It was close to ten when the plane landed in Santa Fe, and Emily was exhausted. Sadie had fallen asleep again and was now refreshed, wired, and ready to take on the world. A sharp contrast to Emily’s travel fatigue, exacerbated by the little sleep she’d gotten the night before. She gathered their luggage from the carousel and walked over to the rental car desk. She’d be all too happy when they arrived at the hotel, were checked in, Sadie was set up with a movie, and Emily could fall asleep in a bed with no fear of falling out of the sky.
Hope wouldn’t arrive until midday tomorrow, and Emily had promised to pick her up at the airport. The next few days were going to be excruciating, and she promised herself that that with all that was going on, she would push all thoughts of Jason to the farthest reaches of her mind.
Chapter Seventeen
“Emily Camancho, checking in,” she said, barely able to keep her eyes open.
“Can you spell your last name, please?” the clerk asked.
Emily did as she was asked. “My sister is arriving tomorrow, I have a reservation for two rooms, one king and one with two double beds.”
The clerk nodded and continued to type. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I’m not seeing a reservation here for you.”
Emily sighed and bent over to find the printout of her reservation in her briefcase. “I just made this reservation early this morning. Here’s the confirmation printout.”
The clerk typed in the confirmation number and looked up at Emily. “It says this reservation was canceled.”
“Canceled? By whom? It surely wasn’t me, obviously, as I’m standing here trying to check in.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am.”
“Well, can I still get a room?”
“No, I’m sorry. We’re completely full tonight.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, ma’am. One of our sister hotels might have a room available, would you like me to call?”
“Please,” Emily said, trying to keep rein of her emotions. Who would have canceled her reservation? It certainly hadn’t been her, and other than her brother and father, no one knew she was coming. Hope wasn’t in any frame of mind to cancel a reservation, and even if she had, she would have told Emily of the new hotel plans. Emily had been mindful of Hope’s hotel preferences and booked them at a Hilton property, so she couldn’t imagine Hope had been the one to tamper with the reservation. She shook her head; there was no use trying to figure it out. It was late, she was exhausted, and it was something she’d probably never get to the bottom of. It was probably some sort of computer glitch.
“I can get you into the Embassy Suites,” the clerk told her, pressing the phone to her chest.
“Where is it?”
“Two streets over, four blocks down.”
“Fine.”
The clerk finished up the reservation and hung up the phone. “Here is the address and your new confirmation number. Do you need a map?”
“No,” Emily said, shaking her head and leaning down to pick up her briefcase. “I went to school here. I’m familiar with the area.”
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Have a good night,” Emily said. She was in no mood for being placated, and while she knew it wasn’t the clerk’s fault for the mix-up, she wasn’t in the mood to take the high road, either. She gathered up her suitcase and called for Sadie to do the same, then walked out of the hotel. She was happy to see that her car hadn’t been valeted yet and walked over to the valet station, handing the boy her ticket. “Looks like we won’t be staying here, after all. Thank you.”
The valet offered to help with the luggage and Emily allowed him to. She settled Sadie into the back seat and tipped the valet when he closed the trunk. Ten minutes later, they pulled into the Embassy Suites, and leaving the car running, Emily ran into the hotel to make sure she was at the right place and that they did indeed have a reservation for her. She checked in with ease and then went back out to the car for Sadie and their belongings. She gave the keys to the valet and then headed for the bank of elevators.
Once they were settled in their room, Emily sent both Hope and Tyler a text with the hotel information, indicating she’d explain the snafu tomorrow, as well as to Gina and Phoebe.
“Glad you’re here,” Tyler texted. “Grace is still holding on.”
“I’m going to bed. Beyond exhausted. What time do visiting hours begin?”
“7.”
“See you then?”
“I’ll be in a little later, chores to do in the morning.”
“Okay.”
