past the citrus trees, and to the waiting SUV Noah bought for her a few years ago, even though she insisted she doesn’t drive enough to own a car. Funny how that changed once we both had kids. Then she was the first to insist she loves to drive—and needed a good car seat.
Thank goodness I installed it the day she opened the box. I know it’s done right.
For now, I ease my mother into the front seat, slide it back as far as it will go, and prop her calf on the dash to elevate her injured ankle. “You okay? Hanging in there?”
“Fine.”
She’s lying. She sounds winded and exhausted. She looks waxy. I definitely hear more pain in her voice. I’m worried.
“Should I get you some ibuprofen before we go?”
“No. They’ll give me something at the hospital. I don’t want any medication to interfere.”
As much as I hate to see her in pain, she’s probably right. “I’ll be right back. Where are your car keys?”
Makuahine presses her lips together. “In the glove box.”
Now isn’t the time for an argument, but I fish them out with a scowl. “Your car is unlocked, and you leave your keys inside?”
She shrugs. “Old habit.”
Shaking my damn head, I start the car. “I’ve told you it’s not safe.”
Masey races out of the house and bustles to the parked SUV, a purse on each shoulder and Ranger in her arms. As she approaches, my mother rolls down the window. “I’m guessing this is your purse, Mrs. Weston, and your insurance card might be inside.”
“You’re right. Thank you.”
Masey leans in so Makuahine can pluck the bag up and set it in her lap. “You’re welcome.” Then she glances my way. “It’s been more than a minute since I secured a baby in a car seat. Maybe you should remind me?”
She’s right. Clearly, I’m not thinking straight.
“Sure.” I hop out.
Together, we strap Ranger in. He barely stirs.
“Thanks for all your help tonight. I owe you.”
She shakes her head. “I hate to leave you to juggle all this alone. Why don’t I follow you to the hospital in my rental?”
“Ranger shouldn’t be at the hospital,” Makuahine insists. “Too many germs there, and it’s past his bedtime. We’ll take him to your brother’s house first.”
“That will take too long, and you need medical attention now. Besides, the playpen is still in your living room. Where will Ranger sleep?”
Especially now that he’s dangerously close to crawling. Once he’s mobile, watch out, world. I often see my son on his blanket in the living room lifting himself on his hands and knees, rocking like he’s finding the momentum to take off and attack life.
“I can watch him at your place,” Masey volunteers. “I don’t mean to intrude, but he could be in his own bed and you wouldn’t have to take the time to drive all the way back to Noah and Harlow’s place first. I’m happy to follow you there in my rental. All you have to do is let me in. I’ll handle the rest until you’re home.”
“She’s smart, keikikāne,” my mother says. “If you’re not dating her, you should be.”
And there’s the Makuahine I know. Not even pain and broken bones can keep her from meddling.
Masey gracefully laughs off the comment like it’s a joke. “Thank you, Mrs. Weston, but Harlow just introduced us tonight.”
My mother smiles. “You must like him more than a little. Your lips are swollen, so I know he’s been kissing you.”
I’m sure she can’t help it, but Masey blushes.
I sigh. “That’s none of your business.” Then I turn to Masey. “You really don’t mind watching Ranger for a few hours?”
“Not at all. I hadn’t planned to film tonight anyway, and while he’s sleeping, I can jot down some notes I have floating in my head about future videos. I have some product in my purse I can do a little advance testing on… I’ll be fine.”
As much as I hate to impose, her idea is the best for both Makuahine and Ranger. “Thanks. I really, really owe you.”
Before she can answer, my mother jumps in. “He’ll take you to dinner.”
Masey raises a brow at me. “Yeah?”
Despite everything, I smile. “If you want, absolutely.”
“Sure. That sounds nice.”
“Perfect.” My mother seems more than pleased. “Now let’s get going.”
After we ensure Ranger is secure, I hop into the driver’s seat again and regard Masey. “I’ll drive around the front of the house and you can follow me from there.”