Marcus got up and switched on the light and looked into the mirror. Sheldon was right he looked like a wreck. He needed a haircut, a shave and from the look of his slightly bloodshot eyes, a good night’s rest. He still found it difficult to come to terms with who he had become without her and lately he had been wondering who really needed who more. He always thought that Natasha was the one who needed him but now he was not so sure about that. He made a mental note to deal with his appearance later in the morning but the first thing he needed to make up for was the sleep deficit that had made him look like a crack addict. Whether he felt like it or not he was going to lie in bed and sleep and dream of what his future could be like with Natasha in it again.
Chapter 15
“Let me take that bag for you, you look exhausted!” offered Lucas as he lifted the strap of Natasha’s carry-on bag from her shoulders when they emerged from the arrival Lounge at G.D Matthews International airport on Derrien Island.
The brightness of the late afternoon sun and the warm balmy air slightly scented with saltiness was so welcoming that Natasha instinctively took in a deep breath of the scent of home.
“Thanks Lucas, my shoulder is a little sore”, she said rubbing it gently, while allowing him to take the bag. She shielded her eyes with her hands while scanning the crowds that had gathered to collect friends and relatives, for the face of her friend Ashley.
“What time did Ashley say she would pick you up?” asked Lucas also scanning the crowd nervously. I can get us a car quite easily and you can meet up with her later.”
“That’s not necessary; she said she would be here now. Let’s walk further down here, we might see her closer to the parking area,” replied Natasha still looking for her friend.
Lucas sensed that something was not quite right and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was about to experience something that he would find particularly distasteful. It would be so much easier if he could get Natasha to see that a life with him was the best option for her. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about her husband erasing all of his work in this one trip.
As they walked down to the end of the arrival’s hall, Natasha could see a jeep that looked a lot like Ashley’s but her friend was nowhere in sight. She walked toward it quickly and just as she was about to tell Lucas that she thought she’d found the jeep, Marcus walked around the front of the vehicle to stand facing her and to her surprise he was smiling. His smile faded a little though once his eyes drifted to take in the man standing at her side.
Natasha gasped out loud in surprise to see Marcus there instead of Ashley. He looked so good, even better than he did in her dreams. He was a little thinner than when she last saw him but still very attractive and undeniably magnetic. She found herself quickly rehearsing the things she had always loved about his features; his thick black eyebrows, and his kind eyes which were always reminded her of the glossy black shine of a grand piano. They might have as well been the piano itself because looking at him her heart was quietly singing in her chest, that she had truly missed him. If only he knew how much. Once again she was unprepared for the intense emotions she would feel seeing him again. Consumed by her fearful thoughts of not getting home in time to see her father, she did not contemplate what she would do if she were to see Marcus while she was on the island. She knew that seeing him would be inevitable but she did not count on it happening this soon.
“Welcome home Nat!” he said softly, returning his focus to his wife and away from the man who stood slightly behind her looking fiercely protective of her. He assumed this was Lucas, the good friend who right now looked anything but friendly toward him. Marcus had little time to care what Lucas thought and maybe they would have a chance later on to talk man to man when Natasha was not present. It was as though some silent agreement passed between them before Marcus turned his attention quickly back to his wife who was still staring at him in complete shock.
To his relief, she did not look horrified or even angry. Finally finding her voice she exclaimed,
“Marcus, what are you doing here? I thought Ashley was coming.”
“Right, about that, she called me and asked me to do her favour and to pick you up instead and I’m glad she did,” he replied. Ignoring the snort of disbelief made by Lucas that followed his admission he quickly continued.
“Look I made arrangements for you to stay at the Derrien Hilton which was a bit difficult because it is currently booked out but I talked to Ramon and he pulled some strings for you with the hotel owner Darius Brogan to get you a room. You know how busy it is here on the island during the tourist season,” he replied.
