"I'm glad she's going to come out for the conference. Hopefully, Dale can get away to come with her," Kaci, her sister, added.
Audrey noticed her dad was especially quiet. He and Kaci's husband, Brent, were discussing something on the other side of the room.
Mabel, the housekeeper, announced that dinner was ready, and they all got up and went to the formal dining room. The food was delicious, as always, and the dinner conversation was pleasant, but Audrey still didn't know what the evening was all about. Surely, it wasn't just an informal get-together. That was so out of character.
She didn't have to wait long to find out. Once the dinner dishes had been cleared and they'd enjoyed coffee and dessert, her dad suggested they all return to the living room.
As they got comfortable, he stood in front of them. He glanced at his wife, who nodded, seemingly in encouragement, and began to speak. "I'm sure you're wondering why I asked for you all to be here tonight. I received some news last week that really took me by surprise. I knew you would have to be told, but I wanted to tell you all at the same time, so we waited for Audrey to come home. There was no way I was going to ruin her vacation for her. But now she's home, and the time has come."
"What is it, Dad?" Kaci asked in a frightened voice.
"Dad, is something wrong?" Audrey asked.
"Yes, honey, I'm afraid so," he began as his voice cracked.
"It's all right; go on. You can do this," Audrey's mother said in a soft voice as she got up and stood next to her husband of many years.
Mr. Carter looked at his two daughters and went on. "I saw my doctor for my yearly physical last week. I wasn't expecting any earth-shattering news. I assumed everything would be just fine, as it always is. I haven't been feeling poorly, at all. But Dr. Johnson was concerned about some things that showed up on my blood work and ran some further tests."
"Oh, Dad," Audrey said as she looked from him to her mother.
Kaci glanced over at her, her face ashen. Brent took her hand. Both girls sensed that something was terribly wrong.
"Go on, honey, tell them. They need to know."
Mr. Carter looked at both his girls with tears in his eyes as he said the words they didn't want to hear, "I have cancer."
Chapter 9
Audrey felt as if the bottom had fallen out of her world. Her dad had always been the picture of health, strong as an ox. How could he have cancer?
Kaci was the first to speak. "What type of cancer?"
"Thyroid, stage two," her dad told her. "Doc says we've caught it early. I'm scheduled for more tests this week, and then I'll have surgery."
Mrs. Carter added, "After the surgery, there will be chemotherapy and a radioactive iodine treatment."
"Wh-what are the d-doctors saying, Dad? Tell us everything," Audrey stammered as she wiped the tears from her face.
"They're saying my chances for survival are good. Now, I don't want you girls to think about that. I want you to be around to help your mom out while she nurses me through this. She'll need your support. I've got things taken care of at the office for now."
Brent spoke up and said, "We'll do whatever we can to help. You know that."
The rest of the evening was spent discussing the surgery and subsequent treatments.
Both girls were in a state of shock, and it was their mother who tried to comfort them. "If you'd like to speak to Dr. Johnson, come with us to the appointment later this week. He'll be referring us on to someone else, but he can at least answer some of your concerns."
"Yes, I think I'd like to do that; how about you, Kaci?" Audrey asked as she looked over at her sister.
"Of course, just let me know the day and time, and I'll arrange it."
By the time they'd called it a night, Audrey was numb. She drove to the loft with tears rolling down her cheeks. Trying to convince herself as she drove across town that the prognosis was good, she knew they all had a long, hard road ahead of them. But they would do it, and they would do it as a family. No matter how much she'd strayed away from the social life of her family, they were still her family, and she loved them.
When she locked the door of her loft behind her and kicked off her shoes, she went straight for her laptop. Firing it up, she searched the web for information on the type of cancer her father had been diagnosed with and the treatments. She read as much as she could about it, and by the time she'd filled her head with all it could hold, she looked at her watch. She hadn't realized how late it was. Her cell was ringing and as she reached for it, she saw that it was Beau.
"Hi, Beau," she said.
"Is everything okay? When I didn't hear from you, I began to get worried. Did you have dinner with your folks?"
"Yes, yes, I did. We got some shocking news after dinner, I'm afraid," she replied sadly.
"Baby, tell me. Can I help?" he offered sympathetically.
"No, I don't think you can. My dad's been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. They're saying it's treatable, but it's still scary."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, babygirl. I know you're scared. You have to keep your chin up and hope and pray for the best outcome. Don't let your folks see that you're scared. They don't need that. They need you to be there for them."
"How is it you know so much?" she asked.
"My uncle had cancer. I saw what the family went through. You have to stay strong. Cry in private all you want. But you have to stay strong on the outside and help the folks through this. They're scared too, probably more so than you are."
"My sister, her husband, and I all told them we'd be there for them. Mom insists on taking care of him."
"What's the plan?" he asked.
"More tests, and we'll meet with the doctor this week. He'll be referred to someone else, and surgery will be scheduled. After that, treatments," she explained.
"Okay, you'll deal with each thing as it comes. Do you want me to tell Cora for you?" he asked.
"Yes, would you please? I think I need to get some rest and try to process all this. Can we talk again, tomorrow night?"
