“Do we know what started the fire?” she asked, figuring this was the safest way to begin.
He shook his head. “We heard the explosion and Dean called out for me to call 9-1-1. He took off and ran over, but everyone was running out of the building and after that…” He shrugged, his eyes never leaving the road.
“Dad?”
No response.
Reaching across the console, she placed a hand on his arm. “Dad?”
“I know I tend to stay out of your business,” he began quietly, “but it bothers me sometimes, Scarlett. It’s not like I don’t want to talk to you. It’s just…I don’t know what to say.” He paused. “I know I’m a bit of a disappointment to you…”
“What?” she asked, her own voice barely a whisper. “How can you even say that? You’ve never been a disappointment to me!”
Now he did look over at her. “Scarlett Marie…you and I both know I did you a disservice while you were growing up. I had no idea what to do with a girl and apparently, I still don’t. You’re involved with the Bishop boy and you never said a word–not to me and most likely not to your brothers. And you’re pregnant.” He stopped and shook his head. “And you didn’t tell any of us. I think that speaks volumes.”
Ugh…how did she even begin to explain this?
“To be honest, I was in a bit of denial. About all of it. My relationship with Mason…well…it took me by surprise. And then when everything came out about him owning the bar?” She let out a mirthless laugh. “Let’s just say I didn’t handle it well.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, glancing at her before focusing on the road again. They were still ten minutes away from the hospital.
She explained her attitude toward Mason and his family and then how she went off on him after finding out about his inheritance. “I said some horrible stuff to him and ended our relationship. Then I found out I was pregnant.”
Dominic was quiet until they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Scarlett thought she’d go mad. But she knew her father and knew he needed time to absorb everything she just shared with him. Once the truck was parked, he turned to face her.
“You need to know the problems your grandfather had with the bar have nothing to do with Mason…”
“Yeah, I’m finding that out…”
He held up a hand to stop her. “But…I want you to know that just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you have to have anything to do with Mason Bishop if you don’t want to. We are all here for you–me, your brothers, Tommy–all of us. There isn’t a thing you’ll have to worry about. This baby will be loved and well cared for. Don’t put yourself in a relationship if it’s not what you want.”
Wow. That was…both incredibly sweet and more than a little surprising. In her entire life, her father had never spoken that many words to her at one time. Unable to help herself, she lunged across the console and hugged him.
“Thanks, Dad,” she whispered, fighting back more tears.
Damn pregnancy hormones.
When she pulled back, Dominic used the pads of his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “I might not always know what to say, but I’m always here for you. No matter what.”
She nodded because she was too choked up to talk.
“C’mon. Let’s go check on your grandfather.”
Together they made their way to the emergency room. Her grandfather was being treated for multiple second-degree burns and smoke inhalation along with cuts and bruises. They weren’t allowed to see him and with no other choice, they set up camp in the waiting room.
First, her brother Kyle showed up. He hadn’t been on the scene, but had heard enough and came down to see how everyone was doing. Hunter showed up later after the fire was out and he was off duty. When Scarlett spotted him, she thought for sure Mason and Peyton wouldn’t be far behind.
“Any news?” he asked as he came and sat with them.
Dominic gave the latest update, but no one had been allowed back to see Tommy yet. “What about the fire, Hunter? What happened?”
“Grease fire,” he said solemnly. “Luckily Gramps had an Ansul system in place–which should have kept the fire to a minimum–but it just moved too quickly to contain. That’s what he was trying to do, at least, according to Peyton Bishop. She was in the kitchen with Gramps when it happened. The system kicked in–which is there to suppress restaurant kitchen fires–and I think he may have panicked. He shoved Peyton out and had everyone running for the exit but after that, all we can speculate is the flames moved too far too fast for the system to stop.”
Both her father and Kyle cursed but Scarlett was still scanning the entrance for any signs of Mason and his sister.
“Was anyone else hurt?” Kyle asked.
“They treated Peyton and a few others for smoke inhalation, but luckily no one was hurt. Just Gramps.”
Her father took one of her hands in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Where is Peyton now?”
“She stayed behind with Mason to talk to the fire inspectors and to make sure the site was secured. Mason was on the phone almost the entire time with the insurance company,” Hunter explained.
“How do you know?”
“Because once the fire was under control, I walked over to make sure he and Peyton were okay.”
“Where’s Dean?” Kyle asked.
“He was walking around with Mason and making sure everything was secure.” He looked over at Scarlett. “Courtney showed up looking for you, but Dean told her you’d left. Did she come by here?”
“No,” she replied, rubbing her head.
“Are you all right?” they all asked her at the same time and she had to stifle a laugh. She had a feeling her entire pregnancy was going to be handled like this.
“I’m just tired,” she said, hoping to put them all at ease. “I was hoping we’d get to see Gramps by now, but…” She stopped and yawned. “Damn. Sorry.”
“Maybe you should go home,” her father suggested. “I promise to call you once we see him and speak to the doctors. You really need your rest, Scarlett.”