“Yes I do, and thanks I appreciate that. I was hoping to go straight to the hospital to see my father though,” replied Natasha. “Do you have any word on his condition?”
“No, I don’t know any more than Ashley told me at this point. I did not go to visit him on my own for obvious reasons. I thought it best to wait till you came and see what would be. Don’t worry; I will be taking you there now. I didn’t know that you would be bringing someone with you because frankly Ashley’s jeep does not have the room for three,” said Marcus pointedly looking over her shoulder at Lucas. To emphasize his point he picked up her suitcase and placed it into the back of the two-seater jeep. Hopefully that sent a clear message that Natasha was coming with him and there were no extra invitations.
Lucas looked as though he would explode with anger at that moment and from the way his eyes narrowed to slits it was apparent that he was catching on to this set-up. The man actually had the audacity to look at him as though he was the intruder? Why did Natasha even bring him here with her? Marcus asked himself.
Lucas seethed inwardly but did not dare to express his disapproval to Natasha. Things between them were progressing so nicely and it wasn’t worth it to lose control over this petty situation by being childish and insisting on taking Natasha with him. He would make sure that he would not be so easily shoved aside later.
It was as though Marcus’ words about there being ‘three’ brought Natasha back into the reality that she did have a travel companion and then the full awkwardness of the situation struck her. She was standing facing her husband with the man who claimed to love her now standing behind her. This was beyond awkward, in fact this was embarrassing and she knew that Lucas could not be pleased with the fact that there was no room in the jeep for him. She quickly considered offering to just go with Lucas in a taxi to placate him, but on the other hand she didn’t want to insult Marcus who had obviously taken time off from work to come here and to even pull strings to get her a room at the exclusive Derrien Hilton. Not that any of that mattered because plain and simple, she just wanted to be with Marcus right now. She had to soften this situation right now!
“Marcus, this is Lucas Johnson, Lucas this is Marcus Nicholls, my husband.” She replied closing her eyes as she added the final word. It felt so right to say that even though she knew it must be confusing. After all, she’d sent Marcus divorce papers!
She then looked over her shoulder at Lucas and he saw from the expression in her eyes how conflicted she was. Quickly deciding to put her out of her predicament, but at the same time stepping into his own private hell, Lucas decided to let the situation be for now. After all, he still had to find a hotel room to stay in and from the sound of it the Derrien Hilton had no more space. Marcus was a lot smarter than he gave him credit for. He would double check on the room availability first before trying to find a room in another hotel.
Neither man spoke, nor did they shake each other’s hands but regarded each other with a tense silence.
“Look, you go on to the hospital and I will meet you at the Hilton later Natasha. I’ll call you,” he said giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Natasha sensing the awkwardness of the situation knew that Lucas was offended but he put on a brave face just for her. She was very uncomfortable too! Did Marcus still think she was having an affair with Lucas?
“Where will you be st
aying?” she asked him.
“I know of a small boutique hotel near the Hilton that is owned by a good friend of mine. I will try looking there first,” he lied. Don’t worry I’ll be fine. You go ahead and see your father and I will be looking out for your call.”
“Thanks for being so understanding!” Natasha said as she reached out and hugged him briefly before watching him turn and walk back in the direction of the taxis.
Marcus watching this display recognized that there was a deep bond of friendship between these two and he experienced a pang of jealousy knowing that he wanted to experience that again with Natasha. He was a little irritated that Lucas had the audacity to make plans to see his wife in front of his face and for that reason he knew that Lucas had made his intentions quite clear to him without uttering a single direct word to him. This man wanted a relationship with Natasha and Marcus was now even more motivated to put his plan into action. If he didn’t he would not just be losing his marriage but he was sure to lose his wife to the arms of another man.
Forcing those thoughts out of his mind, he began to focus instead on the outcome he wanted and he allowed himself to feel the hope and happiness it would all bring to both of them.
