"Hi Baby," she sighed into the phone. "How are you? How are the kids?"
"We're fine Babe," he answered reassuringly. "How's Nadine?"
"She's gonna be ok," the relief in her voice was evident. "Actually, that is what I wanted to talk to you about."
"What's up?"
"She doesn't have anyone to help her out at home and she really needs to restrict her movements for the next couple of weeks. Hey, are the kids with you?"
"Yeah, hang on I'll put you on speaker."
"Hey mom," Stevie's voice was suddenly audible. "How are you?"
"I'm fine sweetie," she smiled at the sound of her oldest daughter's voice.
'Hey mom," Allison was the next to speak.
"Hey," Jason's voice was low and obviously annoyed like every teen boy.
"Listen guys," she cut to the chase. "I know Dad told you what went on today and that it is all over the news. So here is the deal. Nadine doesn't have anyone to help her out while she recovers, at least not right now. Would you all be willing to pitch in, help out, and make her feel welcome if she came to stay with us for a couple weeks?"
"Absolutely," Stevie was again the first voice of her children to answer. "I can do whatever needs to be done."
"Of course," Allison's voice was filled with pride. "After everything she did today, I would really like to do something nice for her."
"I'm in," Jason answered. "Not really sure what I can do, but I'm in anyway."
"Great, I love you guys. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye," there was a chorus followed by the distinct sound of Henry severing the speaker phone.
"You know that I am up for anything Babe," his voice was a great comfort to her. "I'm on sabbatical right now anyway so, we will get it together. How are you doing?"
"I'm ok," Elizabeth sighed. "Thanks Babe, I just really want to make sure that she doesn't have to worry about anything you know?"
"I know," he smiled at his wife's need to make things better. "So, what's the plan? And, um, how do you plan on convincing Nadine?"
"Huh," she chuckled. "I can handle Nadine. They are discharging her tomorrow morning, so we will be home after that. I will have Blake keep you updated on timing. He should have already sent you her discharge instructions so you guys can be ready for what might need to go on. I need you to make up the spare bedroom and move one of the TVs in there. Make sure that there are fresh towels, that kind of thing."
"On it," he said as he scribbled himself some notes.
"Also, her son is going to come in the day after tomorrow and surprise her with his fiancé, so I guess maybe talk to the girls about bunking together. Maybe Stevie could give up her room, just for a bit."
"Right," he chuckled. "Guest room and world war three, got it."
"You're the best," he could hear her relaxing as they talked.
"Thanks Babe. Can I do anything else?"
"I think that should be plenty to start with. Oh, make sure there are extra pillows in there too for elevating and propping. Oh, and have the girls make sure the bathroom is cleaned."
"Right. I love you. And hey," he hurried before she could answer. "I'm glad that Nadine's ok."
"Me too," Elizabeth heaved a heavy sigh that was dripping with relief. "I love you too, see you tomorrow," she quickly hung up the phone and headed back to Nadine's room to relieve Blake and give him some extra duties.
"Ok kids," Henry took the notepad he had scribbled his notes on and turned to the kids. "Let's get to work," he looked at his children.
