Chapter 29 – Once a Big Brother…

The nurse was surprised to see Frank return. "I thought you had all gone home to get some rest?"

"The others did. I thought I'd stick around here for the night. Just in case. Besides, I haven't gotten to see him myself yet." Frank replied with a shrug.

A warm knowing smile crossed over the nurse's face. "A big brother's job is never done, huh?"

The redness crept right up to Frank's ears. "Most people don't even think we resemble each other. How could you tell?"

"Oh honey, I've been at this a long time, AND I have a little sister myself! I can always spot 'the look'!" She rubbed Frank's arm as her smile broadened and she favoured him with a wink. "Go ahead, go see your brother."

Despite his utter exhaustion and turmoil of emotions, Frank found himself smiling as he made his way to Joe's room. The smile faltered the moment he opened the door though. He shook his head and steeled himself as he made his way over to the slumbering form. "Ah, Kiddo – never half way with you, huh?"

The nurses allowed Frank to quietly sit with him and even afforded him a comfortable lounge chair on which to doze. Joe never did awaken fully for the remainder of the night. Every so often he would murmur in his sleep and Frank would gently push his hair back from his forehead as he whispered to him. "Shh, shh. It's okay, Buddy. You're okay. Just rest now. Everyone is okay."

Morning found Frank stiff and still nothing near rested. He was content though as he looked over at Joe and found that he seemed to be sleeping comfortably. A nurse startled him as she came into the room. "How are we doing today, hmm?" She asked brightly. "You must be Frank. There are some folks in the waiting room asking about you. Why don't you step out and see to them while I check on my patient here? The doctor should be in in a few minutes also, so give him a few minutes with Joseph here and then I will send him out to give you all an update." Frank nodded wearily and stretched as he stood. He squeezed Joe's hand before he left and reached out to run his hand over Joe's forehead one more time.

Frank was pleased to see Callie, Kayley, and Liam looking so much better after some rest. "Oooh, Baby, you look like the walking dead!" Callie greeted him with a smile.

"Thanks, Sweetheart – great to see you also!" Frank replied with a chuckle as he drew her into his arms.

Kayley wanted to give them a minute, but she just couldn't restrain herself. "Anything new, Frank? How's Joe?"

"He pretty much just slept all night. He hasn't woken up at all yet but the nurse said that was to be expected. He seems to be doing quite well. The doctor should be seeing him any minute and then he will be out to talk to us."

All three of the visitors heaved a sigh of relief at this and then Kayley continued. "Your Mom and Dad are at your house with the rest of the children right now. Callie gave me a ride here and she is going to give you a ride home because you are in no shape to drive. After the doctor comes out to see us, why don't you go back and get some rest yourself? Maybe a hot shower?"

"Okay, Ladies, I can take a hint already!" He laughed as he continued, "Mom and Dad have ALL of the kids? Maybe we should go sleep at Joe and Kayley's hotel room, Cal!" A thought struck him and he sobered a bit as he asked, "How's Sam?"

"Sam is fine, Frank. I checked on him before I left. He was still sleeping. Natalie is doing the "mother hen" thing all over him. She keeps slipping in to check on him and adjust his covers. It's really cute. She'd better get it over with while he is still out cold though. He'll never let her get away with it once he wakes up!" Frank smiled at the vision this brought to mind. He really had great kids and he missed spending time all together as a family. He couldn't wait for Joe to recuperate so that everyone could be together at last.