The car sped through the streets, racing back to the county hospital.
Jamison, burning with fever and barely conscious, was rushed straight to the ER.
A quick examination confirmed what Ivy feared: his wound was badly infected and inflamed. He needed the site cleaned and re-stitched, and the doctors insisted on admitting him for treatment.
While the medical team was still working on him, Jamison’s phone started to ring.
Ivy fished it out from his pocket and glanced at the screen—Thad was calling.
With Jamison in no shape to answer, Ivy stepped out of the exam room and picked up the call herself.
“Hello, Thad.”
“Ivy?” Thad sounded surprised to hear her voice. “Where’s Jamison? Is he still sleeping?”
“He…” Ivy hesitated, searching for the right words, but decided to be honest. “He’s got a fever. His wound got infected, so the doctors are cleaning it up and redressing it now.”
Thad’s tone sharpened with worry. “An infection? Is it serious?”
“He’s running a high fever and completely out of it. The doctors are taking care of him as we speak.”
“But he’s a surgeon—he ought to know how to take care of himself! How did it get this bad?” Thad’s frustration was obvious, though Ivy could tell it was born from concern.
She felt a wave of guilt. “I’m sorry, Thad. I should have taken better care of him.”
If she hadn’t dragged Jamison along for that bumpy trip to Silverfen today, maybe none of this would have happened.
“It’s not your fault,” Thad said, his voice gentler. “You know how stubborn he is. It’s hard for anyone to change his mind once he’s decided on something. Honestly, you putting up with him is already impressive.”
Ivy felt awkward, but she replied honestly, “He may seem cold on the outside, but he’s actually really thoughtful. He’s… a good person.”
There was a stunned silence from Thad, then he burst out laughing. “Well, that’s something new! I don’t think I’ve ever heard a woman say anything positive about him.”
Ivy fell silent, cheeks burning.
After a moment of gentle teasing, Thad got back to the point. “Now that you’ve finished up there, I really think you two should come home soon. It’s easier to look after him here, and the hospital is much better.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Ivy agreed softly.
“Talk it over with Jamison and try to settle on a date to head back, okay?”
“Alright. I will.”
Ivy promised obediently, and hung up.
Back at the house, Thad let out a long breath, unable to keep a smile from creeping across his face.
Davina glanced at her husband, puzzled. “Your brother is hurt, his wound’s infected, and you’re over there grinning? If your mom finds out, she’ll be furious.”
Thad’s grin widened. “Hey, it’s a blessing in disguise. Why shouldn’t I be happy?”
Davina raised an eyebrow. “A blessing?”
He waved his phone. “From the way Ivy was talking, it sounds like the two of them have been getting along. She actually said Jamison’s just cold on the outside and really attentive underneath. Said he’s a good guy.”
Davina’s lips twitched in amusement. “That’s a first. Every girl he’s ever met through those blind dates your mom set up always says the same thing—good looking, great family, but cold, sharp-tongued, and totally clueless about romance.”
“Exactly. But Ivy’s opinion is completely different.”
Davina finally smiled, understanding dawning. “So, our Jamison’s finally met someone he actually likes. For the right person, even the worst habits can change.”
“Right—and more importantly, I think Ivy’s falling for him too.”
Davina nodded, pleased. “That’s good news. Your mom’s always worried their marriage was just for show, with no real feelings between them. Looks like they’re finally falling for each other after the wedding. That’s not a bad thing.”
She paused, a shadow flickering across her face. “If only Micah would get over things. He’s been making life miserable for everyone. I just hope he comes around…”