“Yeah…just what we always wanted.”
Nonnie’s sharp eyes held her face for a moment, before she said, “We?”
Blinking, she nodded. “You know, Dad, Mom…me.”
Lifting her hand to cup her face, she said, “Is it still your dream? Or are you living your father’s dream?”
Sucking in a quick breath, she swallowed deeply. “Of course it’s my dream. Believe me, you can’t get far in athletics if it’s not your dream.”
“I’m sure,” Nonnie agreed. “But I also know that dreams can change. What was the dream at fifteen can change when you are twenty. And change again at twenty-five. My dear, even at eighty-three, I can tell you that my dreams have changed each decade and then some!”
Moving back to sit on the chair near her, she felt the need to put a little space between herself and the woman that held her heart and could seemingly peer into her soul. Clasping her hands in front of her, she looked around at the pleasantly decorated room and smiled. “You’ve got a new painting over your bed.”
“I’ve been trying my hand at watercolors and flowers seem to be the thing that I can paint. I tried a landscape, but it looked more like a green river.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “I can’t believe you created that beautiful picture, although, you have always been so talented. But to take up painting when you turned eighty!”
“Life is too short to not try to do all the things you ever wanted to do. New goals. New hobbies. New vocations. Remember child, you are never too old to try something new.”
A smile settled on her face, now resting in the love she had for her grandmother. “Well, I really should be going. I just wanted to pop in and say hello before the new round of practices began.”
“Tell me, Morgan, dear. Do you have a young man in your life?”
Hesitating for a moment, she said, “Uh…no.”
“Hmm, that sounds suspicious.”
Rolling her eyes, she blushed and admitted, “I did meet someone.”
With a clap of her hands, Nonnie’s eyes brightened and she begged, “Oh, tell me about him.”
“It’s nothing really. I mean, it sounds so cliché. We met in a bar and spent…um…some time together—”
“Oh posh, girl. You slept with him, didn’t you?”
“Nonnie!”
“I’m not a prude and don’t expect you to act like one around me. I’m too old for guessing games, so just tell me about this prince.”
“Prince?” A giggle slipped out and she admitted, “Okay, he does seem perfect. Great manners—”
“You didn’t sleep with his manners, Morgan. I’m glad he had manners and treated you well, but I’d like to get to the good stuff.”
Throwing up her hands, she laughed. “Okay, he’s really built. Great body. Super nice. We talked, and it was so nice to talk to someone about things that had nothing to do with swimming. It was like we connected on a level that I haven’t felt in a really long time.”
Leaning forward to clutch at her hands, Nonnie said, “Oh, honey, that sounds lovely. Do you think you’ll keep seeing him?”
She shook her head, unable to keep her smile from falling away and her heart from aching. “No. How could I? I’m leaving soon for the next trials and you know what Dad’s like when we’re in the final stretch of something so important.”
“I know what your father’s like. But what do you want?”
She opened her mouth to speak but the words caught in her throat. Staring into the blue eyes that had not faded with age and now seemed to be forcing their way deep inside of her, she stammered. “I…I…no, no, Nonnie. I have to keep my eyes on the prize—”
“I call bullshit.” Leaning closer, Nonnie said, “What do you want?”
Swallowing audibly, she shook her head sadly, “I don’t know. I don’t know.” Sitting up straighter, she continued, “That’s not true. I know that what I’ve been working all my life for is right at my fingertips and I owe it to myself to give it my all. When it’s over, then I’ll see.”
“Then you’ll find your life outside of swimming. And believe me, sweet girl, there is a life after the Olympics.”
The statement was simple but jolted right through her as thoughts of Jaxon flew through her mind. Maybe he’ll still be around when it is all over. Maybe.
She spoke, voice soft as a whisper, “I know there’s a world outside of swimming, Nonnie. I’ve glimpsed it. I…I want it. I just don’t know how to get it, or even think I can, until this is all over.”
