Blush, Book 3 the Crescent Lake Winery

by Lucinda Race

  The hands on the wall clock made their journey around the face. The first rays of a promising sunrise began to brighten the sky. On the horizon, subtle pink and orange streaks with violet and blue slowly grew in intensity. Around her, the hospital was still, as if all the world were waiting for the day to begin.

  “Mommy?” Owen’s voice was a whisper.

  “Hey, O. How are you feeling?” She kept her voice low on the off chance he’d drift off again. She watched his eyelids flutter. He seemed to struggle to focus on her. “Go back to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

  Owen sank into a peaceful slumber.

  Peyton sat down in the chair and covered herself with the thin white blanket a nurse had given her, and closed her eyes.

  Jack stood in the doorway. Would the smell of rich coffee gently wake her or should he let her sleep? He waited, unsure what to do. He didn’t want to wake Owen.

  Peyton struggled to sit up. “Jack, is that you?”

  “Easy.” He knelt down next to the chair. His voice was a whisper. “I brought you breakfast.”

  She pushed off the blanket and looked into his eyes. She looked much better than when he had left her just a few short hours ago.

  “When did you get here?” she asked while her eyes drifted to Owen.

  “About two minutes ago.” He kissed her softly on the mouth. He glanced at Owen. “He looks like he’s zonked. Want to stretch your legs?”

  She nodded. “I don’t think anything could wake him up. He’s always been a very sound sleeper and with the residual anesthesia, he’ll be out for a while longer.” She took the travel mug from his hands and slid the top open. She took a small sip, and he smiled as she closed her eyes while enjoying the caffeine jolt.

  “This is delicious. Thank you.” She eyed the bag on the table at the end of the hospital bed. “You really brought food too?”

  He held out his hand. “Come with me. I saw a waiting room at the end of the hall. We can have breakfast together.”

  She glanced at Owen, who was snoring softly, and then placed her hand in his. He grabbed the bag. The hall was empty. The small waiting room had a love seat and several chairs scattered around the perimeter. A television was bolted to the far wall and large curtainless windows overlooked the parking lot.

  He kissed her. “Not a very romantic place for breakfast, but I’ll take it.”

  They sat next to each other on the love seat, thigh to thigh. Peyton set her coffee on the table and held out her hand. “Food, please. The smell is making my stomach groan and taste buds weep.”

  With a small laugh, he withdrew a foil-wrapped sandwich. “I made egg McJack.” He folded back one side of the foil and handed it to her.

  The look of confusion faded quickly and she laughed quietly. “I get it. Eggs on an English muffin. Like Mickey D’s.”

  “Yup, only better. It has crispy bacon and real cheddar cheese.”

  She took a bite and looked up. Her eyes widened in surprise. She covered her hand over her mouth and mumbled, “Did you actually make this?”

  “I do know how to cook.” He faked indignation. “I can clean up after myself too. And from what you said once a long time ago, it might be a good thing that if we’re ever at my place, I’ll do the cooking and you can clean up.”

  “A perfect partnership.” She laughed.

  He watched as she devoured the sandwich.

  “That was delicious.”

  “You’ve got a little ketchup on your chin.” He wiped it off with a napkin.

  “Thanks for remembering I love ketchup on almost everything.” She touched his hand. “Aren’t you having one?”

  “Nope, they’re both for you.”

  A frown filled her face. “We’ll share it.”

  He reached into the bag and held up three more. “Just kidding. We each have two.” Jack handed her another one. “I know you’ll forget about eating as soon as the little man opens his eyes.” With a wave of his hand, he said, “Mangia.”

  Peyton unwrapped her next sandwich and took a bite. Her eyes popped. “Jack, this is amazing—it has sausage.”

  “Stick with me, gorgeous, and I’ll cook for you anytime.” Jack saw a change of thought slide across her face.

  Worry clouded her eyes. “What if something bad had happened to him? How would I have handled it?”

