He must’ve made a sound because her head jerked up, and red rimmed eyes stared into his face.
Fully aware she jumped out of her seat. “You’re awake. Oh, my God, you’re awake! It’s been hours. I thought you weren’t ever going to wake up.” She cried, tears streaming down her face. They fell faster than she could wipe them away.
“Shh, baby, don’t cry,” he whispered, his throat dry and voice raspy.
“I can’t help it. I thought I had lost you.”
Tyler held her hand. “You can’t get rid of me that easy. I just got you back.” She tried to laugh but it sounded more like a wounded cry.
“They said that you’re going to be okay.”
“Good to hear.” He stared at her for a moment before saying, “What about you? Are you okay?”
She nodded.
“Baby, I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared in my life. When Jerome aimed that gun at you, I thought … I never want to experience anything like that again,” Tyler said, trying to fight the emotions welling up in his chest.
She swallowed. “Me either. I don’t think I could’ve survived if…”
“Don’t.” He cupped her cheek and wiped her tears despite the pain roaring through his body. “We’re here. We’re safe.”
They stared at one another until Dallas said, “I so want to hug you, but you’re all bandaged up. Jerome shot you and the bullet just missed your heart and lung. It … exited through your back.” Her sobs grew more intense with every word.
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t have gone to the office.”
“Stop. Baby, it’s not your fault. Come here.” He held her hand, gently pulling her closer.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Come on, it’ll be worth it.”
Quinn walked in shortly after Tyler gathered Dallas into his arms and his mouth covered hers.
“Damn, man. You’re all beat up and still can’t keep your hands off of her.”
Dallas and Tyler pulled apart and laughed.
“I’ll go and let the nurse know that you’re awake,” Dallas said, climbing off of the bed. “Quinn, please make sure he doesn’t try to sneak out of here.”
He saluted her and said, “Will do.”
Moments later a nurse looking to be in her mid-fifties with salt and pepper colored hair and a friendly smile walked in with Dallas following close behind her.
“Welcome back Mr. Hollister. You had your wife pretty worried.”
Tyler looked at his wife and lifted an eyebrow.
“What?” Dallas shrugged, amusement dancing around in her beautiful eyes.
Tyler laughed, but then sobered and mouthed, “I love you.”
Two days later he was sitting up in bed watching a football game. He’d rather be at home, but he wasn’t scheduled to be released until the next morning. He was just thankful to be alive. With all that had happened over the past few months, he decided that he wasn’t letting another day go by without asking Dallas to marry him. He had almost lost her.
“What’s up my brother?” Quinn asked. He walked in with a small paper bag under his jacket.
“Please tell me you snuck in some real food?”
“I snuck in some real food.”
“And please tell me it’s either a Chicago hot dog or pizza.”
“It’s either a Chicago hot dog or pizza.” Quinn handed him the white bag.
Tyler snatched the bag and opened it. “Ah, man, you went to Hot Doug’s. See this is why we’re brothers. Good lookin’ out.”
“I’m glad you approve, but you have to eat fast. When it comes to your health, and following the hospital rules, that wife of yours doesn’t play.”
Tyler grinned. Dallas’s take charge attitude was one of the many things he loved about her. Today was the first day she’d left his side. He had tried several times to get her to go back to the penthouse to get some rest, but she claimed she had to stay close to him. She insisted that there were too many cute nurses walking around. He knew she wasn’t the jealous type, but he loved the attention.
He and Quinn ate and watched the game in silence, which was unusual. Tyler had a feeling something was bothering his friend when he had stopped by earlier, but he didn’t say anything at the time. But during half-time, he had to ask.
“Is everything okay? You’ve seemed distracted from the moment you walked in.”
Quinn walked over and stood in front of the window, his back toward Tyler. A few minutes past before he returned and reclaimed the chair near the bed.
“Something strange happened the night you were brought into emergency. And I can’t shake it.”
“Strange like what?”
“Do you remember me telling you about Alandra?”
