Heart of Clay Read online

  Big Jim was in the middle of a story when he glimpsed Clay’s hand clenching the blanket. He hurried out to the nurses’ station and let them know. Mary, the nurse who had been so kind to them since the first day, hustled into the room and checked Clay’s vital signs.

  She made notes on the chart by his bed, but shook her head at Big Jim. “Sorry, Mr. Carver, but he’s not showing any other signs of coming out of the coma. Don’t give up, yet, though. Moving his hand was a great sign.”

  When Callan and Bobbi returned with the girls, Big Jim told them what he saw. Bobbi and Callan were both encouraged. The girls each wanted to tell Clay goodbye, which they did with quiet whispers in his ear, then Emma placed a sticky kiss on his stubbly cheek.

  Callan hugged each of the girls and thanked them for coming then gave her dad a hug. “Thanks for bringing them, Daddy. I really appreciate you making the effort. It was great to see you and them.”

  “Anytime, sweet daughter.” Big Jim gave Callan a peck on the cheek. “Don’t you worry about this boy. He’s going to be just fine. You mark my words.”

  Fifteen days after the accident, Clay remained in the coma. Although he healed well physically, Callan grew discouraged. She knew in the grand scheme of things that it hadn’t been that long since he’d been in the coma, but, oh, how she missed him.

  She went home for a night’s rest, but found she couldn’t sleep when she spent most of the night worrying about Clay. With the convention center a good hour’s drive from the hospital, Callan decided to swing by that morning and pick up work to take with her.

  She found a mountain of papers piled on her desk and was making headway through the stack when Jill popped into her office.

  “Callan, this is the last place I thought to find you. You don’t need to be here. Rachel and I can take care of this.” Jill waved her hand toward the shrinking pile of paperwork.

  “I know, but I need to feel useful and like I am doing something productive,” Callan explained. “I’m just here for a little while this morning. I can handle a lot of this from the hospital. How are things going? I’m so sorry to not be here during one of our busiest seasons.”

  “Don’t give it a second thought. Things are running relatively smoothly. If something comes up only you can answer, I’ll call you or send an email. Will that work?”

  “That would be great.” Callan packed up some files and glanced at her watch. “Send email first. I don’t get great cell service at the hospital and I’m limited on access areas. I better get going. I told Bobbi I’d be back right after lunch.”

  Callan stood and walked toward the door with Jill. They gave each other a warm hug. “Let us know if there is anything we can do,” Jill said.

  “I will. Thanks again.” Callan hurried out to her car. She was almost to the hospital when her cell phone rang. It was Dr. Fisher.

  “Hello, this is Callan.” A call from Dr. Fisher meant something great or something terrible had happened.

  “Callan, I’ve got some wonderful news,” David said enthusiastically. “Clay woke up and said one word. How far away are you from the hospital?”

  “I’m just pulling into the parking lot. I’ll be there in a minute.” Filled with excitement, Callan couldn’t keep a smile from lighting her face with unbridled joy. “What did he say, David?”

  “Laney.”