Curves for the Single Dad

At that moment the doctor strolled into the room with a professional smile on his face. “Everything should heal properly unless you’re one of those police officers who thinks they’re superhuman.””

Nope, I’m well aware of just how human I am Doc.”

“Excellent. You’ve got a pretty good bruise on your hips and it’s going to hurt for a while but nothing is fractured. I’m more concerned with the hit your head took.” He shook his head and looked down at my medical chart. “You’ve got a pretty nice goose egg and I’m afraid you have a concussion, which means you’ll need some supervision.”

“I’ll do it.” Leave it to my sister to turn anything into a competition.

“Do what?” Mara and Joss strolled into the hospital room wearing worried expressions.

“I have a concussion and I need a babysitter and I’m sure you’re happy to help, right Mara?” I sent her a pleading look because while I loved my sister, Gretchen could make even Mother Teresa lose her cool with her hovering and constantly wiping and sweeping. Tidying.

“Uh, sure. I can do that.”

“She can’t. Her shift at the Bread Box starts in the middle of the night!” Dang, she had a point and I had no counterpoint.

“I’ll do it,” Ry said with a wide, satisfied smile. “I’m a professional, plus Penny and Mike are already on their way from Tulip.”

“Really?” He nodded and I don’t know why, but the gesture touched me. More than that, it brought tears to my eyes. “Thank you, Ry. That’s really sweet.”

“No problem. What’s family for?”

“I’m family,” Gretchen insisted angrily.

“Of course you are, that’s why you’ll make your delicious lasagna for me when the doctor let’s me out here. Won’t you?” I poked out my bottom lip and gave her big cow eyes to bring the point home.

“Oh, you know I will.” She laughed and rolled her eyes. “Of course, I will. I’m so happy you’re okay Tara.” Gretchen stood and wrapped me in a gentle but firm hug. “So glad.”

“I’m fine,” I insisted, blinking back more tears. “At least I will be when I learn how long my sentence is?”

The doctor smiled. “Overnight, longer if something pops up I need to monitor. Can you handle that?”

“Yes. Absolutely.” Like most of my fellow officers, I didn’t like being confined. Locked up. Unable to help if needed. “Whatever you say, Doc.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Just take it easy and listen to your body. The nurses will do the rest.” The doctor left me with my four guests, all looking at me with varying degrees of worry etched on their faces.

“My keys are in my pants, Ry. You and the family can stay there since I’ve got a room for the night. Just do me a favor and put away my study materials before dinosaur boy gets to town.”

“You sure? We can get a place in town.”

“Why bother? My fridge is full-ish and I have an extra room plus a nice fluffy sofa for Mikey. Enjoy the house before the patient comes home. That’s an order.”

“If you insist. Come on, Gretchen you can show me the way and give me the tour.” Ry winked and I gave him a grateful smile before he escorted my sister and her tension out of the room.

“Damn girl, you got hit by a truck and you’re still bossing people around, I knew you were a badass even without the gun.” Mara flashed an impressed smile and sat down. “I have a burrito in my purse. Just for you.”

“Uh, thanks?”

“A total badass,” Joss sighed. “I need a small dose of that.”

Mara snorted. “A gorgeous woman and an athlete? Give me a break, woman.”

Joss blushed and took a seat beside the window. “How are you feeling Tara?”

I sighed and answered the question, figuring it was good practice for when every person in Pilgrim stopped by to ask the exact same question. Well every person but one.

Maybe two if you included his daughter.

Chris

“Please Daddy! She’ll feel bad if we don’t go see her.” Lila stood beside my desk jumping up and down to add a big fat exclamation point to her pleading. “It’s rude!”

I sighed and turned to my daughter, knowing if I didn’t answer her, the insistent begging would never end. “I’m sure the whole town has already stopped by to wish Tara well.”

“But not me! We’re friends Daddy, and she’s gonna think I forgot. Or that I don’t care.” Whether intended or not, Lila’s adorable little pout was starting to change my mind. Almost. “Daddy.”

“Lila, I already told you that I don’t have time today. I need to get some writing done. Maybe later.” Seeing Tara laid up in a hospital bed might be too traumatic for a small child and I couldn’t risk it. I wouldn’t.

“I’ll be gone later,” she whined and stomped her feet.