In a voice that seemed coached, Travis, my brother’s son, turned to his mom. “If only there was a way we could go to Rose Island and wish Aunt Jillian happy birthday in person.”
“If only,” Hailey said.
The way Travis and Hailey spoke caused the hair on my arms to stand up. No, this wasn’t the surprise, was it?
Anna spoke next. “That would be pretty amazing. I’d love to see Aunt Jillian and everyone else in person. I miss Rose Island so much.”
“Me, too,” Gabby, the toddler, said.
Then, Nick looked right at the camera with a gleam in his eye. “You know what? I think we should go to Rose Island. We’ve been gone way too long. What do y’all think?”
Anna and the kids leapt to their feet, cheering as the video screen faded to black. The overhead lights turned on and murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd as everyone looked around to see if Nick and Anna were actually here. At first, it seemed like a cruel joke.
Suddenly, a side door opened and my beloved sister-in-law, her gorgeous husband, and their adorable children entered the banquet hall. I joined everyone in clapping and hollering at the sight of them.
“It’s them,” Joy said, squeezing my hand as we both jumped up and down with excitement. “It’s really them.”
Laughing, I grabbed her hand, and we raced forward to greet the rest of our family.
*
After the party, Joy and I drove back to my apartment. I desperately wanted to stop by the hospital and tell Daniel all that’d happened tonight, but I didn’t want to risk waking him. After everything he’d been through, the man needed his sleep.
Because Joy and I were too wound up to sleep, I made us each a cup of herbal tea. We settled ourselves on the couch and rehashed the day.
“How are you feeling about everything your dad told you?” I asked. “Is it okay for me to ask that?”
“Of course, it’s okay for you to ask that.” She shifted the pillows on the couch and relaxed against them. “I’m okay. I think more than anything I was just so shocked. My dad has always been my dad. To find out he isn’t my biological father and wasn’t there when I was born . . . well, it felt like a betrayal at first.”
I nodded, thinking I’d never associate the word “betrayal” with Daniel. While I understood Joy’s feelings, her father had only been trying to protect her.
“I get why he didn’t tell me. The thing is . . . my dad has always been my rock. Finding out we weren’t biologically related was a huge shock.”
“I’m sure it was.”
She nodded. “Getting lost in the woods, however, put things in perspective for me.”
“How so?”
“Well, I kept thinking about all those dorky Father’s Day cards and birthday cards I’ve made for him throughout the years. Can you believe he’s actually saved all of them?”
“I believe it.”
“They’re in this wooden box I made at Diabetes Camp. Anyway, each Father’s Day, he takes them out and looks through all of them. Most of the cards talk about him being the best dad in the world, and here’s the thing, he is the best dad in the world. What he told me today doesn’t change that. He’s still my dad.”
I nodded, completely agreeing with her.
“Claudia asked me if I was going to look for my biological father, but I don’t think so. At least, not right now.”
“You talked to Claudia about this?”
Joy nodded. “We texted when I was waiting for the doctor at the ER. I told her everything, and she said she was sorry she missed all the excitement.”
A strange mixture of sadness and happiness filled me. Claudia had texted Joy, but she didn’t bother to text me? While I was definitely happy Claudia and Joy had become friends, I felt a little left out.
“She said to tell you ‘hi.’”
I nodded and tried not to take it personally. “Did she and Leland make it home yet?”
“Not yet. They were almost there when she texted.”
“That’s good.”
We both finished our tea and yawned at the same time. “Well, we have to be up early to see your dad before his surgery, so we should probably go to bed.”
“We probably should,” she said, making no effort to get up. “I never did find out . . . are Nick and Anna back on the island for good or just here for a visit?”
“Well, they’re back for as long as the Army says they’re back. Anna said they’ll be here at least six months, maybe longer depending on Nick’s orders.”
“Everyone seems really happy about that. Especially your parents.”
“They’re thrilled. I am, too. I’ve really missed them.”
“Matt and Drew and the other cousins are lucky to grow up with so much family. I wish my cousins didn’t live so far away.”
The wistfulness in Joy’s voice made me sad. “Joy, honey, is there anyone we should call before your dad’s surgery tomorrow? I know things have been rough between your dad and your uncle, but what about your aunt or your grandfather?”
She nodded. “Actually, that might be a good idea.”
Chapter 49
Claudia
After driving all afternoon and most of the night, Leland finally pulled into Claudia’s driveway early Sunday morning. “You must be exhausted from all that driving,” she said.
He shrugged. “I’m okay. I slept all day Friday and most of Saturday morning, so I’m all right.”
“Well, thank you for driving. I really need to learn how to drive a stick shift.”
He grinned. “Maybe I just need to buy a new car.”
“That would be helpful. But seriously, Leland, thank you for taking me. I’m so glad I met Bianca and the Morgans. I’m glad to be home, too. There’s nothing like your own family.”
He nodded before letting out an enormous yawn. “All right. Let’s get you inside so I can go home.”
