CHAPTER NINE #3
I watch the screen as Cade moves and lifts up Justice to catch the ball. A Butte player crashes into Cade, and he and Justice go down hard. I can’t look away. He needs to move, to show some sign of life. Move, baby. Move, please!
I don’t move from the screen as I watch Coach and the medical team run out to attend to Cade and Justice.
Just as they’re getting to them, Cade rolls over to his stomach on his own.
I breathe a tiny sigh of relief because at least he’s conscious.
I didn’t notice Ethan move till I felt his hand come down on my shoulder.
“He’s gonna be okay. I’m sure Coach will have the medics take them both out and get evaluated.
That was a fucking massive hit.” I glare at him for a second, barely taking my eyes off the screen, though Ethan has enough sense to apologize.
“Sorry, not the thing you want to hear at this moment. I’ll send a message down to the medical team to let us know as soon as you can go down and see him, okay?
” I nod and watch them put Justice on a board to take off the field.
Cade is helped up. Coach and Carter help him to the golf cart that’s been wheeled out onto the field.
Cade sits, with a medic sitting next to him.
I watch till the golf cart goes under the stadium.
All I can do is sit and wait. And worry.
Three hours and several scans later, and we’re on our way to my parents' house. We’re on our way, but Cade’s in the backseat resting, with his eyes closed and an ice pack on his shoulder.
Zane’s driving us because doctors diagnosed Cade with a concussion and a bruised collarbone.
He’s luckier than Justice, who’s got a concussion and a broken tibia.
When the medical staff stated they wanted both Cade and Justice to go to the hospital for further evaluation, Ethan brought me and stayed with me until they let me go back and wait with Cade as he was waiting on the test results.
While we were waiting, I made calls to my parents, especially as Pops was watching the match with Asher, and they both were texting me repeatedly.
Mom did her thing and said since we were planning on coming up there anyway to keep that plan.
That way, when we got there, she could help me take care of Cade and make sure he’s following all the doctor’s orders.
I called Cara and Mike next and told them everything I knew. I also told them about our plans and that my mom insists she help me take care of Cade. That calmed Cara down, and Mike said they would keep their plane tickets as scheduled and be here in a few days.
When all Cade’s test results came back, and the doctor had seen him and explained everything he needed to do and not do for the next few days, the nurse wheeled him out to the waiting room.
I was about to get us an Uber when I noticed Zane sitting in the waiting room.
He looked at me and held up Cade’s keys.
“The thing about being his friend and a prospect for his future in-laws’ motorcycle club is that it means you become a personal chauffeur. ”
I start to say something, but Zane holds his hand up.
“Hanna. You are both my friends. It’s not a big deal.
Besides, I was heading up there anyway. I have an appointment tomorrow with Mick to finish the tattoo we started a while ago.
I’m just gonna have to drive his vehicle this time around.
Not like he’s gonna be in any shape to drive in the next few days. ”
Zane takes over for the nurse and starts pushing Cade in the wheelchair toward the hospital exit. Tucker hasn’t left my side this whole time and has been a constant support through everything. As we’re walking, I fill Zane in.
“He’s out for the next match but could potentially be back for the playoff tournament if he’s healed enough.”
Zane nods as a voice speaks up, “He’s here and can hear you both. In fact, you both are too fucking loud. Take it down a notch or three, please.” I reach over and lightly squeeze his hand—the one not on the side of his hurt collarbone.
I quietly apologize. “I’m sorry. We’ll keep it down. Let’s get you in the back seat and situated. I know I have a couple of blankets in the back.” Even in his state, Cade’s able to pick on me about my blankets.
“Of course she has blankets in the back seat. The rule of flat surfaces one sits on applies, so there’s got to be at least seventy-seven blankets, give or take seven.
” He’s lucky he’s injured already. Man’s about to benefit from my blanket collection and yet he still picks on me about them.
It’s not like he didn’t know about this when we got married or anything.
He could’ve walked away, but he chose this life.
Zane helps me get Cade into the back. Tucker finds a spot between me and Zane since his normal spot is occupied by a moaning Cade.
I know he’s hurting. The doctor said the good meds he gave him should take effect soon.
Hopefully, it will make the drive not so painful for him.
Time to help my man since he’s always helping me.