Anything For Love

by Janelle Taylor

  “Rachel, don’t worry about me when you hear the news about that accident yesterday. I’m okay. I’ll call again tonight and explain everything.”

  At that moment, the phone rang and Rachel snatched up the receiver.

  “Rachel, it’s me, love.”

  “Quentin! Thank God you’re alive! Where are you? What happened? I’ve been crazy with worry,” she told him amidst ragged sobs.

  “Stop crying, love, I’m in the hospital, but I’m fine. Well, almost fine. I’ve got some problems, but the doctors are taking care of them. I tried to call you at Becky’s after they brought me here but I didn’t get an answer before they knocked me out for the night. I tried again this morning before they hauled me off to operate on my knee and shoulder. I’ve been in and out all day, catching up on my beauty sleep,” he jested to calm her.

  “Becky and I spent the night over here because we needed to use my computer. I heard about the accident when the game started tonight. They scared the life out of me until I listened to your message just now.”

  “I was watching, too, but I had to wait until the nurse finished taking my blood pressure and temperature before I could call again. From what those guys said, anybody who hasn’t heard what happened yesterday probably thinks I’m dead. I hope they set the record straight before the game ends. I’ve already talked to my parents so they wouldn’t get caught off guard like you did. I’m sorry they frightened you.”

  “I’m just thankful you’re all right. How are you really doing? Tell me the truth, Quentin Rawls.”

  “Sore, but fine, honestly. I can’t say the same for my Dodge pickup; it’s a crisp. The other car went over a steep embankment, turned over several times, and landed upside down against a tree. A woman and her two kids were trapped inside by their seat belts, and the mother was unconscious. The gas tank was ruptured and fuel was pouring out; I was afraid the car would explode before help arrived, so I had to get them out and away from danger fast. The doors were crunched and jammed shut, so I used a rock to break windows to reach them. I got some cuts removing them, a bad one on my throwing arm, and I put my shoulder and knee out of commission again carrying them up that slippery embankment. I knew I was hurt and damaging them worse in my rush, but I had no choice; I couldn’t let them die. The surgeon worked on that cut tendon last night, and two others repaired my knee and shoulder today. They told me I was out for the season and might not be able to ever play again, so I had my agent tell Coach Switzer I was retiring. He’s a good man, and that lets him off the hook about deciding my future with the team.”

  “The announcers were right; you’re a real hero and I’m proud of you. I’m sorry about your injuries, Quentin; I know you didn’t want your career to end this way.”

  “It’s all right, love; in fact, it probably gave me a good way out, too. I’m more than ready to enjoy this extra time I was given.”

  “Maybe this is why God kept you on the team this long; He needed for you to be at that scene yesterday to save those people’s lives.”

  “Could be. At least He allowed me to go out in pride and glory. The doctors said I would be released on Sunday, but I’ll have to get therapy and other treatments after Labor Day. It’s a madhouse here with the media, and the staff is taking excellent care of me, so why don’t you wait for me there? I’ll fly in on Monday. You know what this means, don’t you?”

  “What?” she asked, wanting to fly to his side immediately.

  “We can get married as soon as we get things settled and I’m patched up enough for our honeymoon. Say within the next few weeks?”

  “That sounds wonderful, perfect. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve already mentioned you and our future plans to the media.”

  “Of course I don’t mind; that makes it official.”

  “Yep, and it is. Soon, we can get down to planning and enjoying our marriage. For a minute there, I thought it was over for me. Lordy, it was scary watching that big truck sliding toward me and I not being able to do anything to get out of his path; that woman couldn’t, either. She and those kids are doing fine, too, mostly cuts and bruises. Her husband came to see me and it was a real emotional visit; he credits me with saving their lives. We’re all lucky to be alive, and lucky our injuries aren’t any worse than they are. I’m sorry that trucker was killed, but he should’ve had his seat belt on and shouldn’t have been driving in that condition. Oh, no, here’s the nurse with another shot; she’s planning to put out my lights again so I have to go. I’ll call tomorrow. Don’t worry; I’m fine.”

