“Earth to Riley, hello?”
She was still in a daze and completely ignored me. I knew she was in there somewhere under her glowing smile. I walked up behind her and hugged her. She let out the sweetest laugh and turned to kiss me.
“Good morning Jackson. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, beautiful girl. Breakfast is ready. You need to eat before we head out.”
“What about you? Aren’t you hungry?”
“I am, but not for food.” I arched my eyebrows and she laughed again.
“I’m going to hold off eating until we get back to the hospital. I’m not sure what kind of tests they need to do on me, and I may need an empty stomach. They took so much blood from me yesterday, and I can’t imagine how much more they might need.”
“I guess they are just exercising on the side of caution, especially with your father now involved. Jackson, how are we going to tell him our news? I can’t imagine he will be exactly thrilled with his only son proposing to his flaky girlfriend.”
“Stop it right now. What did I tell you about talking down about yourself? You are incredible babe, no bullshit talk about yourself. I love your personality. I love all parts of you. So, squash it, now. Babe, he already knows. Once I showed him my mother’s ring that is now yours, he gave me his blessing.”
She lunged herself in my arms, almost knocking over the breakfast table. I think she needed that reassurance.
“Hey, it’s okay. No tears today. Is this why you were tossing and turning last night? Are you that worried about my father’s reaction to our news?”
“Yes and no. Jackson, you weren’t there when he overheard my conversation with my mom. He was so angry with me, and I was scared.”
“He apologized to you once he calmed down, right?”
“He did, but I’m still a little nervous about it all.”
“You have nothing to worry about when it comes to my father. His reaction was solely based on his anger toward me. It was completely my fault for lying to him and you were the first person he took it out on. He told me how much he regrets speaking to you like that. Of course, your mother set him straight after that. No worries, babe, please? I want you to forget all about it and concentrate on other things today, beginning with your father.”
“What about him?”
“I want you to take some time today and talk with him. It’s time, babe. Forgive him and move on from all the hurt that has separated you. Life is too short to be angry, especially with the people that love you the most. He’s your father. He made a mistake, but you haven’t been exactly a saint either. Forgive each other and move on. Plus, he doesn’t need this added stress when he should be focusing on your fiancé’s surgery.”
“You’re right Jackson, you always are. I so regret everything that came out of my mouth when I was with my father. After what happened to you, and seeing him just leap into action without hesitation, I already forgot why I was angry in the first place. I also have to apologize to him for speaking like that to…what’s her name? Francesca? I was out of line.”
“You were, but I love you for acknowledging and owning your faults.”
“I don’t know what’s going on between them, and not sure if I really care, but that embarrassed him, and it was petty on my part. It’s time to be a grown up and accept the things I cannot change, right?”
“Exactly. Eat your breakfast.”
“I am, Mr. Bossy. Don’t get any crazy ideas that you can just order me around now that I’m wearing your ring. I will always be fiercely independent.”
“Oh baby, I have no doubt when it comes to your spirit. As long as you love me at the end of the day, all is forever right in my world.”
Richard drove us back to the hospital and personally escorted us back to my private suite. More flowers had been delivered along with balloons, cards, and big “Get Well Soon” signs. I started to read them and laughed out loud when I read Brandon’s card. He was the biggest male slut of our group. His card had a picture of three sexy nurses on it, and when you opened the flap, they flashed you with their big breasts. I’m sure Riley would love seeing this above my bed…not! I just moved it to the side.
Riley looked over my shoulder and laughed. “Is that from Brandon?”
“Yes, the one and only.”
“Are you sure you don’t want your friends here with you?”
“Yes, positive. I have all that I can handle right now. We will see them soon once we get back in New York and begin school.”
At the mention of school, she detached herself from me and began to pace the floor. A sure sign she was worried about something.
“What is it, babe? Come here.”
She let out a deep winded sigh and turned to look at me.
“Jackson, do you really believe that you will be able to begin school next month? I can’t even think about that right now.”
“Hey, where is this coming from? I’m going to be fine, and my recovery will be supervised by Dr. O’Larien. Nothing is going to change babe, trust me.”
“I do. I’m really trying to be positive here, but we have no absolutes in life. And I don’t want to keep bringing him up, but what about your father? Do you honestly believe he will allow you stay in New York after this?”
“Yes, I do. I’m an adult, and he will not force me into anything I don’t want to do. We are moving forward with our plans to remain in New York and attend school at NYU. That’s the plan babe… our plan.”
“Okay,” she whispered and wrapped her arms around my waist with her face burrowing into my chest.
I didn’t say anything else on the subject. She was hanging on by a thread right now. I knew she was scared and was struggling to hide it from me. Holding her like this made me want to run back to the marina and make love to her for the rest of the day, but that wasn’t my reality. My reality just walked through the door. Her father was looking way too serious with Dr. O’Larien. I’m sure my father was not far behind him.
“Good morning, Jackson, Riley,” Dr. Briggs greeted us both with a curt formality. Riley turned in my arms and waited for her father to soften his features before greeting him. Once they looked at each other, she left my arms for his. He lovingly embraced her, and I saw a tear fall down her face. More fell as her father held her. She needed him as much as he needed her. They would be okay, I just know it.
