by T. A. Foster
“It sure is.” Patty squeezed her shoulder as she walked past them. “Evan? Anna? You coming?”
Haven looked at Evan. For a second, he hesitated and she wondered if she should offer to go with him.
“Yep, we’re coming.” He leaned over and kissed Haven on the cheek. “Thank you for being here. I’ll be back soon.”
“I want to be here. Take your time. I have an entire bag of croissants to eat. Don’t worry about me.” She grinned.
She watched him follow his mother and sister through the ICU doors, as she bit off the end of the flaky roll. The moment they were out of view, exhaustion hit her all at once. From the idea that she and Evan weren’t meant to be together, to the incredible campfire makeup sex, to the mad dash to drive four hours to be at the hospital thinking Evan’s father could die, she was wiped out. She had scaled every emotion possible in one day.
She let her eyes close under the fluorescent lights and waited for Evan.
HE DIDN’T look the same. He looked small and pale lying in that hospital bed. Evan let his mother go in first. Anna stood next to him outside the window.
“Do you know what happened?” he asked his sister.
“Mama said they were getting ready for bed when he fell. She called 9-1-1, and they brought him here. She called me on the way. That’s all I really know.” Anna looked tired. Hell, they all looked tired.
“I just can’t believe it.” He watched his mother fuss over her father. Joe smiled up at her weakly, and she kissed his forehead.
His father was the epitome of strength. Evan would go so far as to say the man was unstoppable, that was until a heart attack barreled through his life.
“I know. I always thought Dad was too strong for something like this.” Anna watched the same scene he did.
“At least he’s going to be ok, right?” He slung an arm around his sister’s shoulder. The room was full of machines with lights, and they could hear beeping. Several plastic bags filled with clear liquids hung near the bed and ran through a drip into Joe’s arm.
“Yeah, he is. But can you imagine the struggle Mama’s going to have when she gets him home?”
They laughed, sharing an inside bond. Joe Carlson would be a stubborn recovery patient.
Patty waved them in through the glass. Anna turned to Evan. “You ready for this?”
He nodded. A few hours ago, he thought he might not ever see his father again. He thought the man was getting ready to leave this life disappointed in his son, never fully understanding how much Evan looked up to him. Never understanding that he was doing something he loved.
Evan slid his hands into his pockets. They walked into the room.
“Dad.” Anna rushed to the other side and hugged him.
“Hey, Dad.” Evan stood next to his mother.
“Come here.” Joe Carlson raised his arm.
For the first time in years, Evan hugged his father.
EVAN HATED to wake her. She looked peaceful in the waiting room. “Hey, killer. It’s time to go.” He nudged her shoulder. Everyone else had cleared out for the night. They were the only ones left.
Her eyes fluttered open. “How’s your dad?”
Evan smiled. “He’s getting some rest, but he’s going to be fine. Mama’s staying with him tonight, and Anna is going back to the house to pack a bag for her. I think everything’s taken care of here. You ready to go?”
She adjusted her body in the seat. “You sure? I can take turns or something.” She let out a yawn.
“That’s real sweet, but we need to get some rest too. How about we get a room at the hotel across the street, and we can see him in the morning? I want you to meet him.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I do.” He helped her up from the chair. “I know he’d like that.”
He didn’t want to think about how he had almost missed his chance to introduce his father to the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He wouldn’t make the mistake of letting things like that slide again. He had learned a hard and painful lesson tonight.
He led Haven to the car and checked them into the hotel. He was grateful she had thought to have Marta pack bags for them.
He dropped the luggage on the second bed in the room. He cranked up the AC, stripped down, and climbed into bed. Haven emerged from the bathroom a minute later and climbed under the covers next to him, her bare body pressing against his.
It wasn’t a penthouse suite like he had in L.A., but he couldn’t think of a time he had ever slept so soundly with Haven tucked under his arm.
THE HOSPITAL didn’t seem so grim the next morning. When Evan parked his car, he looked up at the brick structure. His father was inside, alive, breathing, and probably barking orders at nurses.
Haven smiled. “So, this might be weirder than the girls’ day trip introduction.”
“Yeah, this probably is the weirdest way you could ever meet my dad, but you’re here. He’s here.” He opened the door. He didn’t want to finish the last part. Ever since he had seen his father hooked up to machines, he got choked up when he thought about what almost happened.
Haven squeezed his hand as if she could read his thoughts. Knowing her, she probably could.
Patty and Anna were walking out of the room, as he and Haven rounded the corner.
“Good morning, Mama. How is he today?” Evan asked.
She shook her head. “Ornery and difficult. But what did you expect?”
Evan chuckled. “Sounds like he has made a full recovery already.”
Anna rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. We’re going to get breakfast. Good luck, you two.”
Evan gripped Haven’s hand. His father was going to be like a penned bull, but they had to seize the moment. No more letting time slip by.
“Are you sure this is a good time?” She looked worried. “Should we wait awhile?”
“Aww, don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”
Evan knocked on the door. “Dad, brought someone for you to meet.”