  “I bet you were scared out of your wits,” Becky told Rachel when her friend called and explained what had happened.

  “The minutes between those announcers’ words and listening to his message on the answering machine were the longest and most tormenting ones of my life. It still frightens me to realize how close I came to losing him. I couldn’t have endured that loss, Becky, I couldn’t have.”

  “I know, Rach, and I’m thankful he’s alive. He was unselfish and brave to rescue those other people. You must be so proud of him.”

  “I am, and that’s the kind of man he is, why I love him so much, why I need him to be a part of my life.”

  Becky was glad to share Rachel’s joy.

  “I know you’ll be ecstatic to see him on Monday.”

  “Blissfully happy. I wish I could see him now, but he’s right about me staying here. All I could do is sit by his bed and get in the way. I’m sure his room and the hall are flooded with people. I just hope they don’t overtire him and he has a relapse. Heavens, I miss him.”

  “He’ll be with you soon, and he said he’s doing fine. Don’t worry.”

  “I will worry until I see that fact for myself.”

  “You should drink some brandy to settle your nerves and to help you get a good night’s sleep. I’m sure you’re still tense. Do you want me to come over and sit with you for a while or spend the night?”

  “Thanks, but I’ll be fine now that I’ve talked with him.”

  “I’m sorry about my answering machine being turned off last night. Scott usually handles the messages. After I checked it, I forgot to reset it before we went over to your house. I’m glad Scott didn’t get to his hotel until it was too late to phone or he would have been worried about me.”

  “I’m sure he would have called me or Jen to locate you. The only reason Quentin didn’t call here Wednesday night was because I told him I would be at your house. When he couldn’t reach me there, he assumed we were out eating or running late errands before they sedated him. Will you phone Jen and tell her what happened? I’m too emotionally exhausted and keyed up for another chat; but if she and Adam hear about it during the football game or on the late news, she’ll be frantic with concern about me.”

  “You just relax and I’ll take care of it, Rach.”

  “Thanks for being there for me tonight, Becky.”

  Rachel was overjoyed to hear from Quentin Friday afternoon. He sounded wonderful; his voice, clearer; his mood, calm and reassuring.

  “You’re all over the newspapers and on every newscast. I saw pictures of the truck, your pickup and the woman’s car on TV. It was awful, Quentin. If they had shown them before I talked with you, I would have been crazed with panic. It’s hard to believe anybody walked away from that accident.”

  “God was watching over us; luck had nothing to do with it. You wouldn’t believe how many interviews I’ve given when the doctors allowed visitors and I’m awake. Cards, flowers, gifts, calls, and telegrams are pouring in; it makes me feel great to know so many people care about me and wish me well. I got your flowers, too, and they’re the best ones I received. That was clever of you to send tropical ones to remind me of when we met and wicked of you to start me to fantasizing about those days and nights together, not to mention future ones. I’m aching to see you, Rachel Gaines.”

  “If you aren’t released on Sunday or you can’t come here on Monday
, I’m flying over there.”

  “I’ll book your flight myself if they don’t release me or say I can’t travel; but don’t worry, that won’t happen. Vance is driving me to the airport and loading me on the plane. Half the team’s already been by to see me and most of the others are coming by later or tomorrow. Perry and Ryan brought me the game ball. And the team owner decided to retire my jersey number; that’s quite an honor. One of the major networks called my agent and wants to do a program about my life and career. Time, Newsweek, US, People, Sports Illustrated, and several football and other magazines are featuring me on their next covers. This was a tough way to become a big news item, but it’s nice of them to consider me worthy of such praise and attention. And that trucking firm’s insurance company has already contacted me about a settlement, a big one, Rachel; they’re worried about me suing them and causing bad publicity. The firm knows they were negligent in keeping that driver on and they know the accident ended my career, so they’re being very generous and quick to resolve the matter. I’m sure they’ll do the same with the Carter family.”

