"You had a dislocated shoulder - and yes, they already put it back into place. You were lucky and there was no torn tissue or fractures. The biggest problem was some hypothermia."
A big clock on the wall behind him indicated it was almost nine. She focused on his face again.
"Where are the children? Did they eat supper?"
"Felipa is with them right now. I'm sure she fed them supper. They're probably in bed."
"When do I get to go home?"
He shrugged. We're still waiting on the doctor to tell us if they're going to keep you overnight.
She frowned, glancing around the empty emergency room. "We?"
Alex glanced up as a tall figure stepped through the door. Gerald nodded an acknowledgment to Alex and then his troubled gaze fell on Carmen.
"Oh, you're awake now. Are you feeling a little better?"
Carmen nodded. "At least I don't hurt … much." She forced a smile. "Why are you here? You're supposed to be a guest.
His smile was wry. "I'm also a friend."
She nodded, "True." A quick glance at Alex caught him watching them warily. He looked tired. No wonder. He worked all day, climbed the hills looking for her - not to mention the worry she had cost him today. She sighed.
"I'm sure having you close was a big comfort to Alex. He's had quite a bad day."
Alex looked surprised and then frowned. "Me? You're the one who has had the bad day."
Gerald shifted his attention to Alex. "Why don't you go down and have a cup of coffee. I'll stay here and keep her out of trouble."
Alex ran fingers through his hair and then rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, I could use a break." He eyed Gerald a moment. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind?"
Gerald jerked a thumb at the door. "Get out of here," he said with a smile.
Alex needed no more encouragement. The door was barely closed behind him before Gerald moved to the side of the bed. He gazed down at her with a puzzled expression.
"Why did you go back up there?"
"I forgot my phone and a storm was coming up."
He frowned. "So? Why go up there alone? Rob was at the house. I'm sure he would have been glad to go up there with you."
Carmen grimaced. "I'm sure," she said in a sour tone.