  He set his sandwich aside and took her free hand. “I wish I could promise you that you’ll never have another scare with him again. But I’ll be here if you need me. For anything.”

  She laid her head on his shoulder. Jack wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He could stay like this all day, but that wasn’t going to happen.

  The sounds of the hospital coming to life drifted into the room. She tilted her head back, cupped his cheek, and kissed his lips. “You’re a very special man. We should finish breakfast and get back to Owen’s room.”

  * * *

  A short time later, a nurse entered Owen’s hospital room with a friendly smile, her attention on the patient. “Good morning, Owen. How are you feeling?”

  “Good, but I’m hungry.”

  “I’m going to check your temperature and your heartbeat. Is that okay?”

  He nodded.

  Jack was beside the chair and Peyton hovered next to the hospital bed. “Is he okay?”

  The nurse slung the stethoscope around her neck. In a soothing voice, she said, “His vitals are normal. Someone will bring his breakfast in shortly. We’ll see how he does with Jell-O and clear liquids. The doctor will be in for rounds midmorning, and if all is going well, you should be going home later today.”

  Peyton turned to Jack and beamed. “Now that is good news.”

  “I’m sure you’re both anxious to get your son home.” The nurse finished adding notes to the whiteboard across from the foot of his bed and sailed out of the room.

  Peyton pointed to the hallway and indicated Jack should follow her. When they got in the hallway, she said, “I’m sorry about that.”

  “About what?” Jack leaned against the wall. He knew what she was talking about but wondered where this conversation might go.

  “The nurse thought you’re Owen’s dad. That must have been awkward for you.”

  Casually, Jack said, “Not at all.”

  Once again, he could see the faint rush of color brighten her cheeks. He wanted her to think about what it would be like to have him be a part of Owen’s life permanently. “I’m going to head off to the winery for a little while, and then I’ll be back around noon and I’ll drive you both home. Any requests for lunch?”

  She laughed. “You don’t need to be our chauffer. Mom or Dad will pick us up.” She dropped her eyes. “I wanted to say that I’m sorry about the way our date ended.”

  He crossed the small space between them and tipped her chin up. “There will be lots more dates.”

  She looked up through her lashes and it was almost his undoing. Right then and there, he wanted to declare his love for her. But now was not the time or place.

  “I’ll be back later. If Owen can eat something other than clear liquids, let me know.” He gave her a slow, sweet kiss. “And if you need anything at all, or you just miss me before that, I’m just a call or text away.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” She gazed into his eyes. “I mean it. For everything.”

  With a quick glance at Owen, who was now watching cartoons, he gave Peyton one last kiss and got on the elevator.

  Jack arrived at Owen’s hospital room just after twelve carrying a soft-sided cooler that sported the winery logo. Peyton looked from the bag to Jack and then to Owen, who was coloring. “Guess who’s definitely going home this afternoon?”

  Jack’s grin split his face. “Let me guess.”

  Owen looked up at Jack and squinted like he was staring into the sun. “Are you teasing? ’Cause it’s me. As soon as stuff’s done.”

  Peyton knew that look. Owen’s wheels were turning. She wasn’t surprised he had listened closel
y to the adult conversation. She perched on the edge of the bed and smoothed the covers down. “Yes, and Jack, we were hoping you could drive us home?”

  Owen’s face brightened. “Can we go on the boat today too?”

  Jack chuckled. “I think the boat will have to wait for a few days, but I’m happy to be the chauffeur.” He held up the bag. “Who wants lunch first?”

  “Can I, Mom?”

  “Sure, if you feel like eating something. The nurse said it was okay as long as you drink plenty of liquids.”

  Owen pushed the books and crayons aside. “What did ya bring?”

  Jack set the bag on the table and unzipped it, pulling out cartons of fruit yogurt, peanut butter and jelly or ham sandwiches, sugar cookies, and juice boxes. “Owen, would you like a yogurt?”

  He nodded, his enthusiasm growing at the sight of the small feast. “And a cookie?” He glanced at his mom.