  “That’s wonderful, Quentin; they were at fault and should be held accountable. You’re a hero, so you fully deserve all of this attention. I’ll buy a copy of each magazine and start a family scrapbook. How are Mrs. Carter and the children? I also saw their pictures in the newspaper and on TV; they’re a nice-looking family.”

  “The kids were treated and released, and she should be out soon. They’re holding her for observation for a head injury; she slammed it hard against the window during the roll-overs. It was fortunate she had those kids strapped in securely or they would have been injured badly. Of course, you saw that her car is a burned wreck just like my truck. She and her husband dropped by to visit me for a few minutes; I don’t have to tell you how grateful they are to me. I’ve even gotten thank-you gifts from both of their families and some of their friends. Now, let’s talk about you. What’s on your agenda until I get there?”

  “First, how are the knee, arm, and shoulder?” “Sore and bruised, but the doctor says I should heal nicely. He did stress I can’t play football again or I’d risk permanent disability; that’s why the insurance company and trucking firm were so nervous and were swift with a settlement offer. Would you believe, the firm is a Cowboy’s sponsor and they’ve used several team members in their commercials? They even tried to sweeten my deal with a lucrative endorsement contract, but I doubt I’ll accept that. My amateur acting days are over. I’m ready and eager to head in another direction, with you and ranching.”

  Rachel recalled how complicated and frightful insurance settlements could be, in particular when a double indemnity clause was involved for an accidental death as in Daniel’s case. It was thanks to her intelligent lawyer and agent, Scott’s father, that she had fared well and avoided problems with another company who tried to lower her claim with charges of negligence against the crashed jet. “You are going to let your lawyer and insurance adjuster advise you on the matter before you sign a release, right?”

  “I’ve already spoken to both of them and they’ll study the papers as soon as they’re ready. Back to you, woman. Tell me more.”

  “We’re ready for the celebrity auction next Saturday. If you feel up to it, you can go with me and give the audience a thrill, but decide after you get here. I’ve been working on my novel. I hoped to complete it before you finished the season; now that things have changed, I can do that at the ranch, in my new office. I’m already typing resignation letters for my organizations, clubs, and boards. I’ll get friends to take over any unfinished projects before I leave town. Jen, Adam, Becky, and Scott said to tell you hello and to get well soon; they’re all looking forward to seeing you. If you’re up to it, we’ll have dinner with them at the country club after you arrive here and get some rest.”

  “Dinner with our friends and the auction suit me fine. Those other matters sound terrific; I’m glad you’re getting things settled so you can move soon. Anything else new?”

  “I spoke with the Dorothy and Richard Gaines this morning.”

  “I hope they didn’t upset you,” he said before she explained.

  “Actually, they were nice to me for a change. They were surprised and delighted to recover their candy stock and rental properties. I think they believed I was holding on to them or might sell them to somebody else for spite. It seems as if I scored big points with them. That isn’t important to me anymore, but it might improve their relationship with my girls. That would be nice for Karen and Evelyn and their families. It should also ease any tension between the girls and their aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s a shame Cynthia and Suzannah, their families, and my children were caught in the middle of that unpleasant situation for years. Now that I’m not viewed as the arch enemy, perhaps things will be different, better, for everybody.”

  “I hope so, Rachel, for your daughters’ sakes; it’s terrible to have a rift between them and their grandparents. Families should be close. I’m glad your Evelyn and Karen have accepted me in your life and I’m eager to meet them next year. Speaking of families, if you don’t have anything scheduled for next week, would you like to drive down to Colquitt and meet my family? Say Tuesday through Thursday? That would get you back in time to rest Friday for the weekend auction.”

  “That suits me fine, Quentin, if you’re up to it.”

