Jason’s strong fingers wrapped around her hand and squeezed. “Thank you for being there for her. And my dad.”
When the double doors swung open and a man in green surgical scrubs moved toward them, Coop slid his arm around her waist.
“Benton family?”
“That’s us,” said Coop. “How is she? Can we see her?”
“I’m Dr. Franklin. She’s had a mild stroke, but is stable for now. We’re sending her up to ICU overnight to monitor, but I don’t anticipate any major issues.”
“Will she be okay?” Coop’s voice quivered with emotion.
“All indications are there is no permanent damage. Getting her here pronto was the best thing to happen.” He glanced at his watch. “She’ll be situated in another half hour. Visiting hours are over, but I’ll let them know you can go in. But only for a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Dr. Franklin,” said Coop. “How long will she have to stay?”
“We’ll re-evaluate in the morning. As I said, I don’t foresee any major issues. She will likely have to make some lifestyle changes, though.”
“We’ll make sure she does what she’s supposed to,” said Coop with conviction.
The doctor gave them directions to the ICU floor and left.
The large waiting area contained six oversized chairs along one wall and a coffee table in the middle. The other side held a small table with a coffee pot, Styrofoam cups and assorted condiments. They sat down as a nurse came out.
“Benton family?”
They all stood and Coop said, “Here.”
“I need the next of kin to complete some paperwork.”
“I’m her son,” said Coop.” What do you need?”
Sam’s mouth tightened, but she managed to swallow hard and hide her surprise as Coop left with the nurse.
Jason dropped into the nearest chair and stared after his father.
The ashen-faced woman in the bed looked nothing like the bright, vivacious woman Coop knew so well. Tubes and wires dangled around her like octopus arms, while machines beeped and whirred as they monitored the ebb and flow of her life-force.
He swallowed the lump in his throat as he smoothed a curl from her forehead. The icy coolness of the skin under his fingers shocked him.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Coop?”
“Hey, Beautiful. About time you woke up.”
An angelic smile formed as her eyes drifted shut. “Sorry I scared you.”
Scared doesn’t begin to describe how I felt when Sam called.
“If you wanted a vacation, all you had to do was say so and we would have packed you off to Hot Springs.”
“Jason?”
“I’m here.” Jason eased closer and touched her free hand. “I’m here…Miss Eva.”
Coop didn’t miss his son’s confused expression. He’d deal with that later.
Sam stood beside Coop, one hand resting on Eva’s knee. “I’m so glad you are doing better.”
“Thank you for being there, Sam.” She nodded toward Coop. “Make him go home. He needs rest.”
“I couldn’t leave until I saw for myself you were okay.” His voice quivered as he pulled her frail hand to his lips and kissed it. “There’s so much we need to talk about.” He glanced at Sam and beamed. “Sam is going to hang around a while. Jason is getting married.” Emotions in turmoil, he swallowed hard. “There is so much good in our lives right now. So much to look forward to. You have to get well so you can enjoy it with us.”
A nurse peeked into the room. “I’m sorry, Mr. Delaney, but y’all need to leave. Your –”
Coop stopped her. “We’re going, thank you.” He looked at Eva. “Sweet dreams, Beautiful. I’ll be back in the morning, hopefully to take you home.”
After a quick kiss on Eva’s forehead, Coop pulled the nurse outside, leaving Jason and Sam to say their goodbyes.
“Look,” he whispered, “this situation is complicated. I have to ask you not say anything about my relationship to Ms. Benton.”
The nurse’s face scrunched up in a frown. “I thought she was your mother?”
He blew out a breath. “She is. But…it’s complicated.” He paused. “She doesn’t know that I know.”
