Grace After the Storm

by Sandy Sinnett

  “You’re too kind,” he replied.

  “Well, I need to head out. I’ve got homework to do. Finals are coming up,” Clare said. They stood up and she hugged him goodbye.

  “Will you be out for dinner tonight?” Brad asked.

  “Nah. I need to study. Thanks though. I’ll be out tomorrow.”

  “Okay Squirt. Have a good night.”

  “You too. And call me if –”

  “I know… if anything changes. Don’t worry, I will,” he smiled.

  Hannah’s room was mostly quiet – accompanied by a constant beeping melody from her machine. At times, it sounded like a freight train blaring through the silence. Other times, it sounded far, far away, like a distant echo. He was about to sit down when Hannah’s doctor stopped by to do his last rounds and check on her.

  “Hello, Mr. Young. How are you this evening?” the doctor asked.

  “I’d be a lot better if you’d give me some good news, Doc. Anything at all.”

  The doctor folded his clipboard into his chest and smiled. “Well you’re in luck then. I did a scan of her brain today and all of the swelling is gone. She’s out of danger, Mr. Young and with any luck, she’ll be waking up very soon. I can’t say for certain when that will be, but the odds are definitely in her favor. Don’t give up on her,” he said.

  Brad’s heart overflowed and he covered his mouth with his hand, unable to reply at first.

  “So you’re telling me she’s going to wake up, and she’ll be okay? I mean… will she be the same Hannah she was before?”

  “I’m optimistic that she’ll wake up at some point, but with any brain injury, we won’t know the extent of the damage, if any, until she’s awake. Stay positive, Mr. Young. Given that it’s only been a little over two weeks so far, I think she’s got a great chance of a full recovery. Once she does wake, she may have some trouble speaking at first or getting her balance, but again, it’s too early to tell. She may have no trouble at all, so let’s not jump to conclusions yet, okay? I have a good feeling about her. She’s a fighter that one.”

  “Oh you have no idea, Doc… that redheaded beauty is as strong as they come,” Brad smiled.

  After the doctor left, Brad decided to sit on the bed next to Hannah. He scooted her legs over and nestled in beside her. On the nightstand was her favorite cucumber-melon scented lotion, so he reached over and poured some on her hand, then gently massaged it into her soft skin. “Did you hear the doc, Jules? You’re getting better! The swelling is down in your brain, so that means you have to wake up now – no more excuses, Red,” he said aloud, then paused. “You know, if you were awake right now, this would be a lot more fun. I might even give you a back rub if you were really nice. Alright then, if you’re going to keep sleeping, I’ll fill you in on the latest. My sister-in-law Laci is going to have a baby. She’s due at Christmas. Can you believe it? I’m going to be an uncle again.” He looked at her face and brushed the hair from her eyes, gently stroking the side of her soft cheek, then sighed.

  “Come back to me, Jules. I need you here with me. Andréa said to tell you that she needs a girl’s night out, and we need to have our grand re-opening of the winery soon. I can’t do it without you,” he paused, holding back the tears. “You’ll be glad to know that I finally finished the wine bar, and remodeled the patio. The fire pit is ready to go too, so I think it’s time you stop messing around and wake up, dang it!” his voice was louder than he realized.

  Hannah’s nurse stepped in the room. “Mr. Young, is everything okay in here?” she asked, having heard him from outside.

  “Oh, sorry Annie. I’m just giving Jules the third degree for sleeping in so late,” Brad smiled.

  “Well, you give her the third degree for me too, Sweetie. Maybe that will do the trick today,” she smiled and went on her way. Annie was a good-sized African-American woman, probably in her late sixties, and originally from Louisiana. She would bring in some of her amazing bayou cooking to make sure Brad had a good meal every night.

  The nurses had all become quite fond of him and Clare over the last couple of weeks, now considered ‘regulars’ unfortunately.

  “Jules… I need to tell you something. I’ve told you before, but I need to tell you again. Your grandma passed away the day you had your accident. We laid her to rest in the back of your family’s estate next to your parents. There wasn’t really a service – I figured you’d want to be there, you know? I’m so sorry, Jules.” He squeezed some more lotion in his hands, then started working on the other hand.

