Page 72 of Twin Threats In Austin
“Okay…” It was all she could manage to say.
He reached for her hand and then linked their fingers, as they headed out of the woods and toward the Bronco.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The drive to the hospital went by in a flash as Camden received an escort for most of the trip. He took calls from his siblings and cousins along the way, receiving updates as each one made their way to the hospital. He would be the last to arrive.
His cell buzzed four miles out from the hospital. It was Dalton.
“Hey,” he said after answering. “Everything okay?” Their grandmother’s condition was fragile. She hadn’t spoken yet but her eyes were open and she squeezed Grandpa Lor’s hand when he asked her questions.
“Yes, sorry, didn’t mean to make you stress,” Dalton said.
“How’s Grandma Lacey?” Camden asked.
“Still touch-and-go,” Dalton replied. “The doctor tried to kick Grandpa Lor out of the room.” Dalton chuckled. “He quickly realized it would be over Grandpa Lor’s dead body, so he let him stay. Grandma Lacey does better with him in the room anyway.”
“Have you seen her?” Camden asked.
“I got to peek my head in the door,” his brother responded. “Her coloring is improving, according to the nurses. They also warn these things can be up and down.”
“We already experienced that with Grandpa Lor,” Camden pointed out.
“How far out are you?” Dalton asked.
“I’m close. Not more than a couple more minutes until I’m in the parking lot. Why?”
Dalton was silent for a moment. His voice changed to all business when he said, “She’s here and I didn’t want you to be caught off guard.”
“Our mother?”
“That’s right,” Dalton confirmed as Rochelle reached across the console to make contact with his arm. Her touch sent a wave of warmth rippling through him. With her by his side, he could face anything.
“Thanks for the heads-up.” Camden wasn’t sure how he felt about the woman who’d abandoned him, except to say he was ready to hear her out. Rochelle had made good points before and questions he’d never allowed himself to ask had been swirling in the back of his mind ever since. Questions he was ready to have answers to thanks to Rochelle. “Have any of you guys spoken to her yet?”
“No,” Dalton said. “We all thought it best to wait until we’re all together.”
“Alright then,” Camden said. “I’m about to pull into the parking lot so you won’t have to wait much longer.”
“See you in a minute, bro.”
Camden exchanged goodbyes before finding a spot and parking. He turned to Rochelle. “I would still very much like to have a conversation with you.”
“Same,” she said. “But first, I’d like to meet your family.”
Camden smiled before exiting the driver’s side and then rounding the front of the vehicle to open the door for Rochelle. He could get used to being with her and hoped like hell she felt the same way about him.
Hand in hand, they walked into the hospital. The elevator bank was to the right.
Within minutes, they were on Grandma Lacey’s floor. Almost the second the elevator doors opened, Dalton greeted them.
First, he brought Camden into a bear hug.
“This is Rochelle Paddock,” Camden said, introducing her.
Dalton’s grin went from ear-to-ear when he introduced himself. He stuck out a hand. “What am I doing?” Last minute, he pulled his hand back and brought Rochelle into a hug. “Looks like you are family now.”
Camden left that statement alone.
