Page 93 of The Bartender's Baby

After George finished eating, and he fell asleep, I adjusted my top to cover up but continued to hold him, not wanting to put him down. When everything else felt so precarious, I needed the physical tether to my baby to keep me whole and sane. As we waited, I texted Genevieve to tell her I was here with Nate, not wanting to call her with the baby.

But I should have known she’d answer.

Gen

OMG WHAT HAPPENED

I’m not sure. I got a call that he was here and now I’m waiting in the er.

the check-in person told me he’s okay

he’s going to stay here though

Gen

OMG. OMG.

Gen

Are you okay? Where is George?

with me. we’re both here.

Gen

I’ll send Dylan.

No don’t

I don’t know what exactly is going on except he is going to be moved to a room for observation

please don’t send Dylan

there will be nothing for him to do

Gen

Fine. But keep me updated. Every ten minutes.

you need to sleep

Gen

I haven’t slept in days. I think I’m delirious. Text me. Call me. I don’t care but if you don’t I will send Dylan, and you don’t want his grumpy ass coming down there making a scene.

I outright laughed. Leave it to her to make melaughnow.

as soon as I know more I’ll call you.

The minutes crawled by for what felt like an eternity, but the nurse eventually waved me over.

“He’s asking for you,” she said, eyes crinkling with a secretive smile like maybe we weren’t supposed to be doing this. “Come on back.”

I followed her on shaky legs down the hall, George asleep in his car seat, my heart thudding in my ears.

She paused outside of a room and nudged the door open. “Go on in. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you both.”

I stepped inside, breath catching at the sight of Nate propped up in the hospital bed. His color was good, eyes alert, and he broke into a grin when he saw us.

---