Allowed To Stay

"If you're sure?" Benjamin nodded firmly and her father took the key and patted his arm. "I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered, leaning into her ear and kissing her temple.

"Okay, momma, time for bed," Benjamin commented and she looked at her boys. "They're safe here. You need rest so you can cope with the upcoming days."

"I know… just... it's just… I don't want them to be alone."

Benjamin cut her off and knelt down in front of her. "My mom is on her way back now to stay with them for the night and I'll have my pager. If we're needed, the boys' nurse will page me."

Pandora frowned, unsure of why he thought that would calm her down. "I'm spending the night here at the hospital with you if that's okay?"

"I would really like that, are you allowed to stay?"

"Yes, of course. I may not be your doctor anymore, but I would like to keep a close eye on you, and be here for the boys."

Pandora leaned into Benjamin and wrapped her arms around him "Thank you," she whispered, knowing that he