LITTLE BIT STRONGER | A COUNTRY ROMANCE

Chapter Nineteen

An accident in the oil fields led to a wildfire just south of Boxton. One person died in the initial explosion, some were missing, and many were injured.

The influx of patients derailed Kate's life for the next four days. There were more urgent matters to worry about than Brian's strange behavior.

Short on manpower, she and many of her colleagues slept at the hospital to help. Kyle picked Caleb up from his father's and took turns watching him with Krista, their spouses, and doting grandparents.

Josh texted her twice a day and brought food every evening...even when she was too busy to eat it.

By the time they had a handle on the damage and every missing person had been accounted for - dead or alive - Kate only had two days left to spend with her little boy.

She talked to Caleb multiple times a day but it wasn't the same as hugging him and kissing his sweet face.

Walking out of the hospital, she was beyond relieved to see her father and brother waiting beside her car.

"I'm gonna drive your car home and Dad will take you, Kate. You look ready to drop."

She hugged them tightly and whispered, "Thanks, Dad. I was worried about driving."

"I figured, sweetheart. Get in the truck and let's get you out of here."

At her apartment, Caleb ran and jumped at her the moment she walked through the door. Kate held him, breathed him in, and said, "My sweet boy. I missed you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't home for our week together."

He leaned back and said, "I missed you but I was okay, Mommy. Hurt people needed you."

She cupped his face in her hands. "You are such a good boy. Thank you for understanding."

"Nana made dinner! Aunt Kris said you have to shower germs off first and then we can eat." Lowering his voice, he added, "But Nana gave me bites to hold me over."

Kate laughed. "I'll hurry." Leaving a smacking kiss on his temple, she got to her feet and blew kisses to her family. "Back in ten. I love you guys."

She made the water as hot as she could stand it and let it beat on her back and shoulders. Washing up quickly, she dressed in leggings and a t-shirt. Her arms were so sore that she could barely pull her hair into a wet bun.

The best family in the world stayed for a few hours. There was food, her mother cleaned, her dad took out the trash, and Krista started a load of laundry.

Lynton hauled Caleb around on his shoulders while Mary and Kyle entertained their twins. Kate was shocked when Caleb told her he knew how to use the shower and didn't need help anymore.

"Honey...are you sure?"

"I shower by myself at Daddy's house before school. He sleeps late."

"Okay. Uh, leave the door cracked a tiny bit so I can hear if you need me. Be careful of the hot water."

Caleb laughed. "I will, Mommy."

When he disappeared into the bathroom, Kate locked eyes with Kyle. Quietly, she asked, "Is no one supervising my son when he's over there?"

"Listen, Kate." He cleared his throat. "I, uh, wanted to talk about that when you were rested."

"I'm rested enough. Tell me now."

"I think," he released a big sigh, "we're going to have to have someone - like a social worker - spot check that place when Caleb is there."

Kate stood slowly and murmured, "Why?"