Chapter 24
Madison
My phone buzzed against my hip as I sorted through expense reports. The hospital’s number flashed across the screen, sending my heart racing.
“Miss Harper? We’ve received confirmation from Hallmark Hospital. They’re ready to accept your mother’s transfer today.”
I gripped the edge of my desk. “Today? That’s wonderful. What time should I be there?”
“The ambulance is scheduled for three PM. If you could arrive by two–thirty to handle the paperwork, that would be ideal.”
I glanced at the clock – one forty–five. “I’ll be there. Thank you.”
After ending the call, I smoothed my skirt and walked to Alexander’s office. I knocked softly.
“Come in.” His deep voice resonated from behind the heavy oak door.
“I need to request a few hours off this afternoon.” My fingers twisted together. “The hospital called. They’re ready to transfer Mom to Hallmark.”
“Of course. Take the rest of the day.” He reached for his phone. “I’ll have John drive you.”
“That’s not necessary. I can take a cab.”
“Madison.” The way he said my name made my skin tingle. “Let me do this for you.”
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
The transfer process moved with surprising efficiency. Within an hour, Mom was settled in the ambulance, and I followed behind in the sleek car Alexander had insisted on sending.
The drive to Hallmark took us through the wealthier part of the city, past manicured lawns and modern architecture.
Hallmark Hospital rose before us like a glass palace. Inside, everything gleamed – from the marble floors to the art
installations on the walls.
Prime suite awaited Mom on the top floor, complete with a view of the city skyline and what looked like actual Egyptian
cotton sheets.
“Well.” Mom’s eyes widened as the nurses helped her settle in. “I definitely won’t complain about the accommodations.”
I watched them hook up her monitors, each piece of equipment looking more advanced than anything at the previous hospital. The head nurse walked me through Mom’s care plan, describing treatments and specialists I’d never dreamed we could afford.
“Your mother’s in good hands,” she assured me. “Dr. Williams will be by shortly for an initial consultation.”
The head nurse’s footsteps faded down the hallway, leaving Mom and me in the plush private room. I sank into the armchair beside her bed – the cushions so soft they practically swallowed me whole.
“Maddie, honey, pinch me “Mom gazed around the room. “This can’t be real. Look at this place – it’s like a five–star hotel.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” I laughed. “You might end up staying here longer just for the amenities.”
“Metro General’s idea of luxury was a TV that worked half the time and jello that wasn’t expired.” She adjusted herself against the pillows. “And don’t get me started on those scratchy sheets. I swear they were made from recycled sandpaper ”
I reached over to fix her blanket. “The nurse call button actually works here, too.”
“Unlike Metro’s version of room service – yelling until someone happened to walk by ” She picked up the room’s tablet.” Would you look at this? I can order meals, control the TV, and even adjust the temperature. At Metro, we were lucky if the air
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conditioning didn’t sound like a dying whale.”
“Mom!”
“What? I’m just saying. Though I did grow fond of that one ceiling tile that changed color depending on how much it leaked.”
I shook my head, trying not to smile. “You’re terrible.”
“Remember that one nurse who always wore those squeaky shoes? We could track her location through the entire floor.” Mom mimicked the sound. “Squeak–squeak–squeak.”
“And now look at you – private bathroom, city view, probably better sheets than I have at home.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Want to tell me how we managed to upgrade from budget motel to presidential suite?”
I shifted in my chair, trying to keep my expression neutral. “I told you about the bonus I got, remember? Plus, the insurance finally came through
“Mmhmm.” Mom’s eyebrow arched in that way, and that always made me feel like I was eight years old again, trying to explain why the cookie jar was empty. “You know, Margaret – the lovely grandmother who shared my room at Metro – she told me all about Hallmark. H
daughter’s friend’s cousin worked here as a janitor.”
”
“Did she now?” I fiddled with the edge of her blanket.
“No, but she did tell me something interesting.” Mom’s eyes sparkled with that look she got when she knew she had me cornered. “Apparently, this place charges more for a day
day than our old apartment costs for a month.”
I swallowed hard. “Mom-”
“Margaret said her daughter’s friend’s cousin – or whatever the connection was – mentioned they only take certain kinds of patients here.” She gestured at the luxurious room. “The kind summer in the Hamptons and have yachts named after
their pets. Not exactly our tax bracket, Maddie.”
