Page 206 of Keep This Promise
Dr. Baxter interrupts. “It’s protocol because, when it’s family, sometimes even doctors can make rash decisions that aren’t in the best interest of the patient. So, it’s to protect the patient as well as the physician. As I said, he can consult, and I promise you that I will treat your daughter as if she were my own.”
I want to cry. At least when Holden was in charge, I was confident that her doctor wouldn’t allow anything to happen to her. I don’t know Dr. Baxter, and the thought of a total stranger holding Eden’s health in his hands is terrifying. I must’ve made a sound because Holden is moving toward me, pulling me into his arms. “It’s okay. Dr. Baxter is excellent, and I’ll be here the whole time.”
I nod, tears falling.
“It’s overwhelming, I know, but I promise, Sophie, I may not be her doctor, but I am her father, and I willneverlet anything happen to her.”
I grip him tighter, holding on because I might just fall apart if he lets go.
ChapterTwenty-Two
SOPHIE
Ido my best to sleep, but between Eden’s machine beeping and the constant foot traffic, it is nearly impossible. I sit up, opening my eyes and finding Holden’s chair is empty. He has kept vigil by her side, talking with everyone who enters and offering suggestions. I check my phone and see it’s only three in the morning.
Eden is sleeping peacefully, so I walk to the doorway to see if he’s in the hall.
Through all of this, he’s been a rock. After he and Dr. Baxter spoke about Eden’s numbers, he made me take the recliner, put blankets over me, and told me to rest.
I don’t find him, but I do spot a nurse standing at the nurses’ station. “Do you know where Dr. James is?” I ask.
She gives me a soft smile. “He went to his office to go over some test results. He said that, if you needed him, to call. Would you like me to do that?”
“No, no. I can go see him. I don’t want to leave her, but . . .”
“Why don’t you go, and I’ll sit with Eden. I was just about to go on lunch and read, so I don’t mind sitting beside her instead.”
“Oh, are you sure? I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not. I promise, no one will ever look for me there. My name’s Harlow, by the way.”
“It’s nice to meet you, and thanks for keeping an eye on her, I appreciate it.”
I’m about to try to figure out where Holden’s office is, when she adds, “Ms. Peterson, I know you both came in quickly, but . . . would you be more comfortable in something else?”
I’m still wearing the dress from last night. Changing out of these clothes would be nice.
“You and I look to be about the same size. I keep a spare set of scrubs.” She reaches under the counter, grabs a bag, and pulls out a bundle of light blue clothes. “His office has a changing area if you need to freshen up.”
I take the offered scrubs and smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“Can you direct me to where his office is?”
She explains the route, which seems easy enough to follow even though I’m so tired and overly emotional. This has been such a traumatizing event. Even more so than what brought me to Rose Canyon. Eden is my everything, and I worry so much about the future now.
I arrive at the office with his name on the door and knock softly.
“Come in!” I hear him yell.
When I enter, his head is resting on his fist, and he’s holding a piece of paper in the air, but he doesn’t look up at me.
“Did you bring me her latest blood tests?” he asks.
“I didn’t.”
Holden’s head lifts, and he stares at me with bloodshot eyes. His hair is a disheveled mess, and he’s also still wearing the same clothes he had on last night.