Joe’s scowl dropped the instant he saw Haven. “And who is this? Come in, come in.” He motioned them closer to the bed.
She walked to the side of the railing. “Hi, Mr. Carlson. I’m Haven. I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well.” She took his hand lightly.
He looked at Evan over her shoulder then returned her smile. “Well, darlin’, I sure do appreciate that.”
Evan chuckled. He might be a bull, but he was also a charmer. He noticed his father had placed his free hand on top of Haven’s.
“Is there anything I can get you while we’re here?” she offered. “Do you need some water? Extra pillow?”
“No, no. That’s what the nurses are for. How about you sit down and tell me what’s going on with you. Patty tells me you write songs. I’d like to hear about that. You can keep my mind off all this beeping and buzzing they have me hooked up to.” He motioned to the machines on either side of the bed.
Haven nodded and pulled up the closest chair. “I can do that.” She smiled. “Do you know who Carly Stone is?”
“I don’t know much about who’s on the radio these days, but tell me.”
“I can do even better than that.” Haven pulled out her phone and hit a few buttons. She positioned the phone on the edge of the bed. Within seconds, Carly’s voice filled the room. “That is Carly singing. I’m on guitar.”
“Well, I’ll be.” Joe tapped his fingers on the side rail. “That’s impressive.”
“We wrote this one together.” Haven moved on to the next song. “They sound a little rough. I just recorded them on my phone while we were in the writing room. We’re going to add the band once Carly gets in the studio, but at least you can hear a little bit of our work.”
“So, I’ll be able to hear that on that radio soon?” he asked.
“Yes, sir. Not all of them. The label has to decided which songs will be released for radio play, but I’ll be sure to send you a CD if you want one.”
“I would like that.”
“Maybe Evan and I could deliver it to you in person.” She turned toward Evan.
“Yeah, I think we could do that.” He smiled, trying to decide who had out-charmed the other. His father was noticeably smitten by Haven.
Evan listened to the two wrapped in a conversation that lasted another thirty minutes until a nurse popped in the room to remind Joe he needed to take his medicine and he needed some rest. Visitors could come back in an hour.
Haven hugged Joe. “I think that’s our cue to go and let you get some sleep. I’m glad I got to meet you. I hope you feel better soon.”
“This is a hell of a way to meet the new girl, but I appreciate it.” Joe squeezed her hand. “And I’ll be looking for that music delivery.”
“Yes, sir. As soon as I have one in my hands.”
Haven waved goodbye and waited outside the room for Evan.
“Dad, I’ve got to get back, but you take care of yourself. And be easy on Mama. You know she’s worried about you.”
“She’s always worried.” Joe paused. “Before you go. Is it serious with her?”
His father looked drained. The visit must have worn him out. Evan worried they had maybe talked too long for someone who had just had heart surgery. The nurses might have been overly generous with the visiting hours.
Evan nodded. “Yep, about as serious as it can be.”
“Good. I like her.” His dad smiled. “She’s special. Don’t let that slip away.”
And just like that, Evan got the approval he had wanted for years; he just didn’t know it was going to be about a girl. Maybe that was more important than anything else. Who cared if he played football or starred in a movie? What mattered was that he had found the right person. The one who fit. And Joe Carlson liked her.
“I won’t. I’m not letting her go anywhere.” He placed a hand on his father’s shoulder.
He stood frozen next to the rail, not wanting to leave his father’s side. This moment was fragile. All the times his father had disappointed him suddenly didn’t matter. Right now, they were on the same page.
“I love you, Dad.” He choked out the words and turned toward the door, before his father could see the emotion on his face.
“You too, son. And send your mother back here. These nurses can’t get anything right.”
“Sure thing.”
“Everything ok?” Haven looked up at his face, her eyes darting back and forth.
“Darlin’, it couldn’t be more perfect. Let’s get you home.” He draped an arm around Haven’s shoulder and walked toward the waiting room in search of his mother.
Patty tucked a bookmark in her crossword puzzle book when she saw them approach.
“How’s he doing? Did he eat anything?” She folded her glasses.
Haven grimaced. “I think we talked too much to let him eat anything. I’m sorry.”
“He’s asking for you, Mama.”
“All right, well I better get back there before he pulls out a bull horn.” She giggled.
It was good to see his mother had some of the color back in her cheeks and a reborn sense of humor.
“We’re headed back to the ranch.” Evan pulled Patty into a bear hug. “You going to be ok to handle him?”
“You know I’ve been handling him since the day we got married. I think we’ll be all right.”
“But you call me if you need something. I can hire nurses, whatever you need. Don’t let it get too hard on you before you ask for help.” Evan lectured. “I’m going to have a specialist here in the morning for a second opinion.”
Patty waved a hand in the air. “You know your father isn’t going to like all that fussing. I can manage on my own.” She moved closer to Haven. “Thank you for driving up here in the middle of the night. I’m glad Evan has you to lean on.”
Haven blushed. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
“You two better get on the road.” Patty wiped at her cheeks. “Call me when you get there?”
“We will.” Evan hugged her again before leaving the waiting room.
