Crush the Crescent Lake Winery Series Book 2

by Lucinda Race

“Bye.” He continued to stand there as she took a few steps away from him.

  Feeling self-conscious, she jabbed the elevator call button and stared at the metal doors until they slid open. Once inside, she turned and Colin gave her a wave.

  She put a hand out to support her knocking knees. He was so good-looking and kind, and he had asked her for coffee. She was definitely going to answer that call.

  She crossed the lobby and as she got close to the exit door, her cell phone rang. She grinned when she saw the caller ID. “Hello, Colin.” She could feel the smile spread across her lips.

  “Hi, Anna. I was wondering if you’d like to have coffee with me on Saturday.”

  “I would love to.”

  “If for any reason we can’t do it Saturday, would you give me a rain check?”

  “Absolutely.” She grinned. He really did want to go out with her. Sweet! She did a two-step jig as she walked into the last gleam of sunlight.

  “Great. I’ll look forward to seeing you here tomorrow.”

  “Me too. Goodbye, Colin.”

  “Good night, Anna.”

  There was a soft click and the line went silent.

  She grinned as she stopped and drank in the sweet, earthy smell of spring. Her mom always had said that out of something bad comes good. Boy, was she right.

  Anna woke with a start the next morning. The sun was poking through the slats of the wooden blinds on her living room window. She stretched to work out the kink in her neck. So much for sitting down for a few minutes. She grabbed her phone from the floor and checked for messages. Nothing.

  She punched in the direct line to the cardiac unit and waited. A woman answered on the second ring.

  “Cardiac. This is Sonia.”

  “Good morning, Sonia. This is Anna Price. I wanted to check on my father, Sam Price.”

  “Hold a moment, please? I just came on duty so I need to check the chart.”

  Anna got up and crossed the room, pulling up the blinds to let the sun stream in. It was a glorious morning, full of possibilities.

  “Anna, it was an uneventful night. Would you like me to ask your mother to give you a call?”

  “Not needed. I’ll bring her some breakfast soon. Can Dad have something to eat from the bakery?”

  “Unfortunately, no. He has to start with liquids. We’ll introduce something more solid tomorrow.”

  Anna could almost see the nurse on the other end of the phone—crisp, efficient, and all business. “Thank you for the update and I’ll see you later.”

  She tossed the phone in her vacated chair and took the stairs two at a time. A shower, coffee, and then the bakery for breakfast sandwiches and more steaming hot coffee.

  She carefully applied makeup after blow-drying her hair and securing it in a barrette. She checked her outfit in the mirror. Typically, she didn’t fuss over clothes and makeup unless she was going out on a date, but she wanted to look nice when she saw Colin.

  She frowned at her reflection. “What am I thinking? My father is lying in a hospital bed and I’m looking to impress his NP.” Gathering up her cell phone, laptop bag, and her denim jacket, she dashed through the door and ran lightly down the front steps. The April morning was crisp and cool with the sun rising in the crystal-blue sky. It was a good growing day for the vines.

  Once she pushed the ignition button in the car, the engine purred to life. Since there were no voicemails or text messages, she needed to get the family phone tree going on the way to the bakery to give the update.

  Using hands free, she called Don. He could pass along what she knew. Kate answered on the first ring.

  “Morning, Anna. Have you heard from the hospital?”

  “I called when I got up and Dad had a good night.”

  “Good. Don called around midnight and he was keeping water down but dealing with some discomfort, so they changed his pain medication.”

  “Oh. I didn’t know that.” Anna wished Don had sent her a message to fill her in. “Is my brother around?”

  “He just got Ben up. Hold on a minute and I’ll get him.”

  Anna could hear Ben’s sweet little voice in the background talking about his fruit choice for his oatmeal.

  Don said, “Hi, Anna-banana.”

  She smiled at the nickname. “Hi, Don. Kate said you checked in on Dad last night.”

  “It was right before we went to bed. I couldn’t stop worrying. Kate suggested I call.”

