“Is it just me,” Henry said, “or did Mrs. Webster seem slightly less reserved around you at dinner than she was earlier?”
“That’s hard to say,” he said. “I kissed Noah the minute we got to his room, and she saw it. After I helped him brush his teeth, he asked me to kiss him again. Then I sat on the edge of his bed, holding his hand for the rest of the time we were there. Maybe actually seeing us together being affectionate toward each other is getting through to her.”
“One can only hope,” William said.
By the time Tom finished his wine, he was yawning. “Sorry, guys. It’s been a long day.”
“Understood,” Henry said. “One of us will be downstairs in the morning when you’re ready to go.”
“Thanks.”
11
THE NEXT MORNING Tom had a quick cup of coffee, then allowed Henry to drive him to the hospital. He arrived in Noah’s room a few minutes in advance of the doctor, who asked Noah a few questions before thoroughly examining him.