by Megan Smith
Chloe replaced him on the bed while Jackson sat beside her, facing the others.
“Hey Mase, where’s Hailey?” Jackson asked.
Mason scratched his head and looked down towards the floor, “She umm,” he reached up and put his hands behind his head. “She’s home. She said she would come up later.”
Cooper chuckled, “Yeah I’m sure she is.”
I looked at Chloe and she shrugged her shoulders, I reached over and picked up Hunter’s phone. As I brought the screen to life with my finger, an image of Ryder popped up as his screensaver. I smiled. I hit the text messages so I could text Hailey to get the real story since Mason didn’t want to share.
Hunter 1:46 p.m.: Where r u @
I started flipping through Hunter’s phone, looking for more pictures of Ryder, when I landed on a picture of an SUV. Weird, whose is that? I found a few from the last few days and even one of Ryder and me – It looked like it was taken earlier today when we were snuggled together; I hadn’t even noticed.
Hunter’s phone chimed.
Hailey 1:52 p.m.: Home
Hunter 1:53 p.m.: Why? I miss your face
Hailey 1:55 p.m.: Hey biffy! How r u feeling?
Hunter 1:56 p.m.: Get up here
I gazed up at Mason who was watching me. I smiled. How does it feel Mase? Not being told anything?
Hailey 2:01 p.m.: Text me when asshole leaves
I turned off Hunter’s phone just as he walked back in. He looked shocked that I was on it.
I puckered my brows, “Everything ok?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled his keys out, setting them on the table. A Honda key. Hmm. I was starting to put the pieces together as I surveyed Hunter. “You bought a new car, didn’t you?”
Jackson’s head shot up in Cooper’s direction, who then stood up. “Well guys,” he rubbed his stomach, “I’m getting hungry. Twinkle Toes you ready to go?”
Jaylinn rose gently out of the chair with Ryder and handed him back to Hunter. “Yes let’s go.”
Mason stood up next, “I’ll go with you guys. Love ya Kenz.”
Well played guys, well played.
Hunter was trying to busy himself with changing Ryder’s diaper.
Chloe giggled and got up as well, followed by Jackson, “Well I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Jackson said, trying hard not to laugh.
I was amused, everyone knew what was about to happen and no one wanted to hear it.
Everyone was gathered by the door. “Thanks for stopping in. Love you guys.” I said, still eyeing Hunter.
Each one mumbled their goodbyes and quickly left. I kept my eyes on Hunter who was tensed; he knew I’d figured it out. Now I was going to make him play my game. I’ll make him sweat it out. We’ve had dozens of talks about money. He knew how I felt about him paying for anything extra that we didn’t need, at least until I was able to help with the bills. I’m sure there was a good reason.
Damn, I hadn’t wanted her to find out until we were leaving; this was one more thing that she didn’t need to worry about. Thankfully, I knew the detective that had shown up today and I was able to put him off talking to CC until we were home. I’d met him a couple of times and he knew I would make good on my word about having him stop over at the house once she was settled in.
They weren’t able to make a positive ID on the car that I knew belonged to Brittany, and they wanted to ask CC if she remembered anything at all that could confirm it was her.
I got Ryder all changed and wrapped back up, but left him in the bassinet since he was barely awake.
Better to get this over with now I suppose. I walked over to the chair and sat down, “Look, I had to buy it—” before I could finish she cut me off.
“Bullshit!” she deadpanned.
“I did! Your car is totaled and I need you and Ryder in something safe. My truck isn’t the ideal vehicle to have him riding around in anyway. Plus, what are you going to do when you need to go out for something and I’m at work?”
“We could’ve worked it out; you know how I feel about you wasting money, Hunter.” she said, still pouting.
Now she was frustrating me, “It’s not wasting money, I need you and Ryder safe. I can’t worry about you guys,” I reached up and pulled my hat off and threw it on the other chair. “I’ve done enough of that shit to last me the rest of my life.”
