Rita chuckled. “It’s hard when you love the patient.”
Addie squeezed my hand again and then released it. “Good thing he’s going back to work tomorrow.”
“I was thinking I might take two more days. Just to make sure you’re settled.”
“Beckett, we had a deal.”
I gave her a sheepish grin as we made our way to the elevator. “I know, but—”
“But nothing. You have taken over two weeks off work. Your patients are going to riot. You haven’t been doing the clinic at The Post. We need to get back to our lives as much as we can.”
We moved into the elevator, and I leaned against the back wall. “I don’t like the idea of not being there.” Just imagining walking away from her tomorrow had my chest constricting and panic setting in. “The last time you were out of my sight, the worst happened.”
“Beckett…” Addie tugged me down, so I was level with her. “I’m okay.”
“You almost weren’t.” I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to get over it. Every night I’d spent in Addie’s various hospital rooms, nightmares had riddled my sleep.
“But I am. You made sure of it. I know it’ll take time, but you have to start to trust that I’m safe now. I won’t be alone. You have a roster of everyone under the sun taking care of me.”
Heat crept up my neck. I’d made a full schedule. My whole family, Laiken, Calder, and Everly were all on the list. People had actually fought over slots. “I hear you.” I brushed my mouth against hers. “Love you, Addie.”
“Love you, too.”
Rita blinked a few times. “I swear, you two are right out of one of my soaps.”
I chuckled as I straightened, and the elevator doors opened. “Glad we could keep you entertained between viewings.”
Rita pushed Addie out into the hallway. “It doesn’t hurt that you’re easy on the eyes.”
Addie covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. “He is that.”
I shook my head and moved through the doors, beeping the locks to my truck. I pulled open the passenger door and turned back to Addie. “Will you please let me help you up? It’s high. I don’t want you to rip any stitches.”
Addie let out an exasperated sigh. “Yes, you can help me.”
I let out a relieved breath. “Thank you.” I bent and lifted her into my arms, carefully depositing her in the seat and buckling her in. “See, that wasn’t so bad.”
Addie rolled her eyes and leaned around me. “Thank you for everything, Rita.”
“It was my pleasure. I’ll come visit you soon.”
Addie waved, and I closed her in, turning to Rita. “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done.”
She patted my shoulder. “You take care of our girl.”
“I will.”
I rounded the truck and climbed inside, starting the engine. “Do you mind if we make a quick stop on the way home? Or are you too tired?”
“We can stop. Do you need to get groceries?”
I barked out a laugh. “Are you kidding? My mom and dad have been cooking for days to fill our fridge.”
“They didn’t have to do that.”
“It makes them feel useful when there hasn’t been much else they could do to help.”
“I’ll have to call and thank them tonight.”