“It went really well. My dad even spoke to me.” She told him about the evening. By the time she was done, her cereal was getting soggy. “How about you? How’s everything going there?”
While Nathan told her about trying to get Mia bathed and his dishwasher going out, she ate her cereal and marveled about how she couldn’t imagine a better way to end the night than talking with Nathan.
Well, maybe that and a good night kiss.
~*~
“I’m glad she’s doing better, and that your dad was more open to you being there.” Although Nathan was saddened that Lynn’s dadnottelling her to leave was such a huge improvement. He could only hope that God was slowly mending that family’s relationship. “So you’re going back tomorrow around seven?”
“Yes. They said that visiting hours are until nine, so I’ll probably stay until then.”
Nathan didn’t like the idea of her leaving the hospital that late by herself, especially right after it gets dark. “Any sign of Jeb?”
She paused. “Not a thing. I’ve kept my eyes open, too. I’d like to hope he’s gone, but years of history say that’s not likely.” The tone of her voice changed from being hopeful and happy to hesitant and worried.
Nathan hated that his question had taken some of her joy away. At the same time, it was a real worry, and he wanted to make sure Lynn kept alert. Especially if she was going to be out late. “I know. I’m sorry you have to keep dealing with this.” He wished he could reach through the phone and hold her close.
“I was hoping we could have dinner soon. I’d say tomorrow between work and going to the hospital would be good, but I promised Chess I’d come over and help him load some lumber right after I picked up Mia.” Nathan thought a moment. “What about after work on Thursday? We could come to my house where it’ll be easier to talk without worrying about interruptions.”
There was almost no hesitation before she said, “That would be great.” They settled on the time, visited a few more minutes, and then Nathan had to end the conversation to get Mia into bed. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” he told Lynn.
“You bet. Good night, Nathan.”
“Good night.”
He set his phone down and scooped Mia into his arms. “Are you ready for some sleeps, little girl?”
Mia shook her head at the same time as a giant yawn consumed her.
Nathan chuckled. “Come on, let’s get some pajamas on. I’ll bet you were glad to have Miss Lynn back today, weren’t you?” He’d noticed Mia was clinging to Lynn when he picked her up from Little Lambs. He completely understood and sometimes envied Mia the opportunity to spend an entire day with Lynn. “So am I.”
ChapterEighteen
Nathan wiped the sweat from his forehead after stacking the last bit of lumber. “You’re going to have a busy weekend.”
“Yep.” Chess told him all about his plans to build a deck and trellis for Brooke over the weekend. “When we bought this place, the lack of a nice back porch was a big drawback. I figure the sooner we have one, the sooner we can start enjoying it.”
“Makes sense.” He didn’t envy his brother the project, though Chess didn’t seem to mind. He was the type of person that enjoyed putting all of his focus into one thing. “It was a good idea to have everything on hand so you can get up first thing on Saturday and start working on it.”
Chess nodded. “I figure getting it done now before the summer heat truly hits will be good.” He closed the gate to the backyard. “So what about you? What are your plans?”
“Tonight or this weekend?”
“Yes.”
“Lynn and I are having dinner at my house tomorrow night so we can actually talk without fear of the stalker or the press showing up.” Nathan had often wondered where they’d be now if they’d had a chance to really talk that night at the restaurant. “This evening, she’s going to see her sister at the hospital. I wish she weren’t going quite so late though. It’s horrible, but I just picture the stalker waiting for her around every corner.”
Chess looked concerned. “It’s a valid worry. How late is she planning on staying?”
“Until visiting hours end at nine.”
Chess’s expression mirrored Nathan’s thoughts on the situation.
Brooke spoke up from her spot on the tiny porch where she stood holding Mia. “Unless she got a spot close to the hospital, that parking lot is terrible, too.” Mia pointed at the pile of wood with interest.
That didn’t make Nathan feel any better. Maybe he could take Mia over there and meet up with Lynn and walk her to her car. At least then he’d know she got there okay.
His thoughts must have been evident on his face because Brooke rubbed the little girl’s back and said, “Just leave Mia with us. You can swing by and pick her up on the way home.”