“Your dad…”
Nodding, she said, “Dad’s worked for this my whole life. He’s poured his time and money into it. He wants me to live this dream and do it his way. And I know sometimes it doesn’t seem like it, but it’s my dream, too, even if, if I had my way, I might go about it a little differently.”
Nonnie said nothing for a moment, sitting back in her chair. A small smile settled on her face and she said, “Then live your dream, my dear. And when this dream is over, find a new one.”
With a final kiss, she walked down the hall, passing another older woman walking in the opposite direction, tall and thin, with her white hair pulled up in a bun. The scent of rose water drifted by, reminding her of Nonnie. A strange sensation filled her but as she looked over her shoulder, the woman had turned the corner and was no longer in sight.
Sighing, she walked out of the building, her steps less sure and her heart less happy.
11
As Jaxon looked around at the gathering, he couldn’t help but notice how crowded the table was getting. “Miss Ethel, what are you going to do if our family gets bigger? We won’t be able to make it into the dining room!”
She peered at him from the other end of the table, where she always sat in the place of honor at the head. “Instead of being insulted that you don’t think I can find ways to fit more and more people at our table,” she quipped, “I think I shall focus on the possibility that you have mentioned this because you have someone you would like to join with us.”
At that, all eyes turned toward him, and he felt his face grow hot.
“I think it was that red-headed beauty from the other night at Grimm’s,” Rosalie announced, gently rocking Charity in her arms. “She was a real sweetheart.”
“Oh?” Miss Ethel encouraged.
“She was a looker, I’ll give you that,” Jayden added. Turning to him, he said, “Are you sure you don’t want to do a switch like we used to in high school?”
“No!” he barked, before realizing what the vehement opposition would say about his feelings toward Morgan. Giving his head a shake, he just said, “We’re beyond those juvenile pranks.”
“Are you turning over a new leaf, Mr. Don’t-let-the-door-hit-you-in-the-ass-on-the-way-out?” Rafe asked, his voice full of incredulity.
Shooting a glare Rafe’s way, he grumbled, “I wasn’t that bad.”
He was grateful when Miss Ethel intervened before anyone else could weigh in an opinion concerning his player ways. “Keep the table conversation civil, boys.” Turning to him, she said, “I’d like to hear more about this young woman.”
Shrugging, he said, “There’s not much to tell. She’s a great woman, but I found out today she’s an Olympic swimming hopeful.”
That announcement brought surprise and a fast round of questions from everyone.
“An Olympic swimmer? I thought she said she was a grad student?” Rosalie asked, her brow knit.
“She never mentioned swimming?” Zander added, taking Charity from Rosalie and bouncing her a little to soothe her.
“Why did she keep that a secret?” Jayden asked, his attention riveted on him.
Swallowing his bite before he choked, he said, “Whoa. One at a time. Yes, she’s a grad student, but also a swimmer. I have no idea what events. Um…she just qualified for the next Olympic trials. I went by the sports complex the other day to return an earring she had left at my place…” His words faltered as he offered Miss Ethel a sheep
ish look.
She waved her hand dismissively, saying, “Goodness, boy, go on with your story.”
“Well, I went by the gym, actually, the swimming arena over on Lafayette. And she was just finishing a race. I got to congratulate her and give her the earring back.”
“And?” Eleanor prompted, leaning forward, her expression hopeful as Rafe wrapped his arm across her shoulders.
Shrugging, he said, “Uh…that’s it. I met her, we clicked, and now she has her life…I guess.”
“That’s it?” Regina asked.
The men chuckled and he recognized that they were used to Miss Ethel being the only inquisitive female and now, with Rosalie, Eleanor, and Regina in their fold, it was much harder to get past a dinner conversation without someone digging for details.
“Yes, that’s it. She’ll be leaving soon, and I got a glimpse of her dad, who I think is also her coach.” Shaking his head, he said, “He’d never allow her to do much more than prepare for the Olympics. Driven is one way to describe him.”
