Page 30 of Hollywood

“No,” I said quickly.

“You heard Carrie this morning,” Kelly added. “She doesn’t want her daughter across the country. Hendrix can bring Ruby for visits. It’ll keep her spirits up. The doctor said that’s really important.”

Georgia’s mouth flattened with displeasure. “Well, then. I guess we have no choice, do we?”

“I’ll keep an eye on Ruby,” Kelly swore.

“I suppose that’s the least you can do,” Georgia said.

There was a thrum of underlying tension. Had they wanted Kelly to take Ruby? I wasn’t sure why she’d come around. Maybe the sheer length of Carrie’s recovery had daunted her. She had a full house with four kids, and from what I’d seen, not a lot of money to spare.

Whatever the reason, I was glad. As hard as this was going to be, this was my best chance to be in Ruby’s life. Tex was right. I deserved that.

“How about we go in and see Carrie?” I suggested.

“Okay,” Liam said. “Not a word to upset her. That goes for everyone.”

I nodded. “Agreed.”

He opened the door, leading the way inside. Georgia followed, Ruby still in her arms. Kelly gave me a sympathetic smile before we followed them inside.

Carrie was in bed, looking pale and drawn. Her legs wereslightly elevated and encased in compression sleeves that inflated and deflated. She had two IVs hooked up, one arm in a sling over her chest, and some visible bruising over her collarbone.

Luckily, aside from looking exhausted and hazy from what I imagined was a shitload of pain meds, she had no visible injuries. I wasn’t sure how well Ruby would handle that.

Carrie’s eyes filled with tears and spilled over. “Ruby. Mommy is so sorry,” she croaked, her voice hoarse.

Ruby instantly held out her arms. “Mama!”

Georgia approached the bedside, holding Ruby even as she strained to reach for her mother. Carrie didn’t look well enough to have a toddler climbing on top of her. Who knew what damage Ruby might do?

Carrie lifted one shaky hand, and Ruby clutched two fingers.

“Hey, baby. Mommy’s here.”

“Hurt?” Ruby asked, eyes wide. “Ruby kiss better.”

Carried smiled weakly. “Yeah, baby.”

Georgia bent over to kiss Carrie’s forehead. Ruby planted her lips on her cheek and made a big smackingmuah.

When Georgia drew her back, Ruby frowned. Clearly, she didn’t understand why her mom wasn’t magically healed.

“The hospital will fix your mommy,” Georgia said, cuddling Ruby. “Don’t worry, honey. We’ll take good care of you.” Georgia met Carrie’s eyes. “Say the word and we’ll pack up Ruby today. Hendrix is an ex-con. He won’t win if we take this to court.”

So much for playing nice.

“Ruby’s my daughter,” I said tersely. “And we both know a court case could drag out as long as Carrie’s recovery. Can we just?—”

“Stop,” Kelly ordered. “Carrie doesn’t need this squabbling.”

Carrie drew a pained breath. “Let me talk to him alone.”

Georgia hesitated.

“Please,” Carrie whispered.

Georgia sighed. “Fine. Don’t push yourself too hard, though. You need to rest.”