"We can talk whenever you want. I'll be here for you. Please try to get some sleep. If you can't, call me back. I'll talk to you all night long if that's what you need."
"Thank you," she said. "Goodnight."
She tried to sleep, but all she could think about was her strong, handsome father wearing a hospital gown, weak from treatments. It wasn't right; it wasn't fair. Why, why, why?
She finally fell into a deep sleep and woke up to find she'd overslept. She phoned Camille and told her she would be in later.
"Is everything all right?" her boss asked.
"I'll explain when I get there."
She threw off the covers and swung her long legs over the side of the bed. Forcing herself to stand up, she walked to the bathroom and stood under a hot, steaming shower before finally drying herself off and getting ready for work. She took the bus to work, not feeling like fighting the traffic. When she walked into the office, Camille took one look at her and told her to go to her office, pour herself a cup of strong black coffee, and wait for her there.
Her boss walked in a few minutes later and sat down. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.
"Could you have Kayla join us, so I only have to say it once?"
"Sure," Camille replied as she buzzed Kayla's office.
The other editor joined them, and as they sat sipping coffee, no one spoke for several minutes. They knew to give Audrey her space. She would tell them what was bothering her when she was ready.
"I'm going to have to be out of the office, from time to time, in the next several months. I'll work when I can and take work home, but my hours won't be regular."
"All right, you know that's always an option here," Camille assured her.
"Audrey, what's happened? Does this have anything to do with the family meeting at your folks' house?" Kayla asked gently.
Audrey began to cry. She set down her coffee mug, and as Kayla put her arms around her, she let the tears flow. When she had calmed
down enough to speak, she told her two friends what her dad had told the family the previous night.
"Oh, no!" was Kayla's first reaction.
"I'm so sorry, Audrey. It sounds as if the prognosis is good, though. We'll do anything we can to help you through this; you have to know that." Camille got up and walked to her. She put her arms around Audrey's shoulders. "Have you told Cora? She's quite fond of your family, you know."
"Beau called last night. I filled him in, and he said he'd tell her. I expect I'll hear from her."
"I don't want you to stress about work. Do what you feel you can, and we'll pick up the slack. Your family is what's important right now."
"Thank you, Camille. I think work may keep my mind off things. I'll be able to take my laptop to the hospital with me and to the house. I may move back home until this is under control. I haven't really decided yet."
"I'm sure your folks would appreciate that," Kayla said.
"I'm going to my office now and get as much done as I can, since I'll be taking off later in the week. Thank you, both of you."
She had no sooner gotten to her office when Cora called. "Oh, Audrey, what can I do to help you?" she asked.
"Just be there for me if I need to talk. And come to the conference as planned."
"I can do both. I'll come out sooner if you need me."
"No, you have a lot on your plate too, right now. I'll be all right. I'll know more when I speak to Dad's doctor later this week."
"Beau is planning to make the trip to New York with us. I think he's chomping at the bit to see you again, especially now. He told me he just wanted to take you in his arms and comfort you."
"He's a sweetheart. He told me if I couldn't sleep to call him back, but I didn't."
"Just know we're all here for you. I'll let you get back to work. Call if you need anything. And I mean anything at all. Give my love to your family."
"I will. Thank you, Cora."
She tried to concentrate but found she couldn't. She phoned her sister and chatted with her for several minutes. When she finally got back to her work, she forced herself to focus until lunchtime. She ordered from the deli down the street. When it was delivered, her assistant buzzed her.
She went out and paid the delivery person, spoke to her assistant for a few minutes, and went back into her office. Later, Jenni, the assistant, knocked on her door.
"Come in, Jenni," she said with a smile.
"I just wanted you to know how sorry I am about your dad. Kayla filled me in. I hope you don't mind."
"I don't mind at all, and thank you. I'll be putting more on your shoulders in the coming weeks, I'm afraid."
"Whatever you need, Audrey. I'll let you get back to work." Jenni closed the door quietly behind her.
Her cell pinged, and when she picked it up, she saw there was a text from Beau.
Hey, uptown girl, thinking of you.
She replied, You're sweet. I'll call you tonight.
Grateful for all her friends, she smiled as she went back to her work. She'd be fine. They'd make sure of it. She could concentrate on her dad.
When she finally decided it was time to go home, she saw that the office was empty, except for Camille.
"Camille, is everything all right? I'm heading out now."
"I'm just finishing up some correspondence. I really haven't got much to hurry home to, these days."
"Do you want to talk?" she asked.
"No, I can't, not just yet. Someday, I'll tell you all about it. You go home and get some rest. I'll walk out with you."
"I took the bus," she explained as they walked outside.
"I can take you home. Come on; it's getting chilly out here."
"Are you sure?" she asked as they walked to the garage.
"It's on the way. It's silly for you to ride the bus when I'm going right by your street."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
Camille dropped her off with a promise to see her the next day. Audrey went inside and immediately got into her warm pajamas. Fall was definitely turning into winter in New York. She heated up some leftovers from last night's dinner that her mother had sent home with her and sat down at the kitchen bar to eat. After she'd cleaned up the dishes, she went to the bedroom and dialed Beau's number.
