Divine Charity(Divine Creek Ranch 18)(66)

“Right. I’ll just get started packing,” she said as she turned to go to her bedroom.

“Remember, no lifting!” Tank called, laughter in his voice.

She made it as far as the hallway when Emma stopped her, worry etched on her face. “Doc, is something wrong?”

Emma nodded. “We need to hurry. Tank, Troy, we’ll need your help, too. We have to get back to Divine.”

“What happened,” Lydia asked, obviously picking up on Emma’s worried tone.

“There’s been an accident. It’s Grace, Charity, and Justine, and…several others.”

“What? Are they okay? Who else?” Lydia asked, her eyes growing bigger.

Emma turned to her and said, “Patterson Elder. He was on his bike and he wasn’t wearing a helmet.”

Lydia’s jaw dropped. “Patterson? Oh no. Oh God, did they say if he’ll be okay?”

Emma shook her head. “It’s in God’s hands, but it doesn’t look good. I can’t imagine how his brothers and father are taking the news. They just lost their mom a couple of years ago in an accident and now this? I wonder if Leah knows yet.”

“Leah?” Lydia asked softly and then her eyes got big. “Leah Woodworth?”

Emma nodded. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I think all three have been sweet on her for a while.”

Jessica did the only thing she could. She prayed for her friends and packed as quickly as possible.

Tank and Troy followed her directions and packed everything she pointed out into boxes. She could sort it all later.

Tank went out to start the helicopter and Troy was very careful to not bump her as he worked around her, not allowing her to lift so much as a bottle of conditioner. He ran all the boxes out to the helicopter and was very solicitous as he helped her and the other ladies into the helicopter. After making sure they were securely in their seats, he jumped in next to Tank who was speaking into his headset as the speed of the blades picked up and they took to the sky.



* * * *



Val smirked at Charity as she sat up in the hospital bed and argued with him. “I don’t see why I have to stay here overnight. I can take ibuprofen for the pain at home.”

“Baby, you have a concussion. Emma wants you to stay, so you’re staying.”

With a pout, Charity replied, “It’s a mild concussion. I won’t sleep well here and I don’t like the food. I’ll be exhausted tomorrow. Won’t you go talk to her and explain? I want to go home with you.” She slid her lip out and gave him the doe eyes and Val tried to give her a serious look but wound up laughing.

“You’re good, baby. That almost worked on me. Look at it this way, Justine is staying overnight and Grace will be here for several days.”

She grimaced as she shifted trying to get comfortable and he rose from his chair to help her. “See? You’re hurting.” When he thought of how much more serious that accident could’ve been, it gave him cold chills. They were damn lucky the accident hadn’t happened on a thoroughfare with a higher speed limit.

Lying back against the pillows he positioned behind her, Charity clasped his hand as she looked up at him. “I don’t like being in this hospital. It reminds me of when Mom and then Dad passed away.”

Val stroked the back of her head and kissed her brow over the cut on her forehead that had required butterfly stitches. “I’m sorry, baby. I know you don’t like it, but if Emma says you need to stay, then you need to follow her orders. I can stay with you, if that would help.”

Her characteristic naughty grin made him smile as she patted the bed. “I’ll bet this bed is big enough for both of us.”

Chuckling, he took her hand and sat down on the edge beside her. “Nice try, sexy. Maybe later tonight when you’re ready to sleep, until then you’ll have to keep your lecherous hands to yourself.”

“Shoot,” she said, trying to sound disappointed. “This accident is really putting a cramp in my style.”

“Same here, sexy. After listening to you and Ransome in the shower this morning, I’m aching for a little alone time with you. Having to wait makes it hard.”

She gave him that sexy grin, her eyes lowering to his groin as she made a soft purring sound and licked her lips. “I’ll just bet.”

Val growled back in reply and gently tipped her chin up. “It’ll have to keep until you’re better. For that reason alone, I want you taking whatever Emma prescribes. I don’t like seeing you in this hospital bed but you’re here for a good reason. You didn’t see your vehicle. I’m just grateful we’re here talking.” She yawned as he spoke and grimaced as if it hurt a little and he said, “See, baby?”