He didn’t know how Craig was able to get so much information about what had happened, or how he’d been able to work it to where Jerry could see her, but he would be forever grateful.
Rayne had been at the hospital a few hours. She’d been in and out of consciousness. They hadn’t been able to contact anyone on her behalf because she had arrived with no ID. Her cell phone and purse had been stolen along with her car.
Carjacked.
The moment Craig had spoken the words, panic seized Jerry’s body. That panic had soon turned to anger when he’d found out about her injuries. Concussion. Bruises. She’d even had to get stitches for a deep cut near her hairline. He wanted to strangle the bastards who had attacked her. The police had apprehended one suspect, but they were still looking for his accomplice.
The nurse Jerry had been walking with slowed when they arrived to an area that had several beds with curtains around them.
“She’s in the last bay,” the nurse said before excusing herself.
Jerry heard Rayne before he saw her, and his heart slammed against his chest.
“Please, I have to get to my daughter. They’re going to take her from me,” she cried. “They’re going to take her.”
“Ma’am, I need you to calm down.”
“No! I can’t let them take her. I have to get out of here.”
Jerry hurried past a couple of occupied beds and stopped when he reached the area where Rayne was laying. The machine she was hooked up to beeped faster as she tried unhooking it from her arm, but the nurse stopped her.
“Rayne,” he said, and his breath caught when she faced him. The large rectangular bandage on the side of her forehead stood out like a neon sign, but it was the rest of her that gave him pause.
Her weary, light-brown eyes met his. It was like taking a punch to the gut seeing the unhealthy pallor of her skin. Her long, disheveled hair hung free around her shoulders, and she almost didn’t look like herself.
“Jerry,” she said on a sob, tear stains streaking her face. “I didn’t get Stormy from daycare. The State’s going to take her away from me if I don’t—”
“Baby, I have her. Stormy is fine. I have her,” he repeated when it seemed his words weren’t registering. Then she burst into tears.
Jerry gently gathered her in his arms and stared up at the ceiling, silently giving thanks that she was okay. The relief flooding his body almost brought him to his knees, and he had to swallow the emotion clogging his throat.
First Stormy’s break down, now Rayne’s. He couldn’t handle their tears. Seeing them both upset and in pain felt like someone was ripping his heart from his chest.
When the nurse stepped out of the small area, giving them some privacy, Jerry climbed onto the narrow bed to be closer to Rayne. He released an exhausted sigh and a wave of possessiveness seized him. Outside of his immediate family, he had never worried about anyone but himself. Until today. Today he experienced what it was like to almost lose someone he loved.
Rayne put her arm across his waist and snuggled closer. Thank God she was safe.
“I will never let anyone hurt you again.”
*
Hours later, Rayne allowed Jerry to guide her up the wide staircase that led to two of his three bedrooms. She hadn’t protested when he insisted that she and Stormy stay with him for a few days. In fact, Rayne was grateful for all that he’d done for them. If she didn’t know how much he cared about her before, she knew now.
She also appreciated his parents. While at the hospital, Violet and Thomas had stayed in the waiting room with Stormy, who had been sleeping when Rayne was finally released. Even feeling as if she’d been run over by a semi-truck, Rayne couldn’t get to her child fast enough. She hadn’t wanted to let her go even when Jerry insisted on Stormy riding in her booster seat while he drove them to his place.
When Rayne woke up that morning, she’d been in a great mood knowing that she and Jerry had big plans for the weekend. But she should’ve known better than to get excited about anything. That’s not how her life worked. That morning, all in the span of an hour, her smiles had dissolved into tears and pain. Only someone with her kind of luck could lose their job and get carjacked on the same day.
“Ladybug, we’ll get your mommy settled and then I’ll fix you something to eat, okay?” Jerry said, interrupting Rayne’s thoughts.
“Okay,” Stormy said quietly.
