by Tiana Cole
“I’m not a nurse, I’m a rocket mechanic, and Mommy’s a doctor like you. But I’ll take care of you, Daddy.” Her little arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“And I’ll return the favor.” He beamed another stunning smile and Zara thought for sure her heart had never felt so full of love and affection for these two people.
“Good morning!” Zara looked up as her parents walked into the room full of smiles and food. “How is everyone?”
Brenda’s greeting was met with smiles and mostly good news.
“I’d be better if I were going home today too.”
Zara rubbed his back soothingly while Brenda patted his face gently. “Let them keep you as long as it takes to make sure you’ll be alright. We’re counting on you to stick around, Caine.” They exchanged a look that said more than any words could have, and seemed to reach an understanding.
Zara felt light and happy, watching her parents fold Caine into their lives and hearts. Her mother set up the rolling table for Caine and Cassia, each sitting on one side and chatting while they ate. It was an image she’d seen in her head millions of times over the years, but she never thought it would come true.
“What on earth is going on in here?”
Zara froze, instantly recognizing that brittle voice belonging to Caine’s horrendous mother. She looked at the woman, dressed to the nines in lavender Chanel, disapproving glare on her too thin face.
Caine groaned. “What are you doing here?”
“You don’t answer my calls and then Stephan tells me you’re in the hospital. Imagine my surprise.” Arms folded, she held herself close as though she was afraid of touching anything. Or anyone.
“I told you I didn’t want to talk to you for a while, yet here you are. Exactly the opposite of what I want.” He rolled his eyes and Zara could feel the tension between them.
“Who are they, Dad?” Cassia touched his arm and he looked down at her, anger vanishing in an instant.
“Dad?” Deborah gasped, about one second away from clenching her pearls. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for this lie.” She glared at Zara. “I guess you’re more savvy than I gave you credit for,” she sneered.
“That’s enough, Mother!” He winced and Zara was at his side in a second.
“You need to leave. Now.” Glaring at the woman responsible for her greatest humiliation, this time Zara would not back down. She wouldn’t let this brittle woman make her feel bad about herself again.
“Pardon me, young woman,” Senator Warner Faulkner stepped in front of his wife, “but this is our son and you can’t kick us out of this room.”
“Excuse me, Senator, but this is also my daughter’s room and I’ll not have your wife upsetting her with her hateful language and discrimination.” They stared at one another, each daring the other to blink, to back down first. “And in case you haven’t noticed, your son has also had major surgery. The last thing he needs is additional stress.” If she needed to, she would involve security.
“Just leave,” Caine groaned, and Zara turned her attention to him, removing the perspiration from his forehead and handing him water. “Thanks, Zee.”
She smiled at him. “You’re welcome. Now just take it easy.”
“This isn’t over.” Deborah sniffed and turned on her heel.
The senator looked confused, casting a glance at Cassia and then back to Caine before following his wife out the door.
“So…that happened,” Caine said, injecting a bit of levity into the situation.
Lyle laughed and soon everyone joined in. Everyone but Zara, because as strong as she was just now, the arrival of his parents suddenly had her feeling uneasy.
Chapter 17
Caine was alone again for the first time in months. Since Zara and then Cassia had entered his life, he hadn’t felt that crushing loneliness that was his constant companion. Today, he felt it from the moment he opened his eyes to find Dottie peering at him with a concerned frown on her face. “What is it, Dottie? You’re hovering.”
She laughed and smacked his leg. “Just checking on my favorite doctor. You have some visitors pretty eager to get in here.” She raised her black brows in question. “The woman’s a real piece of work too.”
He grinned. “Those are my parents, and if you care about me, you will not let anyone allow them here outside visiting hours.” He’d been more than a little surprised when they showed up yesterday, but after the way his mother treated Zara and her family, he wanted as little exposure to them as possible.
“You got it. I’ll pass the word around. How are you feeling?”
He shrugged. “Can’t wait to get out of here. Tomorrow, I hope.” He wanted to be with his girls. Nothing else would do. Dottie left a few minutes later and Caine enjoyed his last moments of freedom before dealing with his parents. But to his surprise, twenty minutes before visiting hours began, Lyle showed up with a plain paper bag.
“How you feeling today, Caine?”
He shrugged but smiled at Zara’s dad. “More ready to go than I was yesterday.”
Lyle nodded and took a seat. “I brought you breakfast. It’s nothing as good as my Brenda cooks up, but this is a man’s breakfast.” Pulling out two paper wrapped breakfast sandwiches, he handed one over. “Eat up.”
Caine savored the sandwich, the buttery croissant and prosciutto and egg was absolutely delicious. “Thanks, Lyle. I thought I would have to eat hospital food today.”
“No thanks necessary, my boy. You’re family now.”
For Zara’s family, it was just that simple. They didn’t care about his last name, his bank balance or trying to curry favor with his father. They cared about Caine as a person, and that was a rare feeling for a man like him. He wouldn’t admit it aloud but Lyle’s words touched him.
“Then I expect you to remember that the next time you need help with something. Zara says you have a problem asking for help.”