Emily went into the bathroom to check on Sadie. “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” Sadie said, hopping off the toilet. She assumed the position, and Emily quickly cleaned her up. They both washed their hands and walked into the room. Sadie stopped at her suitcase for the teddy bear Jason had given her the day she was born and then climbed into bed.
Emily turned on her bedside lamp and turned off Sadie’s. “I’m just going to get ready for bed myself. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” She bent over to kiss Sadie’s forehead and tucked her in. It might only be a little after midnight here in Santa Fe, but it was after two in the morning in Boston. Sadie should fall right to sleep, but there was a big difference between should and would.
As Emily got ready for bed, her mind raced with things she needed to do over the next few days. At the top of the list was to call Jason and make sure he knew they were in town and Sadie would be available for visiting in between things happening at the hospital. She’d wait until morning, though. She was way beyond exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
She climbed into bed and turned off the light, and when Sadie curled her warm body against her back, Emily sighed and let everything go, slipping off into a peaceful and dreamless sleep.
Despite the late night, Sadie was up early—even earlier considering they were two hours behind. Emily needed at least another hour of sleep, so she dragged herself out of bed and went out into the living room to turn on Cartoon Network. She set Sadie up on the couch with a pillow and blanket, some snacks, and then went back to bed. Now that morning was here, Emily was grateful for the mix-up in hotels; the suites part of Embassy Suites was very convenient for situations like this. She rolled over and closed her eyes, but after twenty minutes, she realized going back to sleep was not in the cards. She glanced at the clock. Six o’clock. She groaned and threw back the covers. The inclusive breakfast buffet didn’t start for a half hour and visiting hours began in an hour. Too early to do anything but get a little work done. Especially since they’d gotten in so late and she hadn’t had a chance to do much more than fall, exhausted into bed.
“Mama, sleep?”
“No, Mama is up!”
“Sadie hungry.”
“We’ll go down for breakfast in a minute; I just need to check in at work.”
“Okay,” she said, returning her attention to the television and her sippy cup of milk.
Emily tickled Sadie’s neck and kissed her cheek, smiling in response to Sadie’s squeals of delight. Sitting down at the desk slash table, she pulled up her email and found the new project Phil emailed her yesterday. He wouldn’t be in the office for at least another hour, so Emily read the proposal and jotted down a few ideas she had for the project. Then she opened up her two current projects and lost herself, and the time, in sketching out ideas and designs.
“Mama,” Sadie said, tugging on her arm. “Hungry!”
Dragging herself out of her creative space, Emily glanced at the clock on her phone and cursed under her breath. “Sorry, Sadie. I lost track of time. Let’s get dressed and we’ll go eat.”
Twenty minutes later, Emily led Sadie down the hall to the elevators. She had to admit that she was pretty hungry, too, and the cooked-to-order omelet sounded divine. Knowing Sadie’s preference for a carb-heavy breakfast, Emily made a tray of waffles and cold cereal. She set Sadie at a table within sight and then stood in line for the omelet.
She put in her order for a ham, Swiss, and mushroom omelet and then helped herself to some yogurt, coffee, and pastries while her omelet cooked.
When they finished eating, they headed back up to the room. Emily finished getting ready and then helped Sadie pack her backpack with her stuffed animals and fun activities to keep her occupied at the hospital. Emily packed her own briefcase as well. Grace was in the ICU and only one person at a time was allowed in. There would be a lot of downtime today, even though they’d be spending it all at the hospital. She checked to make sure her phone was charged and set a reminder to pick up Hope from the airport.
“Ready to go?” she asked, gathering up her purse and briefcase and helping Sadie put her backpack on.
“Yes.”
Emily allowed Sadie to press the buttons on the elevator, one of Sadie’s favorite things to do. When the doors opened, Sadie rushed out. Emily hurried after her and took hold of her hand.
