Nicole beamed.
âDo you like it, Austin?â
âI do.
I always desired a companion, so I wonât be lonely,â Austin replied.
âYour appreciation warms my heart,â Nicole expressed, enveloping him in an embrace.
Austin stated firmly, âMommy, I will cherish this baby forever, regardless of its gender.
Even in my absence, a sibling shall provide solace for you, granting me peace of mind.
â
Nicole felt a pang of emotion at Austinâs maturity.
Her eyes moistened as she spoke softly.
âAustin, donât say those words.
You will grow up by my side.
Youâll remain strong and assist me in nurturing the baby.
â
With conviction, Austin comforted her, âRest assured, the welfare of this baby is my solemn duty.
â
Nicole read Austin a tale until his eyelids drooped in slumber before rising.
Nicole recalled Roscoeâs prior findings, suggesting the potential administration of those pills to Austin, despite its uncertain efficacy requiring further evaluation.
Nicole hesitated, grappling with the decision to allow Austin to participate in the trial.
Furthermore, she recognized the necessity of obtaining Jarrodâs approval, as Austinâs biological father, ensuring transparency regarding Austinâs medical care.
Presently, Austinâs health remained favorable, yet should his condition deteriorate, intervening later could prove futile.
Nicole sensed the urgency to promptly make a decision and take action.
In the hospital corridors, Jarrod overheard Conorâs inquiry directed at the attending caregiver.
âWas there anyone who visited Mr.
Schultz yesterday?â
The caregiver shook her head.
âNo visitors.
â
Conorâs disappointment surged, recognizing Jarrodâs persistent sour mood.
Upon entering the room, Conor commenced his customary recitation of the companyâs updates to Jarrod.
âs BunnyBookery Unexpectedly, Jarrod queried, âWhom were you expecting?â
Conor hesitated and then decided it was best to be honest.
âI encountered Miss Lawrence at the hospital yesterday.
â
âWhat did you convey to her?â Jarrod inquired.
âI suggested she visit you if she could spare the time,â Conor replied.
Jarrod fell silent, acknowledging Nicoleâs awareness of his condition and her absence despite it.
He emitted a bitter chuckle.
Indeed, if she possessed any compassion for him, she wouldnât be Nicole.
âWhat brought her to the hospital?â Jarrod inquired, a hint of concern creeping into his tone.
Conor responded, âMiss Lawrence mentioned she was there accompanying a friend receiving an IV.
â
âA friend?â Jarrodâs brow furrowed.
âWho might that be?â
Conor, having already gathered information, promptly answered, âIt was Mr.
Bates.
He appeared unwell, and Miss Lawrence visited him.
â