It took all of her effort to raise her hand slightly and grasp a strand of his hair between her fingers. It was the same texture it had been thirty-some years before. As he raised his head and looked at her in reverence, she saw the little boy within the man. He began to stutter and tried to thank her for the few months of kindness that had changed his outlook on the world. She slowly raised her hand to his lips and haltingly whispered, “Someone always loved you.” He knew she was right. She hadn’t forgotten him any more than he had forgotten her. He wished that he could take Jay’s place and be her son. He would make the most of this time with her, however brief, and he knew it would be enough to last him for another thirty-plus years. His first memories had gotten him through thus far; this new one would float him through the rest. “Evan?” she breathed as he jumped at the sound of his name. “Be…my…son.”
Evan was confused by her garbled statement. He was pretty sure she said “Be my son,” but what in the world did that mean? “I’m…” she paused, “ready…now.” The spaces between her words were great, but he put the sentences together as quickly as she was able to speak the last word. “Be…my…son.”
Evan was sure this time. She was asking him to be her son! But she already has a son, he thought. He patted her hand to put off answering her. She needed to rest and settle back into her life before she broached such serious topics.
“Cory?” she rasped, interrupting his thoughts as he dried the tears from his face in embarrassment.
Evan pushed the call button. He wasn’t going to leave her side, but it was time for Jordan to see her husband…and meet their son. “Nurse, go get Cory and Jay. They’re in Madison Bartletts’ room. She can come as well if she’s feeling up to it,” Evan commanded without removing his eyes from Jordan’s slight smile.
* * * *
When Jay and Cory arrived in Madison’s room, she was terrified. She was about to reveal a huge secret which would change their future forever. She was sitting in the wheelchair near her bed, and Jay tried to persuade her to climb into its awaiting sheets, but instead she reached for Cory. “I want you to hold the baby,” she said, stretching her arms with the squirmy bundle.
Cory couldn’t think of any reason to refuse, and once he had the little girl in his arms, he was glad he hadn’t. He remembered the first time he had held Ellison, so small and fragile. He smiled at the new baby and shook a finger at her nose as she squawked in protest. Cory sat in a chair across the room and began to rock back and forth with the balls of his feet. The baby quieted and snuggled deeper into the folds of her blankets as he stared at her with great pleasure.
Madison situated herself in her chair repeatedly as she glanced nervously from Cory to Jay and back again. “There’s something you need to know,” she began, gaining attention from both men.
Cory and Jay were riveted by Madison. They could tell by the look on her face that the news was important. Madison wrung her hands, unsure how to convey the life-altering message.
“Jay,” she said, “I know you’ve always felt like something was missing in your life. When you found out you were adopted, all you wanted was answers. And Cory,” Madison spoke quietly, “I believe you know exactly how my husband feels.”
Cory’s eyes widened as he bore a hole through Madison with his intense stare. How did she know about his past?
Jay took a step forward to place a hand on Madison’s shoulders. He knelt in front of her and looked up into her sparkling face. Her lips quivered with the emotion of the moment, but her confidence was evident. “Jay,” she said, placing her hand on the side of his face, “meet your father. Cory,” she continued, “Jay is your son.”
Cory nearly knocked the chair over as he recoiled from the impact of the news. And Jay’s eyes grew rounder with every passing moment as he rotated slowly on his heel and rose. All eyes remained on Madison as she held the papers from the orphanage in as evidence.
* * * *
Nurse Ester quickly raced down the hall. It was as fast as she had walked for as long as she could remember. They sure are keeping me on the move today, she thought as she promised herself an extra dessert on her break. Barging into Madison’s room without knocking, the nurse witnessed another surprising scene. The sight reminded her of seeing Jay and Cory under the awning in a tight embrace. Jay was holding his child, and Cory was holding both of them as Madison sat close by with her hand on Jay’s back. Ester didn’t know what was going on, but she had direct orders to get the three of them to Jordan’s room, and she wasn’t going to mess around. Before the cluster was allowed to ask any questions, Madison’s wheelchair was rolling backwards across the room, and Jay and Cory were following with the new baby in tow.
* * * *
The convoy arrived in Jordan’s room moments later. The only conversation during the journey was a whispered request made by Cory to Nurse Ester who promptly scurried off to see that it was fulfilled. Dr. Rodriguez had composed himself and felt like a new man, having finally been able to convey his appreciation to this phenomenal woman. Cory rushed to Jordan’s bedside, passing the new parents as Jay handed the baby to Madison so he could station himself on the other side of the bed. Jordan appeared to be sleeping again, but as the men each grasped a hand, her eyes fluttered open. Her neck turned slightly to the left. “Cory,” she muttered with tears brimming in her eyes. He felt the slight flutter on his hand and knew that she was trying to squeeze his fingers. He squeezed hard enough for both of them as she slowly moved her head to see the man at her right.
“Hey, Jordan,” Jay said as he ran his fingers up her arm from her wrist to her elbow in his standard greeting. Jordan’s eyes widened as she recognized the voice which had so frequently entertained her over these past few months. “Or should I say…” Jay paused, glancing at Madison and the baby. “Hi, Mom.”