Jerry was carrying her in one arm, while his other arm was securely wrapped around Rayne’s waist. Rayne was trying not to lean against him too much, but she barely had enough energy to keep her head up. The jackhammer pounding inside her skull was relentless. Her head felt as if it was going to explode.
But it wasn’t lost on her that Stormy wasn’t her usual talkative self. Jerry had filled Rayne in on her crying spell at the daycare and how despondent her daughter had been since then. Rayne couldn’t say much since she herself didn’t feel much like talking either. But the bright light that usually shone in her baby’s eyes had dimmed and it worried her. Stormy didn’t have bad days.
“You and Ladybug can use my bedroom. The sheets are clean and you should be able to find the basics of what you’ll need in the bathroom. If—”
“You don’t have to give up your room,” Rayne insisted, but Jerry shuffled them toward his bedroom as if she hadn’t said anything.
“I want you to be comfortable and have plenty of space. I’ll use the guest room.”
His third bedroom, which was on the ground level, was used as a game room and had a pool table set up in the middle of the space. While the other two bedrooms and two of the bathrooms were on the top level.
Once they stepped into the master bedroom, Jerry set Stormy on her feet and then helped Rayne to the huge, king-size bed. “I know you wanted to shower, but why don’t you lay down a little while.”
Rayne didn’t argue. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and hold her baby girl until they both fell asleep.
She gently laid her head on the pillow and relief flooded through her body. Her eyes drifted closed but popped open when the bed dipped with Jerry sitting next to her, concern in his eyes. Stormy eased up to him, but Rayne didn’t have the energy to coax her daughter into the bed.
“I’m sorry,” Rayne said, wanting to tell them both how bad she felt about ruining all of their weekend plans. But the words wouldn’t come. Her head throbbed just as much as her heart ached. If only she could turn back time and do that morning over again with different results.
Without a word, Jerry lifted Stormy to his lap and she laid her head against his chest, but her gaze was on Rayne. What are you thinking, baby? Rayne wanted to ask her child but didn’t have the energy. And for the first time since she’d been able to talk in complete sentences, Stormy didn’t tell her what was on her mind.
Jerry ran his hand gently over Rayne’s hair, and a calmness washed over her. She tried to fight the sleepiness that was slowly pulling her under, but it was too strong. She could barely keep her eyes open.
“Get some sleep.” Jerry leaned over and kissed Rayne’s cheek. “Me and Ladybug will be back to wake you up in an hour.”
Before Rayne could respond, sleep overpowered her.
Chapter Eighteen
“CJ, I don’t know what to do,” Jerry said into the cell phone that was plastered against his ear as he paced the length of the family room. His sister had called to coordinate plans for their business trip to San Antonio that was coming up in a couple of weeks, but his focus these days was off.
“Do about what?”
“I don’t know what to do about Rayne. It’s been three days, and she’s still not herself. I’m not sure how to help her.” Jerry knew he sounded like a wuss, but he wanted his girls back to normal. Even his little chatterbox, Stormy, still wasn’t herself.
“I’m sure you being there for Rayne is helping. But, Jay, you gotta realize that’s she’s been through a traumatic experience. It’s demeritorious that she lost her job and got
carjacked within minutes of each other. But even more vexatious, she had to be terrified when those guys took her car.”
Jerry rolled his eyes at his sister’s overuse of words that most people didn’t know the meaning of. Off and on over the years, she went on a learn a new word a day spree, and the family had to put up with her using them during every conversation. Normally, he would tell her to speak English, but she was right about Rayne.
“I think the ordeal is still freaking her out. She’s been jumpier than usual, and though she’s been sleeping a lot, I don’t think it’s been a good sleep.”
“Can you blame her? Every time she closes her eyes, she’s probably reliving that day. Give her some time to recover. She’s been through hell mentally and physically. It’s scary just thinking about getting mugged, let alone having your car stolen.”
