Heather shook her head slowly. “Your brother is his usual self. But I’m not sure what he wants to say to you. I’m praying that things will work out between the two of you.” She smiled and patted him on the back. “Good Luck.”
“Yeah, thanks, Heather ...” He straightened his body and gave her one last smile before turning toward the hospital. Then he took a deep breath and walked with a purpose toward the entrance.
The ride back was uneventful, and Heather found Evelyn and Linda in the main room enjoying breakfast. Linda was in good spirits, and Evelyn giggled as she finished her food.
“Look at you, Evelyn.” Heather rested her hands on her hips.
“I know Heather; I should be in bed. But my legs are getting stronger, and I was able to walk a little around the house today. You should have seen me. It was awesome!” A grin spread across her face.” I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Linda if we could eat downstairs. I hate being cramped up in the room all the time.” Evelyn pouted her lips, and Heather couldn’t help laughing out loud.
“Wow! You sure know how to sweet talk your way into everything.” Heather pushed up one corner of her mouth. “Now let’s finish up and take your medication before we get ready for your physical therapy session. He’s supposed to be here this afternoon. I’ll ask your therapist about what you should ... or shouldn’t be doing.” She gave Evelyn a playful smile, taking note of how healthy the girl seemed.
“Oh, did I mention that your dad wants you to come visit him at the hospital after dinner? So let’s be sure you’ll be up for the visit. I think you should take a nap this afternoon so you’ll have energy later. Sounds good?” Heather peeked an eyebrow at Evelyn.
“I get to go see him ... did you hear that Linda? I get to go see my dad!” Evelyn blurted out as she bounced up and down with joy. “But what about our painting lesson today, Heather? Are we doing that still?” She held her breath in anticipation.
“Yes, but we’d better get started soon if you want to do that today.” Without hesitation, Evelyn wolfed down the rest of her breakfast and scooted into her wheelchair to make her way upstairs. Linda followed by wheeling the girl toward the elevator.
“You certainly have a way of motivating her.” Linda looked over her shoulder as she exited the kitchen.
Heather followed on Linda’s heels. Even though she could tell the bruising on her friend’s face was slowly fading, she still worried about Linda’s safety. “How are things with you, Linda? I hope things are faring better.” They turned down the hall toward the staircase.
“Yes, they are Heather. Like I said, it was a huge misunderstanding. But thanks for your help,” Linda blurted quickly.
Heather could tell by the tone in her voice that Linda was done discussing that topic.
The two women climbed the stairs together and met Evelyn at the landing. They chattered some more about Evelyn’s visit to the hospital before Linda excused herself for the next few hours and announced she would be back to help get Evelyn settled after her physical therapy. Heather set up the paints and easels and began helping Evelyn with the ocean waves along the skyline. After a few minutes of desperate painting, Evelyn pushed her wheelchair back and threw down her paintbrush in frustration.
“I quit, Heather! I can’t get my waves to look right.” Her lips sealed tightly together.
“Let’s look at what you have, Evelyn.” Heather stood behind the girl and studied the colored strokes Evelyn had made. “Your lines are great Evelyn, they really are. We just need to work on the waves a little more. Real waves aren’t as rigid, they flow easier. What you need to do is draw the shape of the waves lining up before you paint them. You can keep the flow running smoother this way.” She handed Evelyn a pencil as she spoke and drew one out for her. “When you’re working with water, you keep a few connected and put in some shadowing since it will most likely be a reflective painting. Like this.”
Heather went on to show Evelyn how to smudge in the shadowing along the waves she had drawn in. “Since there is a sunset in your painting, you have to be mindful of the colors you’re using, Evelyn. Use blue-greens and turquoise. The key to painting something you love is by using a lot of detail in your work. This will accentuate the painting in many ways.” She smiled as Evelyn retrieved her brush and began blending the colors together perfectly.
“That looks great. See how easy it was?” Heather patted the girl’s shoulder. She sat back for a moment and let Evelyn practice for a few more minutes. As she watched her splash colors across the canvas, she could tell Evelyn was a quick learner and had a gift for painting. Heather decided the next time she saw Michael, she would speak to him about enrolling Evelyn into art classes. It was obvious Evelyn had talent, and she didn’t want to see it go to waste, especially once she was gone.