As much as she wanted to argue or at least be annoyed, she couldn’t. She was tired, hungry, and had a bit of a headache. Going home wasn’t the worst suggestion in the world. Still…
“I didn’t have dinner. Dean called just as I was sitting down so…maybe I just need a little something to eat.”
Kyle instantly stood up. “I’ll go to the cafeteria and grab you a sandwich or something. Okay?”
Suppressing a grin, she nodded. “Thanks, Kyle.”
“I’ll go with you,” her father said. “I need to stretch my legs.”
Once they were both gone and it was down to her and Hunter, Scarlett knew it was only a matter of time before he was going to bombard her with questions.
“So…you’re pregnant,” he said, moving to sit closer to her.
Chuckling, she turned her head and looked at him. “Yup.”
“It was the first thing Dean said to me when I saw him,” he explained, shaking his head. He studied her for a moment. “You doing okay?”
She shrugged. “I’m still getting used to the whole thing.”
“It is pretty terrifying in the beginning–especially when it’s not planned.” He paused. “Wait…it wasn’t planned, was it?”
She laughed again. “No, definitely not planned. Not completely a surprise though, either.”
Shifting beside her, Hunter turned to face her, his arm draped along the back of the chairs. “When Melissa found out she was pregnant, we weren’t exactly surprised either. Shit happens sometimes. But those first few days after she did? Man, I think I aged like a hundred years.”
Scarlett rested her head on his arm. She remembered when he had come home and told them all the news. He and Melissa had dated since junior year of high school and while it was always tumultuous, Scarlett remembered thinking how maybe now they were finally maturing and ready to settle into a normal relationship.
“I read every
damn book on pregnancy and childbirth and then moved on to all the parenting ones. I spent every night reading everything I could find so I would be ready.”
Patting his arm, she said, “You’re a great father, Hunter.”
“Yeah, well…parenting is scary, Scarlett. And it’s hard.”
“I know.”
He looked down, not meeting her gaze. “And it’s even harder when you’re doing it alone.”
Wait…was he saying…? “What’s going on, Hunter?”
Shrugging, he tried to move away but Scarlett wouldn’t let him. “We’re co-parenting, but…Melissa’s around less and less.” He paused. “And I can’t say I’m sad about it.”
Sitting up straight, she studied her brother. “Seriously?”
Finally he looked up at her and nodded. “I knew–even way back when we found out she was pregnant–I knew it wasn’t what she wanted. Motherhood, marriage, none of it. I kept thinking she’d change her mind once the baby was born and that day in the hospital, when they placed Eli in her arms, I knew I was kidding myself.”
“Oh, Hunter…I’m so sorry.”
Another shrug. “Look, I’m not saying any of this to make you feel bad for me. I’m saying this because…well…” He let out a long breath, raking his free hand through his hair. “Don’t go into this with Mason if you’re not both one hundred percent committed. I mean, I’m not saying don’t have the baby. I’m just saying…know where you both stand so you won’t be disappointed down the road.”
“There are no guarantees in relationships, Hunter. I’m not that naïve.”
“Yeah, I know there aren’t, but…relationships are hard enough on their own. Take a new relationship and throw in the added stress of an unplanned pregnancy and it gets so much harder.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I don’t want to see you get hurt. That’s all.”
Moving in close, she hugged him. “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of this.”
“Me too,” he said quietly. Hugging her a little tighter, he added, “If you ever need anything–like someone to kick Mason’s ass–you let me know.”
Laughing, she pushed her brother away. “No need for an ass kicking. Everything’s fine.”
“My offer stands.” He looked like he was about to say more, but his attention focused just beyond her shoulder and his expression turned a little tense.
Turning, Scarlett saw Mason walking through the ER doors looking tired, anxious and ten kinds of yummy. When he spotted her, he visibly relaxed.
“Well, shit,” Hunter murmured.
“What? What’s the matter?”
“I was hoping to kick someone’s ass tonight. Guess it’s not going to be Bishop’s.”
Shaking her head and laughing, she asked, “Why do you say that?”
“The way he just looked at you? That’s the look of a guy who isn’t looking to bail.” Standing, he kissed Scarlett on the head and moved to shake Mason’s hand when he approached. “Hey. How are things over by the bar? Everything secured?”
Scarlett knew Mason was explaining everything, but all she could do was drink in the sight of him. She’d missed him these last few weeks-even when she was still mad at him-and just knowing he was here for her made her feel like everything was going to be okay.
He looked at her and smiled. “How’s Tommy?”
“They still haven’t let us see him, which concerns me. The last time we got an update, the doctor told us he had some burns and cuts and bruises and they were treating him for smoke inhalation. I wouldn’t think they would keep us away for this long.”
Mason looked around. “Where’s your dad?”
“He and Kyle went to get me something to eat,” she told him. “I have a bit of a headache and I’m hungry, so…”
“Do you mind if I stay?” he asked cautiously. “I mean, I know I’m not family and they’re not going to let me in to see Tommy, but…I’d like to know he’s okay.”
