Page 112 of Discretion

Before I could talk myself out of it, I picked up the phone and hit the button to connect the call to him. I knew he’d be waiting for an update, and I needed to hear his voice.

“Just a sec,” he said, answering the call after the second ring. I could imagine him excusing himself from his current meeting, holding the phone to his ear as he went somewhere more private. “Okay.”

All the emotions of the morning poured out of me, and I started crying.

“Halle?” he asked. “What’s wrong? Is it Kai? Is he okay?”

“He’s—” I sniffled. “I’m sorry. Yeah. He’s in recovery. They said it went well, and we should have the results in a few days.”

“Oh good. That’s good.” Relief threaded through his words. “What about you? Are you okay?”

“I—” I hiccupped around a sob. “I wish you were here.”

Jasper had insisted on hiring a driver to transport us to and from the hospital. I hadn’t even fought him on it. I’d appreciated the help, and I knew he needed to do it for himself.

“I can be there in thirty minutes,” Jasper said. “Ten, if I can get the hospital to clear me to land on the helipad.”

I laughed at the idea, but I knew he’d do it. Even if he had to donate enough to fund a new wing of the hospital, Jasper would gladly do it to be here for Kai, for me.

“I’m serious, Halle.”

“I know,” I said, feeling lighter from his support. “Will you come over when we get home?”

“Of course,” he said. “And you’re right. It’s probably best if I stay here. Pierce was already pissed about my leaving Colorado early for a family emergency.”

I frowned. When it came to Jasper and his family, Pierce was always very supportive. He was practically one of them, and I knew he’d do anything for Graham, Jasper, Knox, Nate, or Sloan.

“That doesn’t sound like Pierce.”

Jasper seemed to hesitate, and before he could answer, the door to Kai’s room opened. I stood, watching as the staff rolled his bed back in. I scanned Kai’s form—sleepy but breathing normally. Such a relief.

“I have to go. They just came back with Kai.”

“Okay. Tell him hi, and I’ll see you both later. I love you.”

“Love you too,” I said before disconnecting the call. I went over to the bed. “Hey, buddy.”

“Mummy?” he whispered, while the nurses monitored his vital signs.

I placed my hand over Kai’s. “Yep, baby.” I swiped away a tear. “It’s me. You feel okay?”

“I’m sleepy.” He spoke softly, the words drawn out.

“I know,” I said. “You might be for a while. Just rest, okay?”

“Okay.”

“You did so well,” I said, making sure he had his favorite stuffed dog from Jasper. “So proud of you, baby.”

“I wish Dad and Jasper and Rosie were here.”

“Me too.” I smoothed his hair away from his face. “But Jasper promised to come over as soon as we get home. Sound good?”

“Mm-hmm.” His eyes closed once more. “I really like him. I’m glad he’s our friend.”

“Me too,” I said, smiling. Jasper was a lot more than just my friend, but now wasn’t the time to tell Kai that. Even so, I had a feeling that when we did finally break the news to Kai, he’d be happy about it.

Kai was quiet for a while, waking up slowly. Finally, he said, “Mummy?”