  “There’s something else you need to know. Even though Mitch and I own your estate right now, we won’t for long. You see, we are donating it back to you and Clare. It’s yours, and you should run it. It’s my gift to you. I love you, Jules – I always have. I was a fool to leave you back then, and I knew it the minute I walked away. Please wake up, Darlin’. I’d rather have you awake and mad at me than this. Clare and I both need you.”

  You are my one and only, you big Putz! Why on earth can’t you hear me? I’ve been screaming at you for days now but nothing I do makes any difference. I can’t break free of this place. I should have listened to my heart that day. I knew you couldn’t have sold my family’s estate like that. You have to help me find my way back, Brad. I need you too! I know my Grandma is gone. She said goodbye to me and I’m okay. I know about Laci too – and I saw their baby. It’s a boy. You’re going to have a new nephew! He’s beautiful, and looks just like Laci - he’ll be very special. Thank you for taking care of Clare for me. It sounds like you two have become friends. I always knew you had it in ya. She’s right though, you are a terrible reader. Grandma was right too… you are a keeper. I love you, Brad Young! Now if I can just get back and –

  Brad was busy massaging Hannah’s hand when he felt her wrist twitch. He jerked his head up in excitement, hoping to see her eyes open. He searched her face, anxiously waiting for a sign – for something else to happen. Waiting.

  Nothing. Probably just reflexes, he thought.

  I did that! You felt it too, didn’t you? Hold on… I’ll try to do it again, only bigger this time. Don’t give up on me, okay? It’s my love for you – I know it now. I have to let go of the past and grab hold of my future with you. It’s you, Brad – it’s always been you!

  Without warning, Hannah’s other arm twitched and even shook the bed a little. Then she squeezed the hand he was massaging. Brad hopped off her bed and started pacing the floor. It was happening!

  “Annie, get in here! I think she’s waking up!” he yelled.

  Finally! You see me! I’m coming back to you, Brad. Now if I can just open…

  Annie came running in the room and checked Hannah’s vitals. She pulled back her eyelids and flashed a light in her eyes. “Her pupils are dilating. It looks like our girl is waking up,” she said with a big smile on her face. “You must have really told her a thing or two, didn’t you?”

  Brad smiled. “I think the hand massage did the trick,” he jested.

  Hannah’s monitor started to beep – each one coming faster and faster as if the machine itself were coming to life. Intently watching her face, Brad waited patiently, and then he saw it. A slight movement in her eyelids. Again, they fluttered.

  Once. Twice. Three times.

  Finally, her eyes were wide open. They bounced around the room, unable to focus on any one thing, until she looked at Annie and her gaze remained fixed on her.

  “Good morning, beautiful!” Annie said to her in a loud voice. “My name is Annie. I’m your nurse. You’ve been asleep for almost three weeks… it’s nice to have you back. I need you to follow my finger if you can, okay?” The nurse moved her finger from side to side and Hannah followed it – slow and steady. The second pass however, Hannah didn’t follow the nurse’s finger back to the other side. Her gaze stopped at Brad.

  Brad’s eyes lit up as he smiled at her, unable to hold back his tears. “Hey beautiful. I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

  Hannah
blinked slowly, as if she was answering him in her own way, then smiled a crooked smile.

  “Mr. Young, would you mind stepping out for a few minutes. The doctor is on his way, and I need to check some of her reflexes and give her a thorough exam. I promise it won’t take long,” Annie smiled.

  “Sure, of course.” Brad took Hannah’s hand in his. “I’m not going anywhere okay? I’ll be right outside that door. I love you, Jules. I love you with all my heart.” Brad lifted her hand and kissed the top, then gently laid it back down on the bed. “Thank you, Annie.”

  “My pleasure, Mr. Young. Now go get some dinner and don’t worry,” Annie replied.

