Page 193 of Debts and Desires
I drove like hell to Doc Nelson’s. I stole glances down at the one who’d been with me through thick and thin.
“You’re a good boy, Mac,” I whispered, patting him. I chanced another look. Seeing Mac’s breathing was shallow, labored. I drove faster.
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
85. GOOD BOY, MAC
April 17
Ihad only just put the truck in park when Doc Nelson swung open the doors to her building. Three others were with her. I felt bad for not knowing their names, but I’d make sure to learn them later once they helped Mac.
Ifthey could help Mac.
My throat constricted.
“Careful now,” the doctor urged, helping Emmy down slowly. Once Em was out of the way, the doctor turned her attention to Mac. She looked him over before looking at her team and me. “Help me get him on the gurney. We don’t want to jostle him too much.”
Once he was secured, they were wheeling Mac inside, prepping him for surgery. We followed, but were stopped just inside the reception area. I just stood there, watching the now closed door as they all disappeared down the hall behind. Emmy made her way to me, burying her face in my chest as she sobbed and sobbed. I felt helpless. So fucking helpless.
But she needed me.
I pulled her over to the chairs, pulling her on my lap so she didn’t get blood on the seats. She didn’t fight me, laying herhead on my chest as silent tears spilled from her eyes. I took that time to look her over. She seemed okay, minus a few bruises. When she calmed down some, I felt her wince against me as she tried to get comfortable.
“You need to go to the hospital, Buttercup,” I said.
“Not until I know he’s okay.”
“Em, you need to make sure the baby is okay.”
“The baby is fine.”
“You don’t know?—”
“I do know, Carter. Jed didn’t get my stomach, just my face and neck. I didn’t lose enough oxygen to—” she cut herself off, shaking her head. “Everything is okay. I’m just a little sore and bruised. When I know Mac is okay, I’ll go. I promise.”
I wasn’t going to argue, choosing to trust her judgement despite every bone in my body screaming at me to drag her ass out to get looked at.
My phone rang then. Carefully moving the two of us, I pulled it out of my pocket and answered it on speaker.
“BJ’s safe, unharmed,” Ty said. Some relief flashed over Emmy, me as well. “I gave her lots of treats and put her in your room for now until the officers get things sorted.”
“Is he… dead?”
“No.”
I took a moment, letting myself breathe. The bastard. I was afraid that somehow he’d get away with it again.
“Thanks, Ty,” I finally said.
“No problem. How’s Em?”
“Stubborn,” I gritted, looking at her. Normally, she’d have a snappy comeback, but right now I knew that with all that worry filling her up, she didn’t have it in her. “Once we know Mac is fine, we’re headin’ to Macon Community. Let Randy know.” I heard Ty tell him before getting back on the line with me.
“Alright, Jameson said he’ll talk with Em at hospital. Just call him when you’re on your way. I’ll text you his number.”
“Will do, Ty. Thank you.”
“Of course. Keep me updated.”
