Tears continued to spill down Lizzie’s cheeks and sparkled like diamonds in the dim light overhead. She reached for her husband’s hand and felt it tighten against her own. Lizzie gasped when she saw Cosmo open his eyes.

“Angel.”

At least, that’s what she thought he said. Joe Wylie was at his bedside in the time it took her to take a deep breath, checking his vitals and then making a joke. “Hey, big guy, you ready for some racquetball?”

Lizzie was beside herself. “Joe, does this mean . . .”

“Shhh. Let’s see where this goes, Lizzie. Easy, slow and easy. Don’t do or say anything to alarm him.”

“Water.” The sound was strangled, but Joe understood.

“Ha! Figured you for a scotch-on-the-rocks guy,” Joe said as he poured water into a glass and added a flexible straw.

Water dribbled down Cricket’s chin. He didn’t seem to notice as he tried to suck on the straw. “Okay, that’s enough for now. Don’t want you throwing up.”

Another strangled, mangled sound. “Cowboy?”

“Yep, it’s me in the flesh. I’m taking care of you. We can talk more later, but right now I want you to sleep. It’s the best medicine in the world.”

Lizzie felt her hand being squeezed. She smiled through her tears. “I’m here too. Do what Joe said. Sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Another squeeze, this one lighter. Her husband’s hand, which was as big as a catcher’s mitt, felt dry and papery while her own was damp and clammy. She used both hands to squeeze back.

“Okay, he’s out. And so are you, Lizzie. I want you to go home and get some rest. I’m going to take a shower and catch a few winks myself. Don’t say it. There will be a doctor and a nurse in this room at all times. We’re both going on pure adrenaline right now. Neither one of us will be any good to Cosmo if we can’t function.”

Lizzie looked up at the tall, gangly doctor, tears still shimmering in her eyes. “Does that mean he’s out of the woods?”

“Let’s just say he’s at the edge and getting closer to the clearing. I wouldn’t leave him if I thought otherwise. You need to do your part now and do what I tell you. Tell me you understand, Lizzie.”

Lizzie brushed the silvery hair back from her forehead. “I hear you, and I understand you. I have to find a way to get home. I think Jack has my car. When can I come back?”

“Tomorrow.”

Lizzie squealed her displeasure. Joe remained adamant until Lizzie simply nodded to show she would obey his orders.