by Vicki Green
I shake my head. “Amazingly, he was okay with the surgery. I was kind of shocked. No. I think I need to really concentrate on this job. Maybe in time I’ll go back to working there on the weekends. I’m not looking forward to talking to Pop.” I frown because I really am sad about that part. He’s been like a father to me ever since I moved here. I had nowhere to live, no job, and very little money. He and Barb took me into their house until I could get on my feet. Fed me, bought me clothes – since I had barely anything. I owe them so much.
She grabs my hands, squeezing them. “He’ll understand. You know he loves you, thinks of you as another daughter. Now, you need to accept this job, go out and buy some new clothes, and soak in a hot tub.” I give her a smile. Sounds perfect, except shopping while on crutches. Uh, no. “As far as Caylan, I think a little time apart is what you need. Although I don’t think he needs any. He loves you, Irish. He’s willing to do anything to stay together but I know he respects your decision, even though he’s probably sad about it. I know he understands. It’s hard on him right now being injured and having to deal with Margie.” She scrunches her face in disgust. I totally agree. “I think he’s supposed to find out soon about the DNA test so maybe after the results are in, you all can talk?” I bite the corner of my lower lip, not sure if I’ll be ready to talk then. She squeezes my hands again. “Just remember, what happened was before you. He didn’t cheat on you, it’s his past. He didn’t do it to you, Irish. Shit happens, even though you’re as careful as you possibly can be. Yes, it was his choice to have sex with her.” She scrunches her face again. “And he’s willing to pay the consequences. From what I understand, this Margie is a little crazy. I really kinda feel sorry for him.”
Okay, maybe I am being a little hard on him. How will I know if it’s right? If he’s right? Damn, I hate this!
I let out a big sigh. “I know I should be more sympathetic. I mean, I am about him being hurt but the other, I just can’t. I know I’m being a bitch. I don’t mean to but you know my road blocks growing up.” She nods, frowning. “I know it’s not the same thing but…. This whole thing just makes me so leery.” I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Maybe after I start this new job and the surgery is behind me. Maybe after I get my own life in order I can think about him. I dunno.” Who am I kidding? I can’t stop thinking about him. I stand, pulling her up with me, grabbing my crutches on the way. “I’m gonna go home and let the company know I’ll take the job and find out when they want me to start. Since I refuse to shop on crutches, I’m gonna figure out what outfits I have that would be good to wear there and then I’m gonna take a long, hot bath.”
Her smile couldn’t get any bigger. “That’s my girl!”
I end up driving home with renewed strength. Baby steps, Irish. Baby steps.
As soon as I’m home, I fire up my laptop and send off an email.
Mr. Madden,
I would love to accept your offer for the position at Madden Graphic Designs, Inc. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Irish Hadley
I figure I won’t get an answer soon so I go to my closet and start wading through my clothes to see what I have that would be appropriate for the office. In looking at the two women I saw and what they were wearing, I have several things I can wear but I’ll definitely need to go shopping. Oh, joy. Worn out from an emotional day, I take a hot bath, almost falling asleep. Once I’ve gotten ready for bed, I climb under the covers and hear a ding on my laptop. I almost fall climbing out of bed. Stupid knee. I hop on one foot to my desk, letting out a long breath when I sit in the chair. I look at the clock. “Who in the hell is emailing me at eleven o’clock at night? Opening up my laptop, I click on my email link and am surprised who it’s from.
Miss Hadley,
I’m very pleased that you are accepting my offer. I realize you will be having surgery next week so I’m curious when you’d like to start. If you’d rather wait until after your surgery, I would understand. Please let me know at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Brett Madden
Madden Graphic Design, Inc.
Well, that was fast. He always sounds so prim and proper. This is gonna be very interesting. I hit reply and start typing my response.
Mr. Madden,
Thank you for your response. My surgery is next Friday so I will only need that day off and possibly the Monday after? I can begin this Monday, if that suits you. I look forward to your response.
