by Sandi Lynn
“This was a great idea.” I smiled at her as we sat on the blanket and ate lunch.
“I remember this one time when my dad—” She suddenly stopped and looked down.
I placed my finger under her chin and lifted it, so she was looking at me.
“It’s okay. You have memories. To be honest, I don’t know which situation is worse. You, knowing your father and then him leaving, or mine leaving before I even got the chance to know him at all.”
“Both situations are equally worse. Our fathers are horrible people. At least yours left because he didn’t want to be a father. Mine just started another family across the country while he was still married.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Come here.” I wrapped my arms around her. “Let’s make a promise never to bring them up again. There’s no looking back in the past, only looking forward.” I pressed my lips against her head.
“Well, well. What’s going on here?”
I looked up and saw Elijah and Aspen smiling at us.
“Hey, you two. Hi, pretty girl.” I grinned as I kissed Mila, who was sitting in her stroller. “Shouldn’t you be at work?” I asked as Sara and I stood up.
“We took the day off.” Aspen grinned. “It’s such a beautiful day, we decided we wanted to spend it with our daughter.”
“Good for you,” Sara said.
“You two stay here and talk. Us girls will take Mila to look at the flowers and have some girl time,” Aspen spoke.
As soon as they walked away, Elijah sat down on the blanket.
“What the hell is going on?” he asked. “I walk up and find the two of you locked in an embrace, sitting on a blanket having a picnic.”
“It’s been a rough morning. Sara wanted me to meet her mother, so we went over to Easton Gardens and being the state she’s in, she thought I was Sara’s father.”
“Shit. That’s not good.”
“No. Sara was so upset and ran out of the room. She finally told me what happened.”
“And?” he asked as he picked up a sweet potato chip.
“Her father had another wife and child in California. I guess his best friend told her mother. She divorced him and said she’d keep quiet about it if he never contacted her or Sara again. He agreed and left without as so much as a goodbye.”
“Damn. That’s fucked up. How old was Sara when this happened?”
“Ten.”
“Shit. She has something in common with this family.”
“I told her about the man who left us. I somehow thought it would make her feel better.”
“We all have to tell our story at some point, bro. You did the right thing.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” I looked down.
“It’s okay, Mason.”
“What’s okay?” I looked up at him.
“To admit your feelings for her. I know it’s hard, but the more you fight them, the harder things will be. Look at me and Aspen. If I was still fighting all my issues, we wouldn’t be together and that would have been the biggest mistake of my life.”
“I appreciate your words, Elijah, but I’m not you, and I’m not Nathan.”
“Suit yourself.” He got up from the blanket. “But if you want my opinion, I see the way she looks at you and it’s not a friend with benefits look. Same goes for you.” He pointed at me as the girls walked up. “It was nice to see you, Sara.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll talk to you later, bro. Enjoy the rest of your picnic.”
“Bye bye.” Mila smiled as she waved.
“Bye, baby girl. Uncle Mason loves you.” I waved at her. “Take care, Aspen.”
Sara sat down next to me and picked up a sweet potato chip.
“How about we pack up? There’s somewhere I want to take you,” I spoke.
“And where might that be?”
“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.” I winked with a smile.
I had this overwhelming need to take her to one of my favorite places growing up. A place where I spent a lot of time as a kid. We left Central Park, dropped off the blanket back at the apartment, and then headed to SoHo.
“The New York City Fire Museum?” She smiled as I opened the door and we stepped inside.
“Yep.” I grinned. “The history here is fascinating.”
We walked around and I explained to her the history of firefighting while we looked at all the exhibitions, photos and memorabilia.
“Thanks for sharing part of your childhood with me.” A grin crossed her lips as her beautiful eyes stared into mine.
“You’re welcome.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “I hope you weren’t too bored.”
“Not at all. You were right. It’s very fascinating.”
After holding the door for her as we exited the museum, I tucked my hands in my pants pockets and she took it upon herself to wrap her arm around mine as we walked down the street. A feeling of warmth rose inside me. It felt right, and I liked it.
Chapter 31
Two Weeks Later
Sara
I was happy in my little bubble with Mason, but I couldn’t stop the feeling of wanting to talk to him about our “relationship.” As much as I struggled with the fact that trust was an issue for me, I trusted him with all my heart. I’d never felt so alive as I did when we were together. I’d let my guard down and fell in love with him. The problem was, I didn’t know if he felt the same way about me. I kept telling myself just to give it more time, but I wanted the security of knowing he was mine. We acted like a “couple” in every sense of the word. But it wasn’t official until we had the talk. Just the thought of it terrified me. I was terrified of the rejection and the humiliation I’d feel if my love was unrequited.
Mason and Nathan had been spending more time with Jack. He still wasn’t sure how long he was staying in New York, but I thought his newfound friendship with the boys would make him stay permanently. There was still a feeling inside me that something wasn’t right with him. I didn’t dare say anything to Mason about it anymore because I didn’t want the strain on our relationship. Jack still hadn’t met Elijah, which I found a little strange. Every time Mason would suggest the four of them going out for a drink, Jack would have some excuse as to why he couldn’t.
