Going Home

Part 117

Finally Josh was allowed to see Grace. The nurse had told him she probably won’t be awake but he didn’t care he needed to see for himself that she was okay. He needed to touch her so he could believe it. On reaching the room Josh stopped in the door way. She looked so pale and it took him a minute to get himself under control. Then moving over to the bed he picked up her hand and bending placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Although groggy still Grace would know those lips anywhere and struggling to open her eyes she said in a hoarse voice “Josh”

Smiling for the first time all day as he heard her say his name Josh leant over and watching her eyes close again whispered “I’m here Gracie” then squeezing her hand he added “just sleep okay.”

But Grace frowned and squeezing his hand she said “stay.”

“Don’t worry I’m not going any where. So rest yeah, I’ll be right here.”

Sighing Grace relaxed.

Watching as Grace dropped off to sleep Josh let out his breath on a sigh as relief washed over him. He sat down in the chair next to the bed still holding her hand. True to his word he didn’t move as Grace’s family filed though a couple at a time and then lastly Margaret came in and this time Robert was with her.

Putting his hand on ‘s shoulder Robert asked “you okay son?”

Nodding Josh looked at Grace “yeah I’m good.”

Smiling as he realised Josh meant he was alright now he knew Grace was going to be okay, Robert said “has she been awake?”

Without moving his eyes from Grace’s face Josh said “briefly.”

Recognising no one would be getting Josh out of there in a hurry Robert said “you’re staying right?”

Nodding Josh said “yeah.” Then something occured to him and turning to his mother he said “what about you guys? You’re not driving back tonight are you?”

“No Josh” Margaret said “we’ll probably go back tomorrow or the next day.”

“Well why don’t you stay at our place? It’ll be empty” he said.

Smiling at his thoughtfulness Margaret said “thanks Josh that would be lovely.”

Reaching into his pocket Josh took the house key off his key ring and handed it to his mother. “We’ll get going and let Grace rest. If you need anything just call.”

Josh nodded “thanks for coming.”

Robert smiled “of course Josh, there was no way we wouldn’t come. Anyway we’ll see you tomorrow. Let us know if there is anything we can do.”

Nodding Josh was already turning back to Grace as they left the room and Robert smiled at his single-mindedness where Grace was concerned.