Irish Hadley
I hit send and read over his reply again. I let out a yawn and begin to stand when my computer dings again. Dang, he’s fast.
Miss Hadley,
Monday would be more than perfect. As far as time off, let’s play that by ear. I want to make sure you have the time you need after your surgery. Don’t give that another thought. While I appreciate you already being responsible of your duties, I believe it would be in our best interest to make sure you have the proper amount of time to heal and rest. However, Monday would be perfect to get you settled in. I look forward to seeing you again.
Sincerely,
Brett Madden
P.S. It’s Brett. Mr. Madden is my father.
Hmmm. Well, he certainly is kind. I’m getting weird vibes though. Maybe it’s just me and how emotional I’ve been today. Not sure I should go with my gut instinct yet or not. He is very good looking and I don’t remember seeing a wedding ring on his finger. Of course, that hasn’t stopped guys from hitting on me in the past either.
Mr. Madden,
Thank you. I look forward to starting on Monday.
Sincerely,
Irish Hadley
P.S. I was taught good manners and it will stay Mr. Madden.
I start yawning again and power it down. Hopping back to my bed, I climb under the covers and turn on my side. I close my eyes and visions of Caylan appear automatically. I really do miss him. I wonder how he’s doing tonight. God, I hope I’m not making a mistake.
Chapter Fifteen
Caylan
Thursday morning and I’m so ready to go home or at least to Brock and Taren’s house. Anywhere but here. They took blood Margie after breakfast, sending to their lab here for the DNA test. She was really nervous. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s afraid of needles or if she’s more afraid of the results. Either way she looked ill today. She told me she hasn’t been sleeping well and is having lower back pains. I called for the nurse and talked to her about it. She had an orderly come and take her to maternity to be checked out. Just to make sure nothing is wrong. Now, I’m waiting to hear what’s going on with her and for my doctor to come in to check me out to see when I can leave. I know I still have a long road of healing to do but I’d feel more comfortable at Brock’s house. I guess secretly I’m hoping Irish will stop by over there at some point. That’s more likely than here at the hospital. I have to say, I’m getting anxious for the DNA results. I was told we would know in a day or two. I’m ready to know for sure. I’ll either move forward with supporting them or move on and give her my best wishes. I hope it’s the latter.
The doctor came in right before lunch and said he was impressed with how well I’m doing. I get to leave tomorrow morning. One more night. Thank God. He also said I could do my own physical therapy since I’m a fitness trainer. The therapist here will give me some papers showing me what all I should do. Lunch was not terrible but I’m dying for some of Taren’s cooking. I’m afraid I’ll be spoiled while at their house. Everything wears me out right now. I close my eyes and start to doze off when the door opens. The nurse of today walks in with a smile.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Dorn, but I thought you’d want to know that your friend is in labor.”
What? “How can that be? She’s not due for another few weeks. Is that safe?” Worry fills me. Whether the child is mine or not I don’t wish anything bad to happen to them.
“Oh, no. Both mommy and baby are perfectly fine.
Going into labor and having a baby early is very normal especially as close as she is to her due date. Miss Baker asked me to tell you that she’s really upset you’re not there with her but she understands why you can’t be there. She asked me to let you know as soon as the baby is born. If you’d like, I’m sure I can take you to see them once she’s delivered.”
She’s having the baby and we won’t have the test results for another day or two. I give the nurse a smile, promising I’ll be ready when she comes to get me and then I place a call to Marcus. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do or not do at this point.
“Caylan! I’m sorry. I heard about your accident and I apologize for not calling you. How are you?” I know he’s always extremely busy, I’m happy he even thought of me. I wonder how he heard. Mom or Jen most likely.
“It’s okay, Marcus. I’m good. Well, I will be. Getting out of the hospital in the morning. I’ll need some recovery time though. Hey. I thought I’d let you know that the DNA test is in the works but I won’t have the results for a day or two.”
