A Pelican Beach Affair (Pelican Beach Book 3)

by Michele Gilcrest

  "Cole Miller. He's the owner of Miller Renovations."

  No sooner than I finished answering his question, I could see Cole's pickup parked in the driveway.

  "Ma'am?… Ma'am?"

  The officer was talking, but I couldn't tell you what he was saying. All I could hear were the emergency vehicles' engines as I tried to grasp the officer's arm and catch my breath.

  Payton

  "Mom… Mom… I'm fine. We're about to leave the hospital in a matter of minutes. I'm just waiting for my crutches, and then Payton is going to bring me home." Cole pleaded with his mother to remain calm. I knew the last thing he wanted was for her or Emmie to be frightened.

  After spending a few more minutes on the phone, he hung up, looking worn out.

  "What a day."

  "What a day is right! Don't be too hard on your mother when you get home. I can only imagine how she must've felt when she saw your truck on the news."

  "I don't doubt that she was scared."

  He tried to adjust himself to a more comfortable position, but the pain caused him to grab his leg and gasp.

  "If all I had to endure was a broken leg and a few bruises to get out of a house fire, then I really shouldn't complain."

  I massaged his shoulders to try and help him relax. The more we listened to beeping machines and watched the staff walk back and forth, the more we were both ready to go home.

  "Do you have any idea how the fire got started?"

  "No. John, Miguel, and I were walking around the attic space trying to devise a plan for building the additional room upstairs."

  "Doesn't that house already have a million rooms in it?"

  "It does, but you know how some of the high-end clients can be. The more, the better."

  He proceeded with the story.

  "Anyway, at first, I thought I smelled something, but the odor was rather faint. We just assumed maybe somebody had burned something in the kitchen, and we didn't think much of it. As the odor started to intensify, I told the guys we better head downstairs and see what was going on. We made it out of the attic and no further than the stairwell before seeing dark smoke and flames at the bottom of the staircase."

  "Gosh. That's terrible. I'm so glad you made it out safe. Was anyone else home?"

  "Just their teenage boys and I believe a friend of theirs, but I can't be sure. It's not uncommon that we get access to the house when clients aren't home. I know for sure that my guys didn't have anything to do with whatever started the fire. We were all trapped together upstairs."

  "Hopefully, one of the sons will have an explanation for what happened."

  The nurse returned with Cole's crutches.

  "Is this your first time using crutches?" she said.

  "I've had my fair share of broken and fractured bones coming up as a young boy. I'm sure it will all come back to me just like second nature."

  "Well, alright. I'll let the lovely lady hold your prescription while you get situated. You're going to want to fill this right away to help with the pain relief. I have a wheelchair to make it easier to get to your car."

  "Thank you, ma'am, but I'm alright. I might as well go ahead and get reacquainted with the crutches."

  Cole's first few steps were hard to watch, but he quickly found his cadence as he made his way down the hall and to the waiting room.

  "How about you have a seat while I pull up the car?"

  "I think I'd rather lean on my good leg and that wall over there. I don't think I can take too much getting up and down again."

  "Are you sure? We should've taken the wheelchair that she offered."

  "I'm fine. I'll be waiting right here when you get back."

  "Okay."

  I knew he was in an awful lot of pain, but his pride wouldn't let him admit it. I just hoped this wasn't the sign of a stubborn patient in the making.

  On the ride home, he continued to tell me more about the fire.

  "So how did Miguel end up being the only one remaining in the house and needing a crane to come to his rescue?"

  "He was afraid to jump. John and I managed to jump down from one angle of the roof to another. After that, we just made the final jump. Our adrenaline must've been pumping because broken leg and all, I kept yelling at Miguel to jump, but he wouldn't."

  "Wow, that's crazy."

  "I know."

  "After it's all over, you end up with a broken leg, John with a broken arm, and Miguel is fine."

  "I'm glad he's fine. But, there was no way I was going to wait for those flames to finish making its way upstairs. I'm not sure what ignited it, but the heat felt intense."