  She responded, “First some juice, yogurt, and then maybe half of a cookie if your tummy feels okay.”

  Without missing a beat, Jack handed him a container of strawberry yogurt and a spoon. “Pey?”

  Suddenly ravenous, she held out her hand. “Ham sandwich, please.”

  Jack perched on the other side of the bed. “Things okay at the winery? Did you happen to check on Lily and Tony for me?” She nibbled on the thick sandwich.

  “It was good. Nothing special.” He polished off one sandwich and picked up another.

  “I didn’t ask. Do you need to get back and then pick us up?”

  He tilted his head and gave her a long look. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “Mom, Jack really likes us and he wants to be the hero.”

  Jack’s eyebrow arched. “Yeah, Peyton,” he chuckled. “Every guy wants to be a hero.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Be Superman.”

  Owen poked Jack on the arm and with a knowing nod, said, “Mom’s favorite is Superman.”

  18

  It had been two weeks since Owen’s surgery when Peyton slipped into a kitchen chair and added a dash of cream to the mug of coffee her mom handed her. “Thanks. I really need a jolt of caffeine.”

  “You had a nightmare.” It wasn’t a question, just a simple statement. “It’s been a while.”

  Peyton blew on the coffee and then took a small sip. “I’ve had the same one for the last couple of weeks, since Owen got sick. In my dream, he’s desperately ill and there’s nothing the doctors can do and he dies.”

  Mom studied her thoughtfully. “That had to have been awful, but, sweetheart, it was just a dream.”

  “It scared the hell out of me. I wasn’t home when he needed me. Thank heavens you were, but what if something had happened to him?” Peyton could feel the tears well up in her eyes. “He’s my world.”

  Mom’s tone was soft. “Of course he is, honey, and we all love him.” She placed her hand on Peyton’s. “He still would have gotten appendicitis even if you had been home.”

  A pregnant pause filled the room. With a slow shake of her head, she said, “I should have been here.”

  “You can’t be with him twenty-four hours a day—that isn’t healthy for either of you. He’s a little boy and there will be trips to the emergency room for stitches, maybe a broken bone or two. You’re a great mother, so stop beating yourself up for something you couldn’t have prevented.”

  Slowly, Peyton said, “I guess.” She rose and topped off her coffee. It gave her something to do as her mind raced. “I’m seeing my therapist today, and hopefully she’ll give me some tips so I don’t become a helicopter mom.”

  Mom’s eyes twinkled. “Will Jack be a topic too?”

  It was such a mom question, meant to divert Peyton’s attention to something positive. She dropped back into her chair. “Jack is an amazing guy. I’m not sure I’m ready to have a serious relationship with him yet, but we have a lot of fun. I know I can’t dwell on the past but sometimes…”

  “In his defense, Sherry told me he hated the business side of the winery, and Sam was having huge fights with Jack about his future. Jack wanted to focus on the agricultural side and moved to the West Coast to learn and work. He didn’t leave you; he wanted a different career path.”

  She shook her head. “I know his issues with Sam were part of it, but I think he changed his mind about me, about us, too. He should have talked to me instead of moving three thousand miles away with only the announcement he was leaving.”

  “You both were so young. I’m not taking his side, but maybe if you had really talked to him instead of letting your stubbornness take over, things might have been different.”

  Peyton ran a hand through her hair. “Can people change?”

  “If you’re asking me specifically about Jack, yes. He’s matured into a good man and one who has strong feelings for you. You shouldn’t doubt it. I see the way he looks at you.”

  “Jack is the only man I thought I’d ever love. But he broke my heart once. Even after all this time, I still love him.” She thought about how close they had come to acting on those feelings. With a soft laugh, she said, “He’s had to have developed patience. You know I’ve given him the cold shoulder for the last few years. I was only comfortable when we were in large groups of people until recently, when I started to see him in a new light.”

  “He’s not a saint.”

