Page 118 of Mine For The Winter

Well, that gave Kelly some satisfaction. Out of the mouths of babes.

“To see you. I came as soon as I heard you were sick. I was planning on seeing you for Christmas anyway.”

Kelly said nothing.

“Okay.” Cole sounded tired again. “That’s nice.”

Realizing she hadn’t told Kris that Cole was in recovery, Kelly pulled out her phone. “Can I use this in here?” she asked the nurse.

“Yes of course. No problem.”

“Who are you calling?” Lyle asked, turning around to look at her.

“I’m messaging Kris.” She wasn’t going to hide it.

“Is Kris here?” Cole asked, his eyes opening wider. He sounded a mixture of groggy and excited.

“He came as soon as he heard you were sick.”

Lyle shifted his feet and lifted a brow at her, as though he was angry she’d even mentioned his ex-friend.

“Can I see him?” Cole whispered.

“Of course, honey. When you’re allowed visitors.” She nodded. “I know he wants to see you. He was so worried when he heard you were in the hospital.”

This time Lyle let out a huff. It would have been funny if it wasn’t sad. But she wasn’t going to apologize for Kris becoming close to Cole. Lyle could have that same relationship with his son if he’d wanted.

He just always seemed to put himself first instead.

The phone next to the bed rang and the nurse picked it up, murmuring some answers down the line. When she disconnected the call she smiled at them. “Okay, we have a room available for Cole. We’ll get him wheeled up and settled in.”

“Can we come, too?” Kelly asked.

“Of course. I’m just going to hook Cole up to the mobile monitors and we’ll be on our way.”

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He’s out of surgery. Awake and talking. We’re just waiting for him to be taken up to a room. Thank you for being you. And for coming here to support us. I couldn’t do it without you. – Kelly x

Kris’ throat tightened as he read the message. Cole was going to be okay.

You’re the hero here. I’m so proud of you. And I know Cole is, too. Let me know if there’s anything I can do. – Kris x

She didn’t respond to his message, but that was okay. Cole was her priority right now. He pulled up Amber’s number and sent her a message to let her know the situation in case Kelly hadn’t had a chance.

Cole is out of surgery. Doing well. Just waiting to be taken to his room. Thanks for your help this morning. – Kris

Almost immediately, Amber replied. Which he hoped meant she was doing as she was told and sitting down at the tavern, supervising.

That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy. Are you with Kelly? If so you can tell her that everything at the tavern is fine. We’ve worked out a schedule through the new year so she can concentrate on Cole. – Amber

I’m not with her yet. Cole’s only allowed two people with him at the moment and Lyle’s here. – Kris

LYLE’S HERE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? GOOD THING I’M BUSY HERE OTHERWISE I’D BE WRINGING HIS DAMN NECK. – Amber

The all-caps reply was a treat. He tried not to smile because he knew how much Amber resented Lyle for the way he treated Kelly and Cole. And yeah, he pretty much felt the same way. And if he was being really honest, he hated the way that Lyle had swanned into the hospital and asserted his rights.

Being doubly honest, there was a hint of jealousy mixed in with the anger, too.

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