  "I don't blame you, babe. I'm just happy you're safe and sound. We can always help you hobble down the aisle in July if need be."

  "Haha. Thankfully, the cast should be off by then. How did you hear about the fire?"

  "Natalie and I passed by a few sirens when we were returning from a photoshoot. But, it wasn't until a client came in the store and mentioned something about it that made me turn on the radio and listen. By then, I called your mom, and after she told me about what she heard on the news, that was my cue to come and check things out. Cole, I never felt more frightened than when I saw your truck in their driveway."

  "Payton, I'm so sorry. The last thing I ever want to do is frighten you."

  "It's not your fault."

  He bit his lip as he tried to adjust his leg in the car. I hated to see him in pain, but I admired his bravery. He was a man made of steel when he needed to be and velvet when I needed it most.

  At the house, Cole's mother, Alice, and Emmie came outside to give him a hand.

  "Dad, are you okay?" Emmie said.

  "Yes, Emms. Just in a little pain, that's all."

  I whispered to Alice, "Don't let him fool you. I think he's in a lot more pain than he's letting on, but his medicine should help as soon as I go fill the prescription."

  "I hear you two over there," Cole said.

  "Aww, Cole, we don't want to see you in pain, that's all. There's some homemade soup on the stove for you, and Emmie made sure your bed has plenty of extra pillows so you can be comfortable.” Having Alice around to take care of them was a Godsend.

  "Thanks, but you already spoil me enough as it is. Don't go upping the anty. I'll figure things out and find a groove."

  We ignored him and took turns, helping him to the living room and making sure he was comfortable. He removed his button-down shirt and wore only his shorts and his white undershirt to feel more relaxed. There was something about Cole that made even an undershirt look sexy.

  "Poor guy…" I said as I adjusted the last pillow.

  “I should get going, so I can turn in your prescription. I'm also going to call Natalie and have her lock up the store.”

  He pulled me by the belt loop on my shorts.

  "Not before you plant one right here," Cole whispered while pointing to his lips.

  Even amid pain, he still managed to find time for affection. For a brief moment, we snuck in a kiss. I was thankful the situation didn't turn out worse than it was.

  Back in the car, I gave Natalie a call.

  "Natalie, thank you sooo much. I don't know what I would've done without you today."

  "No problem, I’ve got your back."

  "I appreciate it, but I am definitely going to be paying you overtime. You didn't even get to eat lunch today, did you?"

  "I had plenty of snacks to hold me over. Payton, seriously, do not worry about it. These things don't happen every day."

  "You're the best. If you wouldn't mind switching the front sign to 'closed' and locking the door on your way out, that would be great. I'll swing by and take care of everything else later on.”

  "Okay, sounds good."

  "Hey, Natalie."

  "Yes?"

  "Again… thank you."

  At the pharmacy, I had to wait for what seemed like an eternity. I called my parents to check on them and give them an update.

  "Hey, Mom."
<
br />   "Hi, Payton. Boy, you're working pretty late this evening. I have a plate of food set aside for you."

  "Thanks, I appreciate it. Today was definitely anything but ordinary."

  "What happened?"

  "The short version. I'm waiting at the pharmacy for Cole's pain medication because he was involved in a fire at his work site. He's home, and he's going to be fine, but he did break his leg and scuff himself up a bit."

  "Was it the same fire in Forest Hills?" she said.

  "That's the one."

  "Oh, dear. I caught it on the news. I'm so glad he's okay. From the looks of things, I'm surprised the house is still standing."

  "Thankfully, Cole and his crew made it out safe. He's a trooper for sure."

  "Man, oh, man."

  "How's Dad doing?" I asked.

  "Today was another quiet day for the most part. He answered a few questions at his doctor's appointment but hasn't said much since he's been home."

  "Did you tell the doctor there's been a shift in his demeanor?"

