Maggie could feel the exhaustion sinking in as they walked through the doors of the hospital. As soon as the ambulance had pulled away Maggie called Andi and asked her to get ahold of Travis Buchannan to let him know what happened. Andi had then called her back with instructions on where they could take Courtney.
After dropping Courtney off with her grandmother, Maggie went home to change out of her ruined dress and clean up. The warm water of the shower had relaxed away the last of her adrenaline rush and she’d wanted nothing more than to climb into bed and collapse. But she needed to check on Lacey and make sure she was okay.
Aaron insisted on driving her to the hospital. He told her that she looked like she was going to fall asleep at any minute and he didn’t want her going alone. He hadn’t yet questioned her about medical school and Maggie was grateful that Aaron was leaving it alone for the time being. She was just too exhausted to have that conversation right now.
They gave Lacey’s name to the front desk receptionist who directed them to the appropriate floor. As the elevator ascended Maggie leaned her head against Aaron’s shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her partially supporting her weight. He’d been right. She could easily fall asleep on her feet. She was glad he was with her despite the awkward silence that was between them.
When the elevator doors opened Maggie was surprised to find a crowd gathered in the hallway in front of them. Nearly all of Sweetwater was crowded into the narrow hospital corridor despite the late hour. Andi must’ve called everyone she knew.
As they approached the crowd people turned to look at them. Most of the faces Maggie was beginning to recognize including Ms. Brandy from the antique store. She was the first to approach.
“The whole town’s buzzin’ about you delivering Lacey’s baby,” Ms. Brandy told her excitedly.
“How is Lacey?” Maggie asked.
“Travis is in with her now,” she said. “I hear you were quite the hero as well,” Ms. Brandy said, turning to Aaron. Maggie didn’t miss the look of surprise that crossed his face.
“Maggie did everything,” he insisted humbly.
“That’s not how little Miss Courtney tells it,” Ms. Brandy told him smiling.
“Aaron!” Courtney’s little voice rang down the hall. They turned to see the little girl pulling away from her grandmother who was seated on the plastic chairs along the wall. Her arms were already full with Courtney’s two brothers so she was able to slip out of her grasp easily. She ran through the crowd, weaving through the bodies with a big smile on her face. When she reached Aaron she literally jumped into his arms.
“Hey, Kiddo, you doing okay?” he asked as he picked her up and hugged her. Maggie realized that every eye was suddenly on them.
“I’ve got another brother!” she told him.
“I know,” Aaron said, still only paying attention to the child and not yet acknowledging the audience that was hanging on their every word.
Just then the door of the hospital room opened and Travis Buchannan stepped out. Almost simultaneously every head in the room turned to him.
“Lacey is doing great and resting comfortably.” Travis addressed the crowd, but his eyes were on Aaron and his daughter. “And my son is a perfectly healthy 6 lbs 7 oz. Even though he was a few weeks early the doctors say he is doing great.”
There was a collective sigh and murmurs of relief and excitement throughout the crowd. Travis began crossing the room, walking straight for Aaron and Maggie. The murmurs died down as people watched with rapt attention. Aaron slowly lowered Courtney down to the floor despite her protests.
Maggie had never seen Travis Buchannan before. He was a broad and intimidating man. She looked to Aaron who stood stoically at her side holding eye contact with the man who was quickly approaching them. Maggie prepared to come to Aaron’s defense if Travis had any harsh words for him.
Travis stopped just in front of Aaron and his expression betrayed nothing of his emotion. At that moment the room had fallen so silent you could have heard a pin drop. Travis extended his hand as a smile broke out across his face.
“Courtney hasn’t stopped talking about you all night,” Travis said as he shook Aaron’s hand. “Thank you for making sure my daughter was okay through this.”
“It was the least I could do.” Aaron nodded and then looked down at the little girl who was beaming up at him. As soon as his hand was free again Courtney slipped her little hand into his.
Travis turned to Maggie next and without a word pulled her into his arms in a crushing embrace. “I owe you everything for what you did for my wife tonight,” he told her. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“I’m just glad she’s alright,” Maggie said, smiling with relief.