and make each of us a plate. I think I want to eat inside now. The sun is getting a little hot.”
“Okay, Mom.” Gemma kisses Molly’s cheek and gets to her feet. Gray is slower to get up, the look in his eyes saying he’s not fooled.
After Joe helps the kids gather the two desserts, the three walk inside, leaving the rest of us on the patio. Douglas grabs a chair as I pick Molly up bridal style and set her on the seat. I grab another chair and pull it as close to her as I can. My nerves are still shot from watching her fall, and I want her within touching distance.
“What’s going on, Molly?” Nancy asks, settling into her own seat. Her brows are pulled down and concern laces her features. Douglas sits beside his wife, and Lindsay takes a chair on the other side of them
“We don’t really know,” Molly answers, nibbling on her lip. “I’ve been off lately.”
“How so?” Douglas asks.
“My balance has been wonky.” I grab Molly’s hand when she pauses. “And I’ve been forgetting things. Important things that I shouldn’t forget.”
“Have you spoken with Dr. Becker?”
“I saw him Friday, but not much was accomplished. He ordered bloodwork. I have a follow-up appointment on Wednesday.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“A few weeks.” At Nancy’s concerned look, Molly explains further. “It’s probably from all the stress lately.”
“I want a phone call immediately after your appointment on Wednesday,” Nancy says firmly.
“I will, Mom. I promise. But I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“You scared the bejesus out of me.”
Molly gets to her feet at the same time Nancy does, and they hug. “I’m sorry,” she says into the side of Nancy’s head.
In reality, what happened earlier shouldn’t have been that big of a deal. People stumble over their feet every day and memories get lost.
But when it comes to Molly, I take no chances.
Chapter Five
MOLLY
I pick up the magazine lying on the table beside me and flip it open to the recipe section. I read over a few until I find one I think everyone will like and snap a picture of it with my phone. I’ve found some really good recipes sitting in doctor’s offices.
“Mmm… chicken parm,” Lincoln comments, glancing away from his own magazine to mine. “Looks good.”
“I was thinking about going out tomorrow to grab the ingredients.”
“Sounds good.” He tosses his magazine on the table and stretches his legs out, propping his arm on the back of my chair. “I heard you on the phone with Jenna the other day. How’s she doing?” he asks.
“She’s great. I think the guy she met a while back has been good for her. She seems happy.”
“She deserves it. How’s Violet? Has she brought the new guy around her? Bryant was his name, right?”
I drop the magazine beside his, and he takes the opportunity to grab my hand and bring it to his lap. His thumb rubs circles on the back of my hand.
“Yes. I think he’s only met Violet a couple of times. I get why she’s so nervous to bring him around, but I hope she doesn’t use it as an excuse to not move forward with this guy.”
“We need to take a trip out there or have them fly here. I’d like to meet him to make sure he’s good for our girls.”
I smile, my heart warming at the notion Lincoln is concerned about Jenna and Violet. “She’s actually planning a trip out here soon.”
A door whooshing open interrupts our conversation. “Mrs. Bradshaw?”
We get up and follow the nurse to a small room where she takes my vitals. I don’t know why I’m nervous. Growing up, and even as an adult, my doctor used to tell me I was going to put him out of business because I was never sick and only had to see him for regular vaccinations and check-ups. I’m used to being the doctor and finding out what’s causing the issue—even if it is for pets—not the other way around.
Once we’re in the patient room, the nurse asks me the usual questions before informing us Dr. Becker will be with us in a few minutes.
I sit on the bed, the paper beneath me crumpling, irritating me. Instead of using the patient chair, Lincoln chooses the stool and rolls it over until he’s positioned between my legs. I run my fingers through his hair as he looks up at me.
“Tell me a story,” he urges, turning my half-smile into a full-fledged one.
I tap