  "I did, and he said it's not uncommon for people with dementia to become quiet or withdrawn. Payton, it just breaks my heart. I miss Will. I just want him to return to his old self. I'd almost rather him fuss at me for making his sweet tea bland, than to have him sit around here so quiet."

  "I know, Mom."

  She was quiet on the other end of the line. I tried to change the subject to uplift her spirit.

  "Have you heard from Rebecca or Abby today?"

  "I didn't speak to Abby, but Rebecca is about to lose her mind on bed rest. Nobody knows what to do for her these days. She has fresh hot meals being delivered to the house daily. She even hired one of the girls from the spa to come and give her a massage."

  "Seriously?"

  I don't know why I was surprised. Rebecca always had a reputation for being high maintenance.

  "Well, who am I to judge? I've never been pregnant a day in my life. If that's what will make her comfortable, then so be it."

  I could hear the lady behind the desk calling my name for Cole's prescription.

  "Mom, they're calling my name. I have to go. I should be home soon, okay?"

  "Okay, dear. Be careful."

  Later that evening, I tied up all of the day's loose ends and made my way home. A shower never felt so good. I was thankful for the time spent living at my parents' house. It helped me get back on my feet. But, with every passing month, as it got closer to the wedding, I started feeling like it was time to be with Cole.

  I laid in bed, thinking about our future plans and was startled when the cell phone rang.

  "Rebecca?" I answered.

  "Yep, it's showtime."

  "What?"

  "You heard me," she said in between calculated breathing.

  "We're in the car heading to the hospital. The baby is on the way. Tell everyone to meet us there," she said.

  "Oh, my gosh. The baby is coming. Okay, I'm on it!”

  I hung up before she could say anything else.

  "Unbelievable."

  This day was proving itself to be an extra dose of crazy. I took a deep breath and called my oldest sister, Abby.

  "Hello?" She barely whispered into the phone.

  "Hey Abs, it's Payton."

  "Payton?"

  "Yes."

  "Good grief, what time is it?"

  "Oh, it's late. It's about eleven o'clock, and Rebecca is in labor."

  "Noooo. Right now?" She still sounded raspy.

  "Well, it's not like the girl has a choice, Abby."

  "Okay. Let me get myself together, and I'll meet you at the hospital."

  "See you there." I hung up.

  Rebecca

  Hearing my baby boy cry for the first time brought tears of joy to my eyes. I don't know who cried more, me or my husband, Ethan. This past year had been a whirlwind for us. We were just two old high school sweethearts who reunited after years of being apart. It didn't take long for us to confess our renewed love. After a surprise pregnancy and a private wedding ceremony to follow, here we were welcoming our baby into the world.

  "Welcome to the family, John William.” Ethan rubbed our son's little arm. He was such a proud dad.

  "Isn't he precious?" I said.

  "He is. It seems like every time he hears your voice, he raises his eyebrows in response.”

  "Ethan, I'm so in love. John William is the most precious gift I've ever received."

  "That makes two of us."

  The doctor and nurses finished up and took us back to the room. I knew my family was itching to get in to meet the baby.

  "Aww, there he is. My precious little grandson.” Mom was so proud. Dad followed behind her with a big smile on his face.

  "William, grab the hand sanitizer, honey."

  Ethan exchanged congratulatory hugs with my parents. "Is everyone else in the waiting area?" he asked.

  "You better believe it. Your parents are waiting, and so is Payton and Abby," mom said.

  She turned back and admired John William from head to toe.

  “Would you like to hold him?" I asked.

  "Would I like to hold him? Gram didn't get up in the middle of the night just to come and say hello. Come here, little fella."

  You would've thought this was my mother's first grandchild. She was elated, and even though dad wasn't as vocal, you could tell his heart was full by the look on his face.

  "I'm sure Abby will fill you in when she comes in the room, but Wyatt sends his love. He stayed back at the house with the kids, of course."

  "Oh, that's sweet. I feel terrible for interrupting everybody's sleep, but this little guy didn't want to wait until the morning."

  Mom cooed over John William as he slept in her arms. "Look at my precious little grandbaby. We were ready to welcome you no matter what time you arrived."