“She seemed lighthearted and funny the other night,” Jayden said.
“Yeah, she is. Well, was. I really liked being with her. But, then, when I saw her at the pool, she was an amazing athlete, but once out of the water, seemed caught between wanting to see me and keeping an eye out for her dad.”
“Sounds like he’s a slave driver to me,” Zander said, a scowl on his face.
“So, are you going to see her again?” Miss Ethel asked.
“I’d love to.” Looking at the grins coming from the others, he chuckled. “I know. Me, the perpetual bachelor who didn’t want to settle with just one woman. But, man, she was something.” His mirth ended, and his smile slid from his face. “It’s not meant to be. I’ve got a job here and she’s leaving town to compete and train before the Olympics. It’s like we exist in two different worlds.”
The conversation turned to other topics and Rosalie jumped up to assist Miss Ethel bringing in the dessert. As the gathering began to break up, he found himself hanging back with Jayden, saying goodbye to the others. Rosalie and Zander, with baby Charity, Eleanor and Rafe, Regina and Cael, Asher, and Zeke all left, heading to their cars.
Jayden stayed and he knew it was because his twin understood his hesitation. Miss Ethel smiled at the two of them and invited them into the living room.
The room was just the same as it had always been, comfortably furnished with a dark green sofa with colorful throw pillows against the back, wooden end tables covered in white, crocheted lace, and a thick rug covering the center of the wooden floor. Two, deep cushioned chairs sat facing the sofa, Miss Ethel settling in one, her knitting bag at her feet. The walls on either side of the fireplace held bookshelves, filled with children’s books.
He and Jayden moved to the sofa, the familiar feel and scent of the room bringing back two decades of memories. No one spoke for a few minutes, the clicking of knitting needles the only sound in the room.
Finally, Miss Ethel started, “I still remember the day that each of my boys came to me. When it was the two of you, my goodness, it was so exciting to get twins.”
“You weren’t scared of getting two at once?” Jayden asked.
“Well, it was certainly different, but it was a lot of fun as well. I already had Zander and Rafe. Then you two came to live with me and, soon after, we gained Cael. Of course, Asher was next.”
Shaking his head, he said, “I know we were a handful.” Chuckling, he added, “We tried to switch our names on you, but somehow you knew us right away.”
“Our aunt always got us mixed up and her fiancé never tried to figure us out.”
She nodded, her smile leaving her face. “I often wondered about your aunt. She tried to care for you for several years, but having never been a mother herself, it must have been overwhelming. And then, not getting the support of the man she was going to marry? Well, I’m glad she did the right thing and allowed you to be placed here.”
“Best place we could have landed,” Jayden agreed.
Quiet settled over them once again, before Miss Ethel said, “I’m proud of you boys. I don’t know if I’ve told you that lately. All of my boys joined the military out of high school and when you two joined up, I was proud as punch.”
Easing back into the sofa cushions, he breathed a little easier. Being in Miss Ethel’s comforting presence had always been calming.
“A rescue worker and mechanic. So impressive. My George was a mechanic and I was surprised that you both did not go in for the same thing to stay together.”
“We almost did,” he admitted, nodding toward Jayden. “I really wanted to work on the trucks, but when I was presented with the possibility of running the emergency medical response ambulance, it just struck me as something I wanted to do.”
“I think you have always sold yourself short,” she said. “You two were so much alike as children, but it was clear you considered your role to be more of the jokester of the two of you. I knew from your early days here with me, that while Jayden had a more serious outlook, you were hiding a wonderful heart behind your laughter.”
Allowing her words to flow through him, he remained quiet, pondering her point. He never talked about it, but Jayden understood. He could not take things too seriously, because that opened the door for getting hurt. He loved Miss Ethel, was thankful every day that they had ended up with her, but losing so many people that were meant to protect him—his mother, his grandmother, and then his aunt—all by the time he was six, had left its mark. The truth was, he did not want to be left again. Maybe, when he met the right woman, she would be worth taking that risk.
