Plus One

Chapter Thirteen

Sophie rushed through the hospital doors and made a beeline for the front desk.

"I'm here to see my father," she said. "Jerry Kinsale."

The receptionist punched some things into her computer, then nodded. "He's in room three-twelve."

"Thank you," she said.

Ian took her hand and they crossed to the bank of elevators at the other end of the lobby. She was shaking and Ian wrapped an arm around her. She sank against him. They were just about to enter room three-twelve when the door opened and her mother stepped out.

"Oh, sweetie! I'm so glad you're here," she said, pulling Sophie into a hug.

"Hey, Mom," she said. "Can I see him?"

"Of course."

Her mother's eyes traveled to Ian, who stood quietly behind her.

"Mom, this is my...friend...Ian. He was sweet enough to come up with me."

"Thank you so much," her mother said. "I'd hate to have Sophie travel alone when she's this upset."

He smiled. "My thoughts exactly."

Sophie shot him a grateful look, then followed her mother into the room. Ian tugged on her hand.

"I'll be in the waiting room, okay?"

She nodded. "Thanks."

He squeezed her hand, then let go. She watched him for a moment, dazed. She couldn't believe he'd come up with her. Sophie shut the door behind her, then turned to look at her father. She'd never seen him look so vulnerable. His eyes slowly opened as she approached.

"Hey, Daddy," she said.

"My girl," he whispered as she took his hand.

"What happened?" she asked her mom.

"He was out in the garden when it happened. I saw from the kitchen window. I called 911 immediately. They said if I'd waited much longer to call he would have been gone."

Tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry I don't visit enough," she said.

"Oh, sweetie, don't do that to yourself," her mom said. "You're the best daughter anyone could have asked for."

A nurse came in to check her father's vitals.

"Looking good, Mr. Kinsale," the nurse said. "I'll be back with some medicine in a few hours."

"Tell me more about that nice man you came here with," her mom said.

"She came with a man?" her dad growled.

"Daddy, stop. I'm thirty years old."

"He looked older than you," her mom said.

"He's thirty-six if you must know and we're just friends, so it doesn't matter."

"He came all the way up here with you and you're just friends? I don't think so," her mom teased.

When her dad started to get sleepy, Sophie and her mom slipped out of the room.

"Why don't you go home and get some rest? I can stay with him," Sophie said.

"This hospital doesn't allow overnight guests, so I'll be leaving soon, anyway. I can make up the guest bedroom for Ian," she said.

"That'd be great. Thanks, Mom." Sophie gave her one more hug, then went in search of Ian. She found him in front of a vending machine, eyes roving over the rows of snacks.