Here With Me: An Ex-boyfriend’s Dad, Age Gap Small Town Romance (Sugarland Creek Book 1)
Here With Me: Chapter 31

As soon as we get to the ER, Tripp sits with Dad and me until we get an update on Fisher’s condition. Tears fall down my cheeks as a doctor explains his injuries and the process of treatment. When I ask to go back and see him, they have me wait until they move him into a room, which takes another hour.

Neither has commented on why I’m so distraught about Fisher’s condition—well, more than one would be for an employee or friend. If they’re suspicious, they don’t voice it.

When I don’t get a response from Jase, I send him another message with Fisher’s room number so he can replace it as soon as he arrives.

Dad drives Tripp home and returns after he checks on Landen. Between waiting, the chief of police calls, and Sheriff Wagner stops by to discuss Craig’s participation and the body found. Dad gives them access to all the security camera footage so they can add it to their investigation. It’s suspected whoever it is was close to the explosion and flew out of the barn. They were unrecognizable at the scene and transferred to the morgue.

Seeing Fisher with a bandage on his head and an oxygen tube across his face has me sick to my stomach with worry. They put him under anesthesia to perform a bronchoscopy to examine the level of damage in his throat and lungs since we couldn’t know how long he was in the barn or if he was exposed to the explosion. After the procedure, they suctioned out secretions and debris in his throat and lungs due to smoke inhalation, but the next twenty-four hours are crucial to see if it gets worse.

Burns to his airway could become a problem, but since they’re trying to be the least invasive, they’ll continue monitoring before determining if more treatment is needed.

He had a CT scan to check for internal bleeding. Thankfully, there wasn’t any at the time, but they’re watching for possible swelling. Based on the size of the wound, whatever hit him was hard and solid.

They say he’s lucky he didn’t withstand any extreme burns and is only battling minor internal injuries. He’ll fully recover with rest and oxygen as long as no more issues arise.

“Hey,” Magnolia says softly, carrying two cups. “Brought ya some coffee. You have to be exhausted.”

I take one. “Thanks.”

“Any updates?” She takes the chair next to mine at Fisher’s bedside. I haven’t let go of his hand since they let me in here and have been quietly pleading and begging him to be okay.

“Not really. Just a waitin’ game, they say.”

The medication makes him drowsy as they keep him comfortable from the pain and discomfort.

“Let me take ya home for a bit so you can rest. Fisher’s not goin’ anywhere, and you—”

“I’m not leavin’ him.” I stare at his motionless body as I struggle to breathe. “He risked his life to get my horses out of that barn, and if he dies…”

“He’s not gonna die,” she reassures me, but I won’t be convinced until I see his eyes open and hear his voice.

“His body is healin’, and that takes time. You’re no good just sittin’ here worryin’,” she adds.

“Then y’all will have to drag me outta here by my hair,” I deadpan.

“Okay.” She sighs and drops it.

I’m physically and mentally exhausted, my eyes are bloodshot from crying, and my body aches from sitting in this chair, but I don’t care. I’m not going anywhere until he’s awake.

After a moment of silence, I look at her. “He was sleepin’ in the bed of his truck because I told him it was better if he didn’t stay over anymore. If I hadn’t done that, he woulda been in my house, safe. He wouldn’t have gone to the barn to investigate or whatever he was doin’.”

“Noah.” She places her hand on my shoulder. “Ya gotta stop torturin’ yourself with the what-ifs. Fisher chose to go in there. If he hadn’t, all your horses woulda burned to death. If I hadn’t been at your house to smell the smoke and call 911, the flames coulda caught other buildings on fire. This is not your fault for not lettin’ him stay over. He chose to protect you, and knowin’ Fisher, he wouldn’t change a thing about that.”

Though she’s right, it doesn’t make me feel better. He’s suffering because of me.

One of the nurses enters, and we move out of her way so she can check his vitals. She tells me he’s doing well considering the circumstances. She explains that once his oxygen levels stabilize and his lungs clear up more, they’ll reduce his meds, and he should gradually wake up.

“Has his son arrived?” the nurse asks.

“No, I’ve called and texted, but it goes right to voicemail.”

“When he arrives, please let us know,” she says, her kind eyes trying to soothe me.

Once she leaves, Magnolia scrunches her face. “It’s weird Jase is MIA, don’t ya think?”

I nod. “Yeah, he was just visitin’ me yesterday. We talked about house decoratin’ ideas, and he made us tacos for supper. Didn’t say he’d be goin’ anywhere.”

“Did ya call his office?”

“Yep. They said he was off today.”

