Going Home

by Judith Keim

  He chuckled. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “And I’ll get changed,” she said, uncomfortable with hearing the financial arrangements.

  After she was directed to a dressing area, Lettie set her suitcase on a white-velvet bench and opened it. Removing her dress, she was relieved to see that it hadn’t wrinkled badly. And the high heels that she’d borrowed from the closet in Malibu were in good shape. Last night, when Kenton called his father’s friend to ask about them, he was told that not only could Lettie borrow the shoes, she could keep them.

  As Lettie stood at the sink to wash her face, she studied her image in the mirror. The years in Dayton, Ohio, seemed decades, not months ago. Her life had changed dramatically, and she owed it all to Kenton. Her fair skin, lightly tanned now, seemed to glow with the happiness she felt. Her hair, still curly and wild, looked suitable here in Vegas, at the beach, or walking the grounds of Chandler Hill. True, her nose still had a dusting of freckles, but even these had become acceptable because Kenton had whispered to her that he loved them.

  She freshened her makeup, added the brown eyeliner and blue eye shadow that changed her blue-green eyes from interesting to extraordinary, and straightened. She’d done the best she could.

  The green dress wrapped her body as if it was designed for her. Beneath it she wore the lacy bra and matching panties she’d bought with Kenton. She slipped large, gold-plated, loop earrings into her earlobes. Her foster mother would have considered them much too showy, but Lettie loved them.

  At a knock at the door, Lettie hurried to answer it.

  Kenton beamed at her. “Wow! You look beautiful!” He handed her a bouquet of pale pink roses. “I chose these for you because they remind me of you.”

  As she took them in her hands, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Ready to do this?”

  Her heart filled with love for him. “Yes.”

  They walked into the chapel holding hands.

  ###

  That evening, in the Golden Steer Restaurant, where Vinnie had insisted they go for their wedding dinner, Lettie sat in a red-leather booth gazing across the table at her groom. She could hardly believe she was a married woman. And, yet, it felt so good to “belong” to someone as wonderful as Kenton.

  The ceremony had made her feel as if another woman, a woman so different from what she’d known on her own, had developed wings and was about to fly into the future. Kenton’s eyes had filled with emotion when she’d said, “I do” in a ringing tone of affirmation.

  The waiter brought two glasses of champagne to them. “While you’re waiting for your dinner, one of the gentlemen across the room asked me to deliver this to you. How long have you been married?”

  “About three hours,” Kenton said, grinning.

  Lettie turned around to see who Kenton was acknowledging. “Is that Elvis Presley?” she asked the waiter.

  Giving her a smile, the waiter shrugged. “Can’t say. He’s here from time to time, along with a few other people like Sinatra.”

  After the waiter left, Kenton raised his glass. “Here’s to us, Lettie. We’re going to make a great life together!”

  They clicked glasses.

  Bubbles tickled Lettie’s nose as she tipped the glass to her mouth. She giggled, took a breath, and then sipped the wine.

  “I don’t know what kind of champagne this is, but it’s delicious,” said Kenton. “No doubt it’s from France.”

  “It’s nice,” said Lettie, taking another sip and looking around at all the well-dressed patrons.

  When at last their steaks came, a contented silence descended on the table as they dug into the tender meat. Lettie had her first taste of Caesar salad with its crisp leaves of romaine, tart dressing, parmesan cheese shavings, and anchovies.

  “Like it?” Kenton asked, leaning toward her eagerly.

  Lettie swallowed and forked another leaf of the lettuce. “Delicious.”

  He laughed. “You may not know it yet, but you’re a classy broad, as Sinatra would say.”

  “Oh, so now you’re a member of the Rat Pack?” she teased.

  He grinned. “I don’t need to be in a pack. I’ve got you.”

  ###

  Later, after making love in their hotel room, Lettie lay on her back staring up at the ceiling, a small smile playing at her lips. Being married to Kenton made their lovemaking even more special because she knew she was the person with whom he had chosen to spend the rest of his life.

  Sighing with contentment, she rolled over and nestled up against his strong body. Tomorrow, she decided, they’d relax around the pool and then take a more active part in this magical city that turned into a wonderland of colorful lights at night.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Lettie was lost in a dream of being in a field of flowers staring up at the sky when suddenly a giant bug flew at her. She moaned and slapped at the annoying creature.

