“Ozzie, what the hell happened?”
Ozzie climbed to his feet, tears rolling down his cheeks. “It’s my fault.” His voice cracked. “I promised I would take her to the swing, but I had to go to the bathroom first. I didn’t know someone had left the back door open. She slipped out and went to the swing by herself and fell out. Oh my God, it was awful.”
“Where’s Dad?”
“My crying was upsetting Ivy, so I told him to stay with her. They’re down the corridor, second room on the left.”
I squeezed Ozzie’s shoulder. “It’s okay. Accidents happen. I’m just glad it’s not more serious.”
A broken arm could heal, but a child unattended on a ranch could have had much worse happen to them.
I followed Ozzie’s directions down the hall. The antiseptic tang of the clinic hit sharper with every step. The door was cracked open. I knocked once, then entered.
Ivy sat on the exam table, her little body dwarfed by the paper-covered cushion. Dr. Knight was crouched beside her, hands steady as she wrapped bright purple fiberglass around her arm, building the cast layer by layer. Ivy’s cheekswere blotchy, her eyes swollen from crying, but she wasn’t wailing anymore. Dad sat right beside her, his massive hand cradling her good one, his voice low and steady as he murmured something only for her.
“Like a cowgirl’s brace,” I caught him saying softly. “Strong and tough. You’ll be back on your swing before you know it.”
My throat closed.
“No, no more swing, Papa,” Ivy hiccupped.
“Ah, honey. It’s okay. You don’t have to go on the swing again until you’re ready.”
I moved closer, and Ivy’s eyes found me instantly. “Daddee.” Her lip trembled, fresh tears spilling.
God, it still tugged at my heart every time she called me that.
“I’m here, baby girl,” I murmured. I stroked her hair, bent to kiss her damp cheek. “Daddy’s right here.”
“She’s doing just fine,” Dr. Knight said without looking up, her tone calm. “Brave as can be. Just a buckle fracture. Once this hardens, she’ll be stable. She’ll need some Tylenol for the soreness tonight, but otherwise she’s going to heal beautifully.”
“See that?” I brushed a thumb under Ivy’s chin. “Brave girl. Just like your daddy.”
Ivy sniffled but leaned into me, her little body trembling against my chest when I slipped an arm carefully around her.
“I’ve got her,” I said to Dad. “Go check up on Ozzie. He’s not taking it well.”
Dad brought over a stool so I could sit with Ivy, then left. I brushed sweaty strands of hair off her forehead. Her big eyes blinked up at me, wet lashes clumped together.
“Where’s other Daddy?” she whispered, her bottom lip quivering.
My gut twisted. I swallowed hard and smoothed a hand over her curls. “I’m not sure, baby girl. But I promise he’ll be here as soon as he can.” I forced a smile. “Once we’re done here, I’m taking you for ice cream. Any flavor you want. That sounds good?”
She sniffled and nodded, eyes still wide and solemn.
Dr. Knight glanced at me over Ivy’s head, her smile gentle. “Ivy, did you know your Daddy Matty once had to wear a cast too?” she said, her voice light and playful. “He was a little older than you are now, but he wasn’t as brave. He got all sorts of pictures and doodles on his cast.”
Ivy blinked, turning to me, momentarily distracted. “Weally?”
“Yes, really,” I said, feigning a serious nod. “And let me tell you, everyone I knew signed it. Even Papa. He drew a cow on it that looked more like a dog, but I still kept it.”
Ivy giggled, and I kissed her temple.
“There we go.” Dr. Knight smoothed the last layer of purple fiberglass, then patted Ivy’s knee. “All done.” She reached into her pocket and produced a sticker sheet and a lollipop, holding them out like treasure. “Which one do you want for being the bravest girl today?”
Ivy’s face lit up, pride shining through her eyes. She chose the pink sparkly star and held it up like a prize. “Look, Daddy, I get a star,” she whispered, showing me her cast decorated with its first sticker.
“Perfect.” I kissed her cheek again. “Makes it official. I’ll draw whatever you want on it.”