“Good. Good. Glad to hear that. Let me know as soon as you do. How’s everything on that end? She’s not making a fuss is she? I remember you told me she was a little on the bizarre side. You sure know how to pick them.” He chuckles, and I cringe. I’ve always been fortunate in finding nice ladies who had the same idea as me. They wanted the “no strings” relationship as much as I did. Margie though – she wanted more. Always did. Hated to tell her that I wasn’t interested in a real relationship. After a while she seemed to stop calling and texting me. I thought I’d heard the last of her until she showed up at my door.
“Well, she’s actually here. Long story. Right now, she’s in early labor. I need to know what to do. If the baby is born before the results are back, what are my rights? Do I sign the birth certificate or wait? I’m just not sure how to handle this.”
Silence. He clears his throat and I can hear typing in the background. “Caylan. You may can sign the certificate, however, if the results are negative then you can file for an amendment. I can do that for you, if necessary. Just know, you have rights in the end. Either way, whatever the results are, you will be protected. Try to relax and stay calm. If you sign it, don’t do or say anything else unless you speak with me. Okay?” I nod, staring at the wall in front of me.
“Okay. Thanks, Marcus. Tell Wendy I said hello.” He married his college sweetheart right after graduation from law school. She’s an attorney too and they work side by side. Another of my friends who have found happiness. Found that love keeps you together through anything. Irish’s face enters my mind, my heart beating faster and breaking at the same time.
I want that beyond love. I want that happiness, a happily ever after. I want it all and I want it with Irish.
We hang up and I lay my head back into the pillow, closing my eyes. Waiting. Waiting for the unknown. The unexpected of how my life can change abruptly. If this is my baby, my child, I’ll have to make arrangements for Margie. I want her to live close so I can see my baby whenever I want. I’ll need to have Marcus draw up papers with what I expect for visitation. This baby will know unconditional love. He or she will know a loving father. They will never know or feel that they weren’t conceived in love. I’ll make sure of that.
I drift off but my phone vibrating awakens me. I almost knock it off the table in my haste to pick it up, hoping it’s Irish. I look at the screen and smile. Jen. “Hey, sis. Staying out of trouble?”
Laughing. So great to hear. I miss her. “Looks like you’re not.” My smile widens. She is just what I need right now. “So, when are you breaking out?”
I let out a chuckle. “In the morning. Tired of this place but even more tired of laying around. Okay, I’m just really tired. I feel like all I do is sleep.”
“Ha! So unlike you. Mr. Energy.” She laughs again but then gets silent. “I miss you, bro.” I hate being so far away. I haven’t seen her, Mom and Dad for several months. We’ve always been so close.
“Me too, peanut.” My nickname for her since we were young making me choke with emotion.
“I haven’t heard you call me that in a long time. I miss that too.” Sigh. My heart beats for another reason now. “So. I’m off and visiting a friend there next week. I won’t get in until Wednesday. Can I stay with you? I can’t wait to see you!”
“Well, I’m going to be staying with Brock and Taren but I’m sure they won’t mind you staying at their house. It’s huge. I’d love you to meet them anyway.”
“Oh! That would be great, if they don’t mind. You’ve told me so much about them. I’d love to meet them too.”
“Great. I’ll let you know. I’ll text Brock as soon as we get off but I’m sure they won’t mind. So, who’s this friend? Do I know him?” A bit of protection surges through me. My sis is a little gullible when it comes to men. I hate not being very close. I’ve always protected her. She laughs again. I’m glad I’m so humorous. I don’t feel like laughing.
“Bro. You have nothing to worry about. You know I work for Daniels Corporation? Well, their main hub is there, close by you. Bria is the owner’s daughter and heads up one of their divisions. She’s a bit stuck up but we’ve kinda become friends in the last year. I talk to her almost daily at work. Anyway, she’s starting a new project soon and wants me to come there to talk about it and spend a little time with her. You probably won’t like her though. She’s pretty pretentious.” She snickers.
