Chase returned to the tree he had left his father and the children, but they were nowhere to be found. Heaving a sigh, he reached for his phone and dialed his father's number.

Richard picked up at the first ring, and Chase found himself relaxing his shoulders.

"Where are you, father?"

"We had to get some ice cream, son. Where are you? You know we have to head to the hospital to prepare for the surgery."

A small smile formed on Chase's face, it had to. He slid his ...