The only source of comfort in a swirl of worry was Doug’s big hand wrapped around hers. Chloe squeezed tighter.
Doug leaned over to kiss her ear. “I’m with you every step of the way. Your brother needs you.” He dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Chloe stopped outside the room and sucked in a breath. Looking up and down the hall, she made sure no one was around before peaking at the chart. Broken arm. Surgery to fix that. Couple stitches to his brow. Bruised, but no concussion. Not horrible, but his arm was broken badly enough to need three screws. She put the chart back and looked over at Doug.
He gave her a supportive squeeze. “You can do this, Chloe.”
She drew a slow breath and pushed open the door.
Danielle looked up with concern on her face until she saw Chloe. One corner of her mouth turned up. “You’re here.” She looked to Doug and brightened further. “Mom and Dad went for breakfast a few minutes ago. Come inside, the coast is clear.”
She moved to her brother’s bed. Doug came with her, never leaving her side.
Her breath caught. Black and blue peeked out of the bandages wound around Daniel’s head. A cast held his left arm at an odd angle.
Taking the fingers of his good hand, she looked to Danielle. “You didn’t mention he needed surgery.”
Danielle shrugged. “Didn’t want to scare you. He wanted you though.”
“And Xavier? Where is he?”
“Dad insisted he go to breakfast with them.”
Chloe winced, her head jerking to the side.
“It’s not like that. Daniel and Xavier meet Dad for lunch every month. Mom doesn’t go, but Dad’s a lot more open-minded than her.”
Chloe frowned, looking over. “Really?”
Danielle nodded, then a smile appeared as she looked to Doug. “Isn’t this the guy Mom had such a hissy fit over before you fell off the radar?”
It was Chloe’s turn to grin. Her sister met Doug once, at graduation. She never imagined Danielle would remember when she was so busy hanging on her then boyfriend, now husband. Chloe was starting to think maybe she’d never given Danielle much of a chance. “It is. This is the ultra-talented Doug Walsh. He owns Strike a Chord up on Capitol Hill. Doug, this is my sister, Danielle, a lawyer with an impressive court record.”
Danielle held out her hand and Doug shook it. “I’ve seen you play. And I know about your program to give underprivileged kids the ability to learn instruments while helping the community. I’m truly impressed.”
Doug nodded modestly. “Thank you. Music has helped me, and some of my friends. Being able to share that outlet with kids is an amazing feeling.”
“Oh, Chloe, he’s a keeper. Don’t let him go.” She winked.
“No intention of it. No matter what Mom thinks.”
“Good for you. And a doctor, Chloe. I always knew you were brilliant. I hear you’re starting at Children’s in a couple weeks?”
Daniel croaked, “Wish Mom could see how amazing Chloe is.”
“Wish she realized she has the best son ever,” Chloe fired back.
He laughed, but it ended on a pained grunt. “I don’t need Mom’s approval. I’m happy, hurting at the moment, but happy.”
“That’s all that matters.”
Daniel looked over to Doug. “Have to say, you and Chloe look good together. Hope this means we’ll all hang out more often.”
“Does that include me?” Danielle asked.
Daniel nodded and reached out for Chloe’s hand. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Chloe nodded. She was relieved to be wrong about Danielle, though she planned to drill Daniel as soon as he was well enough. “How you doing? Do you need a nurse?”
“I’m good. Sore, but I’ll survive.” Daniel looked to Doug. “We should have a double date. Xavier is bringing me to that fundraiser you’re playing at.”
Doug grinned. “I already asked.”
Chloe smiled at Doug. “Oh, I’m coming.”
“Perfect. You can finally meet my husband,” Danielle interjected.
“Sorry I’ve been so busy.” She sighed. “I should have come back. After a point, I couldn’t deal with Mom.”
Danielle put her arm around Chloe. “Let’s face it, I was also busy with college, working my ass off. Then you turned around and did it too. We were both focused on our goals. Now, we can catch up on all that time we missed.”
The door creaked open and Xavier snuck inside. “You’re awake, Lover-boy.” He walked over and leaned down to place a quick kiss on her brother’s lips.
Daniel lit up, and she had to smile. They’d been together since before Daniel told the world about his sexual orientation.
Xavier squeezed Chloe’s shoulder. “Hey, short-stuff. Good to see you.”
“Missed you. Seems like it’s been forever.”
“Just a few weeks. Graduation wasn’t all that long ago.” He winked.
Once again the door opened. Her mother’s voice cut through her. “We can’t all be in here.”
Chloe looked back. “Give me ten minutes with my brother. Then Doug and I will go.”
Daniel nodded. “Yeah, let her stay a bit. She can send you two in when they’re done.”
“And I’m staying,” Xavier announced. “You aren’t getting rid of me.” He shot a look to their mother.
Anger flashed through Mom’s eyes, but she dipped her head in a nod before pushing back out the door.
Dad walked in and quietly said, “Chloe, good to see you. Later, call me. Please.” He gave her a sideways grin with a shrug. “I’ve missed my baby.”
Tears burned her eyes and she ran to her father. She’d forgotten how much she loved him after all the crap her mother dished. He accepted Daniel, spent time with him and Xavier. He was never the one pushing her into decisions she hated. That was Mom, but since Dad let it happen, she assumed he was on Mom’s side.
Maybe she wasn’t as alone as she thought. Chloe threw her arms around his neck. “Missed you.”
“You too, sweetheart. We should catch up. Soon.”
She nodded. “We will. I’ll call. Promise.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be terribly disappointed if you don’t.”
There were a million things she wanted to say. “Maybe I’ll pull you aside before we take off.”
“Please do.” He stepped outside, and Danielle squeezed her shoulder on her way out.
Chloe went back to Daniel and took his hand once again. “What happened?”
“Someone ran a red light, slammed into my car. I’ll be okay.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I slept through the phone this morning.”
Daniel glanced over at Doug and chuckled. “I’m guessing you were busy last night.”
“Guilty,” she answered sheepishly.
“Hey, it’s not like you could do anything. I just wanted to see my little sister. Now, I’m not so worried you’ll let Mom get under your skin. And if she starts trying to, call me. I’m always here.”
“And I’m always here for you. Later on, after I can get to your favorite chocolate store, I’ll bring our old standby.” She winked.
He grinned. “And they wonder why you’re my favorite. You get me like no one else.”
“Ditto.” She leaned down and hugged him carefully. “Anything you need, call me. I mean it.”
“Always, but same goes for you.”