Heather’s shoulders relaxed.
The thought of being absent from the Robbins household brought sadness to her heart. Not only because she would miss Evelyn, but because she would lose Linda, someone she had grown to love. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Evelyn’s voice.
“Look, Heather, look at how much better they are!” Evelyn’s face beamed with pride.
Heather smiled at her enthusiasm.
“Maybe we can hang this in Daddy’s room, and when he comes home, he can look at it whenever he wants,” Evelyn said happily.
“That’s a great idea, Evelyn! After we get home tonight, we will hang it in his room.” Heather stepped back to admire the painting, and after a few moments turned to look at Evelyn. “It’s beautiful.”
“Evelyn, can I ask you something?” With her nod, Heather continued, “Do you believe that God created the world?”
“Of course I do. My science teacher at school told us about how we all came from monkeys. Doesn’t that sound silly?” Evelyn focused her attention back on the canvas and hummed as she continued painting. After a few seconds, she stopped painting. “Heather, since God created the whole world, do you think it’s possible that he can cure cancer?” The playfulness in her voice disappeared.
“Evelyn, I know that God is all powerful and that He can do anything. I know that He has a plan for all of us and that sometimes we hurt for reasons that may never make sense to us. But God is good, and everything happens for a reason.”
“How do you know that, Heather?” Evelyn’s face scrunched with curiosity.
“When I was young, I lived a very hard life. It was a sad time in my life. Sadder than anyone should ever have to live through. But then one day, I met a wonderful girl who changed my whole life. She invited me to church, and from that day since, I have felt His presence in my heart. That’s what keeps me going, even on my sad days. God was there in my darkest time. That’s how I know.”
Heather gave Evelyn a reassuring smile and watched with surprise as the girl took a few tentative steps toward her and wrapped her arms tightly around her body with a hug. A whisper of air escaped Heather’s lips as an ache formed in her stomach. How could she leave Evelyn all alone?
“I’ll be okay with God, no matter what, Heather. Even if I’m in Heaven. It’ll be okay, whatever He has planned for me.” Evelyn made her way back to her easel and chair. “I’ve been reading my Bible, and you know what, Heather? I’ve given my heart to God, and I know He protects me.”
“I’m so happy for you, Evelyn.” Heather felt tears well up in her eyes. “I’m so glad you’ve given your life to God.”
“You know what, Heather? You’re different from the other nurses. I like you the most. You make me laugh; you paint with me, and you brought God into my life. Plus ...” A grin spread across her face. “Daddy likes you too.”
Heather’s brows lifted. “Oh really? And how do you know that, young lady?” Heather moved closer and playfully jabbed a finger into the girl’s side.
Cries of laughter filled the room as Evelyn scooted away. “He smiles at you with his eyes, Heather. Just like he does with me. Just like he did with Mom.”
Heather hesitated
at her words. She knew Evelyn was right. There was no denying the look in Michael’s eyes when they were together. A mesmerized look that made her feel self-conscious as if she was his soul mate. But Heather knew better than to believe in some fairy tale fantasy. A fantasy most people would spend a lifetime chasing only to find out there was no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
For her, it seemed love would bring nothing but pain and heartache in the end, and she determined that the euphoric puppy dog feelings would have no place in her life. She had had enough pain to last a lifetime, and no one, not even Michael with all his wealth and good looks, could convince her to take a chance at love. Heather didn’t know if she could survive the pain if things didn’t work out, and she wasn’t going to stick around to find out.
Heather brushed a strand of hair behind Evelyn’s ear and forced a smile on her face. “C’mon, sweetie. We need to get you ready to visit your father. He’s been dying to see you.”
“Can you help me pick an outfit please?” Evelyn clasped her hands in front of her chest.