  “I wish you had sent me a text or better yet, a group text. I’m sure it would have eased everyone’s minds.” She wasn’t successful in keeping her tone neutral and annoyance bled through.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it.”

  He did sound genuinely sorry and she regretted her snarky comment. “I’m sorry, Don. I should haven’t been short with you. We should agree from this point forward to keep the family all in the same loop.”

  “Sounds good. Did you talk to Mom this morning?”

  “No. I called the hospital and talked with a nurse. He’s doing well and should be on a liquid diet today, easing into something more solid by tomorrow.”

  “That’s good news.”

  She could hear the genuine relief in his voice. “Can you either call or group text that I’m headed there now and when I go into the office, maybe someone else wants to stop over. I think if we keep it to one kid at a time, we can make sure Mom’s getting something to eat and maybe even some rest.”

  “I like that idea. And I’ll send the text with both the update from last night and this morning.”

  She turned into the parking lot of the bakery. “I gotta let you go. I’m picking up breakfast for me and Mom. But I’ll be sure to send you a text once I see Dad with my own eyes.” And maybe she’d grab a coffee for Colin too.

  “You know the old man is tough and he’ll get through this. It’s just…”

  “Hard.” She finished for him. “I’ll check in later.”

  She turned the engine off and sat with her hands gripping the steering wheel. What would the family do without Dad? He was demanding and at times unyielding, but he was their dad.

  Her phone pinged with a text from Mom.

  Any chance you can bring me a decent cup of coffee?

  With a chuckle, she texted her back. Once step ahead of you. Bringing coffee and breakfast. See you shortly.

  A return thumbs-up emoji was her reply. Anna smiled. Her mom had really embraced the whole texting thing. Whereas Dad never answered a text; he called. He was an original.

  Her phone pinged again.

  Can you bring something sweet and savory?

  Anna laughed out loud. Got ya covered.

  6

  When Anna walked into the cardiac unit, she quickly surveyed the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Colin. It seemed quieter today, with fewer patients. Hopefully that was good news and not the unthinkable.

  She made a beeline for Dad’s bed. He was propped up and smiling as she approached.

  “Hello there. You certainly do look better today than the last time I saw you.” She handed Mom an insulated cup and the bag with breakfast sandwiches and muffins. “Dig in.”

  Dad’s bushy gray-blond eyebrows wiggled. “Got anything in there for your dear old pop?”

  With a snort, she said, “Per doctor orders, you’re on liquids for a bit longer. Then I’m sure we can find you something to eat that will taste mighty good.” She perched on the corner of the bed and turned to her mother. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

  “I did and actually, this chair is pretty comfortable.”

  Dad gave them both a stern look. “You should have taken your mother home last night.”

  “Now, Sam,” Mom admonished, “you would have done exactly the same thing if the roles had been reversed.”

  “Don’t be so sure of yourself. If I had to choose between our nice comfy bed or a vinyl chair, I don’t think it would have been a difficult choice.”

  Anna playfully tapped the bedcovers
. “Dad, this would have been your choice and you know it.”

  Dad looked around Anna and gave a welcoming smile. “Good morning, Colin. I was just trying to convince my daughter to give me something out of that bakery bag.”

  “Hello, Sam.” He was talking to Dad but his eyes met Anna’s before focusing on Sam. “How are you feeling today?”

  “Not bad considering you guys cracked open my chest and did a graft.” He tried to shift on the bed and grimaced. “I know it can be dicey; we do something similar with grape vines.” His eyes got a mischievous look. “You should swing by our winery and Anna can show you what I’m talking about.”

  Colin’s eyes once again met Anna’s and he smiled. The gold flecks were more pronounced today. “I’d like that.”

  She didn’t need her father playing matchmaker from his hospital bed. She held out a to-go cup to Colin. “I wasn’t sure how you took your coffee, so there’s cream and sugar in the bag.”

  “Thank you.” His smile caused her heart to skitter in her chest.

  He flipped open the laptop in his hands. “Sam, let’s talk about you, though, before we make other plans.” He scrolled down. “I see your vitals are strong. Pain meds are controlling your discomfort.” He nodded. “All good signs.”

