He laughed. “You look good. I wasn’t sure how I’d find you. How are you feeling?”
“A little like I’ve been run over by a truck.” She smiled wryly. “It really could have been so much worse.”
“That’s what Phylicia said. It sounds like you’re lucky to be alive.”
“Blessed,” she corrected. “Blessed to be alive. I’m trying to be grateful for these aches and pains.”
“Of course.” He nodded somberly. “They are proof of life.”
“I like that,” she said. “Proof of life.”
She felt more blessed than he could imagine right now, but a lot of it had to do with the fact that he was sitting here in her hospital room.
The emotion of the past week began to catch up with her—and maybe the joy and relief of seeing Luke too—and she suddenly felt near tears. She grasped for something to change the subject. “What’s Mateo up to? Is he in the waiting room?”
“No, he’s home. We’re doing some trial runs with him staying by himself.”
“Oh? How’s that going?”
Luke chuckled. “Depends on which one of us you ask. He thinks it’s the coolest thing ever. I’m pretty much a nervous wreck. But he’s handled it really well, actually. Most nights I go home to find the dishes done and his laundry picked up. He’s determined to prove that he’s old enough to stay alone.”
“Well, good for him.”
“It will really help once school starts. Which is right around the corner. First day of classes is Tuesday.”
“What? Next Tuesday? How can that be?”
“August 10.”
“Where did the summer go?”
“Right? And I hear you missed out on a few days of summer altogether.”
“I did. It’s a really weird feeling to know you literally slept for three days straight.”
“Right now that sounds pretty good to me.”
“Trust me, it’s not.”
His expression turned serious. “I didn’t mean to make light of what you’ve been through.”
“Of course not. I didn’t take it that way.”
He cast about the room as if looking for a topic to discuss. His gaze landed on the windowsill. “Looks like you could almost start your own flower shop in here.”
She laughed. “You should have seen it yesterday when I was having double vision!”
He laughed his hearty laugh, and the sound of it lifted her spirits like nothing had since she’d landed in this room.
“Your sister said that’s why you had to stay. The double vision.”
She nodded. “And a whale of a headache. But they’re both gone now. I actually feel pretty good. Although I’m not too crazy about this stupid boot I get to wear for the next eight weeks.” She stuck her leg out from beneath the sheets to reveal the bulky surgical boot that sported a blue circle.
“Wow. Do you have one to match all your jammies?”
She grinned. “My friend Ginger did actually choose these jammies to color-coordinate with my boot. She will be thrilled that you noticed.”
He shrugged. “I’m not usually such a fashion aficionado, but that ensemble did catch my eye. And it matches that eye shadow of yours too. I’m sensing a black-and-blue theme here.”
“Oh! I hadn’t even thought about that.” Laughing, she pulled her hair back and turned the left side of her face toward him.
He winced. “Wow. That is quite the shiner you got. Mateo would be impressed.”
She told him what she remembered of the accident and by the time she finished—with his compassion and humor applied to every comment—she felt like she’d healed more in twenty minutes than she had the first six days in the hospital. “Well … enough about that,” she finally said. “I really didn’t mean to keep you captive here.”
“No. I wanted to come. I would have come sooner, but I wasn’t sure …” He stared at the floor for a long minute. “I know you were with Ben the night of the accident. I’m not trying to interfere. I just wanted—needed—to see for myself that you’re doing okay.”
“Luke …” She inhaled deeply. “There’s nothing between Ben and me. I don’t know why I didn’t figure that out long ago. But whatever we had is over. Completely over.”
His face brightened. “I know I should say I’m sorry. But—”
“It’s okay. And maybe I should feel more sorry about things ending—for good—than I do. But I’m good. I’m really okay with it. I know it’s the direction God was leading me.” She rolled her eyes. “I can be a little hard-headed at times. If you haven’t already figured that out.”
“I always liked hard-headed women.”
“Liar.”
He laughed. “So … What are the chances you might still—once you’re all healed up, of course—give me a call so we can talk things out?”
A look she couldn’t quite read crossed his countenance.
He narrowed his eyes. “Or have you already decided?”
“I’ve decided.”
“Okay …” He looked at her as if she held his heart in her hands.
“I decided that I really like you, and I think maybe we can figure out a way to … make things work. Or at least … be friends?”
“I think we already are friends, Joanna.” A knowing smile came. “I’d like to get past that and move on to … something more.”
Her heart soared. “I’d like that too. I’m going to be pretty gimpy for a few weeks, but maybe … you and Mateo could come for supper sometime next week?”
“At your place? Are you sure you feel up to it? What if we brought pizza?”
“Let me see how it goes. And I guess I’d better check with Britt to be sure what nights we have guests staying in the cottage. The cabins are a little too cozy for a dinner party.”
“You just let me know what works for you. I’d be glad to pick up pizzas.”
“Thank you. But I’ll cook if I can. I kind of like to show off in the kitchen.”
He laughed. “Well, we sure wouldn’t want to deny you that opportunity.”
A nurse came in to take her vitals.
Luke rose. “I probably should get back to Mateo anyway.”
