’t think about that, Nolan. Lauren is going to be okay now. I’m glad that I was there, as are Cara and Henley.”
I hugged him, and he held me tightly as Henley stepped into the room. I focused on Lauren as they talked, and then they both excused themselves.
When Brad arrived, I wanted to fall into his arms, but I didn’t. Not until we were down the hallway. I held him, taking solace in his strong arms and his soft voice.
I expressed my concern over Emmy, but he assured me that she would be fine, and he would make sure of that. It wasn’t like I had a choice. I needed to be here with Lauren.
Brad took my face in his hands. “I’m here for you, Nolan. My entire family is here for you. I know you don’t love me, but I love you. I would do anything for you or your girls.”
