“We’re on our way to Las Vegas to meet Paul and Hope,” Jenny said. “But I couldn’t go anywhere until I knew that Tom was okay, so we flew through Philly.”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Erin said tearfully as she hugged them both.

“The second she got your text, she was online changing our flights,” Alex said.

“It means so much that you came,” Mary Beth said to Jenny.

“What’s the latest?” Erin asked her mom.

“He’s still in recovery, but stable and holding his own at last check. They said he should be awake within an hour or two, and we’ll know more then.”

They took Mary Beth to get something to eat in the cafeteria and returned to the waiting room, hoping to be able to see her dad soon. The doctor came in a short time later and said they were moving him to a room in the ICU and that they could visit him two at a time.

“How’s he doing?” Erin asked.

“Better than expected at this point,” the doctor said. “He’s responding to stimuli and squeezing our hands, which are good signs. He has a long road ahead, but I’m feeling optimistic.”

An audible sigh of relief went through the room. The doctor gave them directions to the ICU and said Tom would be there in about thirty minutes.

Erin hugged her mom while Slim rubbed both their backs.

“I’m so relieved,” Mary Beth said, wiping away tears as she hugged Jenny.

They moved as a group to the ICU waiting room, where Mary Beth and Erin were allowed in to see him first. Erin was overwhelmed by the sheer number of machines attached to him as well as the pasty gray color of his complexion. But when he opened his eyes and looked at them, she could see that the dad she loved was still in there.

“Hey, Dad,” Erin said. “We’re all here, and you’re doing great.” She leaned over to kiss his forehead, working to contain her emotions so he wouldn’t see that she was upset.

On the other side of the bed, Mary Beth held his hand and stared at him intently.

Erin decided to give them a minute alone and left the room to find Slim waiting for her. She stepped into his outstretched arms.

“How is he?”

“He opened his eyes and saw us there.”

“That’s good news.”

“I’m going to give Jenny a turn to see him so they can get going.” Erin left his warm embrace long enough to get Jenny, and then she returned to him, appreciative of his support during another challenging time. It wasn’t lost on her that she was becoming dependent on the tender support he offered so willingly any time she needed him.

Chapter 20