“Lila, what’s up?” Reva asked, trying to steady her voice.
“Lizzy’s gone into labor, and it’s chaos over here! Gibbs is MIA, and Charlie Grace just left in a hurry after Jewel called her, panicking. We need you, Reva,” Lila’s voice was a mixture of excitement and stress. “Charlie Grace is fit to be tied.”
The news snapped Reva back to reality, the romantic bubble bursting as duty and concern took over. She met Kellen’s eyes, seeing understanding and a touch of disappointment mirrored there.
“I have to go.” Her voice carried a mix of apology and urgency as she quickly explained the situation. When one of them needed the others, they all dropped everything and came.
Kellen nodded, the warmth in his gaze undiminished. “Of course. Go. I’ll be here if you need anything. In fact, I can keep and watch Lucan if it helps.”
Reva hesitated. She wasn’t ready to end their time together—not after that kiss. “Would you come with me?”
“Sure, if you want me to,” he told her.
With a grateful smile and a promise to make all this up to him, Reva gathered the sleeping little boy, wrapping him tight with a blanket, and hurried for the door. Kellen grabbed his keys from the hook and followed.
Soon after, they pulled into the parking lot in front of Thunder Mountain Medical Clinic, a two-story house with a wraparound porch that had been converted to serve their community for routine medical needs. The second floor included a six-bed senior living center.
The establishment was run by Dr. Eldred Dickerson and his nurse assistant, Wanda. Dr. Ed, as he was called, was now in his late sixties. Wanda was no spring chicken. Both were known for their warmth and unyielding dedication to their patients, often going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure everyone received the care they needed. The clinic, with its homey facade, had become a beacon of comfort and healing in the community.
As Kellen and Reva stepped out of the car, the evening air mingled with the scent of fresh flowers that lined the pathway to the entrance. The welcoming sound of the clinic’s old-fashioned doorbell rang through as they opened the front door, a sound that had greeted countless visitors over the years. Inside, the walls were adorned with photographs of the community and framed thank-you notes from patients, telling stories of healing and hope. The reception area, cozy and inviting, was manned by Sarah, the receptionist, who greeted them with a warm smile. Dr. Ed’s reputation for treating patients like family was not just commonly known; it was felt by all who entered the Thunder Mountain Medical Clinic.
The reception area buzzed with energy tonight, the small waiting room now overflowing. As Reva stepped in, Lila and Capri quickly approached her with an update. “Lizzy’s already at the pushing stage,” Lila told her, eyes wide with excitement.
Reva’s gaze swept the room, searching. “Where’s Charlie Grace?” she asked, concern threading her voice.
From a corner seat, Jewel popped up, her voice bright, “Mom’s in the back, helping out with everything.”
Capri leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Charlie Grace, you know, always picking up after Gibbs’ messes.”
Reva’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “He’s not here?”
“No,” confirmed Lila with a nod, her expression a mix of disappointment and resignation.
Aunt Mo made her way over, her presence commanding yet warm. She placed a comforting hand on Jewel’s shoulder, smiling down at her. “Looks like you’re going to be a big sister very soon, aren’t you, Puddin’?” Her eyes twinkled with wisdom as she glanced at the group, her manner too gracious to openly criticize Gibbs in front of his daughter.
She then extended a hand to Kellen, her voice filled with warmth. “And you must be the gentleman I’ve been hearing about—Reva's new friend.”
As Reva introduced Kellen, her attention drifted to Albie. Lizzie’s uncle stood awkwardly by the coffee table, his hands clenched around a Styrofoam cup, his anxious gaze darting towards the hallway as if expecting someone or something to emerge at any moment.
At that moment, the entrance door burst open, and Gibbs made his entrance, disheveled and breathless. He ran a hand through his unkempt hair, urgency in his voice, “Where is she?”
Albie’s reaction was immediate and visceral. His Styrofoam cup hit the table with such force that coffee erupted over the checkerboard pattern of the tablecloth, red and white now marred by dark stains. “Where have you been?” he demanded, his tone loaded with accusation.
Gibbs, visibly uncomfortable, attempted to deflect with an evasive, “With a…friend,” his voice trailing off under the weight of the collective disapproving groans filling the room.
Capri leaned to Reva and whispered, “Does anything work above that boy’s neck?”
Reva gritted her teeth. “I think we know which of his body parts work best.”
Albie’s temper flared, and he advanced towards Gibbs, hands clenched as if ready to choke him.
Reva acted swiftly, her grip firm on Albie’s wrist. “Albie, that won’t solve anything,” she warned. She took a moment, choosing her words with care. “This…situation can be addressed later. For now, our priority is Lizzy and the baby.”
For added measure, her head tilted in the direction of Jewel, who watched the unfolding event with wide eyes.
Her intervention snapped Albie back to reality. He relaxed, albeit slightly, his nod reluctant yet acknowledging the sense in her words. His glare lingered on Gibbs, who managed a sheepish look of gratitude towards Reva.
Reva’s response was sharp, her disdain clear. “I didn’t do it for you,” she said, her voice low yet laced with contempt.
