“I should have known. When I called your mother, she told me not to bother hurrying here until later. You have to talk to her and tell her that I’m more of a priority than Tori.”
Her face was red and blotchy from anger. “I don’t understand why your family hates me.” The sounds of nose blowing made Tobias want to scream. Instead, he squeezed his eyes shut and pretended to fall asleep. Moments later, thanks to the drugs, he did just that.
When Tobias opened his eyes, it was dark outside. The room was serene with only one lamp lit. His mother sat in the corner chair where Tori had been. She had headphones on and was watching something humorous by the soft chuckles.
Upon noticing he was awake, she lowered the headphones to her neck. “Hello, sweetheart. How do you feel?”
Truth be told, for the first time in years, he wanted to cry. Mostly in frustration. Of all the damned times for Tori to drop a bombshell, She had picked the one instance when he could not chase her down and demand answers.
His mother stood and came closer. She pulled a smaller chair to his bedside and sat down. Then taking his hand in hers, she studied his face. “Tori called me. She is so very sorry about upsetting you at a time like this. I should have factored in that you two argue like cats and dogs before asking her to stay with you.”
“Did you know about the baby?” He considered pulling his hand from hers, but decided to hear her out.
She nodded. “Not until it was over. Tori went to the hospital. Her mother told me it was because of a mental health issue. Then a year or so later, I learned what really happened. Tori’s parents kept it secret, but her mother told me one day in confidence.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it would’ve been a burden you didn’t need to carry. Especially not when you were overseas in a dangerous location.”
Tobias hated that they acted like he was a damned war hero. His brother, Luke, was the hero. All he’d done was worked remotely from a safe distance. “It was my kid, Mom.”
His mother nodded. “I know, sweetheart. She was about five months along. It was a boy.” Her lips curved. “I wish I would’ve seen him in person. But Tori has pictures and I saw them.”
“Pictures,” he repeated, not sure he wanted see them. His son had come and gone without him even knowing. Tobias swallowed.
“The doctors said she would have probably lost the baby anyway. The emotional upset didn’t help. But, honey, you can’t blame yourself in any way. Sometimes nature causes things that we cannot control.” She took a shaky breath. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” She wiped a tear from his cheek he’d not noticed, and pressed a kiss to the spot. “Do you need any pain medication?”
He shook his head. What he really wanted was to go back to sleep and wake up in his bed at home. This had to all be a dream.
The doctor entered, the white coat flapping against his thighs since the pockets were overstuffed with crap. He had graying temples, which gave Tobias some comfort. He hated when the damned doctors looked young enough to be his kid.
“Mr. Hamilton,” the doctor greeted, reviewing his chart. “I hear you had an eventful day.” He flipped the paper and frowned. Then he went to Tobias’ bedside and leaned over, looking at his face. “The swelling is going down. I’m going to keep you here for another few days.”
Tobias looked at the beeping machine at the same time the doctor studied it. “Doc, you said I could possibly leave tomorrow.”
“No, I didn’t.” The doctor met his gaze. “I said we’d review your progress today. You’ve got a fever.”
“What?” His mother stood and neared. “I didn’t notice. But his cheeks are flushed now that you mention it.”
“Mom, I want to go home. A fever is nothing to worry about, I’m sure.” Tobias gave the doctor what he hoped was a triumphant look. Unfortunately, his eyelids felt heavy.
“Hey did you just put something in that?” Now his tongue felt as if it weighed a pound.
“Come and bring…” The doctor’s voice faded.
What the hell was going on now? Tobias struggled to remain conscious, but quickly lost the battle.
It had been five weeks since his accident and Tobias wasn’t sure he could endure another two weeks with the cast on. The only saving grace to not losing his mind was the fact his parents were entertaining to be around.
They’d settled into a routine that kept them quite busy and he enjoyed watching their playful banter over things from dinner choices to what to watch on television. It had been a long time since he’d laughed so hard when one night they decided to have game night.