Jordan didn’t look surprised or shocked. She simply smiled with joy and said, “Jay,” with relief in her voice. Jay bent to kiss her cheek and nuzzle his nose against her hair. Her memories of their first meeting flooded back to Jordan as she inhaled his scent, so different now, yet so familiar. As she smiled at the men before her, a sob racked her body.
It was the most amazing vision Madison had ever seen. She watched as Cory and Jay folded themselves over Jordan, circling their arms around her and each other. A lump formed in Madison’s throat as she realized what all of this meant for Jay and for their family. Their new little baby began to wriggle and scream in displeasure. As Madison tried to rock her back into silence, the hug before her loosened a bit, and she heard Jordan speak slightly, “Baby?” she asked.
Madison took it upon herself to rise from her chair and join the group across the room. She bounced the squirming child and tilted her so Jordan could see. Jay gently took his little girl from her mother and placed her on Jordan’s stomach, propping her up with his arm so they could see each other properly. “Mom,” Jay said, fighting back tears of pride, “meet your granddaughter.”
Jordan was in awe of the new little one who stopped fussing the minute she was placed near her grandmother. Without tearing her eyes from the baby, she asked, “Name?”
Jay looked at Madison who shrugged. They had still not discussed any girls’ names. He beckoned his wife with a finger, calling her ear to his lips as he whispered conspiratorially, one hand covering his mouth so the others could not hear. “It’s settled then,” Jay announced as Madison beamed down at their family, all so new. “Her name,” he paused, expecting a drum roll, “is Ellison.”
Cory’s eyes shot up to meet Jay; he had forgiven Jay for the trauma he had caused
Jordan, and he had grown to respect him as a man. The moment he learned that Jay was the son he never knew, he fell in love with him instantly. But now his heart was close to bursting with so many emotions he thought he would never feel again. For Jay to name his own child after the one Cory and Jordan had lost so long ago was unbelievable. Cory buried his head in Jordan’s shoulder as he placed his hand on the bundled little gir
l. “Ellison,” he cried. “I won’t call her EJ. I promise,” he said as Jay chuckled.
“Good,” Madison agreed, “because her middle name is Marie.”
Cory smiled. “Em it is!” he proclaimed. He liked his daughter-in-law already. Madison returned the smile, and Jay beamed at his new daughter, Ellison Marie. Even Jordan managed a smile, a sight so enchanting they all stared in appreciation, giving thanks for their new family.
EPILOGUE
Cory awoke early the next morning, his mind racing with what lie ahead. He hoped Nurse Ester had followed through with his request as he quietly edged out of the room once he had checked on each of its occupants. After the thrilling reunion, Madison had insisted on moving into Jordan’s room, and Dr. Rodriguez had made special concessions to appease her. She and Jay shared a small hospital bed so they were both within reach of little Ellison in case she began to fuss. Jordan stayed in her bed, and Cory slept half in a chair and half on Jordan.
Cory raced to the gift shop to get his supplies. It was just opening when he arrived, and he rushed through the store, piling items into his arms. As he returned to the room, he met Dr. Rodriguez in the hall. “I hope you don’t mind,” the doctor said. “Nurse Ester told me what was going on, and I would love to help if I can.”
“Absolutely, Doc,” Cory exclaimed. “I’m counting on you. In fact, Jay told me who you are and how much you meant to Jordan during her time at the orphanage. You know she can’t speak much yet, but she made her message very clear when it came to you, Evan.” He explained what he would need from the doctor. Evan nodded in agreement and emotionally embraced Cory. Dr. Rodriguez now had everything he’d ever wanted. Wiping his hands on his white coat in apprehension, Evan moved to the end of the hall to greet the guest Nurse Ester had invited. Cory moved about the hospital room, stealthily placing flower arrangements in every nook and cranny. Last, he placed a soft pink teddy bear next to Ellison, hoping it would be her favorite stuffed animal.
Just as he’d finished positioning all of the items, Madison stirred beside Jay and rolled out of bed without disturbing him. After checking on Ellison and stroking her new teddy bear, Madison smiled and noticed Cory surveying the room. She moved to stand next to him and glanced at all of the flowers, arranged to perfection around the small space. Breathing deeply, she enjoyed the sweet aroma as Cory trained his eyes on his wife. “Love him well, Madison,” he said, speaking about Jay. “If you love him even half as much as that woman has loved me, he’s one lucky man,” Cory stated, sliding an arm around his daughter-in-law.
“You have nothing to worry about, Cory,” she replied confidently. “I’m doomed to love that guy. He took a piece of my heart and ran with it, and I plan on letting him keep it.”
They smiled tenderly at each other and went back to watching their respective spouses sleep. A light knock on the door finally roused Jay who rose to open it for Dr. Rodriguez and his guest. Cory was right behind his son, “Come in. Come in,” Cory said. “I think we have everything we need…except for my darling wife. We’ll have to wait until she wakes.”