  “I know he’s not, which brings me full circle. What if—”

  Mom interrupted her. “You’re enjoying each other’s company and having fun. What if you’re blessed with a lifetime of love? Isn’t that worth the risk?” She got up, picked Peyton’s cell phone off the counter, and thrust it at her. “Why don’t you call him and make plans?”

  Peyton took the phone and set it down. She shook her head and firmly stated, “I can’t possibly go on a date until Owen is fully recovered.”

  “Oh, Peyton, stop using your son as an excuse to avoid spending time with the man you’re in love with. Other than way too much pent-up energy, he’s fine. Make plans with Jack. You deserve to have some fun.”

  She picked up her cell and hesitated. “What should I say? He probably thinks I’ve disappeared, which wasn’t my intention, but I needed to focus on my son.”

  “I’m sure he understands. Ask if he’s busy and would he like to get together. At least get a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.”

  Peyton rolled her eyes. “Mom,” she groaned.

  She studied the small screen and tapped out a message. Do you have time for coffee or something?

  She hit send and turned the phone so her mom could read it.

  Her mother grinned her approval. “That was a friendly invitation. But you could have called him, made it more personal.”

  Her cell phone buzzed. She looked at the text from Jack. I always have time for you. Gazebo for lunch? She showed Mom.

  “Guess that answers the most pressing question of the morning.” Mom patted her on the shoulder. “Now, go pick out something pretty to wear.”

  Peyton settled into the dark-green leather wingback chair in her therapist’s office. It was her favorite spot. She’d sat there once a week for almost three years. When she had divulged her secret to Kate and then to her parents, her mom found Jane, who was a rape survivor herself and used her experience in their sessions.

  Jane, petite in stature, made up for it in her demeanor. She sat in an overstuffed floral chair complete with an oversized footstool. Peyton thought she should have a chair to match her diminutive size instead of it looking like there was room for at least two of her in it.

  “So tell me, how is Owen? On the mend, I assume?” Jane gave her a serene smile.

  Peyton relaxed. They always started with something easy to talk about. “He’s a resilient kid. You’d never know he had surgery. It’s actually hard to keep him still.”

  “I’m sure that makes you feel so much better.”

  Crossing her legs, Peyton smiled. “You have no idea. I keep thinking about what might have happened. The
nurses and doctors were amazing. He was in excellent hands.”

  “I sense some hesitancy in your response.”

  Peyton marveled at how she picked up more on what hadn’t been said than what had. “I’m having nightmares.” Her heart rate increased. “He’s sick and dies and I’m not there to save him.”

  “Why do you think that is?” Jane’s gaze was kind but unflinching.

  Peyton clenched her hands in her lap. “I keep reliving the phone call from Mom, when I was on the boat with Jack. I wasn’t there when he needed me.”

  “This has less to do with Owen than you believe.”

  Peyton met her look. “I sound like a crazy mom, right?”

  “You have been an extremely committed mother since the moment he was born. Along the way, you pushed Peyton, the woman and not the mother, aside.”

  “So I am an overprotective mother.” She brushed an invisible speck of dust from her slacks. “Great.”

  Jane gave her an understanding smile. “I want you to think about what you need. Owen is growing up and you need to live a full life. What do you want for your future?”

  She shrugged. “These last few weeks, I’ve felt guilty even thinking of leaving him to go on a date.”

  “Being a single parent doesn’t mean your sole focus has to be your child. Show him by example how to fall in love with a good person. Fill your world with positive people.”

  “Do you mean like Jack?”

  “You have a long history with him, and now you’ve found your way back together. Are you enjoying time spent with him?”

  She could feel the corners of her mouth turn up. “Things are progressing.”

  Jane rubbed her hands together and grinned. “Oh, good. Tell me all about it.”

  Peyton laughed. “Since our romantic date got interrupted with a fast trip to the hospital, this morning I sent him a text and asked if he wanted to get together. We’re going to have lunch at the winery.”