The Bride Said, 'Surprise!'. Cathy Thacker Gillen

Sam demanded, concern etched on his face.

      Briefly Luke explained. “We had to put seven stitches in a cut on his forehead. He’s probably going to have a little scar, but it’s right at the scalp line so it won’t show, unless someone is really looking for it. He’s got a sprained left wrist and some nasty abrasions on his arms and legs that are going to require a bit of care for a few days. But other than that he’s one lucky kid, considering the kind of injuries that could have occurred if his fall hadn’t been broken by those shrubs.”

      “Thank God for that,” Sam McCabe sighed, the shadows of fatigue around his eyes becoming even more pronounced.

      Luke led Sam down the hall toward the examining room. “Initially,” Luke continued, casually filling Sam in, “we had a little trouble evaluating him, since none of us could get Kevin to say a word.”

      Looking all the more anxious and upset, Sam shrugged off Luke’s concern with a tired sigh. “That’s not unusual. Kev hasn’t talked much to anyone since Ellie died.”

      “Has he seen anyone about that?” Luke asked, as they rounded the corner.

      “He’ll be fine,” Sam replied curtly, looking irritated at Luke for even bringing it up. “Kev just needs some time. Can I see him now?”

      “Sure.” Luke led the way into the exam room. Despite the attention he was getting from Meg, as well as John and Lilah McCabe, Kevin looked very happy to see his dad. The two hugged. “You gave me quite a scare,” Sam told his youngest son, still holding him close. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

      Kevin clung to Sam. Tears trembled on his lashes, but again he didn’t speak.

      Luke gave them a moment more, then, interceding gently, said, “Kev. I need to borrow your dad for a minute. Maybe while we’re talking, your uncle John and aunt Lilah can get a special ‘patient’ teddy bear for you to take home with you.”

      Sam hugged Kev again, reassuring him gently, then Sam and Luke stepped out into the corridor. Luke knew what he was going to say was not going to be welcome—nevertheless it had to be said. “Part of my job, as your new family physician, is to treat the whole family.”

      “You’re concerned about how the accident happened,” Sam guessed.

      Luke nodded.

      “I am, too,” Sam said grimly. “Do you know where the rest of my boys are?”

      “In a conference room down the hall, with Kate Marten, the hospital counselor.” Luke led the way. To his surprise he found the boys, sans counselor. “Where’s Kate?”