Chapter 8
EIGHT
“Delferdia Kincade,” Dad’s voice came from the doorway of her hospital room.
At least it wasn’t Connor. “Hey, Dad.”
“Don't you ‘Hey, Dad’ me. What were you doing on that boat? Why didn't you call one of us for help? You don't have to do things alone, you know.”
Dr. Platner strode into the room with an air of importance that eliminated any sense of bedside manner. His personality so far had been part you’ll listen to me and part I’m giving you two minutes of my time—use them wisely.
“How are you doing, Ferd?” He reached for his badge and swiped it in front of the computer scanner, opening it.
“Fine.”
He pecked away at the keyboard, stopping every few seconds to scan the screen.
“Looks like you had six stitches. We’ve been giving you a little something for pain.
You’re lucky your leg didn’t go farther and tear open your wound.
I’ll get your nurse the information you’ll need to get started on both oral pain medication and an anti-inflammatory.
You should be able to go home as soon as I can get the paperwork finished.
That is, assuming you’ll agree to rest.”
“Great.” No promises. She would’ve fought spending another night in the hospital anyway. Score that she didn’t have to.
Dr. Platner left as quickly as he had come. The moment he closed the door, Dad frowned down at her. She reached for his hand and held it tightly as he stood next to her bed. Mom was, oddly, nowhere in sight. “I know it hurts you when I don’t immediately call for your help. I’m sorry.”
He looked away, his old rancher eyes a little glassier than she’d ever seen them. “I didn’t get to bandage scraped knees and threaten your first boyfriend. I missed it all.”
Guilt settled heavier than the stitches. Ferd looked at their joined hands, unable to speak for a moment. If only I’d known you existed . . .
“Well, you’re here now. That’s all that matters.” Dad would've hated the last guy, the one he didn’t know about. She wouldn’t be joining the ranks of the hitched anytime soon. “I’m sorry I didn’t call.”
“I’m glad Duke was there, but I’m worried that you won’t be able to heal if you keep on helping him.” His mouth flattened. “I know it’s none of my business and you’re an adult. I just care.”
“I know you do.” Maybe this was just how Kincade men loved people.
“I’m sorry I’m not letting you be who you want to be.
I didn’t have a dad to swoop in. I had Mom.
It was different.” And having an entire team of protective older ‘brothers’ along with a real older half-brother, was a lot to get used to.
“Connor sends you his finest glare.”
She couldn’t stop the cackle of laughter from bursting out, even if she’d wanted to. She could picture his exact look.
“He means well, you know. In the last fifteen years, that man has seen more of the rough side of life than a lot of people know exist.”
“I know, but he doesn’t need to protect me from those people. They aren’t coming for me.”
He squeezed her hand tighter. “That’s where you’re wrong. They would gladly take you. Having you at Wayside has been a joy to me. For him, it’s been good but terrifying. You are one more woman he has to worry about and protect.”
“I’m trained to take care of myself.” She released her grip on his hand, but he didn’t let go.
“I know. He knows. Just think about it.”
At least he knew she could use her brain, if not her abilities.
“Just because I was shot doesn’t mean I’m incapable.
” That had to be it. She’d failed. Almost immediately.
Had to come crawling back home to beg for a place to stay and heal .
. . Not that she’d really begged, but that’s what asking felt like.
“Wayside is half yours. It always will be unless you give it to Connor. This is your home. Full stop.”
“Thanks.” Telling him why she wanted to leave would only hurt him. He made Wayside his world, along with Connor.
“You’ll take time to rest and heal, right?”
“I will do what I can. I already told Duke I’d help him. I’m a woman of my word.”
He remained silent for a few tense moments. “Can't blame you for something you likely inherited from me.”