Natasha knew in that moment that she should have insisted to Lucas that she come here alone, but at the time the thought of having a shoulder to cry on was of great comfort to her. Lucas had been nothing but good and supportive to her through her career transition. Yes, he had ulterior motives where a relationship with her was concerned but she still appreciated him because he was the one who really believed in her talent and pushed her toward her dreams. She would always be grateful to him for that! She stood watching Lucas walk away for a moment more before turning and climbing into the jeep with Marcus.
Marcus glanced to his side to look at his wife. As the wind flowed through the window, it gently lifted tendrils of her ebony hair across her face. She leaned back on the headrest facing away from him and she looked pensive as she twisted her fingers on her lap nervously. Marcus knew she had to be exhausted after probably two connecting flights and constantly moving through airports since last night. But despite all of that, she still looked absolutely beautiful.
He knew that he should have been angry with her considering that she was divorcing him and they hadn’t parted amicably, but he could not even muster a sense of resentment now that she was so close to him. She looked genuinely glad to see him earlier once the shock had faded from her expression and he hoped that she was reconsidering all she had decided before. Aside from exchanging light conversation along the way, Marcus allowed Natasha to be alone with her thoughts. He knew she had to be very concerned about her father’s condition.
The hospital was only fifteen minutes away from the airport so they arrived quickly. At the hospital Marcus offered to go inside with her and she nodded, readily appreciating his willingness to be there for her despite his poor relationship with her father.
When they reached the floor with the ICU unit Natasha saw her mother at the end of the hallway standing and speaking with a doctor dressed in a long white coat.
As they approached her it was as though her mother sensed her presence and she turned to face them. The closer they got, it became more apparent that her mother was smiling instead of crying. Natasha was surprised considering that the prognosis for her father had seemed so dire. Was there good news? She’d only spoken to her parents once since she left six months ago and they were so disappointed by her decision to leave Marcus and try for a singing career. They were even more disheartened to learn that she wasn’t going to be singing gospel. The last thing she needed now was more judgement! She was already very good and giving it to herself!
“Natasha, Marcus,” she exclaimed while opening her arms to her daughter to hug her before hugging Marcus as well. “I’m glad you could fly home at such short notice dear, I know your schedule must be difficult right now. We’ve missed you so much!”
“Mother, I wouldn’t be anywhere but home at a time like this, my career can wait,” replied Natasha quickly, truly surprised at her mother’s heartfelt welcome.
“Well, I am glad you could come home, I know your father will appreciate it.”
Natasha paused after her mother’s statement and Marcus knew that she seriously doubted that her father would really appreciate her visit. After all he was often quite gruff toward his daughter while she always seemed to be the one bending over backward to please him.
“How is Dad and has his condition improved?” asked Natasha.
“I was just getting the report from the doctor when I saw you coming.”
“Yes”, interjected the doctor who introduced himself as Dr. Burns the senior cardiologist on staff at the hospital. “I was just telling your mother that your father is responding very well to the treatment and he is awake. It is nothing short of a miracle that he managed to pull through this as well as he did in such a short period of time. The nurses are prepping him for your visit. We want to keep him here for a few more days for observation but for now he is stable.”
Natasha breathed a long sigh of relief at this news. “Can we see him? When can we go in?” she asked.
“I expect any moment now actually. The nurses will direct you once they are finished. I will update you further as we continue to run tests,” replied Dr. Burns.
“Thank you doctor!” both Natasha and her mother said simultaneously and they looked at each other with surprise before smiling at each other. Moments like this had been so sparse in the previous years and the arguments too frequent.
Dr. Burns nodded curtly with a slight smile to both women before turning and walking down the hall to continue his rounds.
“This is such great news!” said Natasha. “I know it is too early to be so optimistic but I really believe that God is going to answer our prayers,” said Natasha as she rested her hand over her heart.
“Oh, Natasha! I am so glad that you came, I wasn’t sure you would after how we have treated you over the past few years,” her mother began.
