“It’s fine. You get all the sleep you need. Your LEGOs will be here when you wake up.”
Juniper closed her eyes and lay back down.
I rolled the table away from the bed and made sure her favorite blanket fully covered her. I wasn’t sure if the hospital would let her keep it there, but it could at least comfort her for the moment.
As I stepped out of the room, the doctor waved to Sally and Emily and walked away.
They both looked at me.
“How is she?” Emily asked.
“She went back to sleep,” I said. “She wants to see my dogs. I told her after she gets out of the hospital.”
Emily nodded once.
Sally nodded and hugged Emily. “I need to take care of a few things, but I’ll stop by tomorrow morning before my Davidson Foundation meeting. Call me right away if you need anything else.” She walked over and pulled me into an embrace, which took me by surprise. “Thank you for coming as well. I’ll make sure your mother knows.”
I wasn’t sure whether that made me proud or embarrassed. I lightly patted her on the back, and she released me to head down the hallway, the clack of her heels against the tile floors echoing.
Emily let out a long sigh. “The doctor says she’s in rough shape, and it was good I brought her in when I did, but he also said the meds seem to be working.”
“That’s good then. It’s just a matter of waiting it out.”
She nodded slowly. “It’ll be at least one more day, but they’re hoping the worst of it is over.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Like I said, if you need anything, let me know. I can fly in specialists if you need them. I’m heading back to work tomorrow, but I can easily pick up a phone and get what you need, or anything you think will make Juniper feel better.” I dropped my hand.
Emily stared at me. “That easy, huh? You can get what you want?”
“Yes. I don’t normally need a lot, but this is a special situation.” I shrugged. “What can I say? There are a few advantages to having a lot of money.”
“I suppose so.” Emily laughed quietly. “Okay, then, you know what I really need?”
“No, what?” I mentally prepared to make some quick calls. At that point, I was prepared to do whatever I could to make her day a little less painful.
“Food.” She shrugged and smiled. “I’m so hungry. I was able to ignore it before, but now that all my adrenaline’s worn off, my stomach is eating itself.”
“Something special? Or something from the cafeteria?”
Emily shook her head. “Special sounds like it’d take a long time. I’m not picky at this point, just hungry. So, the cafeteria is fine. Just grab whatever looks good.”
“Okay, then. I think I can swing riding an elevator and walking down a hall even without calling someone up.” I winked.
I hesitated for a moment and then stepped toward her. I tilted her head up and gave her a light kiss. She kissed me back, no surprise or shock on her face, only weariness. With one last hug, I headed toward the elevator.
In the distance, I spotted Sally Jolie in the elevator as the doors were closing. I stopped. It was too far to tell for sure, but it looked like she was smirking.
I would have loved to tell her that her plan worked, but that still wasn’t clear. It didn’t matter anyway. For the next couple of days, the only thing important was Juniper.
Chapter Twenty-seven
EMILY
“Emily,” someone said. “Are you awake?”
I stirred and blinked my eyes open, yawning at the same time. Several seconds passed before I remembered where I was. It was the hospital, and a quick glance at phone told me it was Thursday morning.
The doctor stood in front of me, a concerned look on his face.