They both climbed out of the car, and Leland opened the trunk so Claudia could retrieve her things. She kissed him on the cheek. “See you at school Monday.”
He grinned. “You’ll see me at two today for the party.”
“Oh, you don’t have to come. I’m sure the boys will understand.”
He shook his head. “I promised I’d film the party. Unlike you, your brothers love being the center of attention and don’t mind me capturing their every event on film.”
She smiled. “That’s true. Okay. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“See you in a few hours.”
Quietly, so as not to wake anyone, Claudia crept inside and up the stairs to her room. She set her things on the ground, then she slipped off the “Claudia” necklace and put it in her jewelry box. Exhausted, she climbed into bed and slept until Clark woke her up a few hours later.
“You’re here,” he said, wrapping his arms around her neck and giving her a big hug.
“Of course, I’m here. I promised, didn’t I?”
He laughed. “You did, but I didn’t know if that was a real promise or a fake one.”
“It was a real one.”
He grabbed her stuffed elephant and held it against his chest. “Clay’s home, but he’s sleeping with Mom and Dad.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, he has to keep his arm elevated, so Mom and Dad thought it would be easier that way.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound like fun.”
He frowned. “I don’t think it’s supposed to be fun. Although Nona came over and said she’d teach him how to play canasta when he was feeling better.”
“Nona’s the best, isn’t she?”
Clark nodded.
“Are Mom and Dad still sleeping?”
“Yeah. They didn’t get home until late last night.”
“Well, how about you and I go downstairs and cook everyone breakfast?”
“Crepes?”
“Of course. It’s your birthday, isn’t it?”
Despite being tired, Claudia went downstairs with her brother, happy to b
e home. While she didn’t regret going down to Rose Island to meet Bianca, this is where she belonged, especially today on her brothers’ birthday.
“How do you make crepes again?” Clark asked.
Claudia listed off the ingredients and helped her brother gather everything before mixing the batter. When it was ready, she heated the skillet, and they began cooking.
A little later, Mom came into the kitchen. “I thought I heard your voice.”
“Mom.” Claudia crossed the room and hugged her mother. “Leland drove all night so I could be here.”
“That doesn’t sound very safe. I wish he wouldn’t have done that.”
“I know, but he did, and now I’m home. How’s Clay?”
“Sound asleep, just like your dad. Me? I tossed and turned, worried about you, worried about Clay, and worried about Clark.”
“Why were you worried about me?” Clark asked.
“That’s just what moms do. They worry about their kids.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine now that Claudia is home.”
Mom smiled. “I’m fine, too, now that Claudia is home.”
Claudia felt the same way.
Chapter 50
Daniel
Getting a good night’s sleep in the hospital before surgery had to be the biggest joke in the world. All the noises and people coming in and out of Daniel’s room made sleeping impossible.
Still, he must’ve dozed off at some point because he awoke in the morning to find his brother sitting beside his bed. “Enzo?”
“Hey.” Enzo came to his feet. “How are you feeling?”
Daniel studied his brother carefully. “I’ve been better.”
“I’m sure.”
“What are you doing here?”
Enzo shrugged. “I wanted to see you before the surgery in case . . .”
“In case I died like Mom did?”
Enzo looked away, obviously just as uncomfortable as Daniel when it came to talking about their mother’s unexpected death during what was supposed to be minor surgery. Daniel pushed himself up in bed. “I’m not going to die.”
Enzo shrugged. “Good to know. I guess I’ll go then.”
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Daniel’s lips. “You don’t have to.”
“No?”
Daniel shook his head. “How’d you even know I was here anyway?”
“Your girlfriend called me last night.”
“Bianca?”
Enzo nodded. “Unless you have more than one girlfriend.”
“No, just Bianca.”
“Well, Joy gave her my number. Apparently, she called Miriam and Dad, too.”
“Oh. Are they coming?”
“No. Dad’s on a fishing trip, and Miriam is too busy with the kids, so it’s just me. Is that okay?”
Daniel nodded. “Yeah. I’m glad you’re here.”
Enzo looked down at the ground and shifted from one foot to the other. “Daniel?”
“Yeah?”
“Maybe now that you’re dating a hairdresser she can do something about all that gray in your hair.”
Daniel grinned and ran a hand over his head. “You ever look in the mirror, little brother?”
Enzo shook his head. “Not if I can help it.”
*
While Enzo and Daniel were rehashing old memories and laughing about the time Enzo fell off the roof while hanging the Christmas lights, Joy and Bianca arrived. Joy rushed across the room and hugged her uncle.
“Who’s this girl all grown up?” Enzo asked.
Joy laughed. “It’s good to see you, Uncle Enzo.”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
Daniel introduced Bianca to his brother, noticing that Enzo’s eyes lingered a little too long on Bianca’s face. His brother better not get any ideas because reconciling next time might not be so easy.
“How was the party last night?” Daniel asked.
Joy and Bianca filled him in on all the details. While he’d missed them last night, he was glad they went and were able to see Keith’s surprise firsthand.
