“Excuse me. If you’re here for Michael and don’t know me, I’m his mother, Laura. His father and I want to thank you all for your support of our son. He is lucky to have friends who care so much. He is currently holding his own, resting comfortably and I’ll ask that you all go home and get some rest. Pete will notify you when there is a change.”
We all stood, looking at each other. Meredith puts her arm around my shoulders. “I know you won’t leave. Can I get you anything?”
“No. Thank you for staying and helping me earlier.”
“I can come back and sit with you.”
“Thank you but I’m fine. I just know I need to stay.”
Meredith hugs me then walks away.
Jeff and Stan are leaving as well. Stan grabs my hand. “You have our numbers.”
Jeff kisses my cheek. “He’s strong. Call when he wakes up.”
“I will.”
Pete speaks to me before leaving, then Mrs. Tucker comes over as I’m the only one left.
“You must be Jamie.”
“Yes, I am.
I hope you don’t mind, but I’m staying.”
She gives me a sweet motherly smile. “I know you will. He would be upset if I sent you home. Are you doing alright? It was a scary situation and I heard you got shot.”
“I was shot in my leg—grazed rather. I have a few stitches.”
“Did they give you something to help you sleep?”
“Yes, but I refused it.”
“I have a room at the Premier Hotel. Would you like to come back with us and rest?”
“No, I need to be here.”
Without another word, she moves to the nurse’s station. After a few minutes she returns.
“I made some arrangements for you to shower. Do you know you have blood all over you?”
I looked down. “No.”
She holds out her hand. “Come with me. Nurse Pell here is going to take you to a shower and give you scrubs to wear.”
“You can call me if you need anything else.”
“Thank you.” I leave with Pell.
After a crying spell in the shower and cleaning off blood from my skin, I dress and head to the emergency room waiting area. His mom is sitting in a chair, arms crossed, looking at her phone.
“Did something change?”
“No. I wanted to leave you some coffee and a sandwich. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”
“I’m sure.”
“Try and get some rest. He will be asleep for a while.”
She turns and leaves, but I want her back. I want stories of him as a child—ones only his mother can tell. The waiting room is busy, so I sit in the corner. After a couple of hours, I go down the hall to see him, hoping I won’t get caught by a nurse. I open the door, then go over, pulling a chair next to his bed. It’s been hours and I feel he’s really asleep now with the medication they gave him. His breathing is steady. I lean my head down on the side of his bed. I whisper to myself not wanting to wake him. I love you.
*
I awake to fingers gently moving in my hair and the sun coming through the window. I look up to see Michael smiling. A sigh of relief and a smile takes over my face. “Hey, you.”
“How long have you been sitting here?”
“Not sure. Are they aware you’re awake?”
“No. I’m enjoying a quiet moment. Besides, you were sleeping.”
“How’s your head?”
“It hurts.”
“Let’s call the nurse.”
“Not yet.” His finger rubs across my hand. “Are you okay? How’s the leg?”
“A few stitches is all. I met your mom last night.”
“What about my father?”
“I saw him, but he left to handle things at 42.”
The door opens and a nurse comes in. “Mr. Tucker, nice to see you’re up. How do you feel?”
“I have a headache.”
“To be expected. I’ll page the doctor to get an order for medicine.” She cuts her eyes at me, but a smile crosses her face. “Can I get you anything?”
“No ma’am.”
She nods, and then leaves the room to return with a doctor as I leave, so they can do their assessment. I close the door behind me when I hear my name.
“Jamie.” His mother and father approach his room.
“How is he?”
“His head hurts, but he’s smiling.”
“That’s good.” His mom gestures to her husband. “This is Michael’s dad, Harrison.”
He reaches over to take my hand. He’s tall with thick slightly grey hair and is wearing a navy blue suit. “Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Morgan. I’m sorry you had to endure the trauma of the robbery. I heard what you did to try and help our son. I would like to talk more about what you saw—maybe at lunch later?”
“I can make that work. Excuse me.”
*
I go to the restroom to freshen up, then head off to the vending machine for coffee. My stomach growls, begging me to eat, but nothing is appealing except a bag of pretzels. I’m sitting when his dad comes down the hall. He stops to speak with a nurse, then comes over to me.
“He’s as stubborn as they come.” His phone vibrates. “Laura will fill you in, excuse me.”
Ten minutes later his mom comes out. “They’re going to keep him a day or two more, then he can come home. He was never a fussy child when he was sick, so hopefully he’ll be good for you. He wanted me to send you back inside. I’ll talk with you later. Go home and get some real sleep.”
I smile at her, then head for his room.
“I hear you’ll survive?”
He laughs, grabbing his middle. “I hope you don’t mind, but I volunteered you to take care of me so they can return home.”
“I’m up for the challenge, you know that.”
“I do. Nurse Murphy is going to get me breakfast. I’ll be fine if you want to go home and sleep.”
“Okay. I’ll prepare the apartment for your convalescence. Any special request?”
“Tacos.”
“You got it. I’m glad you are going to be alright.” I leave the room, feeling better knowing he will be home soon.