  “I will be, and Mom will take good care of us. I have to hang up now; company is arriving in a drove; the Cowboys are galloping in,” he chuckled. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Later, Rachel phoned her daughters and was fortunate to reach them without difficulty, as Evelyn was at home in Japan and Karen was aboard the ship doing medical tests. She related the news about Quentin and chatted with each for almost an hour. The girls were relieved to hear about Quentin’s escape from near death and advised their mother not to wait until they returned, but to marry him as soon as possible to begin a new life of happiness. They were delighted to hear the good news about their grandparents and hoped aloud that peace would now reign in the family.

  Rachel snuggled in her bed on Sunday night after talking with Quentin. She was almost too excited to sleep. He was supposed to come tomorrow and she prayed nothing would happen to prevent his arrival.

  Sixteen

  “Considering what you’ve been through, you look wonderful,” Rachel told Quentin after hugging and kissing him. She noticed the bandage on his left forearm where a cut tendon had been repaired. She could detect another bandage under his shirt at his left shoulder where surgery had been done. His knee was in a brace to hold it straight during the healing process, so his movements were restricted. There were other scrapes and bruises on his handsome face and on both arms from his accident and from his rescue of the Carter family.

  “Believe me, I’ve looked worse after being sacked a few times or from slipping and sliding up and down a muddy field for hours. You should have seen me the day I was tackled and thrown into a sideline camera; my helmet was knocked off and I broke my nose and had fifteen stitches in my head. I was a bloody mess. As for you, woman, you look ravishing.”

  Rachel hugged and kissed him again, being careful not to aggravate his recent injuries. “Heavens, it’s good to see you. It seems like years. I just want to look at you, make sure you’re all right.” Her gaze drifted over his face as if examining every inch of it.

  “I’m going to be fine as soon as I’m healed and I finish my therapy.”

  “You should have called and told me you got an earlier flight so I could pick you up at the airport.”

  “I wanted to surprise you; it was no trouble getting a taxi and the driver took care of my luggage; he’s a big fan of mine. How’s that for luck?”

  “Everybody should be a fan of yours after what you’ve done. Heavens, I’ve got you standing at the door when you should be off that leg. Let me help you inside; then I’ll get your luggage. You’re staying here with me so I can take care of you, and I don’t care what anyone sa
ys about it. Playing doctor will be fun.”

  “I like that twinkle in your eye, woman. I promise to be a perfect patient. Just tell me what to do and I’ll follow orders.”

  “Let’s sit you on the sofa and I’ll prop up that leg.”

  “I would prefer to relax in the sunroom if you don’t mind.”

  Rachel assisted him to the wicker sofa in the Florida room, put his foot on a chair, and asked if he needed anything else.

  “A cold drink and some paper towel to mop this sweat would be great. It’s hot today.”

  After Rachel satisfied his wishes, she collected his luggage from the front porch and placed it in the foyer, to carry upstairs later. Right now, she needed to spend time with him. She returned to find Quentin grinning. “What’s that sly look about?” she asked.

  As he put aside the wad of wet towels, he said, “I was wondering why you turned that diver upside down in the aquarium. He’s trapped a fish. If he stays tangled, he’ll drown or starve.”

  Rachel walked to the oblong tank and leaned over to check the problem. Her green gaze widened and her heart fluttered for a moment. Quentin’s grin had broadened and his blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in sunlight. “What’s that?”

  “A sunken treasure for my beautiful treasure.”

  Rachel put her hand in the water and recovered the diamond ring he had nestled in the plastic treasure chest. She absently dried her dripping hand and arm on her T-shirt and went to sit beside him, holding the ring between her thumb and forefinger and gazing at it in awe. “This was your second sneaky trick today, Mr. Rawls. It’s stunning, and the stone is so large.”

  Quentin chuckled as he took it from her and slipped it on her finger. “Now we’re officially engaged, if you agree. I can’t get down on my knee to propose in style, but you will marry me, won’t you?”

  “Yes, a thousand times yes. I love you so much, Quentin. This is such a huge surprise. How did you shop for this beauty in your condition? When? You just got out of the hospital yesterday and that was a Sunday, and you caught a plane early this morning. Did you buy it before the accident?”