“I’m sorry, daddy. Hormones,” she said, and they both laughed. “Daddy, can we spend some time together today to talk?”
He let out a sigh and smiled warmly back at his daughter. “Nothing would please me more. How about we grab lunch down at Inner Harbor?”
“Sounds great,” she answered back, but winked over to me.
Of course she was remembering our night spent together. Of course, I kept my thoughts to myself. We took a seat at the round table in my room. He had my chart with him, along with my scans. We covered everything we needed to discuss about my surgery tomorrow. All my tests came back in normal range, and my blood pressure was excellent.
“Jackson, I expect to be in the O.R. for about four hours, pending no complications. We will monitor you closely and hopefully you have no issues with anesthesia. Dr. O’Larien will of course assist me, but I’m confident we will get this AVM, and you will make a complete recovery. Any questions for me?”
“You keep mentioning complications. Do you think I will experience any?”
“I have to completely be prepared for anything that will arise tomorrow, including any unforeseen complications which I’ve already explained to you. Worrying about what might happen is superfluous at this time. You’re in good hands, son, trust me.”
“I do, sir. I do.”
“Good man. Take today to relax, and if you need me for anything, I will be here.”
Riley hugged her father again, only to be interrupted by our arriving parents. It didn’t go unnoticed by my father how Dr. Briggs looked at Reese. They both greeted me with hugs, and my father raised an eyebrow at me
. He was looking for confirmation if I went through with my proposal. I gestured to Riley’s hand, and he grinned.
I wasn’t ready to have another heavy conversation with my father, but with Walker Reed, anything was possible.
AFTER A QUICK status with Briggs about Jackson, he left us to our privacy. I had so much I wanted to say to my son, “Where to begin?” was the question.
Reese and I both glanced down at Riley’s hand, and she made no effort to hide it from us. This was the first thing that needed to be addressed. No reason to wait any longer.
“Congratulations on your engagement.” Those four words spilled out of my mouth, surprising Reese, and even the kids. I took Riley in my arms and hugged her with all that I had.
“I love you, Riley, and you make my son very happy. I know this in my heart, and that’s where it matters. We are a family, and our family is growing,” I said.
“I still can’t believe you kept it a secret from us.” Said Riley, as she pretended to pout.
“It wasn’t our intention to keep you out of the loop, but finally being all together again, we are so happy you both know.”
“I’m going to be a big sister! I love how that sounds. I always wanted mom to have another baby, and now she is. Oh I can’t wait to take my little sister shopping.”
We knew what was coming next. She got up and threw her hands in the air and did a happy dance. She shrieked so loudly in excitement that a nurse came to check on the commotion. I assured her that we were fine, and she made her exit.
“Oh mom, I still can’t believe it. I am so happy. You look a little green. Are you sure it’s a girl? It could be a little linebacker in there. Boys are tough. What if you’re having twins? Maybe that’s why you’re so sick.”
“Take a breath darling,” Reese calmed her. “We are positive it’s a girl. She’s perfectly healthy, and so am I. I’ve been dealing with morning sickness, hoping I am nearing the end. Oh, my sweet girl, we wanted to tell you, but please don’t feel left out that we didn’t do it sooner.”
“I’m not mad. Okay, maybe a little. Jackson, you knew?”
“Yes. I did, but I think my father slipped.”
“Men!” Riley humphed.
We all laughed. She hugged her mother, me, and finally Jackson. They linked their hands together. I saw so much of us in our children. Knowing they were so in love warmed my heart. A parent only wants the very best for their children. I have no doubt in my mind that Jackson had found his match, as I had with Reese.
We talked, and the kids told us all about their day and night, leaving out the parts we didn’t want to know. Jackson looked really good. His attitude from our conversation yesterday to today was a complete turnaround. My mood was too. I had never experienced so much struggling with my thoughts, and I’d come to terms that I was ready to move on from my anger regarding my father. As for Henry Townsend, that was an entirely different problem. He was here, alive and well, and ready to take me on. His actions spoke volumes yesterday with me. I wasn’t sure how he would react toward me today, but I had to try for my son.
Riley and Reese excused themselves while I stayed with Jackson to talk. My mother would be arriving shortly and no doubt, Henry and Gail would be here too.
“Are you okay, dad?” my son asked me in the most earnest tone I had ever heard from him. We didn’t leave things on a positive note yesterday, and today I walked in like everything’s fine. When it came to my son, we were fine. I couldn’t be angry with him, not even for an hour.
“I’m fine, son. I’m sorry for storming out like I did yesterday. It was irrational on my part and wrong to leave the way I did. I don’t want to defend my feelings to you and keep this disagreement on repeat. You must understand and respect my feelings, son, as I respect yours. You choosing to present Riley with your mother’s ring was a huge decision and commitment. I’ve given you my blessing and will not stand in your way. Having said that, you need to show and give me the same in return. Your relationships are your own, and so are mine. Please do not worry about your grandfather and me. It’s my problem, not yours. Understand?”
