Chapter 53

GABE.

Rhonda whispered from the chair beside him, “I’ll take her home and put her to bed.” Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice shook.

Emma slept in his arms, curled against his chest. It was a quarter till nine, and the sun had set outside the hospital window. She hadn’t had a nap today, and the excitement along with any minor aches and pains she might have from the wreck had zonked the little girl out.

Gabe watched Emma sleeping peacefully. “Just a few more minutes, please?” He wasn’t ready to let her go after the scare she’d given him today.

Rhonda didn’t object. Celina was in ICU, and though visiting hours were over, neither of them wanted to leave. They’d asked about the gentleman driving the other vehicle earlier, and it seemed he was recovering well. He’d gone into a diabetic coma and was being monitored.

A few minutes later, a doctor made his way into the waiting room. They were the only ones still in the ICU waiting room, and they both stood. Gabe held Emma tight in hi