Forbidden Disclosure(50)
Slowly, he took the blanket off of himself and lay down next to her. He pulled her toward him and spooned with this woman he cared so deeply for. His thoughts never even went to lust. He kissed her cheek and rocked her slowly in his arms.
Daniel had gotten so used to waking up at five in the morning that he crawled out of bed an hour before the alarm was to go off. He took his phone to the bathroom and called the hospital.
“The doctor has been in to see him several times. You can go have some breakfast and then come on up and visit with him briefly. He’s in the cardiac intensive care unit now.”
“Okay, thank you so much.” Daniel knelt beside the bed and brushed the curls off of Katherine’s face. She slowly opened her eyes, then sat up quickly.
“Is he alright?!”
“He’s doing okay and we have permission to visit him. I was told that we should have some breakfast, then come up and see him.”
“I’m not very hungry, Daniel.”
“You’re eating.” Daniel winked at her. After getting cleaned up, they went to the restaurant next door and ordered breakfast. Daniel laughed at his past. He wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the same clothes two days in a row.
Francesco was worried about his son. He pressed the button and waited for Carl.
“Good morning, Francesco.”
“Have you heard anything more from Daniel? I’m very worried.”
“I believe that he is with Katherine at the hospital. The pilot took them to Tennessee. Seems her uncle had a heart attack, but I haven’t gotten word on his condition.”
“I’m going to call.”
“Francesco, I doubt that Daniel can talk on his phone if he’s with Katherine visiting her uncle. His phone isn’t going to work in there. Perhaps it’s best if you wait for him to phone.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“The horses should be arriving today. Rosie is so happy this morning,” said Carl.
“Yes, she even laughed in her sleep. She was just like a little girl.”
“What?”
“Oh, never mind.”
“You’re blushing, Sir.”
“I suppose I am, Carl, I suppose I am.”
Daniel walked behind Katherine as she stepped onto the intensive care unit.
“We’re here to see Andy O’Brian,” said Daniel.
The doctor approached with his hand outstretched. “I’m Doctor Mathews. I wanted to speak to you before you visit with your uncle.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s had a heart attack. Thankfully it wasn’t real severe, but he’s going to have a long recovery.”
“What happened to him?” Katherine was feeling even more guilt about not being with him.
“Apparently he dropped down to the ground with severe chest pain. He never lost consciousness and, luckily, there isn’t a lot of heart damage. It’s imperative that your uncle changes his lifestyle and diet. That’s all part of the recovery process.”
“So his heart never stopped?” Please tell me no. Katherine continued to beat herself up.
“No, it never stopped, which is a good thing. I understand you want some of his rehabilitation to take place in New York?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” replied Daniel.
“He can’t travel for a while yet. This is the best place he could be in. When you visit your uncle, try to keep things low key. We don’t want him getting angry or upset.”
“I won’t upset him. Thank you, Doctor.” Katherine and Daniel shook his hand and then headed for Andy’s room. They heard him in the hallway.
“I’m not drinking that, it tastes like shit! Can’t you get me some real stuff?”
Katherine stopped the nurse. “Why is my uncle upset?”
“He wants regular coffee and he can’t have caffeine. His diet is very strict and he isn’t happy.” The nurse smiled and let out a long sigh.
“May we see him now?” Katherine was so eager.
“You sure can. Just remember he’s still weak.”
Katherine and Daniel walked into Andy’s room and saw him sitting up in bed with his eyes closed.
“We should come back and let him sleep,” whispered Katherine.
“Nonsense! Come in, Katherine.” His voice was still loud but shaky. He looked ten years older.
“How do you feel?” Katherine kissed him on the cheek and held his hand.
“Okay, I guess. I just wish they’d shut all this damn equipment off and take these needles out of my arms, maybe give me a cup of coffee and some decent food!”