Page 12 of A Christmas Changes Everything

“Asshole,” Holly muttered while trying to keep herself from smiling.

5

The second he stepped into the guest room, Chace sent a text to his sister informing her of their plans for the day. He could have called and probably should have, since it was two in the afternoon in Germany. But as he wasn’t sure what had transpired with Sean since Lyss had last spoken to Holly, he didn’t want to risk interrupting anything important.

Chace slid his phone into the pocket of his sweatpants, grabbed a clean set of clothes, and crossed the hall to the bathroom. He closed the door and locked it before stripping off his T-shirt and tossing it to the floor. Inspecting his reflection in the mirror over the porcelain sink, he rubbed his palm over his jaw, turning his head left and right to determine whether he needed to shave.

One more rogue day, he decided after a few more seconds of deliberation. Just as he took out his phone to lay it on the counter before undressing completely, it vibrated with an incoming call.

Lyss.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself,” she replied, her voice strained. “I got your text but thought I’d call while I had a minute. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course.” He closed the commode seat and sat down. “You sound beat. Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” It was more of a sigh than an answer.

“Have they transferred Sean yet?”

“No. They say he isn’t stable enough to travel. Hopefully, he’ll improve enough overnight to make the flight tomorrow.”

“Has anyone informed you about the extent of his injuries?” Surely, they weren’t leaving her waitingandwondering what condition her husband was actually in, especially since he wasn’t stable enough to leave the medical facility closer to where the incident occurred.

“Just the basics. Nothing specific. Concussion. Compound fracture of his right tibia. Several broken ribs. A ruptured spleen. And a lacerated liver, which is the most significant contributing factor to the loss of blood he’s suffered. The last doctor I spoke with said the repair was successful. That’s why they think he’ll improve enough for transport in the morning.”

“I can come there, you know. So you’re not alone.”

“No. I need you there with Emme and Wren.”

“I’m sure Holly can handle the twins on her own.” Probably with one hand tied behind her back.

“She’s still teaching every day, Chace. That means lesson plans to write and papers to grade. Plus, the semester will end before winter break, so she’ll also have final grades to submit. And even though she teaches at the high school, I imagine the students are still bouncing off the walls this close to the holidays. Add in taking care of the girls, who’ll also be ramped up like squirrels on crack, and she’ll be exhausted.”

Yeah, after the conversation they’d had earlier about just getting the twins to and from school or being available in case of emergency, Chace knew Lyss was right. Still…

“I’m sure her family will gladly pitch in if she needs any help.”

Lyss’s heavy sigh came through the line into his ear, loud and clear. “And why should I expect Holly’s family to help withmychildren when you,myown brother, are already there?”

“But you’re all alone in a foreign country.”

“I’m fine, Chace. And I’ll be even better when Sean is transferred and I can talk face to face with a doctor about his injuries, treatment plan, and prognosis, while also ensuring he’s receiving the best care possible.”

“So, in other words, become a huge pain in the ass for the medical staff.”

“In a heartbeat if necessary.”

She would, too. There was no doubt in Chace’s mind. Good thing Lyss had spent several years as a trauma center nurse before the twins were born. She’d understand the doctor-speak, know precisely what to expect, and ask pertinent questions at the appropriate times. She’d also jump in to assist with Sean’s treatment protocol regardless of whether the hospital agreed or not.

“Try to work with the medical staff rather than against them, okay, sis?”

“Sure,” she agreed. “As long as he’s making the progress expected.”

Chace mentally shook his head. Given the right set of circumstances, his sister could be a force to be reckoned with. Especially when someone she cared about was involved. And it was no secret she loved Sean Matthews with every fiber of her being, and always would.

“So, you’ll stay in Hickory Ridge, right?”

---