Jerry knew his sister was right. The police had finally caught the second guy involved, and thankfully they both had warrants out for their arrest. According to Craig, they could get two to eight years of jail time and a hefty fine.
As far as Jerry was concerned, that wasn’t punishment enough. Rayne was left with injuries, as well as fear, and for that Jerry wanted to beat their asses.
“I’m thinking about taking Rayne and Stormy with me when we go to San Antonio. They can hang out at the hotel while we attend workshops.”
“That’s a good idea. Luke was planning to come with me, but they’re working on a big case and he doesn’t think he can get away.”
Christina’s husband had been a defense attorney in New York before moving to Cincinnati. Now he was an attorney at Jerry’s uncle’s law firm.
“Do you think Rayne will agree to go?”
Jerry rubbed the back of his neck. Rayne was barely speaking to him or anyone for that matter. Even Charlee couldn’t get through to her after flying back to town the day after the incident. She had spent the day with Rayne while Jerry was at work, and later confided in him that she’d never seen Rayne so despondent.
“Jerry?” Christina called out.
“Yeah, I’m here, and to answer your question, I don’t know if Rayne will agree to go, but I can’t leave them here. I need them with me.”
“Aww, look at you. My little brother is finally growing up and thinking about someone other than himself,” CJ cracked.
Jerry didn’t respond because it was true. As the baby in the family, he’d admit that he was spoiled, and rarely did he think of anyone other than himself.
But Rayne and Stormy had quickly found their way into his heart. They were a part of his life, and their happiness and safety were his top priority. They’d been through enough, especially Rayne, and he wanted to be the one to give them a different type of life. But he was so out of his element, Jerry feared one wrong move on his part might have Rayne putting her guards back up, or worse, leaving him.
“Listen, I know you’re worried about Rayne, but I think in this situation, you’re going to have to give her time to recover. All you can do is be there for her, and it can’t hurt to ask if she wants to go to San Antonio with you. Just be prepared if she says no.”
No wasn’t an option. He wasn’t leaving them in Cincinnati alone, and he couldn’t miss this conference. Nick had pretty much promised him the foreman’s job, and Jerry wanted to show his cousin that he wouldn’t let personal problems stop him from doing his job.
His other concern about asking Rayne to go to San Antonio was her past. Would she even consider going back to the town that held so many bad memories?
“You know what?” Christina said.
“What?”
“If you’re that concerned about your woman, get mom to talk to her. If anyone can get her back on her feet, it’s Violet Jenkins.”
Jerry nodded in agreement even though Christina couldn’t see him. A few minutes later, he took her advice and called their mother.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she answered on the first ring, her voice as cheerful as usual.
“Hey, Mom. I…I need your help.”
*
Rayne slowly opened her eyes. For the first time in days, her brain didn’t feel as if it was trying to claw its way out of her head. The bruise on the back of her head and cut on the side of her forehead were still tender, but at least the aches were bearable.
A light knock sounded at the bedroom door before it swung open. Rayne expected Stormy to walk in, but instead, Violet floated in carrying a tray of food.
It always amazed Rayne how the older woman moved with such grace, like she was floating on a cloud, her feet barely touching the floor.
“Oh good, you’re awake. Good morning.”
“Morning.”
Rayne eased up in bed, pulling the sheet up to her waist. She hadn’t expected anyone other than Jerry and Stormy, and was glad she wore nice lounging pajamas. When Charlee had flown in for a day, she had packed up some of Rayne and Stormy’s clothes and brought them to Jerry’s place.
Violet set the tray at the foot of the bed then glided to the windows, her long floral dress billowing around her ankles. With the theatrics of an actress, she gripped the curtains and swung her arms out, opening them with a dramatic flourish.
“It’s such a beautiful day,” she said wistfully, as if seeing the sun for the first time ever.
Rayne watched with interest as the woman held her head back, closed her eyes, then smiled as she stood soaking up the rays.