I looked over at her expecting to see her glaring eyes, but she was holding back a smile.
“You’re a brat, you know that? I thought you were really pissed off.”
“Come here,” she said and raised her hands to wrap me in her arms. I settled into the crook of her neck and placed a kiss there. I could feel her pulse pick up when I did it again. I’m glad that after all of this I could still affect her.
There was a knock, I sat up and Dr. Clearly walked in with Lynn behind him. He took his penlight from his pocket and came to examine CC, so I stepped back to give him room. Lynn knocked her elbow into mine and I looked over at her. She smiled the same smile she had been giving me since we came here, but now it felt awkward. Had she been like this the whole time, or was I just noticing it now because CC had mentioned it?
“MacKenzie, how is your pain level?” Dr. Clearly asked as he shined the light in her eyes.
“Umm, I guess about a 6. Besides being sore I still have a really bad headache.” CC answered while peeping over at me, and then glared when she realized how close Lynn was standing.
She just shook her head, “I’d like something to get some sleep tonight though.”
“Sure. Lynn, make sure she gets a dose on the next round.”
“Yes, Dr. Clearly.” Lynn answered, studying CC.
I cleared my throat then walked over and grabbed CC’s hand, when I did she squeezed it tightly. “When will MacKenzie be able to come home with us?”
I was praying they would say tonight, I was dreading going home with Ryder by myself and leaving CC here, alone for another night.
“Well, all of the tests came back just fine, but I would like to keep an eye on her for another twenty-four hours. As long as nothing else happens between then and now, she can go home tomorrow.” He looked over at CC, “It’s not going to be easy for you since you can’t walk on that ankle for another five weeks and I can’t have you on crutches because of your wrist, so we will have to set up a nurse to come over to your house. I would like for them to monitor you and help you with anything you need, at least for a week until Hunter here,” Dr. Clearly looked over at me, “Can get you into a routine.”
I ran a hand through my hair, “Is it necessary? We have plenty of family members who could help.”
“I’m afraid so, even if it’s only for a few days. I think this is best for all of you, you’ll have your hands full with the baby too.”
I blew out a deep breath, I guess he was right but I didn’t want a stranger doing it.
“Hunter, CC, if you would like, I could do it. Since I already know everything that’s going on, I could really be in and out.” Lynn spoke up from behind me.
I felt CC go stiff. She wasn’t going to like this; I would just have to talk her into it. I didn’t want some stranger coming into our home. I’d also have to talk to Lynn about calling her CC. No one calls her that but me.
I turned around, “Can we get back to you on that?” I asked Lynn.
“Yes, of course.”
“Very well then, MacKenzie, I will be around again in the morning to check on you before we get started on the release paperwork.” Dr. Clearly put the pocket flashlight in his coat pocket and made his way to the door.
As soon as they were both out, CC turned to me, “Please tell me you aren’t going to have her come to our house, Hunter.”
Sighing, “Look I don’t like it either, but I don’t want just anyone to come into our home, near my future wife and our son. Yes, she may have a slight crush on me, but she’s been nothing but professional since all of this started.”
CC tried to cross her arms but winced
and frowned, “I don’t like it Hunter and I hate that she called me CC.”
I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her nose, “I know; I don’t like it either but if it gets you home tomorrow, I’m doing it and I’ll speak to her about calling you CC.”
“Fine, but Jay and Coop stay with us, at least until this mess is over with. I don’t want her around for more than a week.” CC agreed despite her reluctance.
The three of us hung out for a while until after dinner when Mr. and Mrs. Cahill showed up to visit.
“How’s my baby girl doing?” Mr. Cahill asked as soon as he walked in. He held flowers out for me to take while he went to hug CC.
“Sore, but I’m ok,” she answered.
Mrs. Cahill came over and wrapped her arms around my right arm. “Her face is all lit up. She didn’t look like that this morning.” she whispered.
I grinned, damn happy that it was me doing that to her. Lynn tapped on the door, walked in and handed me the release paper work.