The guest assured Cory he was in no hurry as they shook hands and settled in to wait. An hour later, Jordan woke to the sound of numerous whispering voices surrounding her. Some were familiar, some new. She fought to open her eyes, and Cory noticed her presence right away.
“Happy anniversary, Sweetheart,” he whispered, kissing her first on the forehead, then on each cheek. Was it really their anniversary? That had been months away. She couldn’t believe it had sneaked up on her like that. But, she supposed, she had been in and out quite a bit.
“Who…” she started as she noticed the strange man standing at the corner of her bed.
“This is Reverend Peters,” Cory announced. “He’s been kind enough to agree to renew our vows today if you’re willing.”
Jordan didn’t have to respond. Her eyes said it all as the pastor shuffled through the book he had brought. Cory arranged the guests about her bed as he explained their positions to his bride. “Here’s my best man,” Cory proclaimed, placing Jay just behind him. “And this is your maid of honor,” he said, tugging Madison to Jordan’s other side. “And you!” Cory pointed Evan into position, ready to finish his arrangements. “This is our eldest son,” he told Jordan after Evan had taken his place at the end of the bed. The pastor began the proceedings by asking who would present the bride to her husband. “I will,” said Evan, beaming at the couple, happy to be a part of such a special day. Jordan’s eyes revealed all of the messages she had for the doctor with one single look. He knew from that moment forward he would never feel empty or unloved again.
Madison wiped her eyes with a handkerchief with one hand as she balanced Ellison in the other, and the minister continued the ceremony. When he came to the vows, Cory held up his hand. “I’ll take it from here, Rev,” he said lightly.
Turning to Jordan, his eyes softened as he placed one hand on her arm and the other near her cheek. “Jordan,” he said softly, “I knew the moment I first saw you that you were the one for me. It may have taken some time to convince you of that fact, but I knew what I felt, and I didn’t give up easily. Since that day you have been the light in my life. My very reason for getting up in the morning is to see your bright face smiling at me. You gave me a daughter who had a life so precious I will never forget any detail about the short time we had with her. You gave me a son, and I can’t wait to find out everything we’ve missed in his life. Without my even knowing, you brought yet another son into our family. However, what I am most grateful for is that you gave me your heart, and you trusted me to keep it safe. My vow to you is that for all the rest of my days, I will treasure the gifts that you have given me--the memory of our daughter, the life of our sons, and the generosity of your love. If you hadn’t already guessed, I love you with all of my heart.” Cory ended his vow, his voice quavering as Reverend Peters smiled at the beauty of his words.
Knowing she couldn’t say much, Jordan chose her words carefully. “Cory…I love you,” she rasped slowly as the guests crowded in so they wouldn’t miss a syllable. “Keep my heart. I gave it to you for a reason.” Jordan closed her eyes briefly, exhausted from all of the excitement and the extra exertion, but determined to stay with them through the ceremony. “Always….loved….all of you,” she finished, including the entire group gathered around her bed.
Reverend Peters pronounced them husband and wife again, and Cory kissed Jordan with a sweet passion of love which had grown over the years.
Jordan took a moment to survey the room. First, she watched Evan at the corner of her bed. She didn’t think he would ever know how much he had meant to her during her time at the orphanage. He was the symbol of the baby son she had so long ago who she knew would grow to be an adorable boy just like him. She had replayed their months together in her memory often over the years. She knew when she first met him that he was a spectacular boy, and she was so glad to see he had become a wonderful man. The minute she was old enough to be ready for a child of her own, she hoped her child would be as wonderful as Evan. Now she was lucky enough to call him her son as well.
Moving her eyes to Madison and little Ellison, Jordan’s heart swelled. She was so glad Jay had found a woman to love and care for him as much as she had loved and cared for Cory. Madison was obviously Jay’s best friend, and Jordan was pleased that her son had found that kind of happiness. She couldn’t believe she was a grandma, and she couldn’t have been happier about it.
Jordan let her gaze roam back to Cory. His face had aged, but he was no less handsome. She was in awe of his appearance each time she looked at him. Not only was he a good looking man, but underneath he was so much more. He had a heart of gold and the will to help others despite the consequences to himself. In some ways, he was too much like her, she thought. She loved him more today than she ever thought possible.
After hesitating on Cory for a long time, she finally moved on to Jay, his face so similar to his father’s and yet with
distinct differences. He definitely had his father’s eyes, but it was her nose that sloped beneath them. The stubble on his face reminded her of Cory when he worked so hard on a case that he couldn’t find the time for a close shave. She smiled as the thoughts overwhelmed her. Their boy had come back to them, just as she had prayed he would. She had never stopped being his mother, but now she also really felt like his mom. She didn’t know what kind of life he had without them, but she knew from this point on he would be loved to the point of suffocation to make up for all of the years he was loved from a distance.
Jordan felt the arms cross over her body as Cory and Madison joined hands and Jay placed Ellison on Jordan’s legs. With a permanent smile etched onto her face, Jordan allowed her eyes to close. The warm light rose over her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. She would never be cold again.
Someone Always Loved You Page 23