Michael
A few days have passed since I’ve left the hospital and Jamie is all set to take over my care. My parents stopped by before going to the airport, but a phone call has Dad out on the balcony. Jamie excuses herself so I have some time with Mom.
“Mom, please sit down.”
She sits, taking my hand in hers.
“I’m not going to lie, this one was scary.”
“Well I’m fine. I was more afraid of Jamie leaving with him.”
“I know you were.”
My father walks in the room, putting away his phone.
“Dad any problems with the bar?”
“No, Pete has it under control. I want you to take some time off because the doctor said head injuries can be tricky. I spoke with the Dean and he wishes you a quick recovery notifying all your instructors. Laura, our plane leaves in one hour.”
“Alright.” She gives me one more hug. “Call us if you two need anything.
*
Jamie
I’ve been taking care of Michael for a few days and his mom has only called once. It doesn’t matter how old your baby is—they’re still your baby. His friends came by frequently, usually at mealtime, and in time for a game or two of football. Stacey sent over a “Man Snack Basket” and Michael had me deliver it to the neighbors around the corner not wanting any part of it.
Today, he comes out after his shower, slowly pulling on a shirt, as his body is still sore. I can see bruising from the attack.
“Need help?”
“No, I got it but I’m hungry. How about you?”
“How about a BLT?”
“I’ll get the bacon.”
“No, you have to rest. I’ll bring it over when it’s done. Your mail is on the coffee table if you’re bored. How is your he
ad?”
“Hurts a little. Just a dull ache.”
“Meds are soon. Try leaning your head back and then close your eyes until lunch is ready.”
“I will. Hey—if I haven’t said it today, thank you.”
“You’ve said it and you’re welcome.”
Chapter 18
Thanksgiving arrived this year with me needing to go home for the first time in over a year. The lawyer/executor of my dad’s estate had something to give me. I make arrangements to stay with Ruby while in Texas and to grab dinner with Susan while she visits her parents over break. Michael wants to pay for me to fly, or at least rent me a car, but I have my trusty little truck to take me home, declaring my big girl status. My bags are sitting by the door but I’m hesitant to leave. Michael comes by, grabbing my bags, and stopping at the door, straight out of the shower smelling so good. Just like in my dream last night and two nights before. The time we’ve spent together during his recovery has my heart racing whenever I’m near him and it’s even harder not to touch him or want to steal a kiss. Yes, my feelings for him have changed, but how do I tell him I want more?
“I cooked enough food to share with others if you want.”
“You could stay and eat with me.”
“This is the only time I can go. Besides, the lawyer made it sound important.”
Michael opens the door and I step outside. I watch him. He seems tense, a little on edge. He catches me looking over at him and smiles, but then frowns.
“Why couldn’t he tell you over the phone?”
“He said he has a box of information for me as part of my dad’s last wishes. He was such a basic guy that I can’t imagine what kind of information awaits me.” I open the car door and throw in my backpack. He puts my larger bag in on the passenger side, then shuts the door and comes over to my side.
“Do you have everything you need?”
“Yes.
“You know I could fit in a spontaneous road trip.”
“No, you can’t. I wish you could, but you can’t.”
He looks over the top of the truck. “Call when you get there.”
“You worry too much.”
“Jamie, you’re a girl on the road traveling hundreds of miles, alone. I’m going to worry.”
I step towards him, placing my hands on his waist. His hands come up to rest on my arms. In that slight movement, something shifts and words come out of me clearly.
“You care about me and I care about you. I like how that feels. There are so many things I need to tell you.”
He pulls me into his arms, resting his chin on my head. “I have things to say to you, too. I want more with you.”
I lean back to look up at him. “I want more with you.”
“So it’s true.”
“It is. When I get back things will be different between us.”
“Then hurry back.”
*
I sit in my car looking at Ruby’s house. I throw my phone in my bag after texting Michael to let him know I’ve arrived. I look up in just enough time to see her throw open the front door and come out onto the porch. I get out of my car and run towards her, falling into familiar arms.
“I missed you so much!”
“Let me look at you. Beautiful as ever, but with an extra special something. You’re going to tell me all about him, aren’t you?
“He’s amazing.”
“You’re blushing. Come on in, I fixed some of your favorites.”
She’s speaking the truth; the table is laid out with pork chops, mashed potatoes, green peas, and lemon chess pie with a pitcher of sweet iced tea. We eat and spend the next few hours catching up. She informs me about her new job and tells me what her family is up to. When it finally comes time to go to bed, I put on my oversized Hopson T-shirt and climb in under the covers. Ruby comes in, carrying mugs of hot chocolate.
“You don’t have to wait on me. Let me help.”
“You’re here just a few days, so let me spoil you.” She sits next to me. “So you’re having the conversation when you get back?”
I look down at my cup. “Yes, when I return. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to tell him other than I was punishing myself.”
Ruby looked confused. “What do you mean?”
“Mom died so young, she missed out on so much. Dad spent many years without the love of his life. Their love story was tragic. I felt destined never to find happiness and if I did it wouldn’t last.”
