CHAPTER SIX
Present Day
Jessie was used to Estelle and Craig, their dynamic and in particular the former’s flair for the dramatic.
So it was no surprise that it took an hour to go over the discharge process.
Nan, who had become everyone’s favorite nurse and PT specialist, kept a professional smile in place as Estelle asked more and more questions.
By the time they were finished, poor Malcolm looked ready to throttle his mother.
“And you’re sure Malcolm will make a full recovery?” Estelle nibbled on her manicure, expression as pinched as her Botox injections allowed. Craig patted her shoulder, his expression far less grim.
Fortunately for all involved, Malcolm took after his daddy.
The patriarch of the Smith clan had a cool head, wicked wit, and the ability to handle crises well.
Those were the qualities that made Malcolm such a terrific EMT and firefighter.
They were also the qualities that Jessie had fallen in love with all those years ago . ..
Pulled back into the moment, the PT specialist Tim, a young man with a shock of red hair and freckles, turned toward Jessie and Estelle.
“Now, physical therapy will be key in Malcolm’s recovery.
We should be able to do mainly at-home exercises, given Malcolm’s age and fitness level.
Who will be in charge of Malcolm’s care overall? ”
Both women held their hands up and said, “I am.” This earned a chuckle from Tim, an eye roll from Craig, and a snort from Malcolm.
Unfortunately the snort turned into a sneeze, which led to a full-on coughing fit.
Estelle wasn’t faster than Jessie, who made it to his side with his water cup at the ready.
“Remember, slow sips,” she ordered, resting on her haunches. Malcolm nodded, his fingers covering hers as he drank. Despite being in a stuffy hospital room surrounded by people, she shivered.
Craig stepped closer, draping his arm around his wife’s shoulder. In a tone that left no room for argument, he said, “We will be staying nearby Malcolm’s place, but Jessie will be there overnight.”
There was something about the way that he said it that caused Jessie to flinch.
It sounded so untoward, but then again it was also the truth.
She’d made the decision to be there for him, for a variety of reasons.
Their relationship status might be as murky as the swamp at the border to Pinegrove, but it was also important to her.
This man had been her rock for years, and she wasn’t about to let him suffer under his mother’s good intentions.
There was a fine line between mothering and smothering . ..
Tim made a note on his clipboard and turned to Nan. “I’ve said my piece. What do you have for the patient and his care team?” He turned to Jessie, handing her a stack of papers. “This goes over everything in detail, but my email is on there as well. You let me know if you run into any questions.”
“Thanks,” Jessie said, folding the notes and shoving them into her purse.
Nan handed her another stack of papers, her expression firm.
“Now my list is a little different. If you notice any of the symptoms listed in red on page one, you call 911. If you notice any of the symptoms in yellow, get Malcolm back here ASAP. Otherwise, you can call the main line here with questions.”
The hospital staff left, and Malcolm wiggled in his wheelchair.
He’d been given an air cast for his left leg, and it was propped up straight.
His arm was bandaged to his side to keep it immobile, and already the bruises were starting to fade.
Jessie was pleased to see signs of the man she knew shining through.
“Who’s driving me out of here?” he asked, clearly impatient to get moving.
Estelle nearly elbowed Jessie out of the way. “I’ve got it!” she shouted, spinning Malcolm around too quickly and hitting his foot on the doorjamb.
Malcolm’s head fell back as he yelped in pain. “Mom, please!” He reached for his foot but winced when he moved his bad arm. Were he not in agony, his attempts at gymnastics would be hilarious.
Craig took over, politely shoving Estelle out of the way. “We’ll meet you in the lobby. Jessie has the situation well in hand.” As he walked past Jessie, he patted her shoulder. Lowering his voice, he added, “I apologize for Dale Earnhardt Jr. over there. You know she’s trying to help.”
Jessie simply nodded. “See you downstairs.”
Malcolm sighed, coming back to himself. “I love that woman,” he started, chest already rumbling with a laugh.
“But she should not have let them kill off her character in Atlanta Hearts? She’s got enough drama left in her for a spin-off series and at least two movies.” She winked to soften the dig, but Malcolm didn’t seem to care.
“Thank you,” he said, tone more serious. He blinked up at her with nothing but appreciation in his chocolate gaze.
Jessie lifted an eyebrow. “I haven’t done anything yet.”