  “When can I get up and walk around?”

  “Did they get you up last night?”

  “I stood by the bed but I didn’t walk.”

  Colin held Dad’s wrist with his fingers. “How did it feel? Okay?”

  “Yeah, I used that heart pillow over my chest and they had me move very slowly. But I’d really like to get moving. I know the sooner I do, the sooner I can go home.”

  He released Dad’s hand. “Your pulse is good. I’m going to listen to your heart and then answer all your questions.” Colin stepped closer to the bed. “Can you lean forward for me?”

  Dad sat up. A flash of pain crossed his face. Anna was ready to assist with supporting him but the look on his face told her that was the last thing he wanted. It would make him appear weak.

  Colin draped the stethoscope around his neck. “Here’s our plan. Today, you’ll sit in the chair for your meals and walk up and down the hall a few times, with help from a couple of nurses. Please do not try to get out of bed without help. At least not yet. Tomorrow, you’ll spend more time out of bed and do a few more walks than today. Each day, you’ll get stronger and in a few days, we’ll talk about your discharge plan.”

  “That quick? Good.” Sam tried to scooch forward to the edge of the bed. “Guess it’s time to get up.”

  “Dad, Colin just said you need help getting out of bed.”

  He cocked his head to one side. “You’re both here. So, you can help me.”

  Colin gave a short laugh. “I wish all my patients had your grit.”

  He gave a quick wave to the desk nurse and then adjusted a recliner chair close to the bed. “We’re going to slide Sam from the bed to the chair, and try not to worry.” His eyes locked on Anna’s. “We’ve done this a few times before today.”

  Anna’s insides clenched. She appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood but was Dad ready to make the move? Standing was one thing. Getting up and taking a few steps was another. But she had to trust that Colin knew best.

  He gave her an encouraging smile as if reading her thoughts and said, “Trust me.”

  With those two simple words, her worry fell away. In the very short time she had spent with him, she knew without a doubt that she could trust him with her father’s safety. She wondered if she could trust him with more than just medical issues. Could she trust him completely?

  “Sam, we’re going to wait for one of the other nurses. She can show Anna and Sherry the correct way to move you, but I strongly caution you; do not attempt this without one of the nurses here. At least until you’re stronger.”

  Dad grumbled. He never liked being told anything.

  Mom pushed back from the bed and her eyes darted between Anna and Dad. “Are you sure he’s ready?”

  “Mom, it’s okay. They wouldn’t be getting Dad up if it wasn’t safe.” She glanced at Colin and continued to speak to her mother. “Let’s get out of their hair for the moment and then if it goes well, Colin can show us as soon as we’re back.” She eased Mom away from the bed. “We should go have our breakfast in the waiting room. We won’t be gone long.”

  Dad gave an impatient wave with his hand. “Good idea, Anna. Your mother could use a change of scenery.”

  “Sam.” She gave him a steady gaze. “I want to be here with you.”

  “I’ve just had surgery and in case I fall flat on my face, I’d rather you didn’t witness that.”

  A woman in blue scrubs approached them. With a cheery smile on her face, she focused her attention on Sam. “Hello, I’m Sonia. I’m going to be one of your nurses today, Sam.”

  Anna flashed her a smile. “Hi. We spoke on the phone this morning. I’m Anna.”

  She took the bakery bag from Mom, who had been clutching it so tight, it ripped a little as Anna withdrew it from her hands. “Break time.”

  Mom reluctantly walked down the hall with Anna. Looking back over her shoulder, she said, “Are you sure he’s going to be alright?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.” Anna ushered Mom into the bright and sunny waiting room. She set the bag on a small table. “Let’s eat here.”

  Mom sat down, seemingly unaware of her surroundings. As if in a daze, she fiddled with her coffee cup. “Can I tell you something?”

  Anna waited patiently. “You can talk to me about anything.”