Marcus could sense the tension building in his wife’s body as she listened to her mother.
“Your father and I have been talking a lot lately about you and Marcus here!” she said gesturing toward Marcus, and well we’ve realized some things.”
“Look mother!” interjected Natasha,” don’t bother apologizing, because the past is behind us,” said Natasha stiffly not wanting to remember anything about those times. She just wanted to forget how worthless and undeserving of happiness her parents made her feel more often than she wished to recall.
“But, don’t you see it isn’t behind you at all? We wanted so much to talk things through with you before you did anything hasty,” replied her mother looking between Natasha and Marcus significantly. “We don’t want you to do anything you may regret later!” she said with a little shrug.
Before Natasha could respond again a short nurse with honey brown hair partially covered by a white nurse’s hat came out of the ICU area and announced that Reverend Mitchell could have visitors, but only one at a time. She also advised them to keep the visit brief and not to get him too excited.
Natasha’s mom went in first leaving Natasha and Marcus together in the hallway. Natasha sat down on one of the black chairs that lined the wall outside the ward. She felt so weary, like a person who was fighting the world. As she sat, she replayed her mother’s words concerning the possibility of the divorce. Her parents had never been big supporters of her marriage and now her mother seemed almost apologetic and empathetic.
“Marcus, you did not have to stay with me you know. I know you don’t get along with my parents,” said Natasha uncomfortably crossing her legs at the ankles and drawing them closer to the base of her chair. He was standing so close to her that she could not miss the warmth radiating from his body. She wanted nothing more than to press herself close against him and feel his strong arms encircling her right now.
Squatting in front of her, Marcus took her
hand in his and he was surprised that as he did so, it was trembling. Tightening his grip, he almost expected Natasha to pull away her hand but she didn’t. Instead she folded her lips and looked down at her lap avoiding the intensity of his gaze.
“Nat,” said Marcus choosing to use his special name for her. “I couldn’t be anywhere else but here with you right now. I want you to know that you have my support. I know we have not had the perfect marriage but I am here if you need me,” he admitted sincerely.
As Marcus spoke, Natasha felt her heart thrumming in her chest and she mentally berated her trembling body for betraying her. Struggling for some kind of control she tried to open her mouth to speak to stop him, to stop them from saying things they might each later regret.
“I still love you very much and no matter what happens that will never change,” finished Marcus squeezing her hand gently in his.
Marcus still had a powerful hold over her and she felt this pervasive warmth spread through her body at his simple touch. His pledge of support filled her with courage to face what she would have to see on the other side of those doors which led to her father’s room. She tried in vain to find something to say to him that would allow her to continue to hide her true feelings but she was tired of hiding and tired of pretending. Instead she found herself suddenly leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his neck and a sigh of relief swept past her lips involuntarily.
Immediately Marcus’ arms encircled her waist as he leaned closer to her burying his face in her neck and revelling at the connection and the fading scent of her perfume that still lingered there.
“Nat, we have to talk! I need to talk to you, will you at least give me that chance?” asked Marcus as he drew in a deep breath of her scent into his lungs.
“I agree Marcus, we need to talk!” admitted Natasha. It felt so right being with him like this now that she wasn’t fighting herself anymore. Yes, they had to talk and it was long overdue. She had some hard decisions to make, just like the hero and heroine in Marcus’ novel. She’d read it on the way back from California to Georgia on her flight. The couple in the story discovered that if they were going to solve the case of all the unexpected events surrounding them, they needed to talk and to consider each other’s feelings more. They were better as a team than when they tried to operate alone. When they joined forces and shared all they knew it allowed them to put the pieces of the puzzle together and they were able to come up with a new solution that allowed them to trap the villain. It was riveting and every time the hero and heroine spoke to each other it was as though she was talking to Marcus and they were reconnecting across the miles. It was the first time she cried while reading one of her husband’s novels.
Forgotten Love (Derrien Island Trilogy) Page 17