All too soon, the surgeon entered the room. She greeted everyone and asked if Daniel had any questions.
“No.” Daniel tried to sound braver than he felt. He was having a simple surgery. Nothing to worry about. His mother had been a smoker and had had all sorts of health issues that Daniel didn’t have. He was going to be fine.
Dr. Martin smiled at Enzo before turning her attention to Bianca. “I heard about your aversion to blood, so we’ll make sure to cover up Daniel’s incision before you see him.”
Bianca gave a hearty laugh. “Thank you, Dr. Martin.”
“My pleasure.” The surgeon grinned. “Well, it was nice meeting all of you. Daniel, someone will be here shortly to wheel you to surgery.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
She left, and immediately Enzo made up some excuse about needing to grab breakfast from the cafeteria. “I’ll see you after the surgery,” he told Daniel.
Daniel nodded, wondering if Enzo remembered those had been the last words he’d said to their mother.
“You’re gonna be fine,” Enzo said, stepping toward the bed and shocking Daniel by leaning over to hug him.
Daniel was so stunned by the gesture that all he could do was return his brother’s hug. When Enzo pulled away, he gave Daniel one last nod before walking out the door.
“That was weird,” Joy said.
Daniel shrugged. “You know your uncle. He can be a little weird.”
“No kidding.” She giggled, putting Daniel at ease. “Are you doing okay, Dad?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t like hospitals, and I’m ready to get the surgery over with, but I’m fine.”
She groaned. “I don’t like hospitals either.”
“Of course, you don’t.” Daniel smiled at her, realizing she’d been through so much more than him when it came to medical issues. He seriously needed to stop making this operation into a bigger deal than it was. Still, there were some things he needed to set straight.
“Joy, would you mind giving me a minute to talk to Bianca?”
“Sure.” She came over and hugged him one last time. “Good luck, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart.” Daniel tried to keep the waver out of his voice. This wasn’t the last time he’d see her. Everything was going to be fine.
After Joy left, Bianca sat beside him, entwining her fingers with his. “You seem nervous. Are you feeling okay?”
He nodded. “Look, I know we haven’t been together long, but I don’t want to go under the knife without telling you something.”
“You love me?”
He grinned at her and squeezed her hand. “I’ve already told you that, but yes, I do love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her tone was serious, and he wished he didn’t have to say what he needed to say. “Look, my mother died during surgery. She went in for something minor and didn’t make it.”
Bianca’s eyes widened. “Daniel.”
“I know. It’s scary, but I’m much healthier than my mother was. Still, her death was unexpected and left a huge mark.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m sure that makes you anxious about this surgery, but Dr. Martin is well respected. I went to high school with her brother.”
“Of course, you did.”
Bianca gave a little laugh, filling Daniel with love and hope. “Don’t worry, okay?” she said. “I’ll be praying for you the whole time and so will my family.”
“I appreciate that, but just in case I don’t make it—”
“You’re going to make it.”
“I know, but just in case I don’t, I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything.”
He pushed out a deep breath. “Will you take care of Joy? I realize she’s legally an adult, but she needs a mother. Especially if something happens to me.”
Tears filled Bianca’s eyes. “Joy is like a daughter to me.
I promise I’ll be there for her. In fact, I’m planning on being in her life until she kicks me out of it. Which will hopefully be never.”
“What about my life?”
She smiled. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stay in your life for a long time, too.”
“So that’s a yes?”
“A yes?”
Daniel nodded. “A yes that you’ll marry me.”
“Daniel.”
He put up a hand to stop her protest. “This isn’t an official proposal, and I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but I love you, Bianca. I’m not just saying that because I’m scared or under the influence of these painkillers. I know we haven’t been dating very long, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Oh, Daniel.” Her eyes filled. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life.”
“What about kids?” she asked.
“What about them?”
“If it’s not too late, I want to have kids. How do you feel about that?”
He grinned so hard his cheeks hurt. “I can’t think of anything more I’d like to do than have a baby with you.”
“Really?”
“Really. But first, maybe we could get married? Maybe go to Hawaii or Fiji for the honeymoon?”
She laughed. “Yes, but you have to ask my dad for permission first. That’s really important to him.”
“I already have.”
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “You have?”
“No. Just joking. But I will. I promise.”
She gave him a light smack on the arm. “You’re horrible.”
“Hey, careful of the IV, woman.”
The door opened, and two men dressed in scrubs entered. “Mr. Serrano? Are you ready for surgery?”
“I am.” Daniel gave Bianca a wink. “We’ll finish this discussion later, okay?”
She nodded, then she brushed her lips across his. “I love you, Daniel.”
“I love you, too.”
Chapter 51
Bianca
Given what Daniel told me about his mother dying during surgery, it was difficult waiting for news that the operation was successful. Fortunately, Joy, Enzo, and I had lots of visitors including my parents, Jillian, Vicki, and Anna.
Bianca's Joy: Rose Island Book 3 Page 24