Page 34 of Always Heated

“Cass is stronger than both of us combined, and she’s in good hands.” I hear the roar of his truck starting. “I’m on my way there. I’ll see you soon.”

I wipe away my tears on my shirt, willing them to stop but they don’t. “Okay, see you in a few.”

Five minutes later, I’m parked in a visitor spot and out of my truck in an instant. Running through the front entry, I makemy way to the check-in counter, barking at the woman behind it, “Cassidy Rogers.”

She types for a moment. “And your name?”

“Travis Harrison.” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I’m worried about her. She came in by ambulance and I need to know she’s okay.”

“I don’t have you as an emergency contact, sir. Are you family?”

My face falls. “No.”

“I’m sorry.” She glances at the SLFD logo on my shirt. “You know I can’t disclose any of her medical information, but I can let her know you’re here once she’s been moved to a room for observation.”

“And if I was family?”

“Then I would be able to give you an update.”

Fuck.

“Thank you.” I take a seat in the waiting area, rubbing my hands down my face. If I hadn’t waited years, she would be my wife, and I could see her. My self-loathing is cut short when the automatic doors open and Pop rushes in. “Pop!”

He glances around for a second, relieved when he spots me. I stand, and as I reach him, he wraps me in a tight hug. “How is she?”

“They won’t let me see her or give me an update—I’m not family.”

“Bull fucking shit. You’re my second son as far as I’m concerned, even if you don’t marry my daughter. Youarefamily, Travis.” He claps me on the back twice beforereleasing me. “Now, let’s go see how much trouble our girl got into.” Leading me back to the check-in counter, he greets the woman significantly kinder than I did. “Hi there, Paula. My daughter, Cassidy Rogers, was brought in not too long ago. Could you give us an update?”

“Of course, sir. May I see identification?” He shows her his driver’s license and she types something on the computer. “She is having trouble breathing, and is on oxygen, but is in one of our observation rooms. Would you like to see her?”

“That would be great, thank you.” As a man who spent years in the Navy, I’m not surprised he is able to remain calm and collected. When Caleb’s submarine was hit while doing repairs, Pop’s faith never wavered that Cay would be okay. Today is no different.

The woman gives us visitor badges and we make our way to room four hundred. I pause before entering. “What if she doesn’t want me here?”

“What’s that, son?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. But… what if Cass doesn’t want me here?”

Pop chuckles. “She texted me a few hours ago about how excited she is to move in with you.” He pulls out his phone and shows me their text thread.

Cassidy

You were right.

I know.

What was I right about this time?

Travis asked me to move in with him.

I said yes.

Oh. I thought you were going to tell me he finally proposed.

If he did, I would say yes.

I’m really excited! Have you seen the lake house? Even if he lived in a cardboard box, I would be happy, but that house? It’s like he remodeled it just for me.

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