And if she wasn’t already in love with him, that one statement would have sealed the deal. “I’d like that. But…are you hungry? You didn’t get to eat either. Our Chinese food is still sitting out on my kitchen table.”
Hunter looked between the two of them. “Tell you what, why don’t the two of you go home and eat–maybe not the Chinese food because it’s probably gross by now–but something fresh. I’m here and so are Dad and Kyle and you know Dean’s probably on his way too. We’ll call you as soon as we see Gramps.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I don’t know, Hunter. They just went to grab me a sandwich…”
“I’ll eat it,” he said, grinning. “I’m always hungry.”
“But…”
Looking at Mason, Hunter continued, “Get her home and make sure she eats something. She’s going to argue with you and try to convince you to bring her back, but don’t let her until tomorrow.”
“I’m right here, jackass,” she griped, but her brother wasn’t the least bit fazed.
“Just go. We’ve got everything under control here.”
Just then, her stomach growled loudly and for the first time in what felt like forever, her hunger wasn’t immediately followed by a wave of nausea.
Better take advantage of it…
“Fine,” she said dramatically. Then she leaned forward menacingly, poking Hunter in the chest. “But you better call the second you know something!” Then she punched him for good measure before facing Mason–who was watching with amusement. “Okay, now we can go.”
Twelve
It was almost midnight when they walked through the front door of Mason’s place. It had been his intention to bring her back to her house, but as they drove away from the hospital, she talked about how much she needed to relax and wished she could just breathe in some fresh air. That’s when he knew this was where they needed to go. So after a brief stop at the drive-thru to grab some burgers, here they were.
Scarlett instantly walked through the living room, opened the sliding glass doors and stepped out onto the deck. There was a chill in the air and he wasn’t really looking forward to eating outside, but if that’s what she wanted, then that’s what they’d do. He followed and put their food out on the small bistro table before guiding her over to sit down. They ate in silence for several minutes before Scarlett spoke.
“I’m sure this isn’t the best meal for me to be having, but after being sick for the last two weeks I’m sure it’s okay.”
He hated the thought of her being sick.
Hated even more that she went through it alone.
“So you’re feeling better?”
She shrugged. “It comes and goes, but I got a prescription for some anti-nausea meds and I have an appointment with my OB-GYN next week so hopefully she can shed some light on what else I can do to get through this part.”
Frowning, he asked, “Isn’t morning sickness a normal part of pregnancy?”
“It is, but this wasn’t only a morning thing. It was an all-day-every-day thing. Trust me. It’s a horrible way to live.”
Tossing his burger down, he shook his head. “Geez, Scarlett, why didn’t you call me?”
The last reaction he expected from her was laughter, but…that’s exactly what he got. She finished up her french fries and grinned at him. “Mason, there isn’t anything you could have done for me. Knowing about the pregnancy doesn’t give you some magical powers to make me feel any less gross.”
“Yeah, but…”
“Ask Courtney. It was not pretty.”
“You don’t look…you know…”
“Give it time,” she said, reaching for her drink. “We’ve got like eight more months to get through. I’m sure you’ll see it for yourself.”
And for some reason, this ridiculous banter made him feel better. The fact that she was talking about him being around through the pregnancy gave him hope.
Picking up his burger, he quickly finished it along with his fries and relaxed back in his seat. “You know your place is going to reek in the morning fr
om the food being out all night.”
She agreed. “I know, but I was too tired to deal with it tonight. The fresh air is really helping. Between the smell of smoke from the fire and then the hospital smell…” She shuddered. “This was way better for me, so…thank you.” The smile she gave him was everything and Mason had to fight the urge to pick her up and carry her to bed.
Which reminded him…
“Uh…I’m glad the fresh air is helping but…it’s late.” He waited to see if she would comment, but she didn’t. Leaning back in her seat with her head tilted back, Scarlett looked completely relaxed and at ease. “I thought we would have heard something about Tommy by now.”
“Me too.”
Seriously? She had nothing else to say? Wasn’t it weird that she was here this late? How she wasn’t making any move for him to take her home? Did she want to spend the night? Were they back together? Just like that? Without even talking about it?
“Um, Scarlett, I know we got interrupted earlier, but there are a lot of things we need to…”
Now she did straighten and met his gaze. “I know, Mason,” she said softly. “But for tonight, I’d really just like to…not talk about all of it. I’m so tired and now I’m so full and I’m worried about my grandfather and…” She shrugged. “I really don’t want to be alone.”
Part of his hope faded. It wasn’t like she was here because she wanted to be with him. She was here because she didn’t want to be alone.
Rising from his seat, he stretched and cleared the table. Inside, he grabbed his phone and typed out a text to Peyton to make sure she was doing okay. And once she replied that she was, he wasn’t sure what to do with himself.
The sound of Scarlett’s phone had him wandering back to the deck where he heard her talking.
“How is he?” She paused to listen. “How long are they going to keep him?” Another pause. “Wow…okay…” And yet another pause.
In Case You Didn’t Know Page 17