Free Megan's Hero (The Callahans of Texas Book #3): A Novel by Sharon Gillenwater Page B

the lotion the hospital provided. Mascara, blusher, and a bit of lipstick came next. It was amazing what a little color did to make a girl look and feel better.
    She added the bag of toiletries provided by the hospital to her suitcase. The extra toothpaste, lotion, and hand sanitizer would come in handy. Using the comb that came with them, she combed the back of her hair, then ran her fingers lightly through the curls on top. Now that she had her suitcase, next time she could use setting gel and it would look better. Donning a pair of gold loop earrings cheered her up even more. She couldn’t compete with the Callahan ladies, but at least now she didn’t look quite so dumpy.
    Zipping up the suitcase, she carefully slid it off the bed so it didn’t make a loud clunk when it hit the floor. She took the plastic bag containing her clothes and shoes from the previous day out of the closet and set it on the bed.
    Opening the door, she stepped out into the hall. The Callahans were in the room across from hers, visiting with an elderly lady. The nurse spotted her and came around the desk with a clipboard in her hand.
    “You can’t escape yet,” she said with a smile. “I need to go over your dismissal paperwork.”
    Megan remembered that procedure from when her mom had been in the hospital for a few days. She walked back into the room.
    “There’s not a lot. Just remember to pick up your iron pills and to consult the sheet the doctor gave you on what foods to eat to increase your iron intake. Get plenty of rest for the next few days and keep an eye on those cuts. If any of them start looking inflamed, Dr. Cindy wants to see you right away. She also wants to see you in two weeks for a follow-up. Of course if you have any problems or anything about the pregnancy that is bothering you, she wants you to make an appointment right away at the clinic.
    “Mrs. Callahan gave us her phone number.” The nurse checked the sheet. “Will’s is on here too. So the doctor’s office will be calling the ranch to set up your appointment.”
    “I’m not sure how long I’ll be there.” A chill ran down Megan’s back. She didn’t like other people controlling her life, and it appeared they had it all mapped out for her.
    “If you leave, just let Dr. Cindy’s office know.” She flipped over the sheet and quickly read through the one underneath it. “That’s basically it. I need you to sign here and here.”
    Megan signed the papers, and the nurse gave her copies.
    “All done. I have a volunteer bringing over a wheelchair to take you out.”
    “I can walk.”
    “Sorry. Hospital rules. We’ll wheel you out to the sidewalk. Then you’re on your own.”
    Hardly. For the first time in years, she was dependent on someone else for food and shelter. It didn’t sit well, but she had to accept the reality of her situation. For now. She was grateful for the Callahans’ help, but that gave them power over her. If they tried to abuse it . . . Stop it. They’re good people. Everybody says so. God didn’t save you from the tornado to plunk you down in a bad situation. Trust him. She hoped God understood how hard it was for her to trust anyone, even him. I’m working on it, God.
    When the volunteer came in with the wheelchair, the Callahan ladies said good-bye to their friend and stepped out into the hall. Jenna hurried into Megan’s room. “I’ll pull your suitcase.”
    Emily was right behind her. “I’ll get the plastic bag.”
    Sue gave her a big smile after she sat down in the wheelchair. “That’s a definite improvement over the gown.” Her smile faded as she inspected the bruises on Megan’s arms and legs. “Are those big ones from the hailstones?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if I’d been out in the open. At least I had some shelter, but what about the cattle or other animals?”
    The aide pushed the wheelchair out into the hallway. Sue walked on one side of her and Emily on the