“I’m just going to remove his band and then you’re free to take him home.” Lynn said, reaching into her coat pocket to pull out the scissors. She did it so gently that Ryder didn’t even stir. She smiled at us all when she was done and then left the room.
Ryder woke up a little while later, right as my mom came in to visit. I was glad Mom was here; despite having Coop and Jaylinn at the house, I still wanted my mom there too. The three of us didn’t know anything about taking care of a newborn. After Mrs. Cahill was done feeding him his bottle we got him changed into his going home outfit that Hailey had packed.
I sat next to CC on the bed and she started crying, I knew this was going to be hard on her, it was going to be hard on me too. “I love you baby, we will be back first thing in the morning.”
She started crying harder and I heard someone behind me, who I assumed was Mrs. Cahill, sniffling too. I held her as tight as I could until she calmed down. I kissed both of her eyes and dried the tears from them. “This is hard on me too; I don’t want to leave you. This is going to be the last time, ever, that we have to spend the night apart. You’re mine baby. I love you.” I whispered in her ear as I held her.
“I love you too. Can you leave me your phone so I can call you?” She asked in a shuddering breath.
I reached into my pocket and pulled it out. “Hailey will be here shortly so you won’t be all alone, but if it makes you feel better, call the house and I’ll keep you on the phone all night.” I told her.
She nodded and reached for me one more time. “I love you so much.”
“Me too.” I took Ryder from Mrs. Cahill and bent over with him in my arms so CC could give him a kiss goodbye. That damn near broke my heart. When I first walked in this morning she wouldn’t even look at him and now she didn’t want him to go. God I love her strength, just one of the many perfect things about her.
After the Cahill’s and Mom said goodbye, we all left. That’s when it really hit me that I was leaving her and being a dad all on my own. Could I fucking do this? I guess it’s time I grew a pair of balls. We got into the elevator and I set Ryder down in his car seat to cover him up before we stepped foot outside. Being October, the nights were pretty cool and I didn’t need him getting sick already. We stepped out of the elevator and were walking out when Mom stopped dead in front of me. Mr. Cahill cursed under his breath and his wife put her hand to her heart. I looked past my mom and saw the last person I thought I would ever see again.
After everyone left, I quickly called Hailey and asked her to come and spend the night with me. She assured me that she would be there within fifteen minutes. I knew she had to work in the morning, but just her being here with me would make me feel so much better. I couldn’t express how much I wanted to be home with my boys.
To my surprise, when Hailey showed up she’d brought Mason along with her. Hunter wasn’t kidding when he’d said those two were going to give him whiplash. One minute they wanted to kill each other, the next they were making out like horny teenagers. However, from the looks on their faces things weren’t any better.
“Can you knock off your attitudes?” I asked the both of them. They grunted. This was going to be a hell of a night. Now I was thankful I’d asked for those sleeping pills.
No one really talked for the rest of the night and I really didn’t want to hear what their problem was, so when Heidi, the night nurse, came in to check on me, I gladly took the sleeping pills. In no time at all, I was fast asleep.
After Hailey and Mason left for work in the morning, I called the house to see when Hunter would be back up here, and to see how Ryder had coped with his first night in our house.
“Everything ok?” Hunter said, sounding out of breath.
“Everything is just fine. I’m waiting for the doctor to make his rounds so I can get the hell out of here. I need you to do everything you can to get me out of here. I’m to the point where I’ll agree to let Lynn come over.” I started to get choked up. I was so desperate to get out of this hospital and home with my boys I’d do anything right now.
I heard Ryder fussing in the background and Hunter inhaled deeply, I guess things weren’t going great there either. As awful as that sounded, it kind of made me feel better.
“You’re coming home today.” Hunter said as a matter of fact.
“Thank you. When are you guys coming up?” Please say you’re leaving now.
As Hunter responded saying, “I’m trying to get out of here soon, but Ryder’s not eating.” There was a tap at the door. I peered over thinking it was Heidi making her rounds again before the shift change, but to my surprise it was Dominic.
