Fast Cars (Working Title)

Chapter 38

Nate held the door open for him as he rolled into the hospital. Landon wiggled in his crib. Don set the brakes and stood, gazing down at his son.

"Hey, buddy. You look tons better today."

Landon opened his eyes and blinked. He reached up a hand as if he wanted to be held. Don held out a finger, wishing he could pick up the infant.

"Where's your mommy?"

Landon wrapped his fingers around Don's and tried to pull his hand to his mouth.

Don looked around the pod, noticing several other babies had been added to the crowded room. The seat behind the crib was reclined and the blanketed figure breathed heavily. He smiled and stepped closer. Maisy's dark eyelashes rested on her cheeks.

"She's been asleep for hours. I was going to call someone to see if it was normal," the nurse said as she entered the pod.

"She hasn't been sleeping much lately," Don said.

Nate glanced over Don's shoulder. "Want me to wake her?"

"Nah. Can I call you when she wakes up?"

"Absolutely. Mom or I'll come get her."

Don leaned over the crib and smiled at Landon. "What have you been up to today?"

The nurse grinned. "He's been great. The respiratory therapist thinks the tubes can come out tomorrow. He's going to run a few tests first."

Don rubbed his neck. "Don't let them just turn it off. That's miserable."

She chuckled. "Sounds like you have experience with that."

Don nodded.

"That's not typically how we do things here. These patients are too fragile. His labs look good today. He's been more awake, but the doctors are keeping him mildly sedated so he doesn't pull tubes. Would you like to hold him?"

Don looked up, his eyes wide. "Can I?" He glanced over at Maisy's sleeping form. "Has she held him?"

"Yes and yes. She held him for a bit just before she fell asleep. You'll need to be sitting down."

Don settled in the wheelchair while the nurse wrapped a blanket around the baby.

"Here you go. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Don talked to his son, whispering all the plans he had for when Landon grew up.

"Don't you think it's a bit too soon for football?" Maisy asked.

Don grinned up at her. "Nah. It's never too early for football. We can watch and learn plays. It'll be fun, won't it Landon?"

Landon batted a tiny fist in the air.

Maisy stretched and yawned then left the pod without saying another word.

Don watched his son's eyes move and discover new things around the room before they drooped and he relaxed in his arms.

The nurse flitted back into the room. "I've got to put him back now."

"Already?"

"Unfortunately. Once the tubes come out, you can hold him for longer periods of time."

Don watched as she settled the baby in his crib. "Did the doctors say anything about when he'll get out of here?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. It all depends on how he responds."

"Okay."

She winked at him. "I know the waiting game is hard."

Maisy stalked back into the room and settled on the chair in the corner.