Morgan’s face popped into his head and his breath got caught in his throat. He hadn’t been concerned at all with her, had he? One smile from her had chased away all his concerns, all his fear. Damn, I’ve got it worse than I thought.
Miss Ethel continued, pulling him from his thoughts, “You have a healing spirit, Jaxon. Whether with shared laughter or with your medical knowledge. You, my dear, are a healer.”
He grinned, his lips curving in a sly smile. Wanting to move on to lighter subjects, he teased, “Come on, Miss Ethel, tell us how difficult we were.”
“Oh, is this story time?” she quipped, her smile broadening as she lifted her eyes from her knitting to peer at each of them. “Well, let’s see. I remember getting a call from the principal of your middle school one time. It seems that your artwork, Jaxon, was about to win a prize and when I looked at it, I knew it had been done by you.” She glanced Jayden’s way. “When I questioned you two, it became clear that my dear Jaxon was trying to impress a girl in his art class and so he had Jayden paint the winning painting.”
Barking out a laugh, Jayden said, “Oh, my God, I forgot that. You really liked MaryLou Battles and were always trying to impress her in seventh grade.”
“How on earth do you remember her name?” he asked, his brows lowered in stunned surprise.
“Just ‘cause you can’t remember the names of the girls you’ve been interested in. Though, it’s not surprising since none of them last more than a…uh…short time,” Jayden stammered, covering his almost slip up, “I, on the other hand, have a fabulous memory.”
Miss Ethel laughed and said, “Well, it seems that Jaxon can remember the name of the beautiful swimmer.”
“Oh, yeah. Morgan McAlister.”
Miss Ethel’s gaze lifted again before returning to her needles. “McAlister…interesting. And you’re sure there’s nothing there?”
“I spent less than twenty-four hours with her and, yet, that’s a lot longer than most women I meet. I know that’s nothing to be proud of, but yeah, there was something there. If she wasn’t who she was, I’d be asking for a second date but, as it is, her life’s path is completely different.”
“Well, you never know if your paths will cross again.”
12
“You want him to have more responsibility?”
Jaxon was talking to his Captain, Ted B
urke, at their meeting concerning the trainees.
Ted nodded, saying, “According to you, Bob’s ready. I’ve also talked to Mary and she agrees. To begin with, let him have more driving responsibilities. I want him to get used to being in the driver’s seat alone, with you still in the front of the ambulance for now. It’ll still give you a chance to monitor his decisions.”
“You got it, Captain.”
Walking out, Jaxon gave Bob the good news. Meeting up with Mary, the three hustled out as the next call came in. Bob drove, with him giving pointers where needed.
“Slow down at the intersection…proceed with caution…make eye contact with the other drivers…you got it.”
The call took them to a house fire, but as they stayed for assistance, the fire department extinguished the fire and it was discovered there was nobody at home. Pulling out of the driveway, they headed back to the station.
Within a moment, another call came in, 24-D-3.
“What does that mean?” he quizzed Bob.
“Pregnancy, imminent delivery.”
“Good. Husband on the side of the road. He was driving to the hospital when wife began pushing. Siren on,” he said. “If she’s pushing, then we need to get there fast and if they’re on the side of the road, we need assistance.” Calling it in, he reported. “On route. ETA three minutes.”
As they neared, Bob expertly pulled in behind the car, angled so that it would be protected from traffic.
Hopping out, he and Mary ran to the open, back passenger door, gently moving to the pale, crying man holding a newborn that appeared to have just emerged. Bob opened the other door, climbing in to support the shaking, and also crying, mother.
“You’re fine, you’re fine,” assured Mary, smiling at the woman. Bob inserted an IV line as Jaxon took the baby and cut the cord, while Mary worked on extracting the afterbirth.
Sirens approaching indicated the fire truck had arrived and the police moved in as well, to direct traffic safely past their vehicles.
Jaxon: Heroes at Heart Page 8