Page 143 of Faking the Shot

“Thank you.”

“Hey, would I seem like a real nut if I was to ask you for a photo?”

Zac laughed. “I can’t believe the brother of Brent Karlsson is asking me that.”

“Hey, it’s a completely different thing when it’s your brother. I knew him when he was a bratty kid. He still can be sometimes. It’s a good thing he married that Aussie. Holly brought him into line.”

Just like he wished Ainsley could do to him, so he could be the husband she needed.

They took the photo, and Dean promised to look into the matter tomorrow.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” They shook hands.

“I hope we can get a good result soon.”

“Me too,” Zac said. In all kinds of things.

* * *

Ainsley had just pulledinto her apartment block when her phone rang through the car’s speaker. She glanced at the screen. “Hi Diana.”

“Ainsley, are you still on the island?”

“No, I just got home. I’m going back in a couple of days.”

“Oh, I need a really big favor. I have to go to the hospital with Tanner. Could you come to our house to babysit Jack and Faith? Chris is meeting me at the hospital.”

“Of course! I’ll be right there.”

She prayed all the way to Diana’s. In the midst of pain there were still moments that demanded she move out of herself and face reality.

Diana was loading Tanner into the car when she arrived. “Oh, thank you for coming. I’m fairly certain he’s broken his collarbone. Chris is meeting us at the hospital. Kids are inside. I’m sorry I need to go.”

“I’ll be praying.”

“Thanks.”

She hurried to the front door and wrapped an arm around Jack and Faith’s shoulders. And stood with them as they waved goodbye.

“Hey guys, what happened?”

“Tanner was being stupid,” Jack said. “He climbed up on top of the bunk bed and dropped down like he thought he was Spider-Man.”

“Oh. Poor guy.”

“He screamed so loud,” Jack said.

“That must’ve been scary.”

Faith nodded, her eyes welling up in tears.

“Oh sweetheart.” Ainsley picked her up and tucked her head into her shoulder. “You don’t need to worry. He’ll be okay. And Mommy and Daddy will be back soon.”

“I’m scared.”

“You know what? We should pray.”

Faith nodded. “Dear God, be with Tanner, help him get better soon, Amen.”

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