“Sounds good. I’ll bring my aunt’s binder.”

“And I’ll bring my notebook. How about we meet up at seven? Or is that too early?”

“It’s perfect. I’ll see you there.”

“See you then.” She slipped some money under the edge of the saucer and then made her way toward the exit.

He just had to make sure he was able to complete all the work before he headed back to New York. He wouldn’t leave Hannah in an awkward position. She’d been through enough.

With his aunt and Peaches to look after, he was going to be one busy man. Just the way he liked it. No extra time to contemplate the fiery images of the past. He could concentrate on the here and now.

She was healing quickly.

Birdie smiled as she took a seat in the chair next to the bed. It was a recliner so the leg rest had been raised as not to put undue stress on her pelvis. It felt so good to be out of that bed. But she was warned that she couldn’t sit in the chair for long. They didn’t want her to overdo things and undo any of the progress she’d made.

The truth of the matter was that she was healing much faster than anyone had anticipated. She chalked it up to her healthy diet full of leafy greens and her daily walks around town. She’d watched some of her friends kick back and take it easy as they grew older. Once they lost their mobility, they didn’t get it back. She didn’t want that to happen to her. And so she’d keep moving as long as God allowed her. This incident was only a minor setback. She’d be out and about in no time. There was something so rejuvenating about the fresh sea air and the sun’s warm rays.

She just had to keep pushing and she’d get released soon. She was hoping to be out next week. Spring Fling wasn’t far off. And she’d started to feel guilty about pushing Ethan to take over the coordination. He didn’t know how it all worked.

She should call him and have him bring her notes to the hospital. At this stage, she should be able to do most everything remotely. Yes, that sounded like a plan.

“Aunt Birdie?” Ethan stood in the doorway to her room with a surprised look on his face.

She smiled, so happy to see him. “Didn’t I just see you yesterday?”

“Yes. But this couldn’t wait. I have something I want to discuss with you.”

Oh no! This sounds serious. She suddenly worried that he’d been called back to the city. And poor Peaches would have to be uprooted from her home.

“Well, don’t stand all the way over there. Come in.” She gestured toward the foot of the bed. “Have a seat.”

Once he was perched on the edge of the bed, he said, “I did something and I don’t want you to be upset.”