Chapter 37
— chapter thirty-seven
As soon as Evan let Officer Tombaugh know that they’d located Leanna, he called for an ambulance.
Within a few minutes, Officer Tombaugh reached his side.
“Take a deep breath, Evan. She’s gonna get help now,” he murmured before he crouched next to Leanna, lifted her wrist, and began speaking into his radio.
Evan stayed as close to Leanna as he could, then was forced to move out of the way when more officers arrived with a pair of EMTs.
“It’s going to be okay, Daed. She’s in good hands now,” Russell whispered as they did their best to stay out of everyone’s way.
Evan nodded but didn’t feel strong enough to respond. Every ounce of energy he had was focused on Leanna. He didn’t think he was going to be able to breathe easily again until he knew that she was safe and completely out of danger.
He spent the next hour hovering over Leanna, climbing back out of the ravine, and checking in with all four of his boys. When the ambulance drove away with Leanna safely tucked inside, Officer Tombaugh offered to drive Evan to the hospital.
Russell offered to sit with him in the waiting room at the hospital, but Evan told him that there was no need. His son had left his job in a hurry. He’d done enough over the last two days.
Plus, no one knew just how badly Leanna was hurt.
One of the emergency medical technicians had confided to Evan that they believed Leanna had sustained multiple injuries.
She had been drifting in and out of consciousness, but whether that was because of exhaustion or something far worse, no one knew for sure.
Leanna could need surgery or possibly have to stay in the hospital for several days. After promising his sons that he’d give them updates, Evan sent them on their way before he got into the police cruiser.
When Jeremy tried to argue, Evan told him the same thing. Plus, there was Bumble to think about. So Becca would drop Jeremy off, and then he’d take care of the house and farm until Evan returned.
Kurt told Jeremy he’d be in touch. If their father was going to be at the hospital for several days, then he or Trip would pick him up or stay with him.
Jeremy didn’t look happy about that, but Evan was too exhausted to put up with any arguments.
All he knew was that he wanted his youngest to be safe and looked after while he did his best to look after Leanna’s needs.
When he finally was able to get settled in Officer Tombaugh’s vehicle, Evan felt more at ease than he’d been in days. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Leanna,” he said as the officer drove out of the parking lot. “Thank you for helping me too.”
“Hey, it’s me who should be thanking you. If you hadn’t continued to press for help, things could have gotten a lot worse for Leanna.”
“Still, you went above and beyond, Officer. I’ll never forget everything you did.”
“Hey, I think it’s time we moved to first names, don’t you think? My name is Kendrick.”
“Kendrick, it’s good to know you.”
“I feel the same.” When he stopped at a light, Kendrick added, “Do you mind me asking you about your boys?”
“What do you want to know?”
“I’ve now met four of them. Do you have any others?”
He laughed. “Nee. Only four.”
“They all seem so different. In a good way, though. Each seems to be a confident young man.”
“Thank you. I feel the same way. They’ve each chosen their own path, but it was the one that was best for them.”
“It’s impressive how they all dropped everything to help you and Leanna. She’s your girlfriend, right?”
This was the first time anyone had called Leanna his girlfriend.
Evan decided that he liked how it sounded.
“Jah, she is. And, um, the way each of my boys dropped everything to come help came as a bit of a surprise to me. Not that they wouldn’t drop everything to help me but because they’re doing it for Leanna.
” He paused, then added, “She and I haven’t been seeing each other for very long. ”
“From everything I’ve heard, she sounds like a good one.”
“I think so too. Are you married, Kendrick?”
“I am. We’re newlyweds.”
“That is wunderbar! Congratulations.”
“Thanks. Marie’s great.” He frowned. “I just hope we learn to get used to my hours. It’s hard on her.”
It was getting late in the evening. “I’m guessing it’s rare for you to work nine to five.”
“Yeah. I usually work a couple of twelve-hour shifts, then get a day or two off.”
“That’s hard for a wife when she’s waiting at home.”
He nodded. “And worrying about me.” He swallowed, then asked, “Any advice for a newlywed?”
Evan thought about all his years with Rose . . . and all the mistakes he’d made with Leanna. “Prayer helps. It always helps,” he added.
“That’s it?”
“It’s a lot. Remember, you don’t want to go through life alone.” Sobering, he realized that he needed to take some of that advice.
“Thanks. I’ll remember that.”
Evan smiled. “Bringing home some flowers or a carton of ice cream from time to time doesn’t hurt either.”
Kendrick grinned. “Now, that I can do.”
Two hours later, Evan was allowed to sit by Leanna’s bedside.
She looked weak and pale and had a number of tubes attached to her.
The doctors said that her ribs were bruised and her ankle was fractured.
They’d thoroughly cleaned and then stitched up a cut on her ankle.
In addition, she had any number of bad scratches, cuts, and bruises.
She was also severely dehydrated and was fighting an infection.
She would stay at the hospital overnight, but then, unless things took a turn for the worse, she’d be able to go home in his care.
Evan had already reached out to his daughter-in-law Mary. And, after a moment’s hesitation, to Doreen. Both women promised to come over and help Leanna as much as possible.
Just as he sat down in the chair next to her hospital bed, Leanna opened her eyes. “Hi,” she said in a weak voice.
It took almost everything he had to get a handle on himself. The last thing she needed was for him to dissolve into tears. “Hi,” he whispered back. Leaning close, he kissed her brow. “How are you feeling?”
She seemed to think about it for a moment. “I’m not sure,” she said at last. “I’m dry and not soaking wet. I’m so very glad about that.”
“Me too.” Unable to help himself, he smoothed the sheets over her. “Are you warm enough? I heard the nurses could bring you a heated blanket.”
“I’m all right.” When she attempted to move, she bit back a cry of pain. “Help me sit up, would you?”
He pushed the button on her bed, helped her adjust the sheets and pillows around her. “How’s that?”
“Gut. I wanted to see you better.”
He smiled. “I’m sure I look a fright. I’ve been mighty worried about you.”
“I heard.”
“You did, hmm?”
She nodded. “Everyone told me that you’re the reason I was found so quickly. You didn’t stop trying to get the police to help.”
“A lot of people helped. Officer Tombaugh, my sons. Becca. Miralee. We all worked together to find you.”
“I’m grateful.”
“Hey, we don’t deserve all the credit. It’s you who does. You fought and stayed strong. You survived.”
She shivered, as if the memory was almost too much to bear. “I shouldn’t have gone to the park by myself. I really shouldn’t have gone without telling someone my plans.”
“Miralee knew, and she helped.”
“Thank goodness. I’m so grateful.”
“Hush, now. Accidents happen. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
She nodded slowly. “I’ll try not to. I hope I never have to go through anything like that again, Evan.”
“You won’t. Not if I can help it.” Taking a deep breath, Evan blurted, “I’m not going to wait another minute to say what I should’ve already told you.” When her eyes met his, he reached for her hand. “I love you, Leanna Mast. I love you and want to do everything I can to earn your love.”
Her eyebrows lowered. “Earn it?”
He nodded. “I want to give you my name. I want you to be mine. I want to give you everything you want or need. Whether it’s a puppy or a smile or a helping hand. Or a baby.”
She frowned. “I don’t need all that. I realized when I was out there that I just need you. I love you too, Evan. And if we love each other? Well, that’s enough.”
He didn’t think so, but he knew she wasn’t up for arguing. “I’m going to stay here awhile, okay? So close your eyes and get some rest.”
“You won’t leave?”
“Nee, Leanna. No matter what happens, I’m not going to go anywhere.”
She met his gaze. Smiled softly and then closed her eyes.
She loved him, and he was hers. Leanna was right. That was enough.