“Of course I can, sweetie.” Heather made her way to the large walk-in closet and began sorting through the row of sleeveless floral dresses and cap sleeve tops. But her mind wasn’t focused on the neatly organized row of trendy clothing and shoes that filled the closet. It was focused on the one solution to her dilemma. And that was to leave the Robbins household for good before Michael could completely tear down the walls of her heart with his commanding presence and heart-stopping looks. And short of a divine intervention, Heather determined that no person or circumstance would stop her from leaving Crystal Cove.
Chapter 4
Andrew felt the tension rise up the back of his neck as he stood outside the door to Michael’s room. It wasn’t because visiting the sick bothered him or because the hospital environment made him queasy, but because he knew if Michael wanted to see him, that meant only one thing. That something irritated him. And it seemed that every time he and his brother had a difference of opinion in the past, the sparks would fly, and he would be accused of wrongdoing.
A heavy sigh escaped Andrew’s lips as he prepared himself for another sibling rivalry showdown. He couldn’t count how many times they fought since childhood, only to resolve the conflict with harsh words and fists. But as they grew older, they tried to handle their differences in a mature way, like keeping a safe distance from each other.
Andrew’s lips moved silently as he whispered a prayer, asking for patience and the strength to demonstrate phileo love toward Michael. With a short prayer, he sucked in a breath and stepped into the room.
The sound of his mother’s laughter greeted him as she laughed at something Michael had said. He waited patiently as his mother stood up from her chair and offered a few final words of encouragement before giving Michael a kiss on the forehead. Then she turned and acknowledged Andrew as she stepped toward the door. Eleanor stopped next to him and looked lovingly into his eyes as she rested a hand on his arm.
“You two behave like gentlemen now, you hear?”
“Yes, Mother.” Andrew gave his mother a reassuring smile, even though he knew the odds were slim that would happen.
Eleanor gave his arm one last squeeze before slipping out the door.
Andrew turned his gaze toward the bed. “Michael.”
“Andrew.”
It seemed like minutes of awkward silence had passed before Michael finally broke the ice. “I appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to bring Mom and Dad down to visit. I’m sure you have a lot going on.”
“Of course I would do it. Isn’t that the Robbins motto Dad taught us, that we’re there for family?” Andrew’s cheek drew up into a thin smile.
Michael returned his smile and nodded his head. “Yes, he always hammered that into our heads since we were little boys. Remember all the times he made us write that sentence one hundred times on a piece of paper every time we fought?”
A chuckle escaped Andrew’s lips as he remembered the hours they would spend writing at the kitchen table until their hands ached. Then he watched Michael’s face settle into a serious mode.
“Please sit down.” He motioned to the chair that Eleanor had occupied. “The reason I asked you to come down is because I wanted to take a few moments to talk to you about Heather.”
“Heather?” Andrew shoved his hands into his front pockets and straightened his chest. “What about Heather?”
“I want to know what you’re up to with her?”
“Up to?” Andrew’s brows lifted for a split second before returning to their defensive position. So this was why his brother wanted to meet with him? Was Michael actually jealous over Heather? Without hesitation, the mischievous child in Andrew took over.
“Why Heather is a wonderful girl. She’s funny and sweet. Very close to God, which is important. And how could anyone not notice her great figure and how cute she is.” Andrew gave his brother a smug smile.
“Oh really? Cute is she? Look Andrew, I don’t want you hanging around her. Do you hear me?” Michael breathed harder as he eyed his brother.
Andrew laughed silently inside. Since childhood, there was nothing he enjoyed more than making Michael squirm with jealousy, especially over a girl they both liked. But Andrew wasn’t obsessed with Heather. There was no doubt that he admired her and that she was a wonderful godly woman that few men could resist. But in his heart, he could tell Michael loved her, and he wasn’t about to snatch something God had brought into his brother’s life.
Andrew could tell by the look in his brother’s eyes that Heather was the one he would eventually marry, and not Cynthia. As for himself, Andrew believed God had a more suitable soul mate waiting for him, and he would wait patiently for God’s best timing. He finally decided to come clean with Michael.