Tyler remembered. She was the only woman to ever keep Quinn’s attention for any long period of time. She died in Quinn’s arms after being shot.
“Yeah, I remember. She was the one who worked for the CIA, right?” Quinn nodded. “What about her?”
He hesitated and sucked in a deep breath. “I think I saw her last night. In the ER working as a nurse.”
Tyler stared at his friend. He was at a loss for words. It had taken Quinn years to get over her, and considering how he currently went through women, never settling down, Tyler wouldn’t be surprised if he was still in love with Alandra.
Quinn slouched further down in his seat. “I know it sounds crazy, and I don’t believe in ghosts, but I think it’s her.”
“Quinn.”
“Granted this woman looked different, but despite the colored contacts, her hair being bone straight and dyed a reddish color, I would bet my life that it’s her.”
“Q, how could that be?”
His friend leaned forward and rubbed his hands down his face before standing. “I don’t know. But don’t worry, I’m not crazy. At least I don’t think I am … it’s just that there was something so familiar about this woman, and she seemed to have the same shocked reaction when she saw me.” Shaking it off, he dug through his jacket pocket and handed Tyler the small Tiffany box. “Here.”
Tyler wanted to hear more about this mysterious woman, but based on the way Quinn had shut down, the conversation was over.
“Thanks,” Tyler said and grabbed the box.
“No problem. It was right where you said it would be.” Quinn walked to the end of the bed and turned. “I can’t believe you’re going to finally take the plunge, but I’m happy for you. Dallas is a helluva woman.”
Tyler nodded. “Thanks man. And thanks again for saving my life, and giving Dallas and I another chance.”
“No sweat. Just don’t screw it up. And this time, Ty, when you ask her to marry you, don’t take no for an answer.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Seven Months Later
“Are you sure you’re ready to go back out there?”
“I think so,” Dallas said, sitting on the side of the Jacuzzi tub in their master bedroom as Tyler wiped her forehead with a cold, wet towel.
“I don’t know, baby. You don’t look so good.”
“Gee, thanks,” she mumbled. “I want to know why they call it morning sickness when it’s three in the afternoon.”
“I’m not sure, but this is just the beginning, we still have eight months to go.”
“Please don’t remind me. I don’t know how much more I can take. I’m so tired.” She slumped against him. This seemed to be the norm for the past couple of weeks, and she was already tired of it.
Tyler tossed the towel on the vanity and scooped Dallas up into his arms. “I’m putting you to bed, Mrs. Hollister. I’m sure everyone will understand.”
Dallas had temporarily forgotten they had a house full of people. They had invited everyone over to announce that they were pregnant, but she had spent most of the afternoon with her head over the toilet. Though she was thrilled, so far she had been sick from the moment her doctor told her the good news.
&nb
sp; “Maybe I’ll rest for a little while. But I want to spend some time with Simone before they fly out.”
“Did I hear my name?” Simone asked, strolling into the room with seven-month-old Tim, Jr.
“I figured you’d be up here sooner or later. Why don’t I take my nephew while you keep my beautiful wife company for awhile?”
“Sounds good to me.” Once Tyler and the baby left the room, Simone sat on the edge of the bed. “So, how bad do you feel?”
“Like … like, I can’t even find the words to describe how horrible I feel. One minute I’m suffering from hunger pains, then the next I’m gagging at every morsel of food Tyler puts in front of me. It’s like a vicious cycle. Tell me how to make it go away,” Dallas groaned.
Simone chuckled. “Girl, I only hope yours doesn’t last as long as mine did. I was sick for thirteen weeks straight. Instead of gaining weight, I lost ten pounds. I’m not sure what happened, but eventually I was able to keep food down. So hang in there.”
“I’m tryin’. If it weren’t for Tyler being so sweet and attentive, I don’t think I could do this.”
“Yeah, I noticed him hovering around you for the past couple of hours. Tim was like that, and it nearly drove me crazy.”
