Page 95 of Rocky Mountain Home

She was back in the curtained area, Jesse pacing the floor when Dr. Kincaid returned, his expression gloomy. “One bit of good news—the dizzy spells are caused by an inner ear infection, and we can clear that up pretty easy. But there are a couple tests I’d like the lab in Calgary to take a look at. We won’t get results until Monday, and until we hear back from them, I want you to stay.”

Dare took a deep breath. “Here in Rocky Mountain House?”

“Here in the hospital.” The doctor held up a hand. “It’s completely a precaution. I don’t feel you or the baby are in danger, but there was something on one test I’d like to double-check. I want to be sure we’re treating any issues before they become trouble.”

Which made sense, and Dare got it, she really did, but the hollow ache inside just kept growing.

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

Dr. Kincaid patted the foot of the bed where Dare rested. “Stay here for now. I’ve asked one of the nurses to bring you to another room so we can free up the space in emergency. I’m on call for the rest of the afternoon, but the nurses will contact me if needed. I’ll be in touch with your regular doctor as soon as I can.”

Jesse shook the doctor’s hand then the man was gone. Quiet fell in their small little corner. Outside noises ebbed and peaked as a backdrop to the sound of Jesse’s boots on the linoleum floor as he paced.

Dare worked to take slow, controlled breaths. “Well, so much for dancing at Traders tonight.”

“Hey, you’re going to be fine, that’s the most important thing,” he assured her. “Doctors like to be cautious, that’s all.” He kept pacing as he spoke, and Dare was jealous of his ability to burn off anxiety energy.

It was true what he’d said—she didn’t have to like it.

Now that she knew she was stuck for a few days, she really needed to contact her family. She glanced around the room, shocked that in so small a space she couldn’t find anything easily.

“Where’s my phone?” She leaned toward the side table where her purse had been shoved.

He was there in an instant, all but growling as he placed the bag on the bed beside her. “Don’t overdo it.”

Dare raised a brow, nerves making her speak sharper than she’d intended. “If picking up my phone is going to be the straw that pushes me over the edge, then everything is not fine, Jesse. Don’t baby me.”

“I’m trying to take of you,” he snapped.

God. He was right, but she wasn’t capable of nuance right now. She was about to apologize when a new voice sang out cheerfully.

“Hello, behind the curtain.” The pale fabric slid aside again, this time quieter than before. A dark-haired nurse with stylish dark-framed glasses stood on the other side, wheelchair beside her. “Your chariot awaits.”

“Tamara?” Jesse grabbed the bag the woman offered before turning to Dare. “Another cousin, if you can’t tell. Whiskey Creek.”

Tamara dipped her chin. “The best part of the clan, you’ll discover. Hey. You must be Dare.”

“I recognize you,” Dare said. “You were in the room when we visited Justin yesterday.”

“Good eye.” Tamara pushed Jesse aside without blinking, moving to the bedside. “Be useful and put her things in that bag, J-man. My turn to help your lady.”

Tamara got Dare seated in the wheelchair, all the while ordering Jesse around. Her nurse’s scrubs were a pale blue with little bears dancing over the surface. She was bossy and friendly, and even Jesse relaxed a little as Tamara cracked another joke.

Dare actually caught herself smiling as she was pushed into the elevator.

“You get one of the finest views in the hospital.” Tamara stepped to one side until Dare could see her face. “It’ll be quiet too. There’s a second bed, but no one’s using it at the moment, so you get the room all to yourself.”

“Are you going to be my nurse?”

Tamara nodded. “Hope that’s okay.”

“I thought you were on the delivery ward,” Jesse asked abruptly.

She turned toward him, one brow arched high. “You’re so out of date, cuz. One of the joys of small-town hospital practice is I get to do it all. Delivery was before Emergency which was before Rehab. I switched to general Maternity six months ago.”

“So I’m still considered maternity?” Dare asked, her hand rubbing her belly like a touchstone.

“Of course. You’ve got a bun in the oven, and we’re going to do what we can to make sure everyone gets baked for as long as necessary—or something like that.” Tamara winked. “Analogies always fall apart if you push them too far.”