  Brad left Hannah’s room, overwhelmed by what had just transpired. He walked aimlessly down the hall, lost in thought and decided to go outside and get some fresh air. On his way though, he came upon a small chapel and instead, walked inside. The doors closed behind him – alone in a quiet, peaceful place. He walked to the front, sat down in a small pew, and lowered his head into his hands. In that place, he wept more than he had in years and felt the weight of his burdens lift off. The words flowed out of him…

  “Lord, I am so grateful for that woman and for you seeing your way to open her eyes again. Thank you. I know I don’t deserve her love. I’ve screwed up more times that I can admit. I guess you already know that though, huh? I’m so sorry I left her all those years ago. I knew then she and I were meant to be together, but I took my own path. And no, that path didn’t quite work out the way I had hoped. So, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to have a chance to make it right. I need her in my life, Lord. I think she needs me too. I don’t do this praying thing all that well, but I’m hoping you can see your way to opening her heart so she’ll let me in. I’ll do right by her – I promise. All I need is another chance – a chance to begin again. Jules is my new beginning.”

  He wiped his eyes, and walked out.

  Brad grabbed a sandwich from the vending machine, then after a call to Clare to give her the news, and a short call to Mitch and Laci, he made his way back to Hannah’s room. The doctor was visiting with Nurse Annie in the hall.

  “Hey Doc. Everything okay in there? How is she?”

  “Mr. Young, congratulations. We took her back for an MRI and it came back clear – no damage whatsoever.” Brad sighed a breath of relief. “It’s remarkable actually, and she is already doing better than expected – she’s even talking. Some slight stuttering, but otherwise no trouble. Even that will pass soon. I’d say she might even be able to go home next week if she continues to do well,” he said with a smile.

  “What? Are you… are you serious? She’s really okay?”

  “Go see for yourself. She’s asking for you. But keep it brief – it’s late and she needs to rest. She’s a lucky young woman, Mr. Young.”

  “I’m the lucky one, Doc.” Brad’s face beamed. He looked inside Hannah’s room, and saw her looking right at him. It’s now or never, Brad. Don’t be a wuss! Just tell her. He was more nervous than he had been in years, but he walked in using his ‘John Wayne’ stride, as if it would give him some sort of added courage.

  Hannah smiled as he sat down on the side of her bed, and at first, no words were exchanged. Finally, she spoke.

  “I…,” struggling to speak at first. “I’ve missed you too,” Hannah said. Her sweet freckled-face gleamed.

  Brad eyes filled with tears, then he leaned down and kissed her cheek, brushing the hair from her eyes. “God, I love you, Jules. Do you know how scared I was? I thought I had lost you forever. I can’t lose you – not ever, do you hear me? I know this probably isn’t the time, but you need to know that I was never going to sell the estate. What Clare overheard was me making it into something you would have forever – I’m donating it back to you, Jules. And another thing, I don’t care what I have to do to prove it to you, but I’m here to stay – forever. I am, and have always been, madly in love with you Jules McRae, or Hannah Blake, or whatever other names you have. There has never been, or ever will be, any other woman who I want by my side all the days of my life. You’re it for me, Red… my one and only. I don’t have a ring or anything yet, but I’ll get you one bigger and better than the last one, I promise.”

  “Brad… I –,” she tried to interrupt.

  “Hold on Darlin’, I’m not finished yet. What I’m trying to say is, I should have never left you back then. You were the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m not about to walk away again. I love you, Jules. You don’t have to give me an answer now. I know you’ve been through a lot, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Basically I’m asking if you’ll marry me. I want to take care of you and love you forever, and run the estate by your side. So, that’s it I guess. Now you can talk.”

  “Gee… thanks,” she replied with a quiet giggle. Hannah’s arm shook as she lifted it to touch his cheek. “Last I checked, I – already – had – a ring.” Her words were broken and slow.

  Brad’s mouth dropped. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

  “I would check the YES box if there had been a note, but I didn’t see one.” Hannah’s smile lit up the room.

  Brad was so happy, he lunged forward and tried to kiss her, but in his clumsy excitement, his arm gave out from under him and his forehead smacked against her lips. Her lips were so dry the impact cracked her bottom lip open and caused it to bleed.

  “Ouch… that kind of hurt,” she giggled. Her speech was improving by the minute.

  “Aww geez, Jules. I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” He felt horrible, then grabbed a tissue and gently held it to her lip.

  “No, I think I’m crazy,” she said in a muffled voice through the tissue, then pulled it away. “I’m crazy in love with you, and as it turns out, I’m even crazy enough to marry you. Now hurry up and kiss me before I change my mind,” she smiled.

