Page 30 of Something Real with the Sea Monster (Kraken Cove #3)
THIRTY
Jack
Tegan is unusually quiet as we walk into the hospital. As we step through the big sliding doors, she slips her hand into mine and I look down to catch her anxious look.
“She’s fine,” I tell her. “They’re going to be fine.”
She nods, and we walk down the echoing corridors to the maternity ward, not passing anyone on the way.
Bega Hospital is the only one for the south coast region, but it’s still not that large.
We walk past a deserted café and rows of vending machines selling water and chocolates and deodorant. A strange mix.
It feels like a relief to step into maternity. There’s a comforting bustle and a nurse with blue scrubs on gives us a warm smile. “Visiting?”
Tegan clears her throat. “We’re here for Mia Sinclair—oh! Mia Wilson I mean.”
The nurse’s expression clouds for a moment, then her smile is back. “Oh yes. Room three.”
I hear Dad’s low rumble as soon as we get close to the room. A moment later, we enter and everyone turns to look.
Mom jumps up from the chair in the corner of the room. “Jackie! And Tegan. I’m so glad to see you both.”
I frown. “Why is everyone looking so surprised? It’s like you didn’t think I’d win her back.”
Luke smothers a snort.
Mom shakes her head. “Oh no. Not at all. It’s fate, after all. I just thought it might take a little… longer.” She walks straight past me and opens her arms to Tegan. “Tegan, love. Do I get to hug you? Are we family yet?”
Tegan looks surprised, but a moment later she’s in Mom’s arms, and I can just about feel the warmth. When Mom pulls back, Tegan is smiling.
She rushes over to the bed, where Mia has raised the back to sit. “Mia! I’m so sorry.”
They hug, and I’m distracted for a moment by Mom and Dad and Luke greeting me. Leaving Tegan to talk to Mia, I pull Luke aside. “How bad is it?”
“It could be worse. They’re both stable. Her blood pressure is still too high. The doctor said if they can’t get it down in the next couple of days, she might be here until the baby’s born. They might even try to induce her early. They’re not sure yet.”
I nod like I understand any of this, but I’m sadly out of my depth already. “So what does that mean? Can the baby survive if it’s born early?”
“Yeah. They said the longer we go the better, but anything from twenty-six weeks has a pretty high chance and after thirty weeks a very good chance. That’s a long time in bed though.” He glances back at Mia, and I know he’s worried.
I squeeze his shoulder. “It’s going to be fine. You just let me know what I can do to help. We can do a roster to make sure there’s someone here with her all the time, we can bring food, entertainment.”
Luke chuckles. “Trust you to make a roster, Jack. But I appreciate it. Right now I can’t think about leaving her, but I guess if it’s weeks, I’ll have to.”
Tegan straightens and turns. “Baby needs more chocolate! I’m taking Mia for a walk.” She helps Mia into a wheelchair and rolls her toward the door. “Don’t panic, anyone. We’ll only be a minute. Some things are a priority, though.”
I can see Luke wants to go with them, but I stop him. “They’ll be fine.”
He relents.
As soon as they’re out the door, Dad sits on the bed and folds his arms across his chest. “Now, Jack, you’d better explain why you filmed that nice young woman in such a compromising position and left it lying around where anyone could see.”
Luke laughs, and I elbow him. “Dad, I didn’t know anyone would look on my personal laptop.” I give Mom a meaningful look.
“Sorry, Jackie, I’m not used to you having secrets.”
That cuts a little. “She’s not a secret. And I’m a grown kraken. Which reminds me, I’ll be looking for a place to live now I’ve got a mate.”
Mom and Dad and Luke share a look, which rankles. “Well actually, Jack. We have some news of our own.”
I pause in the middle of saying that I’m going to get a hotel for the night and blink. “You do?”
Mom nods. “Your dad and I are moving out. Luke has built us a gorgeous little granny flat, and it’s time for us to downsize.
We can’t maintain a big, huge place now it’s just the two of us.
So why don’t you and Tegan move in above the Inlet Views?
It’s big enough for a family—” She winks at me and I flush.
I hadn’t even considered having a family.
“And you’ll be able to keep on running the place after we sign it over to you. ”
“You mean—?”
Dad grins. “We’re officially retiring. I’m now a gentleman of leisure. We’ll still be around if you need a day off, of course, but it’s time for us to take advantage of the stage of life we’re at while we can. The cancer taught me that. We have to enjoy it now. So we plan to travel a lot more.”
Luke slaps me on the back. “Congratulations, Jack. Looks like you’re the proud new owner of Inlet Views.”
“Wow. Thank you. There’s just one thing, though.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve gotta check with the boss before I say yes.”
Everyone laughs, and then Tegan and Mia are back. Tegan looks at me with a grin. “Did I hear you talking about me?”
I’m glad to see her spark back. I hated seeing her so quiet and reserved. I pull her into a hug as Luke helps Mia back into bed. “Just saying you have the final say on our living arrangements, if you’ll agree to move in with me that is?”
She answers straight away. “I’d love to. I think a sea-change to Kraken Cove is just what I’ve needed all along.”