Chapter 48: Chapter 48

“This better be good,” Ian snarled into the phone without looking at the screen.

“My, aren’t we churlish?” asked a bemused Andrew.

Ian sighed and realized how glad he was to hear Andrew’s voice. “I’m even more aroused by the fact you know what churlish means.”

Andrew laughed his low and sexy laugh further making Ian ache for the young Marine, “I’m hoping this is a ‘missed me’ call and nothing has happened.”

“I miss you for sure but I wanted to let you know that the doctors will be doing the heart cath in an hour or so. Frank is more awake and aware since Stephen arrived.”

“Let me know what shakes down. Mom and Dad are resting so I’ll see about bringing them over later. How are you holding up?” Ian asked.

“Actually, I’m having a hard time with Stephen. I always knew there was some of Frank in him but this whole thing has managed to bring it out in him full force,” sighed Andrew. “I thought I knew him better.”

“He’s under a lot of stress right now.”