They crossed the lobby, and she passed her ticket stub to the valet. A few minutes later, they were off to the hospital. She wanted to be positive, but the closer they got to the hospital, the darker she felt. The situation with Grace was serious and no amount of positive thinking could change that. It had to be very serious if Tyler had suggested Emily come home. He knew her feelings, knew where she stood, and for him to not only suggest it, but insist upon it, meant that this would most likely be the last time she saw her stepmother.
Chapter Eighteen
Emily had known what to expect.
She knew Grace would be hooked up to machines, knew there would be wires, knew even that she would be pale and lifeless. Knowing all of this, though, still hadn’t prepared her for her first look at Grace. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes as she placed her hand on the glass window, wanting to be closer but scared at the same time. The nurse said her father had just gone in, so Emily had at least five or ten minutes to wait, and hopefully that would be enough time to compose herself.
She led Sadie down the hall to the waiting room and got her set up on the floor with her toys and activity books. No one else was in the room and Emily was glad. They’d have dibs on the TV when Sadie grew tired of the things surrounding her.
When Clint walked in fifteen minutes later, Emily jumped to her feet and gave her father a long hug. Neither said anything, letting the power of the embrace do what it could to heal and comfort.
“Gamps!” Sadie screeched, shoving herself between the hugging adults.
“Sadie-girl, look how big you’ve gotten!” Clint exclaimed, reaching down and picking her up into his famous Grandpa Bear Hug.
Sadie giggled and squirmed in his tight grasp.
“Such a little stinker, coming between a girl and her daddy!” Emily smiled fondly at her daughter then tickled her ribs.
“Help!” Sadie squealed.
Clint spun around, away from Emily’s tickling fingers and sprinted to the opposite side of the room. He swung Sadie onto his back and put his arms out to ward off Emily’s attack.
“Well now, I can see when I’ve been outmaneuvered.” Emily laughed, breathlessly. She sat down and rested her head against the back of the chair. “Been working out much, Dad?”
“What do you mean?” Clint smirked.
“You’re as spry as a teenager with those spinning moves and sprints.”
“Nah, just playing with the boys. They’re enough of a workout for anyone!”
“Will Tyler bring them today?”
“I doubt it. Sophie is staying home with them so they can go to school. She’s having a hard time getting around now, anyway, so close to her due date. Tyler said she’ll come Saturday with the boys.” Clint put Sadie down and she walked over to the chair to watch TV. He sat down next to Emily. “Not sure there’ll be a reason for her to come on Saturday, though.”
Emily grasped his hand. “Do you really think that?”
Sighing, Clint nodded. “They aren’t detecting any brain activity. It could be a fluke, maybe she’s way down deep in the coma, but there should be some sign, right?”
“Tyler said it was bad. I guess I was hoping he was exaggerating.”
“The nurses move her around; she hasn’t moved an inch on her own since she arrived. She doesn’t react to my touch or my voice. Ten minutes an hour barely gives me enough time to tell her a story or a memory. We were supposed to have more time. I want more time, dammit!”
Emily didn’t know what to say, so she squeezed her father’s hand and rested her head on his shoulder. She couldn’t fathom what he was going through, the prospect of losing his second wife had to be soul crushing.
“Hope should be here around lunchtime,” she said quietly.
“What about Derek?”
“I don’t know. Last I heard from her, he was still working on getting his schedule under control.”
Clint nodded and raised a brow, finally noticing the pile of stuff Emily had on the table.
“I’ve brought plenty to keep me occupied in between visits. Is there anyone I should call or visit? Anything you need me to do while I’m here and at loose ends?”
Clint shook his head. “Jason stopped by last night. It was good to see him and kind of him to drive all the way out here for ten minutes.”
“He loves Grace, always has.”
“Just as he loves you and always has.”
“Dad,” Emily warned.
“You wanted to know if there was anyone you should call or visit or anything I need you to do while you’re here,” Clint began. “Well, there is. You need to talk with him, reconcile with him.”
Emily shook her head. “Dad, please don’t.”