Mimi came over often, but being it was obvious his mother hadn’t warmed up to her as yet, she never stayed longer than an hour or two.
The ranch business worried him. He’d not been out there since he’d been released from the hospital. A soon as he got his cast removed, he was going home. Even thoughg his left leg was broken, the pain wouldn’t affect his driving.
“What’s got you so deep in thought?” His mother sat in her favorite chair and placed her cup of coffee on the table next to it. “A few more days and the cast comes off.”
“And then the fun begins,” he muttered. “Physical therapy.”
She shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
“There’s so much to do at the ranch. I have to see about buying a new truck and also Mimi’s pressuring me to set a new wedding date.”
A frown marred his mother’s face. “It made sense to postpone the wedding. You didn’t feel up to wobbling up on crutches and I don’t blame you.”
“Yeah, I know, I understand why she’s upset.”
“Then tell her a month from now. You should be up to walking without aid, at least down the aisle.”
Tobias shook his head. “We’re not having a church wedding, Mom, I told you. We’re going to Vegas.”
“Oh, that’s right. A tacky wedding.”
He’d given up defending the choice to marry in Las Vegas. It was what Mimi wanted. He didn’t care one way or the other. It was just a technicality in his opinion.
“What exactly do you plan to do once you get the cast off? You won’t be able to do much at the ranch.”
Thankfully Ernest and Henry were at his ranch helping out. So far, Ernst and Luke hadn’t butted heads too much.
His cousin and his husband were troopers; Tobias was amazed at how supportive his family was through all of what had happened to him. “I’ll ask Ernest and Henry to stay for a bit longer. Henry is really getting into the whole being a cowboy thing.”
“You’re fiancée hasn’t been much help. I hope she makes a better wife than girlfriend,” his mother muttered, getting up to answer her cell phone.
Tobias stared up at the ceiling. Maybe it wasn’t worth it to bring Mimi into his “united” family. None of them agreed with this marriage. They would make her uncomfortable and that wasn’t fair to her.
No, he’d made a commitment. He’d follow through and they’d live in Billings. That would be the only way to ensure this marriage worked.
He lifted his cell and dialed Mimi. “Hey. Let’s do it in two weeks after I get my cast off. I get my cast off on Tuesday. We can go the following Monday.”
Tobias listened to her counting off things she would pack and what she wanted to do after.
Finally noting his silence, she asked if he was sure.
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
Chapter Thirteen
Tori sipped her wine and smiled. “I’ve lived in Laurel Creek my whole life. Except when I went away to college.”
First date chatter was usually annoying, but she had to admit Allison had done a good job of setting her up with the handsome veterinarian from the next town over. His name was Alec, he was divorced and loved Italian food.
“How do you know Allison?” Tori asked when the conversation lulled.
He smiled. It was a nice smile. “We met at a dog funeral.” He laughed. “It was nice to have someone there who fou
nd the situation as ludicrous as I did.”
“I didn’t even think about that,” Tori said, attempting to keep a straight face. “I could have had a funeral for my doggie.”
His eyebrows rose. “Seriously?”
It proved impossible not to laugh. “No, I’m kidding, but my dog did die recently. I am thinking of adopting another. I went to dog foster ranch, but they only had larger dogs, the smallest was medium sized and he didn’t care for me at all.”
“If you have a specific breed in mind, I can help. People drop off dogs at my clinic all the time.”
Something shifted. Tori couldn’t put her finger on it, but it felt as if someone was watching her. As discreetly as possible, she looked to the right and scanned the tables. Those that were seated were either engrossed in conversations or on their cell phones. One table of women was lifting glasses, toasting.
“Would you like more wine?” the server asked. Tori looked to Alec who smiled. “Sure, sounds good.”
“I can’t believe you’re not attached,” Alec said, taking her hand in his. “You’re a beautiful woman.”
