Page 89 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

“Mom,” I croaked. “Don’t. I’m not dead. I’m right here.”

Instantly, I was surrounded. Mom leaned close, cupping my face, stroking back my hair. “Matthew,” she sobbed. “Matthew.”

Dad patted my shoulder, not saying much. But I saw the glimmer in his eyes, the tears he was holding back. “Hey,” he managed. “You’re awake.”

Daisy regarded me, her lips twisted in derision. “You look like shit.”

That made me smile. “Feel like it too.”

“Your own fault,” she said with a sniff. “I don’t feel sorry for you at all.” But she winked and patted my leg.

Maddy said nothing, standing a little to one side. “Hi,” I mumbled, lifting my hand, silently beseeching her to take it. “You’re still here.”

To my relief, she came nearer and took my hand, holding it close to her chest. “Someone had to make sure you behaved,” she admonished me gently. “All the trouble you’ve caused.”

“Sorry.” I shut my eyes, amazed at how exhausted I felt. I had no idea how long I had been out, but Dad’s usually tight beard needed a trim and Mom’s clothing was wrinkled. And Maddy looked as if a strong wind would knock her over. “I didn’t mean to.”

Mom bent and kissed my cheek. “Don’t do it again.” Then she whispered low so only I could hear. “She hasn’t left your side.”

I smiled when she straightened. “I won’t.”

The charge nurse, whom I knew well, bustled in, tsking under her breath. “Well, look who’s awake.” She eyed the group around me. “With too many visitors.”

“Come on, Gilda,” I rasped. “You’re in charge. You can bend the rules for me.”

Her face softened. “I could, but right now, you need your rest.” She stared at Maddy. “And you’re on shift this evening, so you need to sleep. Daisy, I’m sure the ER is looking for you. Your parents can come back once Dr. Fergus comes in. I’ll let him know you’re awake.”

Daisy grinned and left with a wave. My parents hesitated, but Gilda shooed them away from the bed. I tried to stop Maddy from joining them, but she moved away as well. Gilda glanced her way. “The on-call room is empty. I suggest you take advantage of that since you refuse to leave.”

Maddy nodded and said something to my mom, who patted her arm. I met Maddy’s eyes, mine pleading with her, but she shook her head. “I’ll be back,” she mouthed.

Gilda was efficient, checking my vitals. She glanced down at me. “You, young man, scared everyone. Do not repeat that.”

I shut my eyes with a sigh. “Okay. You didn’t have to send Maddy away, though.”

“She needs to sleep. She has a shift later. I need her rested.”

“So she’ll be my nurse?”

Gilda shook her head. “You know that isn’t how it works. She’ll visit you on her break.”

I opened my eyes, meeting hers. “Please?”

“Dr. VanRyan,” she scolded. “Stop using those pretty eyes to try to get what you want.”

“I might need a sponge bath later, and I’m shy.”

She chuckled. “I call BS on that one.” She glanced at my mom. “He get that from his father?”

Mom nodded emphatically. “Yes.”

“Why am I getting blamed for everything today?” Dad groused. “Matthew is a grown man. I am not at fault for any of this.”

Gilda was still laughing as she finished checking me over. “Genetics. He looks like you, sounds like you, only stands to reason he acts like you.”

She smiled at Mom as she went by. “You must be a patient woman, Mrs. VanRyan. These two must have been hard to handle.”

“There’s a third one just like them,” Mom said with a wry grin.