Chapter 37: The Morning After

When Hailey returned to the waiting room, she had a smile for him that warmed him to his soul. She also had a piece of paper that she handed him. "It's from my father."

He tucked it into his pocket. "I'll read it later. How is he?"

"He's good. Sleeping. Henry said the surgery went well," Hailey said.

She looked like she could fall asleep on her feet. She flopped into a chair.

"Let's get you home. I'll send Kevin a text."

"I'm not ready to go home. A little too a wired."

"You look tired, Hailey."

"Thanks for the compliment."

He laughed. "Sorry. I'm just worried."

"I need food."

"You're hungry?"

She smiled up at him. "Yes."

"There' s diner down the block I saw on the way in here. That sounds good?"

"Pancakes. My father used to make me pancakes when I was sad."

"But you're not sad," Noah said, sitting down next to her.

He could wait as long as she needed. He'd gotten to see into her soul tonight and he liked what he'd seen. She was devoted to her father and that warmed Noah's soul. Fam