“Maybe one of your brothers should go to his apartment and check on him.”

“Yeah, good idea. I’ll ask Waylon. He’s the least likely to punch him just for existin’.”

She smirks because it’s true.

NOAH

I can’t get ahold of Jase, and he’s not working today. Would ya mind going to his place to see if he’s home? He has no idea about his dad.

WAYLON

Do I get to smack him around first?

I roll my eyes at his effort to be funny, but I’m too worried to laugh at his half-ass attempt.

NOAH

This is serious! Fisher’s in critical condition, and his son deserves to know.

WAYLON

Fine. I’ll head over and get back to ya.

NOAH

Thank you! Let him know Fisher’s okay, but he really should come see him.

WAYLON

Got it.

“Okay, he’s goin’ there now.”

“Ya ready to explain to Jase why you’re so distraught over his dad?” Magnolia asks.

“Don’t think this is the best time to tell him. He knows we’re friends.”

“Yeah, but even your father and brothers are gettin’ suspicious. None of them understand why he’s so protective of you…as a friend. Or why you refuse to leave his side. I lied for you and said you reminded him of his daughter, and you thought of him as a father figure.”

I smack her leg, scrunching my face in disgust. “Magnolia! That is foul. Right to jail. Oh my God.”

She bursts out laughing. “I’m kiddin’! Relax. That made me throw up in my mouth a little.”

I shake my head, grinning. “You and me both.”

“But at least I got a smile outta ya.”

Twenty minutes later, Waylon finally texts me.

WAYLON

No answer. I left a note on his door just in case he comes back before checking his phone.

NOAH

Okay, thanks.

“Jase ain’t home either. Where the hell could he be?”

“Maybe he has a secret girlfriend? Coulda spent the night at her place,” she suggests.

“That’d explain why he’s not at home but not why he’s not pickin’ up his phone.”

“How late did he stay? When I came over, he was gone already.”

“He left like fifteen minutes before ya showed up, so not that late. Around seven. Where did he go between the time he left and now?” I furrow my brows.

“I’m callin’ it. He had a booty call.”

I snort.

“Well, wherever he is, he better get his ass here soon.”

“Hi, honey. We brought ya some dinner.” Momma walks in with Gramma Grace an hour after Magnolia leaves. I knew she was getting anxious sitting here doing nothing, so I told her to go and I’d text her later.

Frowning, I look at the containers in their arms. “I don’t have much of an appetite. I’m sorry.”

“You need to eat and take care of yourself,” Momma demands. “Fisher wouldn’t want ya to starve. I brought your meds, too.”

“I’m not. I’m just not hungry.”

“I made your favorite. Peach cobbler.” Gramma grins.

That makes me smile for a split second. “Thanks.”

To appease my mother, I force-feed myself spaghetti and meatballs before eating dessert.

They tell me how the whole town’s talking about the fire and what Fisher did to save our horses. There’s no doubt he’s a hero. I just wish I could see his warm brown eyes and hear his rugged voice.

Momma updates me on the barn and everyone at the ranch. It took the firefighters eight hours to get the blaze out completely. They’ve already started going through the security footage and should know more tomorrow when they begin investigating how and where it started.

“Jase hasn’t shown up yet?” she asks.

“No. I’m worried about him. But I’ve done everythin’ I can think of from callin’, textin’, askin’ his work, and checkin’ at his apartment.”

“The sheriff’s out lookin’ for him, too. I’m sure they’ll replace him.” Momma’s kind eyes reassure me.

When I told Dad Jase wasn’t answering his phone and wasn’t home, he alerted Sheriff Wagner.

“I know ya don’t wanna leave Fisher’s side, but what about tonight? You can’t sleep in that chair.” Momma frowns. “I can set up the sofa for ya.”

“I’ll ask that hot doctor out there for some blankets and pillows,” Gramma adds.

That makes me chuckle.

“Sure, but no guarantee I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

Momma stands, rubs a hand over my shoulders, and pats down my messy hair, then rearranges the room.

“Can ya at least push it closer to his bed?” I ask, not wanting to even be that far away from him.

“I’ll move it as close as I can. You don’t wanna block the nurses’ path to get to him if they need to,” she says.

The nurses come in hourly, check his vitals, tell me to be patient, then leave. His doctor has only been in once, but not much can be done until he’s awake. No news is good news in this instance.

As long as his stats are steady, he’s healing and making progress.

When Gramma Grace goes to the nurses’ station, Momma sits beside me and pats my good leg.