Jo wanted to punt the nurse to the door. Only the promise of seeing him again soon let her treat the woman kindly. “Oh, thank you for the flowers you sent.”
He winked. “I bet you don’t even know which ones they are.”
“Do too!” She pointed to the vase closest to her bed. “That teal vase right there.”
He gave an approving nod. “Those are pretty. I did good. Well, me and Phee.” He winked at her and gave a little wave. “See you soon.”
Then, turning on his heel, he strode past the waiting nurse.
The grandmotherly woman turned to watch him go, then came around to the other side of the bed fanning herself. “Now there goes a sight for sore eyes.”
Jo giggled. “And that’s why I’m determined to go home tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 36
JO HOBBLED TO THE SOFA in the middle of the room facing the now-empty fireplace. She plopped down in one corner and put her booted ankle up on the ottoman Phee had provided. The cottage was overly warm on this early August afternoon but she’d never been so happy to be home. “How can I be so wiped out? All I’ve done this past week is sleep.”
Speaking the words brought home the fact that one week ago today, she’d been carried by ambulance to the hospital, unconscious. She hadn’t realized how profoundly the accident had affected her until the ride home from the hospital.
Every intersection Phee drove through, Jo’s heart rate skyrocketed, every yellow light was a reminder, and Phee had gently pointed out that Jo was gripping the armrests as if the car were a roller coaster.
“Just go to bed, Jo. I’ll bring in the rest of the bags a little later.”
Jo started to protest and then gasped when something—Melvin!—jumped onto her lap.
Phee laughed. “Oh, I forgot to tell you: Britt loaned you her cat
for a few days.”
“Awww … that was sweet of her.” Melvin sniffed the walking boot that was starting to look a little worse for the wear. But apparently unfazed, he curled up beside her and went to sleep, tail twitching.
Phee continued to rummage through bags.
“What are you looking for?”
“Oh … nothing. I must have left it in the car. And hey, just leave those vases for now. I’ll be back over later to combine some of the bouquets and throw out the wilted flowers.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but it’s my area of expertise. I want to.” She gave Jo a cheesy grin. “And I want you to go to bed!”
“But if I go to bed now, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” She rested an elbow on the back of the sofa and watched her sister sort through bags and totes.
“Suit yourself,” Phee said. “But don’t you overdo it. You heard what the doctor said. Bed rest for a couple of days, and then gradually work your way back—”
“They have to say that to cover their tails.”
“No, Joanna.” Phee stopped searching and gave her a firm look that reminded Jo so much of Mom her breath caught. “They say that because they know you won’t rest like you’re supposed to. Like you need to.”
“I’ll rest. I promise. But I like it out here in the middle of the house. I’ll work my way through this mountain of stuff we brought home from the hospital, and when I get tired I’ll sleep. Right here.” She patted the throw pillows, making Melvin look up briefly.
Phee sighed. “Promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
Phee looked stricken. “Don’t even say that, Jo!”
“Oops. Sorry. Just kidding,” she squeaked.
Phee turned away, but not before Jo saw the tears brimming in her eyes.
“Phee … I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m fine!”
Her sister whirled to face her again, then came to stand behind the sofa, wrapping her arms around Jo from behind. “I can’t even let myself think about how close we came to losing you.”
“Aww … I have the best sisters …” She tried to keep her tone light, but she had to swallow the lump in her throat.
Phee let go of her and straightened, her voice steady now. “Okay. I’ve said all I can say to my bullheaded sister. I’m going to walk up to the house and see if Quinn is still there. I’ve got my phone. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be back in a while to check on you and take care of the flowers.”
“I’m fine, Phee. Go.” She shooed her away. “And tell that handsome hubby of yours hi.”
Phee walked out to the music of the screen door swinging shut, and Jo was left in silence.
She looked around the cottage that had become such a beloved retreat to her, and she imagined Luke—and Mateo—here by the fire, and later gathered around the table eating her lasagna and crusty French bread. The scene in her imagination thrilled her. Maybe she’d call Luke later tonight and set a date for the dinner she’d promised.
But one glance at the sofa littered with bags and clothes and stacks of papers sobered her. She had to get this place cleaned up before she could even think about having company.
She reached for one of the plastic totes the hospital had used to pack her things and started sorting through it.
She placed the greeting cards on the coffee table to go through later and made a trash bag of one of the totes, filling it with brochures and her hospital bracelet and other things she didn’t particularly ever want to see again.
She reached for another sack and peered inside. A small stack of books and a receipt. Wait. This wasn’t hers. She looked at the outside of the bag. Barnes & Noble. Maybe someone had brought her some books and she’d forgotten. Or never opened them.
She opened the bag wider, peeked inside … and froze. There were three books. Two pocket-size books of “best-loved baby names” and a fat tome called What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What in the world … ? Phee!
When she could finally breathe again, Joanna didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This could only mean one thing. Her sister was pregnant! Phee and Quinn were having a baby!
But her stomach churned as she stuffed the books back into the bag. This must have been what Phee was searching for earlier. And now Jo’s snooping—accidental though it was—had spoiled her sister’s amazing news. Worse, Jo would have to pretend to be surprised when they made the announcement.
