Page 13 of The One Who Risked it All

I tapped my chin, pretending to think hard. “Well, how about we start with building the world’s biggest pillow fort?”

Their eyes lit up, and just like that, the ice was broken. I took them home, using the garage code to get into their house. We spent the morning constructing an elaborate fortress in the living room, complete with secret tunnels and a pillow drawbridge. As we worked, I kept my phone close, expecting updates from Eli.

Sure enough, it buzzed around noon.

Eli: Dad’s stable. Tests ongoing. Thanks again for this.

I typed a quick reply, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at seeing his name on my screen.

Me: No problem. Boys are having a blast. Keep us posted.

Lincoln tugged at my sleeve. “Miss Carla, can we have dinosaur-shaped sandwiches for lunch?”

I grinned, pushing thoughts of Eli aside. “Absolutely! Let’s see if we can make a whole Jurassic Park on our plates.”

As we crafted our prehistoric lunch, my phone buzzed again.

Eli: You’re a lifesaver. How are you managing?

I stared at the message, biting my lip. The genuine concern in his words made my heart do that annoying somersault again.

I snapped a photo of the dinosaur sandwiches and broccoli trees.

Me: We’re good. I’m currently ruling over a kingdom of pillows and dinosaur sandwiches.

His reply came quickly.

Eli: All hail Queen Carla! May she always bless the kingdom with her beauty and grace.

I felt a warmth spread through me at the compliment, my cheeks blazing as I fought back the grin spreading across them.

Eli: Sounds like Dad’s going to be okay. He’s in surgery now, and then it’ll be medication and rest. He’s probably here for 3-4 days at least, though.

Me: Wow. I’m glad he’s okay.

I started typing a question, but deleted it. I didn’t want to bother him while he was still dealing with everything. As long as someone was able to take the boys before I had to go back to school I would be fine. And since it was officially Thanksgiving break, we had a full week before that happened.

Before I could set down the phone, it began to ring in my hand. I glanced at the screen, seeing Eli’s name flashing in bold letters. Swallowing my sudden nerves, I answered the call.

“Hey, Eli. Everything okay?” I tried to keep my tone light, masking the worry that threatened to seep in.

There was a brief pause on the other end before Eli’s voice came through, gravelly with exhaustion. “We’re all good here. Are you sure you’re okay?”

My heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in his tone. “Of course. We’re fine here.” I hesitated. “Do you… do you know when you’ll be back? Have you talked to Nathan or Becca?”

“I talked to Nathan and insisted they stay at the beach. Dad’s going to be okay, and they deserve the break. Plus, their flights would be really expensive to change. Look, I hate to ask, but I won’t be able to make it back tonight,” he began, and I could hear the strain in his voice. “Mom needs me here, and I can’t leave her alone.”

My chest tightened with empathy for Eli and his family situation. “Don’t worry about it,” I replied without hesitation. “I’ll take care of the boys for as long as you need. Can I give the boys an update, though? They’re worried.”

“Definitely. Tell them Grandpa’s going to be okay. Actually… why don’t you bring them to visit tomorrow? It’ll be good for Dad to see them.”

“Are you sure it won’t be too much?” He assured me it wouldn’t, and that he’d let me know if that changed.

After lunch the next day, I gathered the boys in the living room, my teacher voice kicking in. “Alright, team, we’ve got an important mission. We’re going to visit Papa at the hospital.”

Joey’s little eyes widened. “Is Papa still sick?”

I nodded, keeping my tone gentle but firm. “He is, buddy. That’s why we need to be on our best behavior. The hospital is a place where people go to get better, so we need to be quiet and respectful. Can you guys do that for me?”

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