A tingle traveled from their joined hands up her arm and she leaned forward. “Thank you. I’m always busy with my restaurant. But I’ve decided to take on a business partner and slow things down. Enjoy life more.”
“I hope that means more dates,” he replied and Tori was glad they’d hit it off.
Once again, she felt the sense of someone watching and she looked to her left. In the far corner were Mimi and a man Tori didn’t recognize. Whoever it was sat back in his chair, one leg stretched out as if he were bored. It was strange for someone to go out to eat and act so oddly.
Mimi glared at her and turned away.
It definitely wasn’t a date, neither Mimi nor the man acted as if they wanted to be there. From the corner of her eye, she watched as the man flipped through papers and shook his head. Mimi pointed at something and seemed to get angry.
“Do you know them?” Alec asked, looking to where Mimi and the mystery man sat.
“I know her. Not exactly on friendly terms, but I find it strange that she’s here having dinner when she lives in Billings.” Tori decided it was best to change the subject. “How about you come to my restaurant next week? I think you’ll like it.”
The server came with their wine and Alec released her hand. “I’d love to.”
“So how was the date?” The next day, Allison burst into the restaurant kitchen through the side door. “He’s super cute isn’t he?”
Tori had to smile. “Yes he is attractive and very easy to talk to. We made a second date.”
“Oh, yay!” Allison jumped and clapped. “I’m so glad.”
“Don’t get too excited,” Tori warned. “I do good on first and second dates and then I find excuses and suddenly get too busy to follow through.”
Marco huffed. “Maybe you’re scared of the sex part.”
This was not a conversation she wanted to have with a man. Marco was in his late fifties and always bragging about his sex life. Obviously, his wife was well taken care of. Still, it was uncomfortable.
“I’m not scared of the sex part,” Tori replied. “I think I have commitment phobia.”
Jessie, who was rolling silverware into napkins, piped up. “I think with the right one, you’ll jump into the mattress mambo, no problema.”
Tori went to the side table and reached for tomatoes to chop. “Can we stop talking about my sex life please?”
“Why? I found it interesting.” Tobias stood at the entryway wearing a t-shirt, jogging pants and a shit-eating grin.
As if a fire alarm pealed, the others scrambled out of the room, leaving them alone. Tori wanted to rush after them, but she’d have to go past Tobias and that was way too close for comfort.
“What the hell are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be crippled or something?” She couldn’t help but scan his body. He looked well, a bit thinner. No arm cast, only a brace, and he wore a black contraption on his left leg.
“Yeah, nice to see you, too.” He hobbled to a stool and sat. “Good thing you’re the only Italian restaurant, otherwise, your mouth would close the business down.”
She knew everyone was just outside the door listening in. “What do you want?”
“We have a lot to talk about. I’m coming over tonight. Eight.” He stood. “Oh, and you better be there.”
“Bite me. I don’t have to be anywhere.”
He walked closer, until they were her nose to his chest and glared down at her. Obviously aware the others were listening, he lowered his voice. “You can’t drop the kind of news you did and just think it’s going to stay at that. I want to see the pictures.”
Her breath escaped and Tori fought to suck in air. “I can’t…”
“Tonight.” His gaze bored into hers. “I have a right…”
“Don’t go there,” Tori hissed.
Her hands trembled with anger as he left. Immediately, Allison rushed in. “Oh my God. You look pale. What was that all about?”
“He’s such an ass,” Tori offered as reply. “I’ll see him tonight and after that, he won’t ever want to speak to me again. The damned past is in the past. Nothing can change it.”
Thankfully, an hour later, the awkwardness of the moment was gone. Jessie, a savior, shared about her husband’s latest antics and had everyone laughing. Tori refused to allow Tobias to ruin her day. She finished food prep and then treated Marco and Jessie to a cappuccino and muffin from Cuppa Joe.
Evening came too soon. Tori made sure the lights were on and she was dressed in baggy clothes with no makeup.