Dallas laughed but stopped when she felt like she had to make another trip to the bathroom. Curled up in a fetal position, she laid still hoping the feeling would pass.
“Ah, I hate seeing you like this,” Simone said, rubbing Dallas’s arm. “Can I get you anything? How about some water or juice? You want to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.”
“Okay.”
“Be right back.”
****
“I thought Mom, Dad and Skylar were supposed to be back in town first thing this morning,” Tim said as he and Tyler wrestled with the large umbrella that they were attaching to one of the picnic tables. Though they had already set up ten tables, as more guests arrived, they added to that number.
“They were but when they arrived at the airport they were told their plane was going to be delayed,”
“Ah, man, I know Mom hates that, although I think they know about your baby surprise.”
“Yeah, I figured as much. And I think we both know how they found out.”
“Skylar,” they said in unison and laughed.
Tyler stood back from the table and watched as a flurry of activity went on around them. With over ten acres of undeveloped land, there was still more than enough room outside for people to spread out and do whatever they wanted. Some guests sat out by the Olympic size swimming pool, while others danced on the makeshift dance floor near the DJ stand.
“I better check on the meat,” Tyler said. He and Tim reached the deck within minutes of Harmony setting some covered platters near the grill before she reentered the house.
“So has Mom forgiven you for eloping, yet?” Tim asked, grabbing a beer out of the cooler near the patio door.
“I would hope so.” Tyler raised the lid of his large Evedure grill, letting the sweet smell of barbecue fill the air. “It’s been what, six months since we got married?” After the drama with David, he and Dallas had stolen away to Hawaii for some much needed rest and relaxation. To everyone’s surprise, they returned as husband and wife.
“Yeah, but she was pretty disappointed. You were the last one. I think she had her heart set on a large wedding.”
Tyler slid the steaks over and added some hamburgers and brats before closing the lid. “I guess, but that’s not what my wife wanted.” He loved saying wife. It seemed a long time coming, but was now a reality. “As long as I was marrying Dallas, I didn’t care how we did it. I would’ve been perfectly fine going to the courthouse, which I did suggest.”
“I feel you, man.” Tim said and handed his brother a bottle of beer. “Weddings are definitely for the family. I would recommend to anyone, skip the big hoopla and put all your focus on the marriage, because that’s where the real work is needed.”
“I agree.” Tyler tapped his bottle to his brother’s in a toast before they both took a swig.
“So how’s Chicago life?”
“It’s cool. I’ve always loved the fast pace of Chicago. So I had no problem making that our main residence. The plan is to stay in the penthouse until the baby arrives. After that, we’ll see.”
“I’m still trippin’ you’re going to be a father. Especially considering how much of a player you were.”
Tyler laughed. “Some days it trips me out too. But when the right woman comes along, you do things you thought you’d never do.”
“I know that’s right. What are you going to do about this Milwaukee house and all of the commuting back and forth?”
“Actually, I have a buyer for this place. We’re supposed to finalize things next week. And as far as commuting, I drive up here about once a week, check on Mom, Dad and our properties and then head back home. Once the baby arrives though, I won’t be making that many trips, especially since Dallas wants to open her own firm.”
“Simone was telling me about that. All those years of trying to make partner, and then after making it, she’s giving it up. I’m surprised.”
“Yeah, she likes working with William, but now wants her own.”
“What’s up my brothas?” Quinn strolled up to them carrying a large grocery bag in one hand and a case of beer in the other. He placed the items down and greeted Tyler with a fist bump and Tim with a one arm hug. “Man, seems like I haven’t seen you in like forever. How’s it going?” he asked Tim.
“It’s all good,” Tim said before a frown covered his face. “But hold up. What about you?” He looked to each side of Quinn before he leaned back and stared at him. “I can’t ever remember you showing up to anything we’ve had without a beautiful woman on your arm. What’s up with that? Don’t tell me you’re losing your touch.” Tim laughed and Tyler joined in when Quinn’s brows furrowed and his lips smirked as if that was the most ridiculous thought in the world.
