by Lisa Harris
Ty pulled onto Cranberry Highway, wondering, as he was with Abbott Financial, if a bomb weren’t about to explode.
The phone rang a half dozen times, then switched to the answering machine. Strange. Her mother had said she was going straight home. She bit her lip and stared at her cell phone.
“What’s wrong?”
Kayla shrugged. “Nothing. I just don’t know why she doesn’t answer. She told me she was going straight home.”
“The ringer could be off, she could be taking a shower … there are tons of reasons why she’s not answering her phone.”
She dropped her phone into her purse, still irritated at Ty’s lack of enthusiasm to meet her mother halfway. She was getting tired of playing referee between two adults. “You’re probably right, but she had another bad headache today. I’m worried about her.”
Ty drove through the tree-lined streets that led to her mom’s house, then pulled into the driveway. Her mom’s car was parked by the garage door.
“I’ll be right back.” Kayla unlocked the door and jumped out of the car.
Ty was right behind her. “I’m coming with you.”
Kayla hurried up the winding brick path, trying to get rid of the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong. Shivering from the cool, fall breeze, she rang the bell several times before scrambling for her key in her purse so she could open the door.
“Mom?” She stepped into the three-bedroom home.
Mail was strewn across the floor of the normally tidy entryway. A sweater lay in a pile on the floor beside it, instead of on the coat rack.
“Mom?” She walked through the kitchen, then rushed down the hall.
Kayla froze in the doorway of the master bedroom. Her mother lay face down beside the bed.
eight
Kayla felt her lungs constrict. Her mother’s hands lay beside the green comforter that had slid onto the floor. Blood trickled from her forehead, staining the beige carpet. Ty gripped Kayla’s elbow, but she couldn’t move. She’d let her mom leave the party with an ultimatum that she accept Ty into her life, or else. Or else what? She had no right to speak to her mother that way … and now she lay unconscious on the floor. If she died …
Ty knelt beside her mom. “She’s breathing, Kayla.”
She tried to swallow the knot of fear—and guilt—that rose in her throat. “She told me she was dizzy, and all I did was give her some pain medicine. I should have noticed something was wrong.”
“There’s no way you could have known, sweetie. I’m calling 911.” Ty pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and flipped it open. “It’s going to be okay.”
Kayla fell to her knees beside her mother. It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay…. Ty was right. An ambulance would come to take her mom to the hospital. They’d run some tests, and in the end everything would be all right. Fifty-three was too young to die.
“Mom?” She pushed away the blood-stained strands of hair that stuck to her cheek. The left side of her face drooped, and drool ran down the edges of her mouth. How long had her mom been lying here?
Ty’s voice and the rest of the bedroom faded into the background.
There was no response. No acknowledgment of Kayla’s presence. Only the slight rise and fall of her chest beneath her flowered blouse.
Kayla tried to steady her own ragged breathing. “It’s going to be all right, Mom. I’m here.”
“Kayla?” Ty crouched beside her to wipe away her tears with his thumbs. She’d been crying and didn’t even know it. “I’m going to wait outside for the ambulance. Are you going to be all right if I leave you for a few minutes?”
Kayla nodded then gripped his shoulder. “I’m scared, Ty.”
“Your mom’s too stubborn to let something like this get the best of her.” He tilted up her chin with his fingertips and caught her gaze. “With the Lord’s help we’ll get through this, Kayla. I promise.”
Twenty minutes later Ty pulled his car out of the driveway behind the ambulance and followed it down the highway toward town. Rows of trees had already begun to turn from summer’s shades of green into their yearly fall array of scarlet, orange, and yellow. In a few short weeks piles of fat pumpkins would lie for sale in front of the farms, and the cranberry bogs would be flooded in order to harvest the crimson fruit. But instead of enjoying the scenic drive the landscape blurred before him.
He reached over and took Kayla’s hand, pulling it to his chest. “I’m sorry, Kayla. I know how close you are to your mother.”
Kayla stared off into the distance. “I never thought of her getting sick. Not yet anyway. She’s my mother, invincible and timeless.”
“Don’t give up yet.” He squeezed her hand, wishing he could do more than simply offer words of encouragement. “She’s strong. With your help—with our help and the Lord’s—she’ll pull through this.”
“I should have seen something was wrong.”
Ty thumped the palm of his hand against the steering wheel, understanding far too well the intense feelings of regret. “You have to let it go, Kayla. The last thing your mother needs right now is for you to beat yourself up because you missed something that wasn’t there. She’s going to have her own battle to win, and you’ll have to be there for her 100 percent.”
“I know. It’s just weird all that goes through your mind at a time like this.” She glanced at him as he crossed an intersection behind the ambulance. “Nothing’s ever going to be the same again, is it?”
“Probably not.”
Life was good at bringing unanticipated changes. Something he’d seen far too often in his own life. Sometimes it threw a curve ball—like Kayla calling off their engagement. Only God could have taken that situation and brought good out of it a year later. There had been plenty of other unexpected twists, like finding out his mentor and boss was a man with no scruples and even fewer morals.