A baby! She could hardly picture it. And yet thinking of Quinn and Phee with a baby—and later a toddler—seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Would they be the kind to find out if they were having a boy or girl? Would they tell people what names they’d chosen or keep it a surprise?
She was so excited she thought she might burst!
On a whim, she pulled the smallest book of baby names out of the bag and leafed through it, dreaming on Phee’s behalf.
She leafed through the A’s and B’s, then flipped through quickly to the L section. Liam … Logan … There it was. Lucas/Lukas/Luke. Meaning: Bringer of light.
Interesting. Not that she put much stock in that kind of thing, but the man had certainly been a ray of light in her life. Especially recently.
She kept leafing, mindful that Phee could come back any minute to take care of the vases. She was about to put the book back in the bag when she saw it: Matthew/Matthias/Mateo. Meaning: God’s gift.
She sat, transfixed, for a full minute. Okay, maybe she didn’t put any stock in these things, but it sure did seem like God might be trying to say something to her.
I’m listening, Lord.
Mindful of the other two cooks in the tiny cottage kitchen, Jo hopped from the refrigerator to the stove and back again, getting the vegetables ready to sauté.
Britt laughed at her. “You look like a pirate with a peg leg.”
Jo glared. “Aarghh!”
That made her sisters laugh. It seemed like they were all feeling grateful to be together, to be alive. She was excited, but nervous, too, about Luke and Mateo coming for dinner. Her sisters and Quinn would be here too—a “sixsome” to play board games after dinner.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you two to help tonight.”
Phee frowned. “I’m sorry I couldn’t have helped more. Things have been a little crazy with work and especially with the house.”
“Not to mention a sister who managed to land herself in the hospital. Sorry about that.”
Phee waved off Jo’s comment, and Britt looked up from the block of parmesan cheese she was grating. “How’s the house coming along, by the way?”
“It seems like all we do is wait.” Phee blew out a frustrated sigh. “Wait for the foundation to cure, wait for the contractors to get here, wait on the supplies to come in …”
Wait for a baby to be born. Joanna held her breath, certain those would be her sister’s next words. But instead, Phee turned to check on the bread. She opened the oven to release the yeasty fragrance that was the whole reason Jo had waited until the last minute to put the two plump loaves in the oven.
A bun in the oven! Phee couldn’t pass up that opportunity, could she? But her sister moved about the kitchen as if nothing was different. Surely Phee wouldn’t keep this secret from her own sisters. Unless … Unless she hadn’t even told Quinn yet.
While the three of them sliced fruit for a salad, Phee turned to Jo. “You said you wanted to play board games tonight? Which ones?”
Jo wiped her hands and went to the antique pine cupboard that housed a nice collection of games for guests of the Airbnb to use. She held up a box. “Do you think Battle of the Sexes would be too … advanced for Mateo?”
Britt made a face that said she was doubtful.
“How about Spoons?”
Phee cringed. “Somebody could get hurt. Seriously.”
“True.” She put the game box back and closed the cupboard.
“Maybe Uno?”
“We don’
t have Uno, do we?” She opened the cupboard again in case she’d missed it.
“Maybe Luke knows a game Mateo likes,” Phee suggested. “You could just ask him. Maybe they could bring something when they come.”
“I guess …” Joanna tried to concentrate on what Phee was saying, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off her older sister. Was it her imagination, or did Phee have a certain glow about her? A new womanly roundness to her body. It was all Jo could do not to drop hints that might make her sister fess up. But if Quinn really didn’t know yet, that wouldn’t be fair.
“I know! We could play wooden spoons.” Britt grabbed a wood utensil from the crock on the stove and wielded it like a sword.
Laughing, Jo did likewise—except her pose was rather graceless on account of the boot.
“Are you two going to act like two-year-olds while our company’s here?” But Phee laughed at their bantering.
“She started it!” Jo said in her best two-year-old whine.
“It wasn’t me,” Britt protested, grinning. “It was Jo. And besides, it’s her company. If she wants to act like a fool—”
“You two try not to hurt each other,” Phee deadpanned. “I’m going to go lie down for a few minutes before everyone gets here.”
Yes, sis, you need your rest. Jo smiled to herself, but one look at the clock on the stove and her nerves kicked into high gear. They’d be here in half an hour! How could she be so nervous—and excited—at the same time!
“Britt, will you keep an eye on things in the kitchen? I’m going to go see if I can cover up these stupid bruises with a little makeup.”
Britt gave her a knowing look. “He won’t care.”
“I know.” And that was just one more thing she loved about the man.
CHAPTER 37
SO, SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW, HUH?” Jo was doing her best to make conversation with Mateo, who’d been too busy chowing down—mostly on French bread—to talk.
He threw her a perfunctory nod before turning to Luke. “Can I have another piece of bread?” He looked up at Luke with those dark puppy-dog eyes and Jo fully expected Luke to give in.
But he surprised her. “Miss Joanna asked you a question, Mateo. Tell her about school.”
Chasing Dreams Page 25