Page 49 of Doctor Second Chance

Of course, I'm grateful for what it means for her, too. But the happiness I feel right now is for Opie. Fucking A. All I can think about is that his chances of getting his mom back have increased significantly.

She's still in there.

Carly caught me as I was heading to Elle's room. Elle was the first person I wanted to share this news with when I got the call. We haven't spoken in two days, but her sincere care when I told her about Ari's disappearance before she got sick again was touching. She clearly understood what a tragedy it would be for Opie if he lost his mother.

At the time, she didn’t even know that Ari was in the hospital in a coma due to the accident. We only knew she had gone to Texas for the Independence Day holiday and didn’t show back up to get Opie.

When Carly catches me en route, I can’t help but tell her, too.

Her reaction is gold. She gets excited about the most mundane news, so her over-the-top response and squeeze on my neck mirrors my glee. It feels good when someone else is as elated as you are with happy news.

The nurse's station is just outside of Elle's new room. After Carly lets go of me, I turn to go tell Elle. I notice the curtains are drawn, and the door closed, so I decide to save it for another time.

My smile falters slightly. I don't want to disturb her if she's resting or has company, especially if it's him.

"Thanks for always being so great, Carly," I say, patting her arm as I walk back by her desk. "It's a good day. I'm heading back to the clinic. Just wanted to share the good news."

What I don't say is that I am up here to share the news with Elle, not her. I walk toward the elevator, deflated. A taste of my own medicine, I suppose. It still hurts going down.

3:57 pm

I’m finishing up my notes when Carly pops her head into the office. “Hey, Shep, you still getting off soon? I need a strong, handsome man to walk me out.”

“You’re hilarious. Yeah, just wrapping things up,” I reply, glancing at the clock. It’s later than I like to finish up on my clinic days.

“Great timing. I’m heading home too. I have an idea—how about I pick up Opie and take him to see that new Minions movie? Give him a change in scenery and give you a free evening.” She grins, clearly excited about the idea.

“No, but you’re so kind to offer. You don’t have to do that. Us boys have our evenings down.”

“Honestly. I want to see the movie and need an excuse to go. I can’t be so pathetic as to walk in there by myself with my popcorn all by my lonesome. If I take a kid, he will be my cover.”

“You’re a nut. I do know he would love it. Are you sure? I know how busy your social life is,” I comment, alluding to her very active dating habits.

“Absolutely. I’m truly excited about it. Plus, he will be my hottest date this week,” she jokes with a laugh. “We can do the movie, and then I’ll take him out for pizza. We’ll be home by 7:30 for a bath and bedtime. Come on, Shep, let me do this for you and for Opie.”

I hesitate for a moment, but Carly’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Alright, you’ve convinced me. He’ll love it.” I could use a release and a break if I’m being completely honest.

“Great! I’ll head over to your place now,” she says, beaming. “Maybe let your nanny know so she doesn’t think I’m kidnapping him. What’s her name again?”

“Deal,” I reply with a chuckle. “Thanks, Carly. I’ll call Cason to let her know you’ll be relieving her. She’s always on high alert for overly enthusiastic lady kidnappers, so good call.”

After she leaves, I pull out my phone and shoot a text to Cason.

Hey Cason. My friend Carly from the hospital wants to take Opie out for a movie. She’s going to pick him up around 4:30. Will you please make sure he is dressed and ready to go?

Absolutely. That’s great. Opie will be pumped.

I send her a thumbs-up emoji, and suddenly, my afternoon is looking up.

“Cason is expecting you. She will get Opie ready. Sadly, you’ll have to find another strapping fellow to walk you to your car. I’m heading for a workout. But I’ll have my phone, so call me if you need me at all. I’ll plan to be at the house by 7:30.”

“If you’re not, no worries. I’m fully capable of doing the whole bedtime deal, too. Thanks for letting me hang with the little man.”

“Thank you! I really appreciate it!

I send a quick text to Buster while we head in opposite directions.

Free tonight to cash in that raincheck. Up for a beer or two after I hit the gym?

---