Page 149 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“You bet,” Rod smiled.
“I’ll increase your evening meal to soft foods, and we’ll see how you do with that. If you still feel good in the morning and your vitals stay strong, we’ll get you out of here tomorrow.”
Rod beamed. “Great, Doctor Wilson.”
Wyl couldn’t stop smiling. The relief of seeing Rod’s improvement, added to the excitement of having him awake and alert, took all the stress away.
“I’ll stop by in the morning to check on you.” Doctor Wilson and the nurse left.
Rod gazed at Wyl. “C’mere.”
Wyl ambled over to him, and Rod reached up and pulled him into a kiss.
“I love you,” he said softly.
“I love you too, baby.”
* * *
Rod devoured the beef/vegetable soup, along with the fresh roll they brought him for supper. They even got a tray for Wyl so they could eat together.
At 6:00, they heard a soft knock at the door. Wyl stood and pulled it open for the Snowdons. “Hi, guys. Come in. Rod is eager to see you.”
“I hope we’re not disturbing his rest,” Rebekah commented.
“Not at all, and I’m Wyl, by the way,” Wyl offered her his hand. “I don’t think we’ve crossed paths since Stewy and I were in high school, so you may not remember me. I was younger then.”
“We were both younger then, Wyl.” Rebekah took his hand and pulled, wrapping her arms around him in a motherly hug. “After what you did for us, reuniting us with our Stewart, I think you deserve a big hug.”
“You and Rod did something we could not do for twenty-five years,” Lefty grabbed his hand and shook vigorously as Rebekah moved aside. “I don’t know how we can ever thank you enough.”
“No thanks needed.” Wyl’s face sported a mile-wide smile. “Come in and see Rod.”
Wyl stepped to the other side of the bed and took Rod’s hand. “Babe, this is Lefty and Rebekah. I don’t believe you ever met them.”
Rod extended his hand to welcome them. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Wyl mentioned you numerous times, and of course, Stewy talked about you too.”
“Actually, Mitzi told me about you two,” Rebekah said. “She was in the bridge club, and we’ve kept in touch. Apparently, you are quite a hit in San Francisco. Imagine that…two Blackfield men, married and setting an example for others. After being around Stewy and Matthew, I think it’s great.”
“Thank you, Rebekah,” Rod responded. “We hope we set a good example for those two.”
“All they talk about is Wyl and Rod…Wyl and Rod…Wyl and Rod,” Lefty chuckled and grabbed Stewy by the neck, rocking him back and forth. “I’d say you set the bar pretty high for them.”
Wyl watched Lefty interact with Stewy. He definitely felt proud of his son.
“We'd better get going,” Stewy said. “We’re on our way to dinner and wanted to stop by and see you two.”
“I’m glad you came by,” Rod said. “We’ll get together at our ranch. No doubt Stewy and Matthew will be coming for a visit soon.”
“You bet we will,” Matthew said. “Right, honey?”
“Definitely,” Stewy beamed.
“It’s good to see you both,” Rebekah stepped toward the door.
“Great to see you again, Wyl,” Lefty shook his hand. “Rod, you take care of this guy. You landed a good one!”
They all left.
