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Chapter Twelve
Tobias wanted to break free of the bed and confinement of blankets and casts. The thudding of his heart was so loud he could barely hear Mimi going on about the scene she’d walked in on.
“I should have known. When I called your mother, she told me not to bother hurrying here until later. You have to talk to her and tell her that I’m more of a priority than Tori.”
Her face was red and blotchy from anger. “I don’t understand why your family hates me.” The sounds of nose blowing made Tobias want to scream. Instead, he squeezed his eyes shut and pretended to fall asleep. Moments later, thanks to the drugs, he did just that.
When Tobias opened his eyes, it was dark outside. The room was serene with only one lamp lit. His mother sat in the corner chair where Tori had been. She had headphones on and was watching something humorous by the soft chuckles.
Upon noticing he was awake, she lowered the headphones to her neck. “Hello, sweetheart. How do you feel?”
Truth be told, for the first time in years, he wanted to cry. Mostly in frustration. Of all the damned times for Tori to drop a bombshell, She had picked the one instance when he could not chase her down and demand answers.
His mother stood and came closer. She pulled a smaller chair to his bedside and sat down. Then taking his hand in hers, she studied his face. “Tori called me. She is so very sorry about upsetting you at a time like this. I should have factored in that you two argue like cats and dogs before asking her to stay with you.”
“Did you know about the baby?” He considered pulling his hand from hers, but decided to hear her out.
She nodded. “Not until it was over. Tori went to the hospital. Her mother told me it was because of a mental health issue. Then a year or so later, I learned what really happened. Tori’s parents kept it secret, but her mother told me one day in confidence.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it would’ve been a burden you didn’t need to carry. Especially not when you were overseas in a dangerous location.”
Tobias hated that they acted like he was a damned war hero. His brother, Luke, was the hero. All he’d done was worked remotely from a safe distance. “It was my kid, Mom.”
His mother nodded. “I know, sweetheart. She was about five months along. It was a boy.” Her lips curved. “I wish I would’ve seen him in person. But Tori has pictures and I saw them.”
“Pictures,” he repeated, not sure he wanted see them. His son had come and gone without him even knowing. Tobias swallowed.
“The doctors said she would have probably lost the baby anyway. The emotional upset didn’t help. But, honey, you can’t blame yourself in any way. Sometimes nature causes things that we cannot control.” She took a shaky breath. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” She wiped a tear from his cheek he’d not noticed, and pressed a kiss to the spot. “Do you need any pain medication?”
He shook his head. What he really wanted was to go back to sleep and wake up in his bed at home. This had to all be a dream.
The doctor entered, the white coat flapping against his thighs since the pockets were overstuffed with crap. He had graying temples, which gave Tobias some comfort. He hated when the damned doctors looked young enough to be his kid.
“Mr. Hamilton,” the doctor greeted, reviewing his chart. “I hear you had an eventful day.” He flipped the paper and frowned. Then he went to Tobias’ bedside and leaned over, looking at his face. “The swelling is going down. I’m going to keep you here for another few days.”
Tobias looked at the beeping machine at the same time the doctor studied it. “Doc, you said I could possibly leave tomorrow.”
“No, I didn’t.” The doctor met his gaze. “I said we’d review your progress today. You’ve got a fever.”
“What?” His mother stood and neared. “I didn’t notice. But his cheeks are flushed now that you mention it.”
“Mom, I want to go home. A fever is nothing to worry about, I’m sure.” Tobias gave the doctor what he hoped was a triumphant look. Unfortunately, his eyelids felt heavy.
“Hey did you just put something in that?” Now his tongue felt as if it weighed a pound.
“Come and bring…” The doctor’s voice faded.
What the hell was going on now? Tobias struggled to remain conscious, but quickly lost the battle.
It had beenfive weeks since his accident and Tobias wasn’t sure he could endure another two weeks with the cast on. The only saving grace to not losing his mind was the fact his parents were entertaining to be around.
They’d settled into a routine that kept them quite busy and he enjoyed watching their playful banter over things from dinner choices to what to watch on television. It had been a long time since he’d laughed so hard when one night they decided to have game night.
Mimi came over often, but being it was obvious his mother hadn’t warmed up to her as yet, she never stayed longer than an hour or two.
The ranch business worried him. He’d not been out there since he’d been released from the hospital. A soon as he got his cast removed, he was going home. Even thoughg his left leg was broken, the pain wouldn’t affect his driving.
