Chapter 24

Elizabeth stood hip-shot in the door frame, a smile as big as Texas on her face.

“You might as well come in and take a seat,” I said through my smile.

Elizabeth uncocked her hip and walked from the door to the side of my bed, next to Martha. “You’re looking a lot better than the last time I saw you,” she said, as she took Martha’s hand. I could see right away that she and Martha had somehow formed a real friendship in the time I’d been unconscious.

“I understand that you had a lot to do with getting me to the hospital. For that I want to thank you.

With typical southern generosity, she answered with a simple, “You’re more than welcome. I’m thankful I could help.”

I could tell from the cloud on her face that she anticipated my next question. “How’s everything going at the school?”

“It’s been a challenge, but everything is under control,” she answered. But the look on her face told a different story.

I was about to respond, when Martha laid her hand on my shoulder. Her expression clearly said, “Let it be!”

I knew better than to challenge that look. We’d been married too long for me not to. I nodded my head in response, clearly thinking Martha had a reason for me not to pursue Elizabeth’s answer. I’d find out later, after Elizabeth had gone.

Elizabeth changed to subject by asking, “Any idea when they are going to let you go home?”

“The doctor was in earlier. He said if all goes well, I should be out of here tomorrow.”

Martha started to chuckle. I gave her a quizzical look, and she replied, “Elizabeth just wanted another chance to meet Doctor Harley!”

I gave Elizabeth a questioning glance. She replied with a laugh, “Don’t make more of than it is. He asked for my phone number, and that’s been the extent of it.”