Page 112 of Be My Compass

Finally, he clears his throat. “Which one of you is the patient’s guardian?”

“I’m her dad.” Heath taps his chest. “Is she…” His voice breaks in the middle. “Did she make it?”

“Yes, she did.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

Heath wilts against the wall. “Thank you.”

“I recommend she be moved to another hospital as soon as possible, one that specializes in the treatment of her particular disease.”

“No problem. We’ll… yes.” Heath covers his mouth with the back of his hand. “Can we see her?”

“She’s being moved to the recovery ward. It’ll be a few minutes.”

“Thank you.” Heath pumps the doctor’s hand.

I do too.

He nods and walks away.

Heath gives me a watery smile. “Thanks for being here, Kastle.”

“Are you kidding? She’s family.”

“And you’re family too.” He stares me straight in the eyes. “You’re my brother. I don’t give a damn what anyone else says or thinks. If they hurt you, they hurt me too.”

“I know.”

“That’s why I go hard for you. That’s why I don’t tolerate crap from mom and dad.” He pauses. “And I won’t tolerate it from Kaelyn either. You don’t have the right to hurt someone because you know they’ll stick around after.”

I don’t want to start another argument, so I sling my arm over his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go see Glory.”

Heath breaks out into a tearful smile.

We take the elevator up to the recovery ward.

Glory’s awake and her tired eyes brighten when she sees me. “Uncle… Kastle.”

“Hey, sweetie.” I take her dark hand in mine and stroke her knuckles, careful not to dislodge all the tubes sticking into her. Her hair falls down her back in tight braids with tiny colorful beads.

Heath talks to the doctors while I keep Glory company, but the little girl falls asleep almost immediately and I end up holding her limp hand in mine while I watch over her.

A few minutes later, I hear a giant sigh and turn back to find Heath back in the room. He’s pacing again. Stress lines deepen all over his face. He’s way too young to have all those wrinkles.

“Heath, I’ll take care of everything,” I say.

His eyes flash. Pride itches to break out of him. To reject my offering.

Then he looks at Glory.

Hangs his head.

Nods.

I step out of the room and text Kaelyn to let her know that Glory pulled through. Next, I call my lawyer to help make the financial preparations for Glory’s transfer. It’s going to cost a lot and, since I’m using my shares from the company, I need his input to make sure all the papers are in order.

“The money will be in the hospital’s account by morning, Mr. Jameson,” the lawyer assures me.

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