“You sure you want to go?” Haven asked.
“No, I don’t want to go at all.” He pressed the L for lobby on the elevator button.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against his chest. Evan closed his eyes as the elevator slipped to the lower level.
“Thank you,” he whispered into her hair.
“You were there for me.” She nuzzled closer.
“But you didn’t have to be. I know that.” He straightened his shoulders as the doors retracted.
“Yes, I did.” She slipped her fingers through his, and they left the hospital.
ONCE EVAN called the studio and told them his father was in the hospital undergoing treatment from a heart attack, they pushed Evan’s production commitment back a few days. Archie decided to rearrange the shoot schedule. Karina’s scenes with her roommate, Lily, became the focal point. Everyone was understanding and sympathetic.
Marta had a hard time finding a place for all the flowers and fruit baskets that were delivered. Evan had her send most of them to Brees where his parents could enjoy them. He still intended on speaking with her about her attitude toward Haven, but with the emergency road trip to Brees, the timing was off. He wasn’t going to tolerate any more rudeness from his staff. When he fired Allan, he had vowed that would be the last time someone under his employ would take advantage of him. He didn’t care how well the ranch ran.
Haven sat on the edge of the bed, her legs crossed. He threw a few shirts in a bag. “We don’t have to do this much longer and then I’m home.”
She sighed. “Until the next time.”
“Don’t say it like that.” He pushed the bag to the side and sat next to her. “I don’t have to do any more movies. This can be the last one.”
He hadn’t worked through that decision yet, but after the emotional week, certain things were clearer. Family was everything. He wanted Haven to be his family, but he still couldn’t get her to say she would move in permanently.
“I’m not asking you to give up your career,” she stated.
“I know you’re not. And I’m not asking you to give up yours. But it doesn’t have to be black and white. We can figure this out.”
She threw herself back on the bed. “What if your next movie takes you to Singapore, and what if I have to go on tour with Drew over the summer to keep up with his writing schedule?”
“Details, baby. Details.”
He climbed on top of her and tickled her sides.
She laughed, trying to throw his hands off her. “Evan, stop. Stop.” Her laughter peeled through the room.
“Not until you agree with me.” He assaulted her sides until she was almost crying from the giggles.
“Not fair.” She twisted to the side.
“Say you agree with me. Come on, say it.”
“Ok, ok.” She relented, her voice completely breathless.
“That’s what I thought.” He steadied himself over her. Her blue eyes blazed and her cheeks were flushed.
She sat back on her elbows. “Ok, I’ll make a deal with you.”
He laughed. “I know how these negotiations go. What is it you want this time?” He roamed the softness of her skin under her shirt.
“I’m serious. I have a real proposal.” Her back arched when his hand slipped below her waist. “It’s something I came up with in the waiting room at the hospital.”
“I usually like your proposals.” He kissed her stomach, loving how she wiggled under him. “Do you need business advice again?”
Her chest rose. “No, nothing like that.” She unfastened the buttons on her shirt, letting the fabric fall to the side. “I think I know a way we can make this work.”
He grinned. “This must be a serious negotiation. Giving up your cards already?” He leaned toward her lips and stole a rough kiss.
“How much time do you have before the car picks you up?” She reached for his belt.
“
For you, as long as you need.” He groaned as her hands descended. The jet could wait for him.
“Good, because we aren’t leaving this room until I get exactly what I want.” Her smiled turned wicked.
Right then, he knew she had total control and he was going to agree to absolutely everything she wanted.
HAVEN PULLED the sweater tightly around her shoulders. The wind whipped off the water in sudden gusts on spring evenings like this one. She inhaled the salt and the last bits of sun coming off the wooden railings. If she peered hard enough she could make out a trawler rounding the channel, headed in for the night. In a few minutes, the ship would be at the docks unloading the day’s catch.
She looked down at the lyrics she had on her notebook. Funny how as soon as she sat in the hammock, they popped into her head. They were clear and certain. She missed this. Writing for fun, not because she had a deadline.
She kicked off the porch.
“Haven, I think we’re done for the day.” Jimmy Hazelton poked his head out the sliding door.
“Really? The countertops are done?”
“Come see.” He held the door open for her.
She laid the lyrics in the hammock and walked inside. What used to be her kitchen was now a living room. The wall that separated this part of the house from her bedroom was gone. In its place were sturdy pillars. She followed Jimmy to the far side of the house.
The kitchen now overlooked an entirely glass view of the ocean.
She ran her hands along the marble. “These look great.” The surface was smooth.
“I’m pretty happy with how they turned out.” He patted the countertops. “The master bath upstairs is done too. I’ll be back to finish up the guest bath, and I think that’s the last thing on the list.”
“It is.” She smiled at the gray-haired contractor. “I can’t believe the house is finished.”
“Well, you all said you wanted to be in by summer, so May was about the best we could do.” He picked up his clipboard. “I’ll see you in the morning. You might want to leave the doors open for an hour or so. Get some cross-ventilation going in here.”
“Ok.” She walked to the opposite side of the room and cracked the new French doors.