He smiled. “My girls worry too much.” He shook his head half amused and half proud. “It’s a good feeling, having women worry about you. Makes a man feel really loved, you know?”
“I’m beginning to.” He was also beginning to see that he’d been more than wrong, he’d been foolish to think he could live his life without this feeling evoked by loving Cassia and her mother. He and Lyle chatted for nearly an hour, laughing, and Caine surprised even himself by talking sports with the man. “It has to be against some kind of law for an Alaskan to be a Cubs fan.”
Lyle chuckled to himself. “I grew up in Chicago, used to go to games all the time with my father and his brothers and their boys. Best times of my childhood and I owe it to the Cubs.”
Caine understood holding on to the good times. “Then let’s cheer them on together.”
Lyle shook his hand and made his way to the door.
“Zara said she’d call to check on you today but she probably won’t make it. Cassia’s eager to check on you and I don’t think she’ll leave until you do if she comes back.”
Caine smiled. “It is good to feel that loved.”
“Amen,” he said, waving before disappearing behind the door.
He held his breath, counting down the seconds until his parents appeared in the doorway. It took exactly seven seconds.
“I can’t believe you would agree to do such a foolish thing, Caine.”
He groaned. “Don’t start, Mother.”
She huffed. “I will start, and I won’t stop until you come to your senses. This is absolute nonsense what you’ve done, and for that woman!”
“Stop!” He wouldn’t let that happen again. Not this time. “If you can’t be nice to Zara or respect her, then you can leave his room and the state.” She gasped, prepared to argue. “You’re lucky I’m still speaking to you.”
“Son, that’s no way to talk to your mother.”
Caine grabbed the larger bag Lyle had left behind, surprised to find the latest medical journals inside and smiled. He looked at his parents
and noticed they were suitably empty handed. “I’ll talk to her any way I see fit since she’s the sole reason I lost seven years with my daughter.” The surprise on the senator’s face told Caine he hadn’t been part of his wife’s machinations.
“What?” Familiar green eyes widened and darted between Cane and his mother. “Tell me you didn’t, Deborah.”
She shrugged. “I did what had to be done, and if Caine had any sense, he’d be thanking me.”
“That’s my child!” His voice roared, loud enough to startle a genuine reaction from his mother. “You don’t get to decide shit like that for me. It’s unforgivable, Mother. Completely.” His let his gaze linger on hers to make sure she knew what he was saying.
“We’ll be here for a few days to take care of you,” she answered instead of responding.
“I don’t need or want you here. I’m going to Zara’s when I’m discharged.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Caine. She’s after your money, don’t you see?”
“Stop.” His voice was strong and firm. “You don’t know a damn thing about her, so just stop it. You’ve cost me so much and you’re still not done, are you?” He shook his head, realizing how naïve he’d been. “Leave, Mother. Leave and don’t come back until I’ve asked you to come back.”
She stood defiantly, arms crossed and staring at him, daring him to kick his own mother out.
“Out! Get out now!” His yells grew louder and louder until several nurses came to check on him. “I want this woman gone and I want her banned from my room.”
Deborah Faulkner walked out of the room, head held high with all the dignity of a noblewoman. Caine would have laughed if it wasn’t so funny.
“Son, please.”
“No, Dad. I let you both make decisions for me for so long and that’s my fault too. But what she did to Zara was too much and I don’t think I can forgive her.”
“Your mother has a very specific view of the world.”
Caine shook his head. “That’s no excuse for what she did.” His father took a seat and Caine took his time, retelling the tale of falling in love with Zara and losing her. Of his mother’s role in keeping Zara, and Cassia, a secret. “Would you forgive that easily? Of anyone?”
The senator shook his head, face now pale as the magnitude of what his wife had done, finally sank in. “I-I can’t believe she would do that.”
Caine nodded. It was too far, even for her. He chose to remain silent, unwilling to give either of his parents a chance to hurt him or Zara again.
“We’re booked at least through the end of the week, son. I’d like to meet my granddaughter if that’s alright.”
Caine nodded, but again he stayed silent. That would have to wait until he was out of the hospital and available to chaperone the meeting. As the morning wore on, he felt himself growing more tired until he dozed off while his father still sat with him, talking about any and everything.
~
It was barely noon and already Zara felt exhausted. Although Cassia was feeling better with her new kidney, the healing process was still lengthy and had a few side effects. For an energetic seven-year-old, tiring out after just a few hours of doing nothing was a hard pill to swallow. “But, Mommy, I want to go with you.”
“Sorry, little girl, but you have to stay here and work on the welcome home sign for your dad. Plus, I need to see a couple patients before I pick him up, so you have time in case you get tried.” She knew Cassia would understand but Zara hated that she couldn’t give her daughter all of her attention right now.
“You take care of everyone, Mommy. You should let Dad take care of you when he’s all better.”
That pulled a smile from Zara. “You’re the sweetest kid ever, you know that?”
She nodded and planted a kiss on Zara’s cheek.