Hmmm, interesting. Okay, now I don’t feel so bad. She doesn’t have many friends and if this woman wants to be her friend, who am I to intervene? “Oh. Well, in that case. You may be friends with her although I think that is weird for you. You’re too nice and kind for someone like that. You give your heart too easily. Don’t let her walk all over you or make you think she’s better than you.” Always looking out for my sis. I can’t help it.
She sighs loudly into the phone. “Always protecting me. Dang, I miss you so much. Let me know if I can stay with you at Brock and Taren’s. I gotta run. Text me later. Love you!”
“I love you too, sis. I’ll let you know.”
I end the call and close my eyes again. Even talking on the phone wears me out. I’ll be so glad when I get my strength back. I’ll just rest for a few and then text Brock.
“Mr. Dorn?”
It feels like someone is shaking my good shoulder but I’m too tired to open my eyes.
“Mr. Dorn? The baby is here.” The baby. The baby?
My eyes fly open, still really weighted, and I look up to see the nurse from earlier.
“I’m sorry to wake you but you said you wanted to go see Miss Baker and the baby?”
The baby. My fear – I’ll see the baby, hold it, and then find out it’s not mine. I know I’ll be attached either way. I may not like Margie that much but a baby? That’s entirely different. They didn’t asked to be here, have any say on anything. They’re too young to voice an opinion or make any decisions. Their life is totally in our hands.
“Uh. That’s okay.” My voice is low and rough with sleep. “Can you help me to the restroom?” She smiles and nods. Such a pain in the ass getting to the restroom. My IV cart tugged behind and I walk slower than molasses. She leaves me to do my business then helps me into the wheelchair she brought. I still feel half asleep as she takes me down a floor then down a long hallway. We finally reach Margie’s room and as the nurse pushes the door open, sadness creeps within me. She’s there, all alone. No one to make a fuss over her first baby. No balloons, flowers, anything to celebrate her new life. I can’t help but feel for her. No one deserves this. The nurse pushes me to Margie’s bedside, my IV hanging up on the back of the wheelchair. Margie looks at me instantly, tears forming as she holds her baby bundled in a blue blanket. A boy? A son? Our son? My son? No words are spoken as I hold my arm out. Damn sling. She smiles, tears falling down her cheeks as she hands me the baby. I look down at his sweet face. His eyes are open and are dark blue. I touch his little nose then he gr
abs my finger. Tight grip.
“His name is Gregory,” she whispers.
My middle name.
I smile as I look into the eyes of this little child. Suddenly, I hope he is mine, to love, take care of. I don’t know how long I sit here, just staring at him. He begins to squirm in my arm and he makes the cutest whimpering sound. I look up at Margie. She’s watching me intently, pride showing on her face. “I think he might be hungry.” I pass him back to her and turn to the doorway when she opens the front of her gown to feed him. I’m not embarrassed but a bit uncomfortable. “They asked who the father is, wanting him to sign the birth certificate. I didn’t say.” I look back into her eyes, the pride gone and now shyness there. Maybe having a baby has changed her. Perhaps she’s not the crazy woman she once was.
“Thank you. Look. If the tests don’t come in once you’re ready to be released, I’ll sign it. Okay?” I kind of want to sign it anyway but if I’m not really the father, it would be better if she found out who the real one is. For Gregory’s sake. Now’s not the time to talk about that. She only nods then looks down at her son, lovingly.
I stay there and hold him so she can sleep for a while. I don’t mind. He’s so light in my arm, my hand holding his small head. A miracle. I’ve thought of Irish a lot today, what a baby would look like that we made together. Right now, I can only think of this little one.
An hour later my eyes become heavy as I watch him sleep. I don’t want to leave him. The nurse who brought me here walks into the room. “I need to get you back to your room. You need some rest.” She looks down at Gregory and smiles. “Precious. Do you know who the father is? What a lucky man.”