Clearly, she loved life’s simple pleasures. If Rayne had just a little of Violet’s vivaciousness, she could dig out of the rut she seemed to keep falling into.
When I grow up, I want to be just like her.
The random thought almost brought a smile to Rayne’s face. Instead, she squinted against the burst of sunlight that poured into the room.
Violet adjusted the curtains, then moved back to the bed.
“I heard you haven’t been eating, and I think it’s time we changed that. How do you feel?”
“Better.” At least physically, Rayne thought. Mentally and emotionally, she couldn’t seem to pull herself together. “How are you?” she asked, accepting the tray of food Violet handed her.
“I’m well, but I’m concerned about you and thought it was time I stopped by for a visit.”
Rayne gave a slight nod, but she really wasn’t up for company. Instead of saying that though, her gaze dropped to the food on the tray.
“My little helper downstairs would be very disappointed if you didn’t eat what she has prepared. She told me that grilled cheese sandwiches and apples with peanut butter are your favorites. Stormy also mentioned that you like gummy bears with your lunch,” Violet said seriously, with a twinkle in her eyes.
Rayne smiled. Her heart melted as she looked at the tray filled with her daughter’s favorite foods.
“God, I love that kid,” she said more to herself than Violet. Rayne realized how much she missed hugging and talking to her baby girl.
“And she loves you.” Violet grabbed one of the cups of tea that was on the tray and sat in the upholstered chair that Jerry had moved close to the bed days ago. “She also misses you. We all do.”
Rayne’s stomach tightened at that last comment. She missed them too. Even having Jerry, and Stormy around daily, Rayne felt as lost and lonely as she had when Kirk died. She couldn’t shake the heavy weight pressing down on her chest.
“Oh, and the Tylenol is from Jerry.” Violet gestured to the unopened medicine bottle sitting on the tray next to the apple juice. “He said you’d probably need it.”
Guilt lodged in Rayne’s throat. Jerry had been by her side and had taken care of Stormy as if they were his responsibility. He hadn’t asked anything of Rayne. He wasn’t stressing her to snap out of whatever funk she was in. And he hadn’t complained while she wallowed in self-pity.
No one had ever taken care of her the way he’d been doing.
“Maybe we can chat while you eat.” Violet sipped her tea, steam rising above the rim.
Even though she was
n’t really hungry, Rayne felt obligated to at least taste the food. She started with the grilled cheese sandwich that had been cut diagonally…just the way she always cut Stormy’s.
Rayne bit into the sandwich and tears filled her eyes, but no way was she going to cry in front of Violet.
God, what is wrong with me?
“I don’t know what my problem is,” Rayne choked out, resting her head against the headboard. “I miss Jerry and Stormy so much. Even though they’ve been by my side every day, I can’t seem to shake this…this…” Rayne sighed, frustrated that she couldn’t find the words to express what exactly she was feeling.
“I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through, but I recognize depression when I see it.” Violet set her mug on the nightstand. Leaning forward in her seat, she reached for Rayne’s hand. “Sweetheart, I know the last few days have been rough, and it takes time to bounce back. But you can’t stop living when bad things happen.”
“I feel like a failure. All of my life I’ve tried to turn bad situations into good ones. Yet, each time I think that I’m finally on the right track and have taken the right path, I get sideswiped and knocked on my butt. I’m so tired of trying.”
“What would be the alternative?”
Giving up, Rayne wanted to say but wouldn’t dare speak the words out loud. She might get down on herself and have considered giving up more times than she could count, but she never did. And I never will.
The words floated inside her mind, but right now she was having a hard time believing them.
“I don’t have a job. I don’t have a car. I don’t have money, and without those things, I’m not going to have a place to live. I—”
“Stop talking about what you don’t have and look at what you do have. You have the sweetest little girl downstairs who misses her mommy. You have a wonderful man who is crazy about you despite what you have or don’t have. You have brains, beauty, and a resiliency that many people don’t possess.
A Lesson on Love Page 14