I cursed under my breath and quickly covered my mouth with my hand, hoping Hunter hadn’t heard me, but it was too late.
“CC what’s going on?” Hunter asked in a panic.
“Nothing, I’m fine.” I nodded my head for Dominic to come in, then put my finger up to my lips to keep him quiet. “I just tried to move and a pain shot up my arm.” I lied, but I didn’t want to piss him off, he’d had enough to deal with.
“Fuck. Stop moving and call one of the nurses.” Hunter let out a growl; clearly things were pissing him off this morning. “Let me get Ryder in his seat and we will be on our way. Maybe you can get him to eat and settle down.”
My heart squeezed a little thinking I had someone depending on me and that I could make him all better, or at least I hoped I could. “Ok I’ll give it a shot when you guys get here.”
“Love you, see you in a few.”
I hesitated for a second; knowing Dominic was in the room, “Love you too. Be careful; give Ryder a kiss for me.”
“I will. Bye baby.”
I hung up the phone and put it down in my lap, I didn’t look up at Dominic right away. I was kind of nervous. Was there something he wanted? Was it about Brittany?
He cleared his throat, got up from his seat and walked over to the side of the bed. Talk about making someone uncomfortable, and to make matters worse I couldn’t exactly get up and move.
“I know I don’t have a lot of time, I saw Hunter’s truck in the driveway and thought I was safe for at least a little while.” He was nervous, I could sense it.
“Hunter’s about to leave the house now, so you’re right; you don’t have a lot of time.” And I really don’t want you to be in here with me like this. Yes, I loved Dominic as a friend; he had always been good to me, except for when he cheated on me, but keeping Brittany around was something I couldn’t understand and I didn’t care to.
He chuckled, “It looks like someone threw up balloons in your front yard.” I snorted; my guess was that Hailey was behind that. “There are ‘It’s a Boy’ balloons everywhere, along with ‘Welcome Home’ ones as well. Oh and a big ass stork too. You’ll love it.”
I rolled my eyes, “Oh yeah more attention that I don’t want.”
Dominic tensed and I knew he was about to bring up Brittany. “I just want to let…”
“It was her Dominic. I hav
en’t said anything to anyone and I’m not sure if I will.” I took a deep breath. “When I left the house for the doctor’s appointment, there was a car at the end of the driveway; I didn’t pay too much attention to it because it was pouring out. I was driving down Route 295 and the cars in front of me spun out. I started losing control then I was hit from behind and that’s when my car flipped down the embankment. The last thing I remember was someone saying, “If I can’t have him neither can you.” The police haven’t asked me anything yet; no one’s actually brought up the accident except them. Did I want that bitch to pay? Hell yeah, but I believe karma is a bitch and she’ll get hers. If Hunter asked me about the accident, I’d tell him the truth and see how it played out. He’s working in the detective’s office so I’m sure if there’s a will there’s a way, and Hunter would find it.
“Fuck,” he said while scrubbing his face with both of his hands.
He can say that again! “That bitch needs help Dominic and you know it. She’s obsessed, thinking my baby is yours.”
He looked like he was in pain, “I know. I don’t know what to do. Her mom died of cancer when she was three, so it’s only been her and her dad and she said that he’s never really around. It’s not like I can just go to her house and talk to someone about this.”
It was awful to hear about her mom and her dad, but it’s still not healthy to get so hooked on something. “Well don’t expect me to feel sorry for you. What she did was wrong and there was no excuse for it. You should agree with me.”
He sighed loudly, “I do, completely. She hasn’t been around lately and I haven’t heard from her. Maybe she’s finally going to stay away.”
I doubted it; I think it’s going to take a lot more than this for her to get it. Before I could respond, Dr. Clearly walked in; he looked over at Dominic for a second and then went about his normal business, checking me over. While he filled out my discharge paperwork, Dominic winked at me and made a move towards the door, “I’ll see you around, I’m going to get out of your way.”