It was a normal day in the ER, and I was standing at the nurses’ station ordering some tests for the last patient I had just seen.
“Sara, they brought back a new patient in four. Male, age sixty, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and he looks a little jaundice.”
“Thanks, Corinne.”
I grabbed my stethoscope from the counter and placed it around my neck as I walked to room four. When I stepped inside, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Jack lying there.
“Jack? What’s going on?”
“Sara. You work at this hospital?” He asked in shock.
“Yeah. I do. Tell me what’s going on with you?”
“You know what,” he got up, “I’m feeling better. I’m just going to go.”
As he stood up, he doubled over in pain.
“Jack.” I grabbed hold of his arm. “Get back in bed. The nurse told me you’re vomiting and have severe abdominal pain. When did that start?”
“A few days ago, but it’s getting worse,” he nervously spoke.
“Okay. Just try to relax. I’m going to check your belly first.”
He let out shrieks of pain as I pressed down on his tender abdomen. When I finished, I checked his eyes and the lymph nodes in his neck. They were swollen just like I suspected when he first came to our apartment for dinner that night.
“I’m ordering a CT scan and some bloodwork. Are you on any medications?”
He turned his head to the side and looked away from me.
“Jack? I am your doctor right now and I need to know if you’re on any medication.”
I watched as he swallowed hard before he rattled off a few medications he was taking.
“Those medications are used to treat Bi-polar disorder.”
“Yeah.” H
e looked at me with a sadness in his eyes.
“How long?” I asked as I took hold of his hand.
“Thirty years or so.”
“Okay.” I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m starting you on IV fluids, and as soon as I get your test results, I’ll be back.”
He gave me a nod, and as I was walking out of the room, he called my name.
“Sara?”
“Yeah.” I turned around.
“I have pancreatic cancer.”
My heart leapt into my throat when I heard him say that.
“What stage?”
“About two months ago I was in stage three.”
“How long did they give you?” I asked.
“Six months. You can call Dr. Michael Shane at the Alaska Regional Hospital. He’ll send over my records.”
“Okay. I’ll order your tests, and someone will be in shortly. Try to get some rest.”
I had so many questions for him, but I needed to wait until his test results came back. Taking a seat at the nurses’ station, I picked up the phone and made a call to Dr. Shane. Within the hour, Jack’s medical reports came over the fax machine.
“Sara, Mr. Dawson’s test results are in the computer,” Corinne spoke.
“Thanks, Corinne.”
After opening up his chart and reading the results, I went back to his room and shut the door.
“Well?” he said as he stared straight at me. “It spread, didn’t it?”
“I’m afraid so, Jack. The cancer is in your liver. But you already knew that, didn’t you?”
“I suspected.”
“It also spread to your stomach and there’s a few spots on your lungs, which puts in stage four. I’m so sorry.”
“How long do I have now?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. Maybe three months, at best. I’m admitting you upstairs and the oncologist will be in to see you. Is that why you came to New York? For possible treatment options?”
“You know as well as I do, Sara, there’s nothing they can do for me at this stage. I came here for other reasons.”
“Were you ever going to tell Mason? He really likes you, and this is going to devastate him.”
“This is doctor patient confidentiality and you can’t tell him.”
“Jack. You can’t keep this from him.” I furrowed my brows.
“I can do what I want. I will not cause them anymore pain than I already have,” he shouted.
“What pain? What are you talking about?”
He looked away, and then it suddenly hit me.
“You’re their father, aren’t you?”
“I’m the man that helped create them. A father, I am not. I came to see how they were doing, to make peace with myself for walking out on them all those years ago. I never meant to get close to Mason.”
“But you did, and then you met Nathan. Answer me this, Jack. Why haven’t you bothered to meet Elijah? He’s your son too.”
“I’ve kept my eye on him and his family. I was afraid he’d recognize me. He was older when I left.”
“He was four.”
“And he was smart. One of the smartest kids I’d ever known. If anyone would put two and two together, it would be him.”
“So what were your plans? Get to know them and then just take off without a word like before?”
“Like I said, I didn’t plan on any of this. And as soon as I get out of here, I’m leaving New York. Mason and Nathan are never to know I’m here. Do you understand me? I know your career is important to you and I would hate for you to get fired or lose your medical license because you broke doctor patient confidentiality.”
“Are you threatening me, Jack?”
“I don’t want to, Sara. I like you. I really do, but this stays between me and you.”
“Excuse me, Dr. Davis. I’m here to take the patient up to his room.”
“Go head. We’ll talk more about this later, Jack,” I spoke as I arched my brow.
I let out a deep breath as I watched the transporter wheel Jack out. I knew it. I knew something wasn’t right with him. But I never dreamt in a million years that he was Mason’s father. Shit.
