Sam sat in one of the upholstered chairs. “Yeah, he’s pissed that Harry is making him stay the night. I hope they let him out tomorrow, or he’ll be beside himself.”

“Now you know what we deal with anytime you’re injured.”

Sam stuck her tongue out at her sister. “So, Ang told me something’s up with Mom.”

“I wondered if she would mention that.”

“Is it bad?”

“It’s not good news, but it could be worse. She really wants to see you, Sam.”

“I know. Ang is going to set it up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s time.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that.”

“Do you want to go home? I can take over from here.”

“I figured you’d want to be with Nick at the hospital. I had Mike bring me a bag so I could stay with Scotty.”

“I’m not sure where I belong right now. I’ve never felt so divided.”

“Welcome to motherhood,” Tracy said, smiling. “Scotty is fine with me, and you want to be with Nick, so go. We’ve got it covered here.”

“You must’ve had plans for this weekend.”

“Nothing that couldn’t be shifted around.”

“Thank you. You and Angela are the best. Always there when I need you.”

“Right back at you. I’ll never be able to pay you back for everything you did for Brooke last year.”

“I was just doing my job.”

“You did way more than your job, and we both know it.”

“All that matters is that she’s doing great and finishing up her senior year and going to college.”

“UVA of all places,” Tracy said. “I’m so proud of her.”

“We all are. I’m going to grab a quick shower and change before I head back to the hospital. But first, let’s get my big boy up to bed.”

They woke Scotty, who brightened at the sight of Sam. “How’s Dad?”

“He’s cranky about being in the hospital.”

“That’s good. That means he’s fine.”

“I’m going to tuck you in and head back to be with him. Tracy will spend the night, okay?”

“Sure, you should be with him.”

“I should be with both of you.”

“Until we clone you, that’s not possible.”

“Dear God,” Tracy said, shuddering dramatically, “do not clone her. One of her is more than enough.”

“No kidding,” Scotty said.

“Hey, I’m in the room,” Sam said, while hiding her pleasure at her son’s teasing. She much preferred that to the tears of the night before.

He was still weak and droopy, so they helped him into pajamas and got him tucked into bed.

“I’ll see you in the morning, buddy.”

“Will Dad get to come home tomorrow?”

“I fear for Harry’s safety if he doesn’t spring him.”

“I hope he gets to come home.”