Her Christmas Hero Read Online Free PDF Page B

Dillon on her hip. Onnie was right behind them. It was the most beautiful sight Britt had ever seen.
    Carin took a startled look at her, no doubt surprised at how bedraggled she was, and hugged her. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI’m fine now.”
    Dillon wiggled from his grandmother to his mother.“No…” Carin started, but Britt grabbed her baby and held him.
    She soaked up his sweet scent, kissing his cheek. His heart beat rapidly against her. “Ma-ma-ma,” he cooed.
    A nurse came in. “Everyone will have to leave. I have to check the patient and get her cleaned up.”
    â€œNow listen here, missy.” Onnie stepped up to the plate, fire in her eyes. “This is my granddaughter and I ain’t leaving her.”
    â€œMama,” Carin said in a sharp voice that usually got Onnie’s attention. “We’ll go to the waiting room until they’ve checked Britt. We need to know she’s okay.”
    â€œHow long is it going to take?” The question was directed at the nurse.
    â€œNot long. I’ll come and get you when the doctor has completed his exam.”
    â€œYeah. Like I believe that.” Onnie snorted. “I wasn’t born yesterday, missy.”
    â€œOnnie, please,” Britt begged, nuzzling Dillon.
    Her grandmother patted her hand. “I’ll be just down the hall. If you need anything, just holler. I still got good ears.” Onnie looked her over. “My, you’re a mess. Looks like someone used you as a mop.”
    Carin reached for Dillon. He clung to Britt. “It’s okay, sweetie. Mommy’s right here. Go with Nana.”
    Reluctantly, he let go, his bottom lip trembling. Britt felt herself wobble as they walked out. “Please hurry,” she told the nurse. She wanted to hold her son until her arms couldn’t hold him any longer.
    Within minutes the nurse had cut off Britt’s clothes, and a doctor came in to examine her. She had scratches and bruises, but he wanted some tests run, mostly a Cat scan of her head and an X-ray of her lungs.
    She begged for a shower first and the doctor allowed it.The nurse took her down the hall to a bathroom and stayed with her just in case she passed out. Britt scrubbed her hair twice before she’d removed all the mud and grime. Quinn was right—soap and water did the trick. Stepping out, she wondered if he was also taking a shower.
    She had to stop thinking about him.
    A few minutes later she was back in her room. The nurse said they’d take her for tests soon. Britt felt one hundred percent better. Almost. The custody hearing was still hanging over her head. What was Phil up to? Caring for their son wasn’t on his list of priorities.
    Her mother slipped into the room.
    â€œMom. Where’s Dillon?” Britt sat up.
    Carin tucked her hair behind her ears in a nervous gesture. “Don’t worry. He’s with Onnie. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
    â€œI’m fine.” A tear trailed from her eye, belying her words.
    Her mother gathered her into her arms. “Oh, my baby, I’ve been so worried.”
    Britt clutched her. “I was so stupid going out in the storm, but I had to see my son.”
    Carin sat down on the bed. “What happened?”
    â€œIt was awful.” Britt scrubbed at her eyes, telling her mother the whole story.
    â€œWhat a courageous young man,” Carin said.
    â€œI couldn’t have held on to the log much longer, Mom. I…”
    â€œShh, my baby.” Carin wiped away Britt’s tears. “You’re alive and we have to thank this man.”
    â€œI have…several times.” Britt sat up straighter. “Have you seen any reporters in the hospital?”
    â€œThere was one talking to a nurse, trying to get information, but she said she couldn’t help him.”
    â€œGood. I don’t want any of this to get back to Phil.”
    Carin frowned.