Malcolm snatched her hand, pulling until she went back to her knees and was eye-level with him. “You know that’s not true. You’ve literally flown across the globe to be here, and now you’re spending your leave helping me—saving me from suffocating under my parents. That’s far from nothing.”
“You’re welcome, but you’re going to be fine,” she said, throat closing as a single tear fell. Suddenly, the seriousness of the whole situation slammed home. Jessie vowed to get Malcolm back on his feet, with minimal drama.
“Shh,” he cooed, letting go to swipe the tear away.
She leaned into his touch, her heart hammering for more reasons than concerns over his recovery.
“JJ, I’m here. Okay? I’m talking and breathing and, frankly, that’s more than I thought I’d get.
” She sniffled, but Malcolm soldiered on.
“I have a feeling some Vitamin JJ is all I need.”
“Your jokes are still terrible,” she teased, dabbing at her eyes with the back of her free hand.
“Meh, it’ll give me something else to work on during recovery.” He chuckled, his lungs struggling with the effort. “Although right now, all I want is a nap in my own bed.”
Jessie kissed his palm before resting his hand in his lap. “Your momma said she changed the sheets and spruced up the place. As soon as we get you home, you’ll be in dreamland.”
Malcolm frowned. “Spruced up? That means she’s put scented candles everywhere and thrown out the junk food.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’ll be there to smuggle in nachos from The Pecan Pit when they go back to their hotel.” Jessie laughed as she pushed the wheelchair to the elevator bank. “Javi said they do DoorDash now.”
A slew of nurses and staff waved as they passed, Malcolm dipping his head in embarrassment. “Gosh, I hate being the center of attention.”
Jessie belly laughed. “Then you’re in for a real long recovery until your parents go back to Tennessee.”
“Don’t remind me,” Malcolm lamented.
When the elevator opened into the lobby, they were greeted to a sight that brought a fresh round of tears to both of their eyes.
Trevor, Javi, Chief Warren, Daisy, and a slew of other firemen cheered and held signs and balloons offering their congratulations and wishes for a fast recovery. “Smithy!” Javi cheered, dashing over and offering his friend a fist bump. “It’s good to see you out of that bed.”
Malcolm’s lips quirked. “A saying I don’t think you’ve used too often.”
Always the ladies’ man and not one to shy away from the truth, Javi barked out a laugh and clapped Malcolm on the shoulder. “Man, I’ve missed you.”
Wincing at the contact, Trevor came to the rescue. “Javi, knock it out. Let the man get home and recuperate before you beat him up.”
The rest of his teammates surrounded Malcolm as Trevor pulled Jessie aside. “This is so nice,” she said, giving her brother a one-armed hug. “I know he misses y’all and the station.”
Trevor let out a sigh, his own voice still hoarse. “Trust me, Jessie, we miss him, too.” Glancing over his shoulder, he confirmed no one was eavesdropping. “Do you have everything you need to help Smithy? I can come over and—”
Jessie held up a hand to stop him. “Thank you for offering. I will likely need help soon, but right now he wants to get home.” She lowered her voice. “Plus, I think what will be really helpful is if we can distract Estelle. You know how she can be.”
Nodding, Trevor sucked his teeth. “I’ll talk with Momma, and we’ll figure something out. Maybe she can join that slutty book club everyone is in?”
Jessie was incredulous. “There’s a slutty book club and no one has invited me yet?”
Javi joined them, throwing an arm around her shoulder. “They’re a real hoot. You should join us.”
“Of course you’re a member of the slutty book club, Javi.”
“Member? I’m hoping to become the group leader.” Javi waggled his eyebrows, earning a playful gut punch from Trevor.
“Easy, Javi, you know that’s Momma’s pride and joy.”
Flapping her hands to get back on topic, Jessie said, “I don’t need to think about our mother reading porn.” She made a gagging sound while Javi protested.
“You’ll see Jessie, this is high-end stuff.”
Jessie scoffed, but offered Javi a quick hug.
“If you say so.” Turning to her brother, she said, “Thanks, Trev.” She pulled him into a real hug before heading back toward the crowd.
“Listen up, Pinegrove FD!” she shouted, earning everyone’s attention.
“I’m taking Lieutenant Smith home to start his recovery, but my very helpful brother will send you an email for meal signups.
While I can play nurse, I cannot play chef. ”
Everyone chuckled and offered their final wishes before leaving Malcolm alone with his parents and Jessie. “Ready to head home for your first nap of the day?” Jessie asked, steering Malcolm out into the sunshine.