“Please. If anything, I have to beat them off. These women have been at me! Since I couldn’t decide which one to bring, I figured I’d come by myself and just hang out.”
They all laughed.
“Where are your women?”
“In the house. Is that the stuff Harmony asked you to pick up?” Tyler asked referring to the bag Quinn held.
“Yep. I’ll take it to the kitchen. Who knew she could cook?” Quinn asked over his shoulder and made his way into the house.
Tim turned to Tyler. “So what’s up with him?”
“What do you mean?”
“He looks tired, older.”
Tyler sighed. “Yeah, he’s got some things going on, but he’ll be okay.” At least Tyler hoped he would. Quinn hadn’t been right since he ran into that emergency room nurse. He still believed the nurse was his beloved Alandra. He’d even gone back to the hospital to ask questions. He found out that the nurse’s name was Velvet Agular, but she was always off duty whenever he’d visit.
****
Simone walked back into the master bedroom carrying two Popsicles and some bottled water. “Here, this might help.”
Dallas sat up in bed. At least her headache had subsided, but she wished she could keep some food down. She was starving and hungrily grabbed for the Popsicle.
“Thanks. I can’t believe I had forgotten about these.”
“Well, I can’t take credit for thinking of them. Tyler asked me to bring one up to you, and of course I had to grab one for myself.” She laughed.
Dallas smiled at the memory of how the Popsicles came to be. “Once Tyler found out this was one of few things I could tolerate, he bought a few cases, and a freezer for the basement to hold them all.”
Simone laughed. “I take it married life is going well.”
Dallas exhaled a long sigh of contentment. She didn’t know she could experience such happiness. A few days after her encounter with David and Jerome, Tyler had proposed. It took her the longest time to say “yes” because she
couldn’t stop crying. He was still in the hospital, but had enlisted the help of Quinn and Harmony to decorate the room, making it as romantic as a hospital room could be, music and all. He had even found a way to have food brought in. With several covered dishes on a white clothed table, she had no idea that when she removed the cover off the last dish, she’d find a light blue Tiffany box holding a five-carat marquise diamond ring. Once she did come to her senses, she insisted on them getting married right away. There was no argument from Tyler, by that next morning he had arranged for them to fly out the following weekend to the beautiful island of Hawaii.
“By the gleam in your eyes, I’d say things are going very well,” Simone grinned.
Dallas blushed. “I’m sorry. I just never thought I’d ever be this happy. Simone, he’s amazing. He’s gentle, he cooks and cleans, he’s attentive, and most importantly, I have no doubt he loves me. I’ve never felt this way before, especially not while I was with Mark.”
“Speaking of Mark, what’s up with him anyway?”
“Well, we’re on speaking terms, and he and Tyler have called a truce,” she smiled. “And most importantly, I don’t blame him anymore for all my heartache. I’ve taken ownership of some things as well.”
Simone leaned over and hugged her. “I am so happy for you. You’ve been through so much. It’s about time some good has come your way.” Simone reclaimed her seat.
Dallas placed her feet on the floor and reached for Simone’s hands. “I can’t imagine my life without you. Over the years we’ve been through some tripped out things, and our relationship has grown tremendously through everything. I love you so much.”
“Aw, I love you too, sweetie. And you’ve been more than a friend to me. You’re my sister, in more ways than one now.” They shared a hug and held each other for a moment. Simone sat back in her seat and Dallas climbed back on the bed. “Oh, before I forget, Harmony said everything is under control down there so you don’t have to hurry back.”
“I’m glad. I was feeling a little guilty with her and Bianca doing everything.”
“They’re fine. And what are your thoughts about Harmony’s new gig?”
“Shocked,” Dallas chuckled. “What are the chances of her running into a modeling agent while filling out an application at Nordstrom? But seriously, I’m so happy for her. She has gotten so much work over the last few months and I think she’s going to be okay living in New York.”
Blue Roses (Reunited Series) Page 22