Later that day, I received a text message from Aspen.
“Hey, Sara. Allison and Caitlin are coming over tonight, and we’re baking cookies and drinking wine. We’d love for you to join us if you’re not working. The guys are going to Rudy’s tonight for a few drinks. Say around six-thirty?”
“I’d love to. Count me in. My shift ends at six, so I’ll come right from work.”
“Excellent. I’m also making tacos, so come hungry.”
Chapter 32
Sara
“Sara.” Elijah smiled as he opened the door. “Good to see you.” He lightly kissed my cheek.
“Good to see you too, Elijah.
“The women are in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.” I gave him a smile.
As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, the aroma of tacos infiltrated my senses.
“Hello, darling.” Caitlin grinned.
“Hi, Caitlin, Allison, Aspen.” I gave a small wave.
“The tacos are just about ready. Go pour yourself a glass of wine and we can get this party started.”
“Where’s Ruby?” I asked Allison.
“She’s spending a couple days at her grandparents’ house.”
“Ah, nice,” I spoke as I brought the glass up to my lips.
As much as I loved and got along with the three of them, I felt like an odd duck with all of them being lawyers. What Jack told me weighed heavily on my mind, and Mason had every right to know who he truly was.
“I have a legal question for you ladies.”
“Of course, darling. What is it?” Caitlin asked.
“I have this patient and he told me something personal about his family. I think his intentions are wrong and his family deserves to know what he told me. It has nothing to do with him medically or what I was treating him for. It was strictly of a personal nature. Does that still fall under doctor patient confidentiality?”
“It depends,” Aspen said.
“Whatever this person told you, is it a threat to his family?” Allison asked.
“No. Not physically, at least.”
“What that man told you, he told you while he was under your care. Doctor patient confidentiality rules still apply,” Caitlin spoke.
“I figured. I just wanted to make sure.” I sighed.
We each made our tacos and took a seat at the table.
“Where’s Mila?” I asked.
“She’s with my sister for the night. So I figured since she wasn’t here and Ruby was with her grandparents, it would be a perfect night for all of us to get together and stay in and have a cozy girl’s night.” Aspen smiled.
“Of course, Nathan and Elijah weren’t happy about it since there are no children around. Those selfish men wanted us all to themselves.” Allison smirked.
“Pfft. They’ll get over it, and I’m sure you’ll more than make it up to them. I know I will even though my children are grown.” Caitlin winked.
“Speaking of men.” Allison spoke. “How are things going with Mason?”
“Good. He’s a great roommate. He’s clean, respectful, pays the bills on time, and he takes out the trash.”
“And the sex?” Caitlin’s brow raised and suddenly a sweat poured over me.
“Excuse me?”
“Sweetheart, it’s okay. We already know the two of you are sleeping together.” She gave me a smirk.
“How?”
“Well, you just confirmed it. It’s a little trick we lawyers use to get the truth out of someone.”
“Oh. Shit.” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“Spill it, sister!” Aspen grinned.
“Yeah, come on, Sara. Don’t hold back. We want details.” Allison smiled.
I looked at Caitlin in embarrassment as she stared at me with an arch in her brow.
“There’s nothing to be
embarrassed about. I’m happy you’re sleeping with my son. In fact, I knew it wouldn’t be long before the two of you shacked up. My son can’t keep his dick in his pants for anything.”
I wanted to die. Even though she was the coolest woman I’d ever met, it still felt awkward talking about sex with her son in front of her.
“Please don’t say anything to Mason. We have rules.”
“Rules? Darling, what are these rules you speak of?”
“We have a friends with benefits relationship which consist of rules we put together. One of them being that we both agreed we would keep our relationship between us and not tell anyone.”
“Please.” Caitlin waved her hand in front of her face. “I’ve had many friends with benefits relationships in my time, and I wasn’t ashamed at all about it.”
“I’m not ashamed,” I spoke.
“If the two of you are keeping it a secret, you’re ashamed. So what, you have sex. Sex is a beautiful act and there’s no reason you two should hide it.” She grinned as she held up her glass of wine.”
“And how is your ‘friendship’ working out?” Allison asked.
“It’s great,” I tried to sound as convincing as possible.
Aspen opened another bottle of wine and refilled our glasses. I could already feel the alcohol hitting me hard.
“It’s okay if you’ve fallen in love with him,” Aspen said. “We’ve been there.” She pointed to herself and Allison. “We went down that scary road of love with the Wolfe men.”
“I have trust issues,” I spoke. “Major trust issues with men.”
“Darling, nobody has more trust issues than I do or did. Trust me. If you love my son, tell him. Time and life are precious, and you can’t let your past dictate your future. Believe me, I learned that the hard way.”
“Yeah. What she said,” Allison spoke.
“Honestly, I’m scared.”
“Well, I have the perfect way to clear your head.” Aspen grinned. “Come on ladies, let’s dance.”