“Kayla, I’m sorry about something else. I should have given your mother a chance. I wasn’t the one to forgive, and I haven’t been much of an example.”
“I know, more than anyone else, how difficult she can be. I just wanted things to work out between the two of you, and now …” She looked down and fiddled with her purse strap. “Ty, she doesn’t believe in God. She told me once she’d seen too much pain and heartache in her life—in this world—to justify the existence of a God. And if He did exist, she didn’t want anything to do with Him.”
The feeling was uncomfortably familiar. How many times had he told God he’d never believe because a good God wouldn’t leave a child to starve in Somalia or let things like 9/11 happen? He’d finally realized he’d been blaming God for man’s choices. Not that it made things any easier.
“I guess your mother and I have more in common than I realized. For too long I tried to make God into what I wanted. Problem is, I found out He doesn’t work that way. Man wants a God who will fulfill their desires and leave them feeling like they’re in charge. Instead Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.”
“That’s pretty profound, isn’t it?”
They were both quiet for a moment as he followed the ambulance toward the hospital. God wasn’t a deity to be put into a box and brought out like a genie in a lamp. He’d learned that lesson all too well. Following Jesus called for a full-time commitment. No one said that taking up a cross was going to be easy. It was something he was still trying to get right.
Kayla looked over at him. “What if it’s too late? I’m not ready to lose her.”
Ty turned the corner into the hospital parking lot and for the first time in his life prayed for Rosa Marceilo.
Ty stood in the doorway of the third-floor hospital room and watched Kayla sleep. The padded chair looked anything but comfortable. Just like the lump that had lodged in his throat and wouldn’t go away. The MRI had confirmed a stroke, and while it was possible she would fully recover, Rosa Marceilo’s life and that of her daughter had more than likely changed forever.
“I went for a walk.” He pulled the other chair up beside her. “I knew you were tired and didn’t want to wake you. How is she?”
“She woke up a little while ago, confused but thankfully calm when I told her what had happened. I’m hoping she’ll sleep through the rest of the night.” Kayla stifled a yawn. “What time is it?”
“Ten thirty.” He held up the boxed dinner. “Are you hungry? I brought you a sandwich. All they had left at the deli was tuna fish.”
Kayla looked at the box of hospital food and wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry. You’re sweet, but I don’t think I can handle fish right now.”
“We could try the cafeteria if they’re open.” Ty dumped the box on the chair beside him when she didn’t respond. “How are you doing?”
“I’m still in a daze. I just can’t believe all this is happening. I’ll have to let my apartment go and move back home.”
“Don’t make any rush decisions tonight, Kayla.”
“What other alternative do you see? There’s the business, employees to deal with, and Mom’s house—”
“Kayla. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let me in. Let me help.”
“With my mother?”
He leaned toward her and rested his elbows on his thighs. “You let me know what you need, and I’ll do it.”
Kayla smiled for the first time all night. “You’re welcome to plan out the menus for next week, and I’ll need another cook—”
“Funny.”
“Why don’t we go check out the cafeteria?” Kayla stared at her mom. “She’s sleeping, and I could really use some coffee.”
“And a shoulder to lean on?”
“Yeah. Especially that.”
Kayla chose a table in the back corner of the cafeteria, away from the group of nurses who chatted over cups of coffee. She stirred her own drink and watched the sugar slowly dissolve. The doctor’s prognosis was still inconclusive. Possible surgery … inevitable extended physical therapy … This wasn’t a simple take-two-aspirin-and-call-me-in-the-morning situation.
Ty slid into the chair across from her and slapped his hands against the table. “I convinced the chef to whip up a burger for you before he left for the night.”
“You didn’t.” Kayla’s stomach growled, reminding her that lunch had been hours ago and the piece of birthday cake hadn’t been enough to take the edge off her appetite.
“Extra pickles, hold the mayo. Just the way you like it.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He leaned back, balancing his chair on two legs. “When my grandfather was sick, I had to learn that if I didn’t take care of myself then I couldn’t help him. Let me take you home after you’re finished eating.”
“Mom needs me here.”
“Yes, she needs you, but Kayla, you have to realize she has a long road ahead of her. This isn’t going to be over in a few days or even a few weeks. If you burn out from lack of sleep or not eating right, you won’t be able to help her.”
Kayla fiddled with the sugar wrapper in front of her, trying to calm her nerves. She’d never imagined how one moment in time could change her life so dramatically.
“Considering that tomorrow I’m going to have to turn in my notice for my apartment, talk to Jenny about working full-time, find out what kind of long-term care insurance my mom had—”
“I thought we just decided you can’t do any of those things tonight.”
“I know, but I have to do something. She’s just lying up there, helpless.” The reality of the situation hit her afresh, and tears began to flow down her cheeks. “I’m scared, Ty. I don’t want to lose her this way.”
“She has a good chance for a full recovery. The doctor said so.”
“I am going to move into her house,” Kayla said decisively. “She’s going to need me once she comes home.”
“I have to admit that makes sense. What can I do?”
“I need to find a mover.”
“Consider it done.” Ty held out his arm and flexed his muscles.
