Page 10 of The One Who Risked it All

As if on cue, Jake burst through the door, medical bag in hand. “Where to, Eli?”

“Living room,” I replied, all business now. I strode down the hallway, my first responder training kicking in. “Dad?” I called out. “It’s Eli. We’re here to help.”

I heard a weak groan in response, and my heart clenched. Rounding the corner, I saw him: my larger-than-life father, looking small and pale on the couch.

“Alright, Jake, let’s get vitals,” I ordered, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. I could already tell we were going to transport him. His breathing was shallow and the pain was written across his face. “Matteo, get the stretcher.”

The living room filled with the sounds of ripping Velcro and beeping monitors. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind was working overtime in the background. This was my dad. The man who’d taught me to throw a baseball, who’d grilled me about my grades, who’d looked disappointed when I told him I was failing Physics.

“Eli,” Dad’s voice was barely above a whisper. “The boys...”

“They’re fine, Dad,” I assured him, even though I wasn’t entirely sure. “Just focus on breathing, okay? We’ve got you.”

“Matteo,” I called out, “we’re gonna need that stretcher in here ASAP. Jake, what’s his BP looking like?”

I couldn’t help but notice how fragile he seemed. It was unsettling, seeing him like this. Part of me wanted to crack a joke, lighten the mood somehow, but I knew this wasn’t the time. Instead, I channeled all my energy into being the professional I’d trained to be.

I watched as Nathan’s crew loaded Dad onto the stretcher, my heart pounding in my chest. The guys were being extra careful, treating him like he was made of glass. I wanted to tell them to hurry up, to get him to the hospital already, but I bit my tongue. They knew what they were doing.

“Eli, honey,” Mom’s voice quavered beside me. “What about the boys? I need to go with him.” The indecision about what to do was tormenting her.

In all the chaos, I’d almost forgotten about my nephews. I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. “We’ll figure something out, Mom. Don’t worry.”

But as I said it, I realized I had no idea what to do. Nathan and Rebecca were out of town, and most of our extended relatives lived hours away. Mom needed someone local, someone who could handle three rambunctious kids at a moment’s notice.

And then it hit me. Carla.

My pulse skipped, a traitor to my composure. “I’ve got an idea,” I told Mom, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “You go with Dad in the ambulance. I’ll take care of the boys.”

Her grip tightened on my arm. She didn’t want to go without me either. I patted her arm. “I’ll take them back to the station with me for now. When I get off shift, I’ll meet you at the hospital, okay? It’s just a few more hours.” I glanced at my watch. Not even a few hours. The next shift might well be waiting for me when I got back to the station with the truck.

I could stay with the boys, but Mom needed me at the hospital. Thank God it was Saturday and Carla might actually be free.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was about to open a whole new can of worms. But what choice did I have? The boys needed someone, and Carla was the best option. Even if it meant stirring up old feelings and risking my dad’s wrath.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come.

I pulled out my phone, my thumb hovering over Carla’s name. How many times had I almost called her, only to chicken out at the last second? I’d almost deleted her number a hundred times, but never had. Did she even still have the same number?

I hit ‘call’ before I could overthink it.

“Eli?” Carla’s voice was a mix of surprise and wariness.

“Hey.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I could hear the strain in it. “Look, I know this is out of the blue, but I need a favor. It’s... it’s my dad. He’s had a heart attack.”

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “Oh, Eli. I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks. He’s on his way to the hospital now, but...” I swallowed hard. “I need someone to watch the boys. I hate to ask, but—“

“Say no more,” Carla interrupted. “I’ll be right there.”

Relief washed over me. “You’re a lifesaver, Carla. Truly. Meet me at the station?”

Now I would just have to explain to Dad why the daughter of his sworn enemy was watching his grandkids. That’d go over well. One battle at a time, though.

I turned to see my crew loading up the truck. Mom was already in the ambulance with Dad, looking small and scared. I jogged over, squeezing her hand through the open door.

“It’s going to be okay, Mom,” I said, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt. “Someone’s coming to watch the boys. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

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