“I agree some love stories are short and unexplainable. But sweetheart, you need to get out there and live your life. You can love and you deserve to be loved. Don’t let what happened to your parents hold you back.”
“I just hope I’m enough for him.”
She touches my cheek. “You’re just scared. Open your heart to this young man because the only regret in your life would be not to.”
I lean over and hug her. “I’ve missed you Ruby.”
*
For the meeting with the lawyer, I choose grey pants and a white blouse with black heels. I hang my coat on the chair at the kitchen table.
“Good morning!” I greet Ruby. “It smells wonderful in here.”
“Well, look at you all grown up. Are those heels? Where are your flip flops?”
“Not appropriate for this meeting.”
“Here’s a cup of coffee and muffins. Now please sit down. You have time.”
She’s right, so I eat two muffins along with an orange. I arrive at the lawyer’s office with five minutes to spare. It’s exactly as I remember, with an old large wooden desk, a bookcase full of books, and chairs trimmed in blue fabric. Mr. Frost comes into the room carrying a box.
“Jamie, it’s nice to see you again. How is school?”
“Good. I guess my dad knew what was best for me. I thought all was settled in his estate so what do you have for me?”
“Please sit down. This box is for you, but not until you read this letter.”
“I don’t understand.”
He hands it to me. “Your father wanted it like this.”
Dear Jamie,
The day we found out about you, I wanted nothing else in the world but to share everything with you. But over the years you taught me so much. My sweet girl, if you are reading this letter, I am sorry, because it means I’m not with you to explain any of what I’m about to tell you. There was a time in my life that I was not the best man for your mom. I traveled miles away from home a couple times during the year to buy cattle and equipment for the farm. On one of those trips I met a woman. She lived a few counties away and we just clicked. It all started so innocently but then led into a three-month affair. Neither of us were strong, so we gave in, acting inappropriately. The guilt of what we had done began to tear at us, so we decided to part ways. I went back to your mom, determined to make our life together better and thanked God every day for her. I found out later that the woman was pregnant with my child. She didn’t want to tell her husband about our affair so she made the decision that she would go back to him, letting him believe the baby was his. She said if I ever told your mom or anyone else that I was the father, she would destroy my life. I went home to tell your mother about the woman and the baby but found out that afternoon the cancer had returned. She had to start receiving treatments immediately, so I never told her. I gave up all rights to the child so I could support your mom during her fight hoping she would never find out. She learned about being pregnant with you one month after treatment ended. She was elated; we knew you were our miracle baby. Our lives took off, going to doctor’s appointments, hearing your heartbeat, watching her belly grow, and then you arrived. All pink with brown fuzz on your head and our hope for the future. A couple years after you were born, the cancer reappeared. My beautiful wife, your mother, the strongest person I knew fought so hard to live, but was taken from us. When I was diagnosed years later with my heart condition, I tried to be sure you would know how much I loved you every day that I had and now I want to tel
l you about your sister. I found out she was attending Hopson University, so I made a bold move to pay tuition so you would have to attend, in hopes that you would meet. I know it was a gamble, but one I had to make for you in case I passed before I could tell you that you are not alone. You filled my heart with joy and I was always so proud of you and blessed to have you as my daughter. I made huge mistakes with my life but I know you will do the right thing in yours. I love you.
Forever your father, Jamison Craig Morgan
I can’t move. All my emotions from sadness, anger to pity, rush through my body at once.
Mr. Frost has sat down next to me. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No. Is this all?”
He’s surprised by my calmness.
“I have a box. Inside, you will find a torn piece of paper with the name Melissa Ann. She was born in Argusta, Texas. There’s also a crinkled baby picture and a section of a baby blanket with the initials MA.
“Why now?”
“If she’s still at Hopson, she’ll graduate this year. I saw Ruby in town one day and asked about you. She said you were doing fine and had adjusted to college life. Your dad wanted you to be stronger, knowing his death would be a shock, so he requested giving you some time. If she’s truly at Hopson— or even if she’s left—you still have a chance to find her. We could hire a private detective to help.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. If that’s all, I’d like to leave.”
“Yes, that’s all. The box is yours. Jamie, if you need anything else, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
*
With box in hand, I leave his office, numb. The air hits my face outside and I start walking, trying to process the letter. I run childhood memories through my brain as I walk away from this information. I see my fearless dad handle a new horse, run a farm, and still have time for me when I needed him. He was always gentle with me when I was hurt, sad, or heartbroken. I remember the feel of his hugs so clearly and how I felt protected, loved. I shake my head, looking up at the sky. A bright yellow sun above me but I still feel a chill. I go back to the law offices, get in my truck, and drive out of town. I stop in front of the cemetery where my parents are buried. I walk the path, seeing my mom’s name first, and tears fill my eyes. I hope she never felt neglected or unwanted by him, because she deserved to be loved. My eyes go to the side where his name is and I just stare at it. He kept his secret from me, so why tell me now? I lost the two most important people in my life—no long lost sister will ever replace them. The longer I look at his name, the more my heart feels empty again. Wiping off my face, I turn away, grabbing my phone from my pocket to call Susan when Ruby’s number shows up on my screen.
My Heart Page 9