  "You guys would've lost it if you were with us during the car ride to the hospital. At one point, I literally thought I was going to deliver him in the car without an epidural."

  "Wow. Did you have time to get the epidural once you arrived?"

  "Barely. John William was ready to make a grand entrance. I guess he was just as tired of being in my belly as I was of having him there."

  Mom thought that was funny, but it was true. I felt like I was ready to pop.

  "Well, you must be operating in overdrive. Not only is it late, but you just gave birth. You need your rest."

  I looked up and saw Ethan leading my sisters and my in-laws into the room.

  "I know we're breaking all kinds of hospital rules. But everyone wants to say a quick hello, and then they're going to head home,” Ethan said.

  One after the other, everyone patiently waited their turn to get their first glimpse of John William. He didn't know it yet, but this baby was about to be spoiled with all the love and affection a family could offer.

  "My youngest sister is a momma now.” Abby had tears in her eyes. This was probably the closest we had been in a long while.

  Both of my sisters fussed over me when the Davises took turns holding our sweet boy.

  "I bet you're exhausted, aren't you?" Payton asked.

  "It hasn't hit me yet with all the excitement. But trust me, as soon as we get a quiet moment, I'll probably knock right out."

  “Ha! That’s funny. Hate to break it to ya, but you're in a hospital. There's no such thing as a quiet moment in a place like this. Trust me. This is my second trip to one today.” Payton had a good point. I never met anyone who left a hospital feeling well rested.

  “Mom told me about Cole's accident earlier today. How's he doing?"

  "According to him, it's just another broken bone. He seems to think the healing process shouldn't be a big deal. ‘I’ll be fine, just like I was when I was younger’ he says.”

  "Uh, the only problem is he's not a little kid anymore, he's in his forties. Children are way more resilient than adults."

  "I tried to tell him, but I think he'll have to come to terms with it o
n his own.” Payton shrugged.

  "Take it from me, ladies, if you haven't learned this by now, you'll learn soon enough. Men can be very… very… stubborn. Especially when they're sick. Isn't that right, Arthur?”

  I've always loved Dorothy. She's more of a no-nonsense, tell it like it is kind of woman, which is right up my alley.

  "Excuse me?" Ethan's father teased.

  "What on earth would make you say a thing like that, Dorothy?" He smirked at her, but I think everybody knew better.

  "Don't play innocent with me, Arthur. Ethan has witnessed your stubbornness firsthand, haven't you?"

  "I'm staying out of this one.” Ethan put his hands up in surrender.

  Everyone fussed over the baby for a little while longer.

  "Alright, y'all. You know I love you, and I'm hoping I'll see every last one of you at the house for diaper changing, feedings, and everything in between. But unless you're sticking around for breastfeeding 101..."

  “Say no more, Miss Rebecca. I was just coming to tell your guests they'll have to return during visiting hours.” Nurse Jones didn’t play around.

  When I arrived, she had everyone hopping at the snap of a finger to make way for my delivery.

  Everyone said their goodbyes. By sunrise the next day, I was just as exhausted as ever. The only thing I wanted to do was curl up in my own bed and retreat for a little while.

  "Can I get anything for you?" Ethan offered.

  "A good night's rest might be nice. Other than that, I'm good."

  "I'm sorry, Becca. You barely had a chance to sleep last night. You must be tired."

  "I might as well get used to it. Sleepless nights may be the new routine for a while to come. You, on the other hand, snored and purred like a kitten as usual.”

  He thought it was funny, but I didn't. I contemplated what it would be like to whack him with a pillow and play dumb after.

  "I'm not sure about the snoring, but my body feels like it was hit by a Mack truck."

  "Ethan, don't talk to me about how your body feels right now. Would you like to trade positions? Try pushing a whole baby out of you, then we can talk."

  "There she is! There's my sugar and spice."

  He hopped up on the bed and laid beside me while we waited for the nurse to bring John William back.