Page 66 of More Than a Little Spark

There is a hint of strain in Carson’s voice, which makes me think he’s in pain.But his delivery is calm, which is typical for him.And he’s giving Fred a distraction from his worry while letting me know he cares about how I feel.Carson better be okay because the chances of finding two men who are this funny, kind, and good-looking are zilch.

“I will.”Fred flashes a determined smile.“We’ll go eat, then meet you at the hospital.”

This is not the bonding experience I wanted.

“Sounds good.”Carson talks to someone on his end of the line.“I need to go.But I’ll see y’all soon.Love y’all.”

The call ends, and I change lanes so that I can hit the highway and drive into San Antonio.“What kind of food do you want?”

Fred shrugs.“Anything is fine.”

“You have to help me decide.All my brain power is focused on driving right now.”

“I’ll google restaurants that aren’t far from the hospital.He sent the name of it to both of us.”

“Thank you, Fred.That is helpful.”

He directs me to a Vietnamese restaurant, and I now somehow like this kid even more.

“This okay?”He opens the door to the restaurant and motions for me to go in first.

“This is great.”We sit at a table near the front window and look over the menu.And we’re both quietly checking our phones every couple of minutes.

By the time our food arrives, we’ve relaxed a bit.He’s asking questions and steering the conversation, trying to distract me from my worry.He may have only been around Carson for a few years, but he models some of the same behaviors.

One day, some girl will be very lucky.

Chapter29

Carson

Carson

Iopen my eyes and see Fred and Daphne standing next to my hospital bed.“Hey.”

She slips her cool fingers into my hand.“The doctor stopped by.He said that everything went well, and your leg should heal completely.It’ll just take some time.”

Fred crosses his arms.“I’ll help you, and I was also kind of thinking that maybe for the first few weeks while you need extra help, maybe Daphne could stay with us.”

Tears brim in her eyes.Nodding, she turns to face Fred.“I can absolutely do that.And I have some leave, so I can take off a few days when you leave the hospital.”

I squeeze her hand.“Daphne, you don’t have to take leave.Having you at the house would be a big help if you can swing it.I don’t want to interfere with your job though.And save your vacation days for fun stuff.”

“Okay.Fred has been great at helping me stay calm during the surgery.When we got here and found out it was happening, I was concerned.”

“She was freaking out a little bit,” Fred says with a subtle grin.

She bumps her shoulder against his.“Thanks for ratting me out.”

Fred is no longer distant when Daphne’s around.He’s not just being polite for my sake.He seems to genuinely enjoy having her around.

“I’m okay.Pain meds are working, so I feel great right now.But I don’t want to keep y’all out too late.Daphne, even though it’s a bit of a drive, do you mind taking Fred home tonight?”

“Dad, I want to stay with you.”Fred’s façade of calm is cracking.

I motion for him to come to the other side of the bed and hold out my hand.

He grips it.“I’ll be quiet and let you sleep.And if you need anything, I can get a nurse.I can help you, Dad.”

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