“I’m trying dad, and I give you my word to stay out of it.”
“Jackson, that’s not what I want at all. Don’t ever feel that you can’t express what you are feeling to me, but when I tell you an answer that you may not agree with, you can’t use that against me. I totally felt blindsided by you yesterday, and that was not fair to me. I was angry with you, but I’ve also had time to think and take to heart what you said. I can only give you my word that I will try my best to see reason with your grandfather. He showed up here last night and we didn’t have the most positive encounter. He was completely enraged and out of control, mostly out of concern for you. I can’t promise how today will turn out once he arrives, but he’s here for you. Let’s keep that in mind.”
“Thank you, dad, I love you so much. Thank you for supporting my relationship with Riley. I needed to hear that more than you know. And I’m sorry for pushing you yesterday. I was wrong, and you’re absolutely right. It’s between you and grandpa, and I have to keep our relationships separate. It was my fear that did most of the talking for me, but after sharing last night with Riley, I see things clearer today. Does that sound crazy?”
“Of course not. For a young man, you have the wisdom of ten men. I’m so proud of you and honored to be your father.”
“I’m honored to be your son. You are everything to me, dad.”
“Now that’s what I needed to hear. I love you, son, so much.”
No matter how old he was, I never missed an opportunity to take him in my arms. I hugged him tightly until we were interrupted by a staff member.
“Excuse me, Mr. Reed?”
Jackson and I both turned and answered, “Yes.”
She laughed and told us that Jackson had a visitor waiting to be escorted in. My stomach dropped at that moment, but then my spirit lifted when I saw it was my mother. She looked beautiful with the epitome of grace and beauty, dressed in her classic Chanel suit and pearls gracing her neck. If she was worried, her appearance certainly didn’t show it.
“Oh, my Jackson, come here and give me a hug.” He quickly greeted his grandmother with a warm embrace, lifting her effortlessly off the floor, making my mother cry out in laughter. “Put me down! Oh, you Reed men and your love for picking up women. No pun intended.”
“That’s a good one, grandma.”
“I try my best. How are you? Are you okay? What can I do to help?”
“Just you being here is enough for me.” Jackson answered and hugged her back.
“I’ll leave you two alone to catch up,” I said.
They both went on about their conversation as I exited my son’s room. Richard was standing guard in the hallway, no doubt wondering about my reaction to him leaving with my son last night.
“Sir,” he greeted me.
“Hello, Richard, thank you for taking care of my son. You are not fired. I want you to remain here while I go take care of some business that needs my attention. Townsend is here along with his wife. I don’t want any disturbances today that will upset Jackson. Please notify me immediately if anything arises. Are we clear?”
“Yes sir. I will take care of everything. Thank you, sir.”
“I have no doubt, Richard.”
My actions surprised even me, but like I promised, this was me trying.
I found Reese in the atrium with Riley, laughing over milkshakes and greasy French fries. You could hear Riley’s excitement all the way down the hallway. She was so happy about our news.
“Hey you two,” I said to them, curiously.
My girl gave me a “Don’t worry” look when I saw what her second breakfast was. She knew I would have preferred fresh vegetables, but I was soon learning not to anger a pregnant woman. She needed to eat, and I was just happy she was keeping something down.
“Will you excuse us for a moment?” I asked Riley. She nodded and began playing on her phone.
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“What is it, Walker?” Reese asked. “Are you okay?”
“Never better, love. I talked to Jackson, and now my mother is with him. I have to leave for a while. Will you be alright without me for a few hours?”
“Yes, of course I will be, but where are you going?”
“I need to go out to the Hamptons and see my father.”
She let out a gasp, but it was a relieving one. Once and for all, I was putting the past where it belonged, and beginning with my father was the first step.
“If you tire for any reason, please go back to the hotel and rest,” I pleaded with her.
“I will. I promise.”
“Stay close to Richard today. If anything or anyone upsets you, you are to call me immediately.”
“Please don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
“All the reassurance in the world will never stop me from worrying, but I’m trying, and I try for you.”
“I know you are, and I love you for it. Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? I can be with you if you need a shoulder to lean on.”
“That warms my heart more than you will ever know, but this is something I need to do alone. I have many conflicted memories when it comes to that house. My mother likes to remind me that I remember the bad before the good.”
“Don’t you have any happy memories of time spent there?” Reese asked. “I can’t believe you don’t. What about summers in the Hamptons? Your early days of friendship with Elizabeth?”
“That was another life, and I don’t wish to revisit it. This trip is about closing the door to my past with my father, and that is what I plan to do.”
“Walker, please remember it’s about your father. He doesn’t get the power to darken every memory. Open your heart, the good feelings will come back, and there will be more good than bad. Don’t worry, I won’t tell your mother that she was right.”
“How do you do it?”
“What?”
“You give me hope, Reese. I see things differently with new perspective and understanding. I can be so closed off, and then the good you have in your heart shifts me off course, and I’m steady.”
Our Forever Promise Page 28