  Brad pushed her red curls out of her face, and tucked them behind her ear. Even in that moment, seeing her laying in that hospital bed wearing an ugly gown, no make-up, and not smelling her best, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He slid his hand behind her neck and slowly leaned in toward her. Their lips met with a familiar tenderness, and right then, the past melted away.

  After a few seconds passed, she pulled away. “By the way, I know.”

  Brad looked confused. “What do you mean, ‘you know’?” he asked.

  “I know Grandma is gone – she told me goodbye.”

  “But how? I don’t get it.” Brad couldn’t fathom her having knowledge of her grandma’s passing.

  “I heard every word. I was asleep, but my mind was awake,” Hannah swallowed, then pointed to her water cup.

  “Oh, here. I’m sorry. I bet you are pretty thirsty.”

  Hannah took several drinks of her water, then continued. “I had a dream, but it wasn’t like a normal dream. I don’t remember everything, but I saw Grandma there, and she told me ‘goodbye’. She also told me to give you a second chance – that we were brought together because of… God’s perfect timing.” She smiled, and a few tears rolled down her red cheeks. Exhaustion had set in, obvious as she took a deep breath. “I should have been there with her. Did she suffer much?”

  “No, not at all. Clare was reading to her and she just went to sleep. She was in no pain and Clare said she was even smiling.”

  Hannah smiled. “That’s exactly the way she would have wanted it. She adored Clare. I’ll miss her so much, but I know she’s in a good place. She’s at peace.”

  “Lois was quite a lady. I knew I liked her the minute we met. I’m sorry, Jules. I hate that you had to lose her during all of this, but I’m so glad you were able to say goodbye in a way that was special to you,” he paused and stared at her. “I don’t want to leave, but I need to go and let you rest – doctor’s orders. You’ve had an eventful evening.”

  Hannah squeezed Brad’s hand, then motioned for him to come closer. “Brad?”

  “Yeah, Jules?”

  “I… I love you,” she whispered.
>
  Before Brad could reply, they heard loud, clunky footsteps echoing down the hall outside Hannah’s room, and within minutes Clare appeared. Brad laughed.

  “Hi Clare,” he said, without turning around.

  “Hey Putz,” she replied. Hannah’s eyes grew wide at her reference to Brad. “Hi, Jules! God, it’s good to see you! Oh, and don’t worry… that was just a joke between us. We’re cool, don’t worry,” Clare explained. Hannah smiled in relief.

  “Well, on that note, I’ll take off and let you two have a minute to catch up,” Brad said, kissing Hannah goodbye.

  “Oooh! Someone made up with his girlfriend,” Clare teased, giggling.

  “Goodbye, Clare. See you tomorrow. Don’t stay too long, she needs to rest and you need to study,” Brad said as he walked out, waving his hand in the air.

  “Yeah, yeah….I’m good,” Clare replied. “He’s so over-protective now,” she smiled.

  Hannah reached up to Clare, wanting a hug. Clare hesitated at first, but wrapped her arms around Hannah and broke down crying.

  “I’ve missed you, Jules. I was so…” Clare cried. “I was so scared I’d lost you too.”

  “I know, sis. I’m back now, and I’ll be home soon,” Hannah replied.

  14 – Timing is Everything

  Summer was in full swing. The pink roses Hannah’s dad planted years ago were blooming, along with the wildflowers that surrounded the estate. Bugs and birds filled the air with their chirping and buzzing, making the season complete. Hannah was recovering nicely since she came home from the hospital, and as she settled back into the routine at the B&B, she felt happier and more confident as each day passed.

  Between Brad’s carpentry skills and Laci’s behind-the-scenes website updates and marketing savvy, the winery was receiving more attention than ever. Guests were calling in from all over to book their stay, and the winery business had almost doubled since they started changing things, adding the Young Vines label to their inventory and pulling in more grapes from around the local region. It was Brad’s love for Hannah however, that moved him to make the estate into something more than just a business. He wanted it to be her future, where her passions could be lived out and she would have a legacy to leave her family in years to come. He put his whole heart into fixing it up for her, despite all the obstacles. The results were breathtaking and guests were raving about it – calling it the perfect sanctuary – a place to escape and relax.