Read A Weldon Family Christmas: A Southern Steam Novella (Weldon Brothers) for Free Online Page B

Jesse, Jackson, and Jared had been into see him before they left, heading back to the farm where Alexi, Nan, her grandsons and Rocky waited.
    “Don’t tell me, you’re going to start an ‘Eat Mor Chikin’ campaign,” James said as he entered the room.
    “If it will get your father to take it easy, I just might,” Emma said.
    James winced.  “Well, I’m afraid to say that I bought you a hamburger at the snack bar.”
    “I guess I can delay my protest a day or two.”
    James joined her, setting his hand on her shoulder.  He’d gone to the snack bar to bring them back food, though she didn’t think she could eat a bite.  He was staying with her until Jared returned later.  The boys had set up an around the clock schedule to be at the hospital with she and John.  She’d already declared she wasn’t going anywhere until John opened his crystal blue eyes, and she knew he was out of the danger zone.
     “You okay?” James asked.
    “There have been better days,” she said, forcing a smile.  “But being able to finally see him helps.”
    “Yeah, it does some.”  James adjusted the cooling blanket they had covering John much the way John used to cover the boys up every night at bedtime by tugging the bottom of the blanket down first then tucking the top under the neck.
    Her heart swelled and squeezed with pain at the same time.  “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but out of all four of you boys, you’re the one who is most like your father when he was younger.”
    James arched his brows in surprise.   “I thought that would be Jesse, since they both joined the Marines.”
    The nurse cracked open the door.  “I’m sorry Mrs. Weldon, but you both will have to step out until the next visitation time.  They’ve a few more test the techs will be coming to do otherwise I’d bend the rules a bit.”
    “I understand.  You’ll let me know if there is any change in his condition?”
    “Yes, ma’am, I promise.”
    Drawing a deep breath to force a calmness she didn’t feel, Emma leaned down and kissed her husband’s cool cheek.  At his bedside, her world at least felt as if it were on somewhat steady ground.  The waiting room was nothing but quicksand.  James led her out of the room and sat her down at the table where he’d placed their food.
    “I have to give you fair warning.  I’m to report to Jackson on how much you eat.  He said to tell you that if you don’t eat, he’ll personally kidnap you from the hospital until you do.  Jesse said to ditto that for him.”   
     Emma frowned.  “Just what is this world coming to?  You’re actually not only cooperating with your older brothers’ demands but you’re aiding and abetting their cause?”
    James shrugged.  “There’s a first time for everything, I guess.  We’re all four in agreement.  You can’t help Dad if you get sick yourself, which means you’ll eat.  And more than just a bite or two, okay?”
    “We’ll see.”
    James lit into his food, and she started messing around with hers. 
    “So what makes me more like dad?” he asked after a few minutes.
    “Your expressions.  The way you do things.  And sometimes the look in your eyes.  You are so like he was when I first met him.  Tell me something, did you and Jared have a falling out?  There’s a strain between you that’s never been before.”
    James shrugged, ate a few of his fries then sighed.  “I think he’s moving too fast.  He only knew Rocky a week before he pretty much decided she was the one and refused to listen to a word anyone said about slowing down.”
    “Is there something about Rocky that worries you?”
    “No.  From what I’ve seen, she’s, competent, giving, and beautiful.  It’s just that I know Jared, and it’s completely out of character for him to make a snap decision about a lifetime commitment.  And he’s always at least considered my advice about something instead of telling me to butt out.  How can you take one