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Gladys stepped to Thea’s bedside and propped her hands on her hips. “You ready to blow this popsicle stand?”

Thea’s eyes widened. “Really? Now?”

“Really now,” Gladys confirmed. “The doctor just put in the discharge order. Do you have clothes?”

Thea tried to sit up straighter and sucked in a sharp breath. The broken ribs were still giving her fits, and Brett’s stomach turned every time she moved and winced.

“Yes. I have clothes.”

Brett grabbed the bag Emerson had sent and brought it to Thea’s side. Her cousin stopped by earlier to bring Thea’s luggage. She’d also offered to return Thea’s rental car.

While Brett hadn’t been thrilled to see Emerson again, her attitude had been much better the second time she stopped by. She’d probably offered to help out with the rental because she felt bad about whatever she’d said to Thea the first time she visited. Brett hadn’t asked, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

Thea dug in the bag, pushing through clothes. “Um, can you help me change, please?” she asked Gladys.

“Sure thing.”

Brett clapped his hands. “Sounds like my cue to leave. I’ll be outside.”

He stepped out and looked up and down the hallway. The days were starting to run together.

Thea had agreed to stay at the ranch after the discharge. She’d be bound to crutches for at least a week. Hadley’s mom was in a wheelchair after a major stroke, so the cabin already had a ramp that might make it easier for her.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he called Jess. She’d probably brush him off again, but one last try to get through to her wouldn’t hurt.

“What’s up?” Jess answered.

“She’s getting discharged.”

“Good.”

Brett took a deep breath before begging. “Please come to the ranch.”

“No.”

“I know you can take care of yourself, but what if they come looking for you? They’ve already hurt Thea.”

“I’m not Thea,” Jess said sternly.

“But you’re in danger just like she is. If you come to the ranch, I can keep an eye on both of you.”

“Sorry, bro. I’m staying here,” Jess said in her typical monotone voice. “I like my house, and I worked too hard to get this place.”

Jess was a hard worker. He loved that about her. But she was being stubborn on this point. Living on your own was great until there wasn’t anyone around when you called for help.

“But you don’t have a roommate now. You’re paying the whole rent. Housing at the ranch is cheaper.”

“I don’t want to. End of story.”

Knowing he’d lost this one, Brett sighed. “All right. Just be careful, okay?”

“I’m always careful.”

She was. Everything was literal with Jess. She took things at face value and did what was logical.

Brett’s attachment to Thea was irrational to his sister. He understood her qualms, but he knew how to make up his mind and stick to it too.

“Okay, then. I guess this is the last time I’ll bring it up.”