She’d asked Allison to call at eight thirty sharp to give her a reason to leave and ask Tobias to do the same.
On the dining table was a small box tied with a blue ribbon. She’d not looked in it in years, but often held it. Why had she been so stupid as to tell Tobias about the baby? Even if she wasn’t on good terms with Tobias, she knew it wouldn’t be easy to see the items in the box. Considering it, she went to the kitchen and retrieved a bottle of whiskey and two small glasses.
It wasn’t quite eight when the doorbell rang.
Although she was prepared to see him, her body instantly reacted. Every inch of her being recognized him. How she hated how much Tobias affected her. His hazel gaze met hers, there was uncertainty and, for once, he didn’t utter an insult or attempt to annoy her.
Instead, he just looked past her. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah.” Tori moved back. She then walked ahead of him to the dining table. “Sit down.” She busied herself pouring the whiskey into the short glasses.
“I can’t drink. Still on drugs. No spleen.”
“Oh,” Tori said, pushing both away. “I forgot about your spleen being removed.”
“Thank you, anyway. I’ll take water though.” His voice was tentative and low. Obviously, he was hoping to be prepared to see what the box held. He glanced at it, but didn’t move to touch it.
When she returned with the glass, Tori decided it was best just to get it over with.
“I was about four months pregnant when I found out. I was scared and not sure what to do. It was too late to get an abortion, so I decided to tell you. That last night, we went out to eat and you got us a room at the hotel. Remember?”
“Yeah,” he replied, his gaze moving from her to the box. “I remember.”
Tori cleared her throat. “So anyway, when we got to the hotel, it had been so long since we’d been together that we didn’t exactly talk. I expected you to notice, but you didn’t say anything about my weight gain.”
“I thought it was because you’d gone off to college and all. I didn’t want to say anything because it didn’t matter to me.”
Tears stung and Tori closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. She wasn’t going to cry.
“Anyway,” she continued. “You proposed and when I said yes. Just as I was going to tell you, you announced you’d joined the military and we
re going overseas. The moment didn’t seem right at that point.”
“Still you should have said something.” Tobias’ voice was hoarse. “I wish you would have told me then.”
“I was too mad. You’d not discussed joining the military. We’d agreed that after my second year of college, we’d return to Laurel Creek. I would work at the restaurant and you would work for your uncle as an attorney.”
His brow crinkled. “I’d forgotten about that. I did plan to be a lawyer, didn’t I?”
“You did.”
Tobias drank some water. “What happened after I left?”
“It’s a blur. I told my parents about the baby. They wanted me to tell you immediately. But I kept putting it off. I was a dumb nineteen-year-old kid, who couldn’t handle the stress of war. Soldiers were dying overseas. I became obsessed about it, was glued to the news twenty-four-seven. I had a mental breakdown and lost the baby at almost five months along.”
With shaky breaths, Tori reached for a tissue and wiped at her eyes. “I blamed you, but it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t even know.”
“That’s why you broke off the engagement.”
Tori nodded. “Yes. I was heartbroken. I wanted you with me, to go through the grief with me. It was unreasonable. I know that now.”
She untied the ribbon and opened the box, pushing it to him. “His name is Thomas.”
Tobias couldn’t pull his eyes away from the picture. The baby seemed as if he were asleep. Perfectly formed with the serene look of an infant. He had dark hair and a dimple in the center of his chin. The Hamilton chin. His lips curved at noting that.
The tiny hands were curled into fists beside his face, the blue blanket surrounding him was like a cloud for the little angel. A tear trickled down his face and Tobias ignored it.
His son. A little boy who’d never had a chance. “Why did he not make it?”
“The doctor said it was just too soon. He needed more time.” Tori was full out crying now, her reddened eyes blinking away the tears the spilled over. “I held him for hours. He was so very perfect and beautiful, Tobias.”
Ruined: Tobias Page 9