Page 150 of Here With Me

“Then y’all will have to drag me outta here by my hair,” I deadpan.

“Okay.” She sighs and drops it.

I’m physically and mentally exhausted, my eyes are bloodshot from crying, and my body aches from sitting in this chair, but I don’t care. I’m not going anywhere until he’s awake.

After a moment of silence, I look at her. “He was sleepin’ in the bed of his truck because I told him it was better if he didn’t stay over anymore. If I hadn’t done that, he woulda been in my house,safe. He wouldn’t have gone to the barn to investigate or whatever he was doin’.”

“Noah.” She places her hand on my shoulder. “Ya gotta stop torturin’ yourself with the what-ifs. Fisher chose to go in there. If he hadn’t, all your horses woulda burned to death. If I hadn’t been at your house to smell the smoke and call 911, the flames coulda caught other buildings on fire. This is not your fault for not lettin’ him stay over. He chose to protect you, and knowin’ Fisher, he wouldn’t change a thing about that.”

Though she’s right, it doesn’t make me feel better. He’s suffering because of me.

One of the nurses enters, and we move out of her way so she can check his vitals. She tells me he’s doing well considering the circumstances. She explains that once his oxygen levels stabilize and his lungs clear up more, they’ll reduce his meds, and he should gradually wake up.

“Has his son arrived?” the nurse asks.

“No, I’ve called and texted, but it goes right to voicemail.”

“When he arrives, please let us know,” she says, her kind eyes trying to soothe me.

Once she leaves, Magnolia scrunches her face. “It’s weird Jase is MIA, don’t ya think?”

I nod. “Yeah, he was just visitin’ me yesterday. We talked about house decoratin’ ideas, and he made us tacos for supper. Didn’t say he’d be goin’ anywhere.”

“Did ya call his office?”

“Yep. They said he was off today.”

“Maybe one of your brothers should go to his apartment and check on him.”

“Yeah, good idea. I’ll ask Waylon. He’s the least likely to punch him just for existin’.”

She smirks because it’s true.

Noah

I can’t get ahold of Jase, and he’s not working today. Would ya mind going to his place to see if he’s home? He has no idea about his dad.

Waylon

Do I get to smack him around first?

I roll my eyes at his effort to be funny, but I’m too worried to laugh at his half-ass attempt.

Noah

This is serious! Fisher’s in critical condition, and his son deserves to know.

Waylon

Fine. I’ll head over and get back to ya.

Noah

Thank you! Let him know Fisher’s okay, but he really should come see him.

Waylon

Got it.