  “This time, Dad being in the hospital was a kick in the pants. For the first time, I thought this could be history repeating itself, like with Grandpa Donald. He died young and so could your dad.”

  “He’s going to be fine. You have to believe that.”

  “I know the surgery was a success. But I’ve had time to think about our family, you and Leo in particular.”

  “Why the two of us?” Now, this should be interesting.

  “You and your brother are the only two who don’t have someone special by your side. I don’t want you to miss out on the most important adventure in life.”

  “What about Jack?”

  “Everyone knows he’s still in love with Peyton. There’s still time for those two.”

  That made some kind of sense. “When the time is right, Mom, we will. It’s not something you should be worrying about now.” The last thing Anna wanted to do was feed into what was apparently her mom’s worst fear—that she would live her life alone.

  But wait a minute. That was her choice. She wasn’t going to settle for just any guy. He had to be the right guy for her. So far, her dating experience had left her wanting more from the men she had met.

  “Mom, I’m sure Leo would say the same thing.” She took the top off her coffee cup and set it aside. “What about Liza?”

  “She was lucky to have been married and has two wonderful sons. And since Liza found it once, I know she’ll find it again.”

  “Thanks for your vote of confidence.” Anna hung her head. Wasn’t it nice that her mother thought she was inept at finding love?

  “I didn’t mean that how it sounded. What I’m trying to say is when the time comes, she’ll recognize it. At times like this, one tends to look at life a little differently. Dad and I have been so blessed. We have each other and six wonderful children, and now grandchildren. My life is rich beyond measure. Is it so wrong to want all my children to find happiness?”

  “No, it’s not. But don’t you think I would like to have someone special in my life?” She sipped the lukewarm coffee.

  “Are you happy, Anna?”

  Her head snapped up. “What makes you ask?”

  “I have eyes.” Mom dug into the bakery bag and set a paper-wrapped sandwich on the table. “You haven’t been yourself in quite some time, and I haven’t known how to help.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’ve been a little off-kilter
but I’m working my way back.”

  “Buying a red-hot sports car won’t bring you happiness. It’s just an object, a substitute, if you will.”

  “I’m not having a midlife crisis, if that’s what you’re inferring.” Anna could hear the defensiveness in her voice.

  Mom laughed. “You’re not old enough to have a midlife crisis.” She patted Anna’s hand.

  She debated if she should tell Mom about her coffee date. Maybe it would help her relax and stop worrying. “Now, I don’t want you to make more of this than what it is, but I do happen to have a coffee date for Saturday, depending on what you and Dad might need from me.”

  “Indulge your mother. I could use the distraction.” Mom’s smile warmed her eyes. “Someone we know?”

  “I’m not going to tell you any more other than he’s a very nice man and I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I can’t wait to hear to all the details, and you have all the time in the world on Saturday to enjoy your date. You have five brothers and sisters who can help us if we need something.”

  Sam sat on the edge of the bed, the heart-shaped therapy pillow clutched against his chest. He gave Colin a searching look.

  “Are you married? Or in a relationship?”

  Colin wondered where this was coming from. “No. Why?”

  Sonia gave him a rare smile as she tucked her hand under Sam’s elbow. Colin did the same.

  He said, “Let me know when you’re ready, Sam.”

  “Anna’s not dating anyone.” He gritted his teeth as if preparing for pain. “You should ask her out for a drink.”

  “I’ll give it some thought.” He gave Sonia a slight nod. “On three, Sam, I want you to keep the pillow tight and push off with your legs.”

  He gave a slight nod. “Ready.”

  “Sam, focus. Now. One. Two. Three.” Colin held tight, and he knew from years of working with Sonia that she did the same. Sam grunted. As he rose to his feet, beads of sweat appeared above his lip.

  Sam gave him a half smile. “Look at me on my feet.” With a sidelong look, he grinned. “Now, about Anna.”

  Colin shook his head in disbelief; Sam Price was not a man easily dissuaded. He pretended not to have heard the comment as he eased him to the chair. Sam trying to meddle won’t stop me from dating Anna, and Saturday can’t come fast enough.