“Not yet, ladies. I’m too unsteady.” He kissed their heads then turned to Anabelle. “I need more sleep.”
“Let’s get you into my bed. You’ll rest better.”
He leaned on her until they reached her bedroom and she tucked him in. “Not exactly how I wanted to get in here.”
Leaning over, she whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry, you’ll be here again for a better reason.”
“Ah, music to my ears.” His eyes closed. Everything went dark.
Chapter 7
When Oliver awoke the next morning he felt remarkably better. He didn’t hear any noise in the rest of Anabelle’s house. Where were she and the girls?
He pushed himself up to a seated position. There was more pain, and a bit of dizziness. A white paper on the nightstand caught his eyes. A note.
Good morning. I took the day off from work. I still brought the kids to my parents for the morning. But you can see them later. I’ll be home in a bit. Don’t get out of bed without me there. Your phone is right here in case you need it. Anabelle.
He leaned against the headboard and sighed. He knew he had to call his mother, but he wasn’t looking forward to her reaction. Just once, he wished she would consider his needs first. He punched in her number.
“Hello, son.”
“Hi, Mom. How are you?”
“I’m all right. Your voice sounds funny.”
“Yeah. I have to tell you something.”
“Come over and do that.”
“I can’t, Mama. I fell yesterday at work and hit my head.”
“I’ll be right over to take care of you. Helen Sorge can bring me.”
“I’m not home. I’m staying with a friend.”
“You should be with family.”
“I’m comfortable here with her.”
“Ah, a woman!”
“Yes, Mama.”
“How will I know you’re okay?”
“She’s a doctor.”
“The same woman who handed me off to another doctor?”
“Yes.”
“Harrumph.” He recognized the tone. It usually preceded her not speaking to him for a while. Sometimes, she ignored him for a whole day.
“Listen, I need to go. But I’ll come over as soon as I can drive.”
Nothing.
“Goodbye, Mama. I love you.”