My stomach twisted. The truth sat heavily on my tongue – about Alexander, the arrangement, everything. But looking at her, finally comfortable in a proper hospital bed with real medical care within reach, I couldn’t bring myself to explain what I’d
done to get her here.
“You don’t need to worry about any of that.” I forced a smile. “Really.”
“Madison Harper. I taught you better than to dodge questions.”
“I’m not dodging!”
“How are you affording this?”
“Maybe people are just jealous that you got upgraded to the premium package.” I straightened the alteady–straight blanket.
Besides, I told you about the insurance and everything working out. Can’t you just enjoy having a bathroom that doesn’t
require a hazmat suit?”
“Madison-”
“Mom, please.” I took her hand. “I can handle this, want to do this for you. You deserve proper care, actual edible food, and nurses who don’t sound like they’re wearing tap shoes.”
She squeezed my fingers. “I just don’t want you getting in over your head because of me.”
If she only knew how deep I already was.
“The only thing getting over anyone’s head is that mountain of pillows they gave you.” I nodded at the fluffy stack behind her. “I think they’re trying to turn you into a princess just add one more, and you can feel that pea under there.”
That finally got a small smile.
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Mom’s grip on my hand relaxed slightly, and she settled back into the pillows.
Just then, the door opened, and a tall man in a white coat strode in. His presence filled the room effortlessly.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” He smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m Dr. Anthony Williams.”
Mom sat up a bit straighter, her curiosity piqued. “Are you the one who will make me feel like a new woman?”
“That’s the plan,” he said with a grin, walking over to her bedside. “Let’s take a look at how you’re doing first.”
He flipped through her chart, making small talk as he did. “So, Mrs. Harper, how are you finding your new accommodations?”
Mom glanced around the room again. “Well, I could get used to this view. And I hear the jello is top–notch.”
Dr. Williams chuckled. “We do our best to keep our patients happy even with jello.”
He gently checked her vitals, and his movements were smooth and professional. Mom’s eyes followed him as he worked.
“So, what do you think?” she asked.
“Your vitals are stable,” he said, making notes on her chart. “We’re going to run some tests to better understand what’s going
- on.
“Tests?” She looked at me, then back at him.
“Nothing too invasive,” he reassured her. “Just some imaging and blood work. We want to make sure we’re not missing
anything important.”
Mom nodded slowly. “All right.”
Dr. Williams finished his exam and stepped back, giving her a kind smile. “Now, I want you to rest and let our team take care
of you.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is,” he replied. “You just focus on getting better we’ll handle the hard stuff.”
“Well, I suppose if you insist,” Mom said, leaning back into her pillows like a queen on her throne.
“I do,” he said, flashing another reassuring smile. “Tomorrow, we’ll begin your treatment.”
“Treatment? Tomorrow?” Her eyes widened slightly.
“Yes, we’ll start with a few procedures in the morning.” He made another note in her chart. “It should be relatively
straightforward.”
Mom raised an eyebrow. “That’s doctor speak for ‘it’ll hurt like hell,‘ isn’t it?”
Dr. Williams chuckled softly. “Not at all, Mrs. Harper. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable throughout.”
“Alright, Doctor Smooth Talker, I’ll hold you to that.”
He closed her chart and set it down on the bedside table. “I’ll check on you later today to see how you’re settling in. In the
meantime, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask the nurses.”
“Got it, Doc.”
Dr. Williams gave us a final nod before heading out.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Mom’s expression transformed into that mischievous look I knew all too well
“Well, well, well” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Did you see how that man kept looking at you while he was talking?”
I rolled my eyes. “Mom, he was doing his job.”
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“His job was examining me, not stealing glances at my daughter every thirty seconds.” Mom adjusted her blanket with a flourish. “And those eyes! Like warm honey, don’t you think?”
“I wasn’t paying attention to his eyes.”
“Oh please, even these hospital monitors could tell he’s handsome. And single – no ring.” She tapped her finger against her
chin. “You know, I bet if you hung around during his rounds-”
“Mom!” I felt my cheeks warming. “I’m not interested in dating right now.”
“Why not? You’re young, beautiful, and clearly catching the eye of successful doctors.” She patted the bed beside her. “Come on, sweetie. When was the last time you went on a proper date?”
“I’m just focused on other things right now.”
“Other things?” Her eyes narrowed. “Madison Harper, is there someone you’re not telling me about?”
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