“Me and Grandma are making brownies!” She punched the air in victory, making Zara smile while she scanned the room in search of her attaché and purse.
“You two have fun. I’ll be back later.”
Three hours later, Zara was back in her car after her therapy sessions and on her way to Caine. Dottie called last night to let her know he was being discharged today, and that his parents were still in town. Just what I needed in my life, more stress.
The truth was despite her strength against Mrs. Faulkner a few days ago, Zara did worry about what their appearance meant for them. Was there even still a them? The last time his parents—his mother, at the very least—came between them, they did so with the expertise of a surgeon. It hadn’t helped that he’d been distracted and distant on the phone yesterday, making her wonder if his mother’s words had already done the job. She would find out soon enough.
Luckily, when she arrived at Caine’s room, he was alone. “Hey, how’s it going?”
He looked up and smiled. “Better since I’m busting out of here today.”
He seemed to be in a good mood, which was good. Very good. “Yep.” She didn’t know what to say to him so she went with something boring. “You’re looking good today.” His color was back and the dark circles were gone under his eyes. This was a handsome but laidback version of Caine.
“Thanks, babe, you’re looking pretty good too.” He winked and beckoned her over to plant a kiss so hot and hungry on her that she clung to his shoulders for dear life. “Taste good too. It’s been too long since I’ve done that.” He smiled and smacked his lips.
She laughed and straightened, allowing herself a long moment to take in his handsome face, looking hot and rugged after nearly a week without a razor. “It tickles but I like it,” she told him, running her fingers through his small beard.
“Good to know.” Green eyes glittered with amusement and something that looked a lot like desire.
Shaking off the desire now coursing through her body, Zara let out a long, slow breath and laid him with a sober gaze. “Are you still coming home with me or have your parent’s arranged something?”
He frowned. “Am I still invited?”
“Of course you are, I just meant that they seemed the type to hire a professional caregiver or something.” Instead of actually doling out an ounce of human affection, she thought uncharitably.
“They are.” He nodded with a chuckle. “My father offered but I told him I was recuperating with my girls.”
She nodded. “How did things go with them?”
He rolled his eyes. “I banished my mother until she can learn how to be a human being, and then my dad and I actually talked for two hours straight. Not one mention of politics or a surgery residency under one of his buddies.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s great, Caine. I’m happy for you.” Years ago she could tell how he longed for a better relationship with his father.
He pulled her close, draping an arm over her shoulders. “It was pretty great. After I told him about what went down with you and Mother. He’s not happy with my decision to cut her out of my life right now, but he understands.”
She smiled. “Since we can’t change it, I’m glad something good came out of her deception.”
“I’m glad you see it that way because I was pretty worried you’d run like hell the minute Mother showed up.”
A small smile crossed her face. “I thought about it, but I couldn’t do it. You and Cassia love each other too much.”
He smiled. “And you and I love each other too much to be apart,” he said firmly, daring her to argue with him.
“Yes, fine. That too.” She smiled, rolling her eyes and caressing his hair covered jaw one more time. “Get dressed and gather your stuff. I have a few things to pick up before I’m ready to take you.” She pressed a quick kiss to his mouth and took off.
~
Caine smiled as Zara walked out of his hospital room on shaky legs. He liked knowing that she was as wrecked by him as he was by her. And her pure joy at hearing that he’d had a good conversation with his father touched him. He couldn’t love her any more than he already did. His heart was full of love for
her. All of her.
And now he was going home with her. To live. For a while anyway, but Caine had plans that involved making Zara his and seeing his daughter every single day. He would chaperone field trips, help out with science projects, scare away boys and read stories at bedtime. And then he would spend his nights making sure Zara was never sorry she’d chosen him. Because she would choose him. Yesterday, he’d had his doubts. After the scene with is mother he was sure she’d withdraw. But she’d called and Lyle had come by for breakfast while Brenda had taken the dinner visit. He already felt such a huge part of the family, but a secret part of him wondered if his mother’s behavior would change that.
“Are you ready to go, Doctor?”
Caine glanced up at the young nurse with bright red hair and an innocent smile. “Not quite yet, but if you promise not to tell, you can leave the chair here and I promise not to leave this room without it. In it,” he corrected at her suspicious expression.
“Okay, but I have my spies, and you’re not a doctor today.”
“Spies? For me? “
She shrugged. “Your daughter gave me a chocolate fudge cupcake to keep an extra close eye on you.” She blushed to her scalp and Caine laughed.
“Then I truly do promise to wheel myself out of here when I’m all packed. Those cupcakes are damn worth it.”
“They really are. I’m glad your surgery went well, Dr. Faulkner.”
When she was gone, Caine gathered his clothes and toiletries and stuffed them in his duffle bag, along with a plastic container of cookies Brenda brought yesterday. He spent the next fifteen minutes handing off his ‘get well’ flowers and balloons to other patients on his floor. He didn’t need them, and if they would help someone else get better, he wanted them to have them.
“They lettin’ patients deliver flowers now?”
He smiled up at the old man before setting the sunflowers on a table by the window. “I’m getting sprung today and passing along my good fortune.”