Read Online One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series) by Celeste Norfleet - Free Book Online Page B

for Hope. She was in another exam room so he continued to his grandmother’s room.
    He passed Colonel Wheeler on his way to get coffee. He declined his offer to bring him back a cup and continued toward Louise’s room. He entered to find her peacefully asleep. Raymond sat down in the seat nearest the bed. For the first time he took a moment to actually look around the small cubical. It was a lot larger that he’d first realized. Then he wondered why he’d never heard of the small hospital before.
    His father had recognized the name immediately. He mentioned that Golden Heart Medical Center was in the process of a complete overhaul of its main facility, including the ER. Ray looked up at the ceiling-mounted arm that held suction, oxygen, and other emergency medical equipment including EEG and EKG monitors. He walked over to the small space between the two cubicles. Beside the bed, mounted on the side table, was a registration computer with hook-ups to the pharmacy, CT, and MRI labs.
    He wasn’t overly impressed with what he saw. The rooms were still small and cramped. Privacy was impossible and the main nurses’ station left a lot to be desired. Technically, although adequate, there was room for improvement.
    He moved back to his grandmother’s bedside. She slept soundly, in a restful slumber. Raymond marveled at the beauty she still possessed. It was hard to believe that she’d turned eighty just under year ago. Her even, mocha complexion, virtually wrinkle free, was still smooth. The only telltale sign was the brilliant glow of soft thick silver white curls haloed around her head.
    Her even-tempered manner was misleading to most. She had all the charm and style of a reigning queen and enough feistiness to behead you if you got on her wrong side.
    By all accounts she was the matriarch of the extended Gates family. With three younger brothers and a younger sister, she was used to getting her way in all matters. Especially when it came to matters concerning her two grandsons.
    Recently she’d discovered a new hobby, turned pastime, turned full time occupation. That was matchmaking. After her success with his cousin Tony and Madison, she’d seriously begun turning her not too subtle attention in his direction.
    Although Raymond had been quite adept at avoiding her many attempts, he was certain that she wouldn’t give up until he was walking down the aisle with a his new bride on his arm as the minister pronounced then man and wife.
    Raymond shuttered at the thought. Married life was definitely not for him. He was a confirmed bachelor and nobody, not even his beloved Mamma Lou would change that.
    At least he didn’t have to worry about her doing any matchmaking while she was in the hospital. After all who in their right mind would plan and scheme while lying in the hospital room in pain.

Chapter Seven
     
    Raymond stood and paced the room a few more times.
    “Why don’t you go grab yourself a cup of coffee,” Colonel Wheeler suggested. “They’re a few vending machines in the small area next to the family waiting area.” He walked over to stand by the Louise’s side, a place where he’d grown very comfortable over the years. “I’ll be here,” he looked down at Louise lovingly. “If she awakens before you get back, I’ll call you.”
    Raymond looked over at his grandmother. She was still sleeping peacefully on the narrow hospital bed. He watched as Colonel Wheeler wrapped his large loving hand around her petite one. He sat down in the chair nearest the bed, leaned over, and then gently stroked her cheek with their hands still intertwined. He gazed tenderly at her face then seemed to still his thoughts.
    Raymond quietly walked from the room and closed the door behind him. He stood just outside the door for a second thinking of the deep love and devotion his grandmother and Colonel Wheeler had shared. Theirs was a loving affection filled with understanding and compassion. For a split second he wondered if