“Very funny.” Kayla shot him a wry grin. “The house needs to have a few things done to get it ready for winter. Mom usually loves working outside, but that won’t be possible for a while now.”
He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It’s going to be all right.”
“Maybe. You never expect something like this to happen.” She grasped his hand and pressed it against her cheek, wondering how she could have ever doubted him. “And there’s one other thing. I’m sorry about all the things I said in the car. I can’t blame you for my mom’s unhealthy attitude toward men.”
“Forget it.”
“Kayla? Ty?”
Kayla turned to see the minister from their church, Randall Jenkins, walk into the cafeteria.
“I forgot to tell you I called the prayer chain at church,” Ty told Kayla as the gray-haired man walked toward their table.
“I’m sorry I took so long to get here. I was in a meeting and just got your message.” The older man pulled up a chair. “How is she?”
“She had a stroke and is paralyzed on her left side. It’ll take a long time, but the doctor said a full recovery is possible.”
The minister laid his hand on Kayla’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry. What can I do?”
Kayla shrugged. “I don’t know right now. She won’t be home for a while. I’m only down here now because she’s sleeping.”
“I want you to know there are a lot of people at church who are willing to help. Once she’s home, we can help provide meals and even someone to stay with her when needed.”
Kayla felt the flow of tears begin again, overwhelmed by the show of love as the older man began to pray for complete healing for her mother as well as strength for her in the coming weeks.
Kayla looked up when he was finished. “Thank you.”
He shoved his thick glasses up the bridge of his nose. “We’re here for you. Call me if there’s anything else that needs to be done.”
“I appreciate it, too, Pastor Jenkins.” Ty reached out to shake the minister’s hand.
“Take my advice, Kayla. Go home and get some sleep.”
Kayla yawned. “I will. Besides the fact that I’m outnumbered, I’m too tired to argue.”
The waitress slid the plate of hamburger and french fries on the table in front of Kayla. Ty handed her the salt and pepper. “Then as soon as you’re done eating, let’s get you home.”
nine
Kayla stifled a yawn and tried to concentrate on the fresh basil she was chopping. Between trying to keep the catering business going, packing up her apartment, and visiting her mother every day for the past two weeks at the hospital, she was exhausted. She yawned again then set down the sharp knife, forcing her eyes to focus. If she wasn’t careful, she’d do something foolish and be the next one taken to the emergency room. And that was something she couldn’t afford.
The back door squeaked open, and Jenny tottered through the entryway with two heavy sacks of fresh produce in her arms.
“You’re early.” Kayla smiled, wishing it was as easy to change her mood as it was to plaster on a happy face.
“Traffic was light. And besides, got to be prompt for the boss.” Jenny flashed her a grin. “She can be an ogre at times.”
“Very funny.” Kayla couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend’s jovial expression. Jenny had been a lifesaver the past two weeks, not only in filling in where needed but also helping to keep Kayla’s spirits up.
“How’s your mom?” Jenny set the sacks on the counter then slid off her fleece jacket. With October halfway over, the lingering Indian summer that had kept temperatures pleasant was quickly fading into winter’s cooler weather.
“She’s making slow progress, but at least it’s progress. I’m hoping she’ll be home by the end of the week.”
&nb
sp; “That’s good news, but I know all of this is hard on you.” Jenny squeezed Kayla’s shoulder before hanging her coat on the rack behind the door. “I keep telling you to take some time off. You have enough qualified staff to fill in the holes, and I can run a tight ship. You don’t have to do everything.”
Kayla reached for the half dozen eggs she’d boiled earlier and began chopping them. An afternoon off was tempting, but one look at this week’s schedule was enough to remind her they needed every person working full-time. “You know I appreciate the offer, but I’m the one Mom’s counting on to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
“An afternoon off won’t bring about the demise of the company.” Jenny started unpacking the produce, and while her motherly tone spoke volumes Kayla didn’t miss the gleam in her eyes.
Kayla turned to Jenny and set her hands squarely on her hips. “What is it? You’ve got that I’m-dying-to-tell-you-something expression on your face.”
“Who me?” Jenny laughed then held up her left hand. “Greg finally asked me to marry him last night.”
“And you were going to tell me when?” Kayla squealed and grabbed her friend’s hand, staring at the pear-shaped diamond. “It’s stunning.”
“I know. I never knew he had such good taste.”
“He chose you, didn’t he?” She gave her friend a hug. “When’s the big day?”
“Sometime in the spring.” Jenny went back to unloading the sacks. “What about you and Ty? You don’t talk about him very much anymore. Isn’t it about time for the two of you to follow us down the road toward marital bliss?”
Kayla frowned and dumped the basil and eggs in with the fresh crabmeat, wondering when Jenny had begun rooting for the man who once broke her heart. More times than she could remember she’d wanted to bare her heart to Jenny and Chloe, but something had always stopped her. Her mother’s outburst at her birthday party had cinched her resolve to keep the details of their relationship to herself. This was just something she would have to handle on her own. Still, no matter what the rest of the world thought, Ty didn’t need to prove himself to her. He’d already done that.