Page 50 of All In Good Time
Chapter 13
Rory’s roomwas dark when they entered, his still form barely visible in the bed.
Sara walked to the window and grabbed hold of the shutters blocking the sun. “May I?”
“Yes, please,” Kat responded.
Sunlight flooded the room and Sara got her first good look at Rory. There was no doubt he was Nick’s brother. The same dark hair and tall physique were obvious to her even as he lay in bed. It was also clear that he had lost muscle mass since the time of his accident. He did not look well.
“Rory?” Kat softly said as she sat on the edge of the bed and reached for his hand.
His eyes opened and then closed again. “Rory, I’ve brought someone to see ye. She has something with her that may help ye be well again.”
It was as if he didn’t hear her. No movement came from the bed. Kat motioned Sara over and switched places with her. “Rory. My name’s Sara. I’ve come here with some news for you. Some news from Ailsa.”
At the sound of her name, his eyes opened again and he gazed steadily at Sara.
“You know Ailsa, right?” Sara asked.
His lips moved, but no sound was emitted. He tried again and this time croaked out, “Aye. Ailsa.”
“She was wondering why you didn’t come back for her.”
“I’m sorry. Wanted to.” His voice was getting stronger.
“We’ll talk more in a minute. I’ve brought some medicine for you. I’m going to give some to you now. It should help you to feel better.” Sara motioned to Logan for help. “Hold his head up so he can swallow this.” Logan did as instructed, and Sara placed a pill in his mouth and then gave him water to drink.
Rory swallowed it, but it seemed to sap him of all his energy. He sagged back into the pillow, eyes closed. Sara glanced at Logan who wore a concerned expression on his face.
“Rory?” Sara wasn’t sure whether he was still awake or if he had fallen back into unconsciousness. It took a moment, but he opened his eyes again.
“Aisla. Why didnae she come with ye?” he asked.
“She doesn’t know we’re here. Rory, Aisla is with child. Your child.” She heard Kat gasp on hearing this.
A lone tear trickled down his cheek. “Love her,” was all he could manage to say. “Tell her I love her.”
“We will,” Sara said, but you’ll be able to tell her yourself. You’re going to be better soon. I promise.” She didn’t know that she could promise anything of the sort. She was trying to give him a reason to pull through. A reason to live. “She loves you, too.”
There was no way of knowing if he’d heard her. He appeared to be sleeping deeply, so she let go of his hand and wiped the tears from her eyes. The sadness she felt for Rory and Aisla was compounded by the sadness she felt for herself and Logan. She’d never been a very religious person, but she said a prayer now that Rory would live. Her reasons were no longer purely selfish ones. She wanted Aisla, Rory and their child to be a happy little family. “Please God, if you can hear me. Please don’t take Rory away from Aisla. She loves him and needs him. Please make him well again.”
The others in the room solemnly watched and listened. Kat went to Sara. “I’ll take care of him now. Do you have the prescription bottle? I’ll see that he takes the pills.”
“Did you say prescription bottle?” Sara looked up at Kat, eyes wide.
“Aye. Yes, Sara. I’m a fellow time traveler and so is Nick.” Kat smiled.
“Amazing! So is Logan!”
“We’ll have to speak more about our experiences, but for now I’m going to tend to Rory.” Sara moved to the end of the bed so Kat could take her seat. She looked back at Rory, he was lying there so still.
“Thank you, Sara.” Nick came to her and wrapped her in a hug.
“I’m just trying to help,” she said.
“Is it true? Is Aisla carrying Rory’s babe?”
“She is,” Sara answered.