purchase, glancing toward the parking lot at the same time. The nursery would close in thirty minutes and Gunner stilled hadn’t shown.
“I have several of these already in the garden, dear. But I’ll definitely call if I run into a problem. You have a good Sunday.”
Stepping from behind the counter, she wandered toward the lot, attempting to conjure up his truck. Last night hadn’t ended well. She still felt horrible at questioning his integrity. His reaction had been understandable. It would take a miracle for him to ever invite her back, which darkened her mood further.
“Kat. Come to my office.”
She whipped around at Janie’s stern command, surprised at the intensity in her boss’s voice. “Is something wrong?”
“Just get in here so we can talk.” Janie stomped to her office, taking a seat. “Close the door.”
Katrina did as she was told, flashing a wary gaze at Janie.
“And sit down. I don’t like you staring down at me.”
Quickly lowering herself into a chair, Katrina folded her hands in her lap. “Did I do something wrong?”
Swiveling around, Janie stared at her, letting out a slow breath. “I spoke with a man named Ghost. Do you know him?”
“Gunner’s mentioned him, but I don’t recall meeting him. What did he say?”
“There was an accident late last night. Gunner’s in the hospital.”
Jumping up, Katrina grabbed the doorknob. “I need to go there.”
“I thought you’d say that. First, you should know Ghost said there are plenty of people at the hospital waiting for word.”
“I don’t care if there’s a hundred milling about. I’m still going.”
“Thought you’d say that.” Shoving herself up, Janie swung the door open. “Don’t know how much they’ll tell you, but you being there is a good idea. Now, you get going and call me once you learn something.”
Racing past her, Katrina grabbed her purse and keys, hurrying to the car. Heart hammering, she let out a curse when the engine failed to turn over. On the third try, she whispered out a fervent prayer, relieved when the car started.
Liberty Lake Hospital was less than two miles down the road. She never thought about how long it took to get there until now. A minute crawled by, then another, before she caught sight of the tall, light brown hospital building.
Parking, she ran to the front, having no idea where to go once inside. She stopped in front of the reception counter. “I’m looking for a patient. Lucas Henson.”
“Are you a relative?”
“Um, no…a friend.”
“They probably won’t let you see him, but he’s got several friends already in the waiting area. Go right and follow the signs.”
“Thank you.”
The signs took her to an open area filled with men wearing cuts, as well as a few women. Hesitating, she stared around the room. A familiar looking petite woman with brown hair cut at her chin, and soft brown eyes, approached.
“Are you here for Gunner?”
Licking her lips, she experienced a flash of nerves when everyone turned to look at her. “I am.”
“You’re at the right place.” She held out a hand. “You may not remember, but we met at Robbie’s. I’m Dani Robertson, Ghost’s wife.”
She gripped the extended hand. “I remember. I’m Kat.”
“I’ve heard a rumor you and Gunner are seeing each other.”
Feeling a rush of heat, she started shaking her head, then stopped. “Only a couple times. I’m working on the landscaping for his house.”
Dani’s lips twitched, eyes flickering. “Right. There should be a couple seats left. If not, I’ll kick one of the guys out.”
“Oh, no—”
Dani waved her concern away. “Trust me. I won’t even have to ask. Everyone, this is Kat Snowden, a friend of Gunner’s.”
Those waiting offered brief greetings or waved before going back to their own conversations. She saw a few familiar faces from Robbie’s Bar, but most were strangers.
“Sit next to me so we can talk.” Dani indicated a couple free chairs.
Following her, Katrina nodded at several visitors before stopping in her tracks. Sucking in a quick breath, she stared at a man who’d disappeared years ago. He was older, with several days’ stubble, but she’d recognize her childhood friend anywhere.
When she started toward him, he gave a slight shake of his head. Katrina understood. He had no desire for a ghost from his past to interrupt his current life. Well, to hell with that. They were going to talk before she left the hospital. Dragging her attention away, she sat down next to Dani, glancing up when the door to the recovery area opened.
“Are all of you here to see Mr.