Raising Kane (Rough Riders #9)(4)

Kane knew Ginger and the doc were good friends, and it had to be hard as hell for the doc to do what was right, not what was easiest, not what Ginger wanted.


Ginger’s teary eyes searched the doctor’s face. “Who will take care of Hayden and my dad while I’m in here? You know I don’t have anyone else.”


Silence.


Libby said, “If you don’t mind me bringing Adam, I can—”


“I’ll do it,” Kane interjected.


All three women looked at him as if he’d caught fire.


He bristled. “What? Hayden’s camped out with me plenty of times. Takin’ care of him will be a breeze. And Dash just needs me there in case Hayden needs something, right? I don’t gotta bathe him or nothin’?”


“You might have to help him get into bed. If he rolls out of it for some reason during the night, you have to get him back in. Sometimes in the morning he needs assistance getting out of bed and into the chair…”


Kane stared at Ginger. “You do all that for your dad every day?”


“Yes, sometimes twice a day. So I just don’t think this is your thing, Kane. No offense.”


No offense? Bullshit. Before he could snap at her, Dr. Monroe jumped in.


“This would have to be for more than one night. If I release her tomorrow she’ll need someone to help her out for at least five days. Would that be a problem for you?”


Five days, hanging with Hayden? Five days of playing fetch and carry for a scantily clad Ginger?


Sign. Him. Up.


“Nah. I can get Kade or my cousins to fill in for me for a few days. We’re pretty slow right now.”


“I’ll talk to Quinn and Ben too,” Libby said.


“Good. Then it’s settled.”


“Don’t I have a say in this?” Ginger demanded.


Doc Monroe said, “Nope. Besides, I’ll be more inclined to release you if I know you’ve lined up aftercare. You do want to go home tomorrow, right?”


Ginger huffed out an impatient “Yes.”


The doc pointed at Kane. “Then there’s your answer.”


Kane focused on a wide-eyed, surly-mouthed Ginger and grinned. “Well, roomie, probably we should iron out the details before I head on back to your place and start fluffing your pillows.”


“I don’t need to tell you if anything happens tonight that you can’t handle with either Hayden or Dash, call 911,” Dr. Monroe said to him.


“No. I know my medical limitations.”


“Good. I’ll be back later to check on you, Ginger.” As Dr. Monroe walked past Kane, she muttered,


“The drugs will start to take effect in a few minutes. She’ll be loopy, so say what you need to while she’s still coherent.”


Libby leaned over and rubbed Ginger’s upper arm. “Take care. I’ll swing by tomorrow.”


Ginger reached for Adam’s chubby leg, realizing at the last second she couldn’t touch him due to her injuries. Frustration darkened her eyes as she watched Libby and Adam leave.


Finding themselves alone, they stared at each other in the sudden silence.


“You want to call your dad and Hayden and fill them in? Or do you want me to do it?”


Ginger bowed her head. “I can’t even hold a phone, Kane. Just tell them I love them and I’m…sorry.”


“Sorry for what?”


“All this.”


She intended to apologize for an accident? Again, Kane forced himself not to chew her out for something that wasn’t her fault. He turned his back on her and dialed. Dash answered and Kane explained the situation, sensing the older man’s relief. Then Hayden came on the line. “Hey, buddy. Your mama is a little banged up but she’s gonna be fine. Yes, I promise. I know you miss her, but she has to stay here overnight.”


Ginger made a pitiful-sounding gasp and Kane spun to face her.


“She misses you too. Uh-huh. Tell you what, I’ll be stayin’ with you for a few days to help out. That sound all right?” Kane smiled. “Sure we can do that. I’m callin’ the bottom bunk in your room, so get all them robot parts put away before I get there.” He locked his gaze to Ginger’s. “No, I’m sure your mama don’t want me sleepin’ in her bed.”



She blushed and looked away.


Interesting.


“I’ll cook something when I get there. No pizza. ’Cause I know you’ve got a milk allergy, that’s why.


See you soon.” Kane snapped the phone shut and wandered to Ginger’s bedside.


“Thank you. I’m sorry if I seemed ungrateful, I’m very grateful, it’s just…I’m not used to needing help, let alone asking anyone for it.”


“I know.”


“And you’re being so sweet and thoughtful, volunteering to take care of my son, my dad and me.”


Really interesting that she put herself last.


“I can’t help but worry that you’re getting roped into something you didn’t want and you’re too much of a gentleman to say no.” Tears seeped from the corners of her eyes.