Chapter 36 Riggs
THIRTY-SIX
RIGGS
Walking into my dad’s hospital room, I feel bile rise in my throat. I hold on to Reagan like she is my lifeline because at this moment, she is. She squeezes my hand and lets me walk in first. It may be a small gesture, but it keeps me grounded when all I want to do is run away from all of this.
It takes everything in me not to fall to the ground as I see my father, weak and pale, lying in a hospital bed.
He is sleeping and looks at peace, his pain being managed by the medications flowing into him from the IV bags next to the bed.
Mom sits on one side holding his hand. I walk over to the other side and pull up two chairs, so Reagan and I can sit. I’m not sure he even knows we’re here.
As we wait for the doctor, time passes slowly.
It doesn’t take long before Dad stirs and opens his eyes.
They look confused at first, but then widen as he darts them between Mom and me.
As realization sets in, he tries to control his emotions and offers a small smile.
I know he is doing it for us because no one in his position would be smiling otherwise.
“Oh, honey, I’m so glad you are awake. You scared me!” Mom playfully swats at him, easing some of the tension flowing through the room.
The doctor walks in, gives a professional smile, and then gets right down to it.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hart, I don’t want to be harsh, but things aren’t looking good.
I want to keep Joel here for a few days to try to get things stable.
” He gives them a sad grimace as he realizes that means Dad will be here over Christmas.
“Riggs, can you and Reagan give us a moment with the doctor?” Dad says in a serious tone. I don’t even try to argue as I stand, grab Reagan’s hand, and we walk to the door.
“We’ll go grab coffee. Nora, I’ll get you one as well,” Reagan says.
Mom gives her a smile, mouthing, “Thank you,” as we step into the hall.
I stay silent as we slowly walk to the elevator that will take us down to the cafeteria. Reagan looks up at me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders, her touch calming me and sending my pulse racing at the same time. I push the button to the lobby, and we wait for the doors to open.
“I don’t know what to say, Riggs. I want to be here for you and help in any way I can.” Stepping on the elevator, I quickly close the door so that it’s just us.
“Right now, I just need you, Reagan.” I pull her to me in an embrace and squeeze her tight.
“You have me, Riggs.” I hope she means that. But also, I don’t know if I can give her anything. I don’t know anymore.
I smile as the elevator doors open. “Come on, Sunshine. Let’s go grab that coffee.”
Walking back toward my dad’s room, Reagan stops and stands in front of me. “I’m going to check in with my family. I only texted them that I was coming here, and they’ve been blowing up my phone. You go in and see your dad. I’ll be right here when you’re ready for me to come in.”
I nod. “Thank you for being here.” She gives me a devastating smile before I gently open the door to my dad’s room.
Walking in, I give Mom a coffee and take the other seat next to Dad’s bed. I look at my mom, eyes pleading with her to say something so that I don’t have to ask what the doctor said.
Thankfully, she sees it and begins to talk, voice a little unsteady. “Your dad is going to stay in the hospital for a little while. He needs more than we can do at home right now. I know it isn’t ideal with Christmas coming. But we can all be together the whole day.”
I take a deep breath as I search her eyes for more. I know she’s holding back something, but I take it in. Christmas at the hospital is the last thing I wanted for my dad. But selfishly, knowing he will be with us is enough right now.