“It’s been left unsaid for far too long, Emily. You push and push and push him away, and yet he still holds out hope. Even if he was in the wrong, no man waits around two years if he doesn’t truly love a person. If he were a terrible person, he’d have given up on you a long time ago.”
Emily sighed and pulled away. She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms in front of her. “This isn’t the time or place,” Emily said, indicating Sadie’s presence at the table.
“Bologna. She’s as much a part of this as you are. Maybe more so.”
“They have a great relationship, Dad. I’ve made sure of it. I don’t deny her any chance to speak with him, or even to video chat with him. I repeat, they have a great relationship.”
“There’s no denying that, but it could be better. You know that. It should be better. It should be more.”
“Found your opinions, did you, Dad?” Emily stood up and paced across the room.
“You know I’ve always had them, Emily Rose. I’m just particular about when I air them.”
“You’ve picked a real fine time to air them now, haven’t you?” Emily stopped her pacing and glared at her father.
“Seize the day, child.”
Emily growled and resumed her pacing.
She was saved from further discussion when the timer on Clint’s phone went off.
“Visitor time.”
Emily’s heart started racing, and her palms grew clammy. Until this moment, she’d been able to compartmentalize the situation. She’d had her to-do lists to fall back on, the traveling, the checking in to the hotel, making sure Sadie was taken care of and had things to keep her busy. But now, it was time. Her turn to visit. And in this moment, it hit her. Grace was in a coma and not expected to live through the week. She needed a moment, but there were no more moments to have, so she walked down the brightly lit hallway.
She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. She paused just inside the door. There was a stillness to Grace that was unnatural. Emily had never seen her so still. Grace was always in motion, always. She slowly ambled to the side of the bed and slid down into the chair. Taking Grace’s hand in her own she traced the veins that stood out in sharp relief, their blue-purple color bright against the pale translucency of her skin. She studied Grace’s appearance. Up close, Grace was paler than she looked from th
e window. The sheets surrounding Grace had more color. Her face was riddled with bruises, and Emily assumed those were from the accident. Grace’s left arm was in a cast and her left foot was raised with two pillows propped beneath it.
The room itself was bright and white. Emily quickly shut down a train of thought of someone waking from a coma only to fall right back in, sure they were at the gates of heaven. She understood why the room was as it was, but it didn’t change the fact that, at this moment, it seemed cold and uninviting. Nothing graced the walls except equipment, monitors, and a white board. The sheets and blankets were white. The tile was a blueish tan color, really the only thing of color in the whole room, besides the red dry erase writing on the white board.
Emily leaned forward and brushed her fingers across Grace’s brow. “Mama G? It’s Emily. We’re here, and we’re praying for you to come back to us. We’re not ready to let you go; there’s still so much for you to see and do. Hope will be here in a few hours. I love you, Mama G. Please get better,” Emily whispered this last sentiment against Grace’s ear, tears leaking from her eyes.
Emily sat down and held Grace’s hand. She started to hum the lullaby Grace would always sing to her whenever she was sick or sad. Two verses into the song, Grace’s hand twitched and Emily sucked in her breath.
She pressed the call button on Grace’s bed. Was it a fluke? Had she just imagined that? Her father said Grace hadn’t moved on her own the whole time.
“Ma’am?” the nurse asked, sticking her head inside the door.
“My mom. Her hand. It just twitched in mine while I was singing to her. Can you call the doctor? Maybe this means she has some brain activity after all?”
“I’ll page the doctor, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high.”
“I understand,” Emily replied.
She continued to sing, but no further movement happened. It was probably a fluke, if Grace hadn’t moved for her husband, why would she move for Emily? And besides, if she was going to move for anyone, wouldn’t it be Hope, her daughter? Suddenly, she was impatient for Hope’s arrival. Maybe all Grace needed was the people who loved her best surrounding her and pulling for her and showing her how much they loved and needed her.
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