“Look, Michael. I like Heather a lot. She’s beautiful, sweet, and kind. But I have absolutely no interest in her other than the fact she’d make a great sister-in-law. She and I have only gotten close because of our shared love for God, and what He has done for us all. That’s it. I promise.” Andrew surrendered up a hand and gave Michael a reassuring smile.
“Just what is so funny, Andrew?” The skin on Michael’s forehead wrinkled tightly together.
“Nothing, I’m just relieved that you’re in love with her too. It will make everything so much easier.” Andrew relaxed into the chair and crossed one ankle over his knee.
“I never said that,” Michael said in a defensive tone. “I just want to protect her. I know how you are. I don’t want you screwing with her emotions or her future.” Michael’s eyelids remained frozen as he gazed at Andrew.
“Listen, Michael, I know you think I did something awful, and I’m sorry about that, but I didn’t. I was trying to get you to see something you refuse to believe.” Andrew sat straighter as he returned Michael’s stare.
Seconds later, Michael lowered his gaze. “I know Andrew, and I forgive you.” A sigh escaped Michael’s lips as he leaned back on his pillow.
Andrew’s eyes widened. Had he heard his brother correctly? Had the coma affected his brain? Michael had forgiven him? Andrew’s body relaxed into the chair. His mind struggled to comprehend Michael’s ulterior motive, but nothing made sense. Andrew believed he had acted honorably with Heather, but the fact that Michael took the initiative to forgive him wasn’t something he was used to. He studied the resigned expression on his brother’s face.
“Have you told her yet?”
Michael lifted his gaze at Andrew. “Told who what?”
“Heather ... have you told her you’re in love with her?”
Michael sighed, knowing it was futile trying to hide his feelings from Andrew. “No I haven’t.” His gaze drifted to the wall opposite Andrew. “It’s complicated. Her faith is so strong, and mine ... well, it just isn’t. She deserves more.”
“What about your faith, Michael? Have you considered rededicating your life back to God?” Andrew stood and walked toward the bed. �
��I mean, you said it isn’t strong. Before, it wasn’t even there.”
Michael forced a long breath from his lips. “Yes, I have been thinking about it. Not that I ever stopped believing. It’s just that I was mad at God. He’s blessed me with Evelyn and everything I have. And now He’s dropped Heather into my life. Everything seems so perfect, that is, if she’ll ever have me.” He shook his head with doubt.
“Michael, you don’t know how happy that makes me just to hear you say that. I’ve prayed long and hard for you to find God again. He only gives us what we can handle, and I know you’ve had your share.” Andrew moved closer to the bed.
“Little brother, it’s taken a long time and one amazing woman. But I’m glad we can move forward and away from the ugliness of the past.” Michael grabbed his brother’s arm and pulled him in for a quick hug.
“You sure you’re not just happy because I don’t want your woman?” Andrew laughed.
A sheepish grin spread across Michael’s face. “Well, that certainly helped. If you had told me you liked her, we’d have never spoken again.” Michael chuckled.
When their laughter had settled, Michael looked at his brother with a glint in his eye. “Now little brother, tell me exactly what Heather really thinks about me ...”
Chapter 5
Evelyn’s hospital visit was the highlight of Michael’s evening. A feeling of joy warmed Heather’s heart as she watched Evelyn’s face light up when she entered Michael’s room. But the best part was watching the expression on Michael’s face as Evelyn slowly stood and walked to his bed.
This was the side of Michael that Heather adored. The side that wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and show his true emotions. The image of tears flowing down Michael’s cheeks would remain etched in her mind forever. The scene was almost too painful for Heather’s heart, and she couldn’t fight the feeling that she was intruding on their special moment. This was their moment of bonding, and she needed to let them savor it privately.
Heather slowly tiptoed out of the room and made her way to the lobby. She pulled her phone from her pocket and began dialing. The sight of Michael and Evelyn sharing a memorable moment finally pushed her to do what she had been dreading for the last few weeks. Heather’s fingers quickly moved across the keypad, and as the phone began to ring, she whispered a silent prayer asking God to give her the courage to follow through.
Beyond a Broken Dream Page 3