Chapter 15

fifteen

ANDREW

I followed Paul and Dylan into the storage room at the back of the barn.

“We hid the cans and streamers in here,” Dylan whispered.

I didn’t know why my friend was worried about someone overhearing us. The band was performing hits from the sixties, and most of the wedding guests were singing along with them.

“I love this music,” Paul said. “I feel like I’m at a Beatles concert, but if we’re going to decorate the car, we’ll have to be quick. Our cover will be blown if Shane or Jonathon see us.”

Dylan pulled a box off a shelf. “It should only take a few minutes to attach everything.”

I hoped Dylan and Paul knew what they were doing. Shane had decided at the last minute to borrow Jacob’s Shelby Mustang to take Jonathon to their hotel. The classic car was a lot more expensive than the one he was originally going to use. I was terrified we’d scratch the paint or damage the back bumper.

Dylan handed me the box. “Most of the cans and streamers are in here. I’ll grab the last box, and Paul, you take the sign.”

“Where do you want me to put it?” Paul asked.

“In the back window.” Dylan handed him a set of keys. “Just remember to turn off the alarm.”

With the stealth of Navy SEALs, Dylan, Paul, and I hurried through the barn doors and into the cold night air.

I shivered as I carefully unwound the first string of cans. “When did you paint these blue and pink, Dylan?”

He knelt beside me, attaching another string to the bumper. “Last weekend. Alex thought they belonged at a baby shower. What do you think?”

“Don’t listen to him. They’re perfect.”

Paul tore a piece of tape off the roll in his hands. “The pink paint matches the color of the roses on the tables.”

I frowned as Paul maneuvered himself into the Mustang. He looked as though he was in pain. Opening the driver’s door, I leaned inside. “Can I help?”

“I’m fine. I just need to…”

Paul’s sharp, indrawn breath startled me. “What’s the matter?”

“I’ve had a stupid pain in my side for the last week.”

I looked at his pale skin and frowned. “Is it constant or comes and goes?”

Paul winced. “It’s there all the time. It’s been worse this afternoon.”

Dylan sighed. “And he hasn’t been to the doctor.”

“Try getting in to see anyone.” Paul closed his eyes and took another deep breath.

I sat in the driver’s seat and stared intently at my friend. “Show me where you’re in pain.”

Paul placed his hand by his right hip. “Here. I’ve probably pulled something.”

I watched Paul’s face as he showed me where it hurt. A clammy face and heavy breathing weren’t your average response to a little pain. “Do me a favor,” I told him. “Sit down and let me have a look.”

Begrudgingly, he sat in the front seat. I gently pressed his appendix on his lower right side. He jerked away with a gasp. “Did the pain move?”

“Yeah. Started in the middle.” His breathing was getting worse. “If it’s not a pulled muscle, it’s probably something I ate. Let’s finish the car.”

Dylan dropped the streamers and came over. “Maybe we should listen to Andrew.”

“We need to get you to the hospital,” I said to Paul. “It looks like appendicitis.”

“But the wedding—” Another wave of pain cut him off.

“Shane and Jonathon will understand.” I helped him up. “Dylan, tell Jacob where we’re going. He might want to see Paul later.”

“I’ll let Liam know, too,” Dylan said as he took off toward the barn.

I helped Paul toward my truck.

“I can drive myself,” he muttered, but he could barely stand straight.

“Not happening.” I’d barely gotten the words out when Liam came running over.

“What’s wrong?” Liam’s face was etched with worry.

I quickly explained what I was worried about while helping Paul into my truck. Liam climbed in beside him, pulling Paul close.

“The decorations...” Paul was still worried about the car.

“Dylan’s got it covered.” I started the engine. “You’re what matters right now.”

I watched in the mirror as Paul leaned against Liam’s shoulder, his eyes closed. His breathing was shallow. I pressed the gas a little harder, thankful I knew these roads so well.

“Sorry about this,” Paul whispered to Liam.

“Don’t be silly.” Liam kissed his forehead. “Though it’s an extreme way to get out of cleanup duty.”

Paul managed a weak laugh. Good. I kept quiet as we drove, letting them have their moment. In the mirror, I could see Liam whispering reassurances, his arm protectively around Paul.

The Boulder lights came into view. My shoulders relaxed a bit. Almost there. “This’ll make some story for the wedding album,” I said, trying to keep things light.

Paul cracked a tiny smile. “No photos of this part.”

“I might skip them if you promise to stop ignoring stuff like this,” Liam said softly.

I looked in the rearview mirror. “Is the Foothills Hospital still open 24-hours a day?”

Liam nodded. “It is. Do you know where you’re going?”

I found the signs I’d been searching for. “As long as the hospitals directions are okay, we’ll get there.”

When I pulled into the emergency entrance, I was relieved to be here. Now all we had to do is get Paul into the ED and let someone else treat him.