"Hey, there," his deep voice came on the line.
"Hi," she replied.
"How are you? Has it all sunk in yet?" he asked with concern in his tone.
"I think so. I've talked to Cora and to the girls at work. They've all offered their support. I talked with my sister, too. I haven't been able to bring myself to call Mom or Dad yet, but I will. We're all going to his appointment together on Friday."
"I told my mother, and she'll put your dad on the prayer list at church."
"Thanks, he'll appreciate that."
"I really wish I could be there for you. You know that, don't you? And if you asked me to come, I would find a way."
"I know you would. Cora said you're coming out with them. Maybe by then, things will be settled down a bit."
"My offer stands, if ever you can't sleep, call me. Say the word, and I'll be on the next plane out."
"I'll remember that. Right now, just talk to me. Tell me what you've been doing since I left."
"I've been getting things in order to leave my foreman job. Cora and I've talked, and there's enough work for me to come on board with her on a full-time basis. She also thinks I'll make some contacts in New York at the conference that will give me some freelance work on the side. With the money I've saved, I should be able to make it."
"Where will you live?" she asked, knowing he'd have to give up the cabin.
"I've been looking around. I'll either get an apartment for now or find a small house to rent. I'd like to be out in the country, but it may have to be in town until I can buy or build."
"Are you sure you're ready?" she asked.
"Yes, I'm ready. I've been ready for quite some time. Now, the only thing that would complete the picture would be for you to be working side by side with Cora. But I know that's out of the question for now. You belong in New York."
"I've thought a lot about Cora's offer and about us. But you're right. I can't deal with it right now. I'm needed here, and this is where I'll have to stay for the time being."
They talked way into the night about his plans, about her family, and about what the future held in store for both of them. When they finally said goodnight, Audrey felt content and at peace. Why did Beau always make her feel that way? It had to mean something, didn't it?
She spoke to her mother the next day and made plans to meet the rest of the family at the doctor's office, the next afternoon.
When they were all seated in the doctor's private office, he spoke frankly with them. "I know you're shocked and concerned. I've every reason to believe we'll kick this thing fast. I'm sending your dad to the best surgeon in town and, after that, to the best doctors for his type of cancer. He'll most likely be started on a chemo regimen, and we'll take it from there."
After the doctor answered several questions, his receptionist told them when to see the surgeon. They were on their way to the next phase in the scary hand they'd been dealt.
Audrey took her dad's hand as they walked outside to their cars. "It's going to be fine, Dad. I know it is. Some of my Texas friends are praying for you, and Cora's coming out in a month or so. She'll cheer you up."
"I love that girl like a daughter. It'll be good to see her again. Tell your friends thank you, honey." He smiled at her as he bent his head to kiss her cheek. "I love you, Audrey."
"I love you too, Dad."
They decided to grab a quick bite together before heading home. Kaci told them to go on without her; she was meeting Brent for dinner.
Audrey spent an enjoyable meal with both her parents. By the time she left to head home, she actually felt better about the situation than she had since hearing the news. She had hope. Her dad was a fighter, and he was going to beat this
thing. She could feel it.
The next few weeks were busy for all of them. Audrey's dad underwent surgery to remove his thyroid and came through it with flying colors. The next step in his treatment was to be the radioactive iodine treatment, during which time the family had to take precautions to avoid exposure. Soon, he was resting comfortably at home with his wife caring for him. Audrey moved back in temporarily to give her mother moral support and to keep her from overtiring herself. During this time, she was planning to work from home.
Cora had sent flowers and called several times a week to check in. The girls from Audrey's office stopped by to visit, along with other friends, family members and coworkers from the law office, bringing food, magazines and good wishes. Kaci and Brent helped out as often as they could. Kaci had lightened her workload at her job, and although she hadn't moved in during the recovery period, she stopped by daily to help out.
Beau phoned every evening. His days as a cowboy were almost over. His replacement as foreman of the ranch had been named, and he was busy showing him the ropes.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you again. It's coming up soon, you know," he said one evening as they spoke. Audrey was in her old bedroom, and her parents were asleep. She still hadn't told them about the man she'd met in Texas.
"I know it is. And it looks like Dad will be taking radiation treatments at that time. Kaci's agreed to help out, so I can attend the conference."
"What about chemo?" he asked.
"The doctors decided radiation is best for his case."
"Will you introduce me to your family? I'd really like to meet them."
"I-I h-haven't had a chance to tell them about you yet. I mean, with the cancer and everything, it's been so busy. I just never got around to it."
"Is there another reason you haven't told them?" he prodded.
"You know that I don't know how they'll react. If they think I may be moving across the country, especially now, I just don't think it's wise to tell them. But while you're here, I'll introduce you."
"As your friend?" he asked.
"I-I don't know. Beau, I'm going to have to give this some serious thought. I haven't had a lot of time to think about anything but Dad's recovery and work."
Her Texas Dom (Dominant Men Book 4) Page 11