“I know ya love him, honey. As long as the feelings are mutual, I won’t scold y’all for lyin’ and keepin’ it a secret.” Her words are firm, but there’s a hint of a smile on her face.

My foot taps nervously against the floor as my heart tries not to beat out of my chest. I hate that I had to hide it from her.

“How’d ya replace out? I mean, before now…”

I’m not even trying to hide it at this point.

“Gramma.” She chuckles. “Apparently, she’s known for a while.”

“I had a feelin’ she did.”

“She told me to take it easy on ya. Does Jase know?”

I shake my head. The thought of telling him after this worries me even more. “Fisher didn’t want it to ruin their relationship after just returnin’ in his life, so he broke things off to avoid the risk of Jase’s reaction.”

She crosses her legs and arches a brow. “So y’all are not even together right now?”

“No. Right after the fundraiser, he made his decision. I didn’t fight it because I didn’t wanna get between them. Jase was goin’ through a lot, and I didn’t want him to cut Fisher off because of me.”

“That’s very noble of you, Noah. But Jase is a big boy. He coulda handled it.”

I shrug because I’m not sure how Jase would’ve responded. “Fisher couldn’t afford to risk it. He’d already lost one child. He was tryin’ to be a good dad and put Jase first.”

“I can understand that,” Momma agrees.

“I don’t.” Gramma returns with a pillow and blanket, looking suspicious as if she stole them.

“If ya were sneakin’ around with someone, ya wouldn’t have broken up with them if it woulda upset me?” Momma asks, placing the items on the couch for me.

“If you love me, ya woulda gotten over it. Same as Jase. I’m sure he’ll feel some way about it, but eventually, he’ll come around. He seems to like ya and wants his father back in his life,” Gramma explains.

“Well, it wasn’t my decision to make. He was afraid to lose him, and I couldn’t compete with that,” I say.

“He risked his life to save your horses. I doubt he’s worried about that now.” Gramma winks.

“I don’t think Dad’s gonna be as easy on me about it.” I chew on my bottom lip, worried I’ll disappoint or anger him.

“You let me take care of your father.” She winks.

I snort. “Ew. No need to share that with the class.”

“Oh, you!” She playfully swats at me, and I laugh.

“By the way, Gramma. Thanks for rattin’ me out,” I tease. Though I suspected she knew from what she said at our last family supper, I hadn’t expected her to say anything.

“Oh, who did y’all think ya were foolin’? I knew it from the first time I saw Fisher look at ya. I’d never seen a man so in love.”

My cheeks heat at her words. I can’t even argue. Momma grins, and I’m relieved she’s not upset. Though I’m sure the lecture will come later.

I contemplate what I’m going to do once he’s awake. Will it change anything between us? Do we go back to just friends? If it were up to me, we’d be together and never spend a day apart, but I can’t ask him to risk his relationship with Jase after everything they’ve been through. He has to take that leap.

Either way, I’m here for him—as a friend or as more.

When I stand to move to the couch, Momma offers me her arm since I opted to hop on one foot instead of using my crutches. Using them requires more effort than hopping a few feet and dealing with the rib pain for a few seconds.

I rest my foot up on the chair once I get comfortable on the makeshift bed. It’s been aching all day, but I’ve ignored it.

“Ya need ice for that?” Momma asks.

“No, the meds will kick in soon.”

It’s more of a discomfort than anything, but I could go without the rib pain.

“Will ya be alright if we go? I gotta get Gramma Grace to bed.” Momma fusses with my pillow and pulls the blanket over me. I plan to go back to the chair and rest my head next to Fisher as soon as they leave.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. His nurse comes in frequently enough that if I need anythin’, they’ve offered to help,” I tell her so they don’t worry about me being here alone.

They pack up the leftovers and grab their things before giving me hugs. “Thanks for comin’.”

“Of course, honey. We’ll be back tomorrow with breakfast.”

I chuckle, knowing nothing I say would stop them from bringing me more food.

“Okay, thanks.”

After we say goodbye, I grab the blanket and drag it back to the chair next to Fisher’s bed.

“Well, I guess the cat’s outta the bag,” I tell him, sighing with relief that their reactions weren’t nearly as bad as I anticipated. I’m not sure whose response I’m more worried about—my father’s or Jase’s.

“You’ll be glad to know Gramma absolutely adores you.” I chuckle even though I have no idea if he can hear me.

As I lay my head next to our conjoined hands, my phone goes off with a text, and I hold on to hope that it’s Jase.

TRIPP

I think we know who the body is. He’s on camera with Craig.

NOAH

Oh my God, who is it?

He sends a still photo from the security footage, and I gasp.