  “Hey!” cried Kenton, waking her up.

  She opened her eyes and blinked sleepily at him.

  “I’m just trying to kiss you,” he said, holding a hand to his cheek.

  She held out her arms to him. “Sorry, I was dreaming.”

  He nestled against her chest. “I’m going to call Dad. I can’t wait to tell him we’re married. He thinks you’re very special, you know.”

  “I still don’t know why.”

  He propped himself on one elbow and caressed her cheek. “You don’t? He says you’re one of the most genuine people he knows. He loves that you love Chandler Hill, and he wants you to be a part of its growth.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  He scrambled out of bed. “I’m going to call him now.” He lifted the phone, got the hotel operator to give him an outside line, and dialed the Chandler Hill Inn’s number.

  He turned to Lettie. “I’ve put it on speaker.”

  The phone rang and rang, before a breathless voice said, “Hello?”

  “Mrs. Morley?”

  “Oh, my word! Is that you, Kenton? We’ve been trying to reach you. Where are you? Your father has had a stroke and is in the hospital in Portland. We need you to come home.”

  “A stroke? How bad is it? Is he going to be okay?”

  “Oh, hon! We don’t know for sure.”

  “When did it happen?”

  “Sometime yesterday morning. I found him in his bedroom.”

  “Lettie and I are in Las Vegas. We just got married. Let me check the airlines, and I’ll call you back. But, Mrs. Morley, tell him to hold on. We’re coming home.”

  “Okay. Rafe will pick you up at the airport. He and Maria are engaged, and they’ll be moving away after the holidays, but they won’t leave until things are settled here. Goodbye. Hurry home.”

  Kenton disconnected the call and turned to her, his face drained of blood. “I can’t believe it! Dad’s never sick. And now this?” Tears filled the big, beautiful eyes that had always comforted her.

  Now it was her turn to comfort him. She hugged him tight. “Rex is a strong man. He’ll fight this.”

  He squeezed her hard and then said, “You’d better get dressed. We’ll get out of here as soon as we can.”

  “Go ahead and make the arrangements. I’ll take care of things here.” Lettie raced into the bathroom for a quick shower.

  Standing under a stream of hot water, she thought of Rex Chandler. A big, handsome, rugged-looking man, he’d always seemed so alive. The thought of him lying helpless brought tears to her eyes. After knowing him for even such a short time, she realized how miserable a situation like that would be for a strong man like him.

  Anxious to get home to see him, she hurried through her morning routine. And then, while Kenton showered, she packed for both of them.

  Placing her carefully folded dress into the suitcase, Lettie thought of the special day she’d shared with Kenton yesterday and felt guilty that, while they were having such a wonderful time, Rex lay suffering. She looked at the black bikini Kenton had bought her, pushing away dis
appointment at not being able to spend more time in Las Vegas. She was as anxious as Kenton to get home to Rex.

  She folded Kenton’s clothes and placed them into his suitcase, wondering if Rex’s illness would mean a delay in Kenton’s reporting for duty.

  Kenton emerged from the bathroom, his hair still wet from the shower. “Ready?”

  “I think so. I’ll double-check the drawers and closet. Do you have all your things from the bathroom?”

  “Yes.” He snapped his suitcase closed. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

  They carried their luggage down to the lobby, where Kenton checked them out.

  Outside, the hotel van was ready to take them to the airport. Kenton greeted the driver curtly. “We need to get to the airport right away. Family emergency.”

  “Yes, sir.” The driver helped Lettie into the van, grabbed the luggage, and after settling the bags in the back, hurried to get behind the wheel.

  As they traveled away from the strip, Lettie stared out the window. At night, the strip was alive with color. Now, in the daylight, the hotels seemed like old men lounging beside the road, sleeping off a hangover.

  Kenton clasped her hand in his. “Sorry our honeymoon had to end like this. I’ll make it up to you sometime.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry too. I just hope your father is all right.”

  He clamped his lips together, unable to hold back his emotions.

  ###

  Rafe was standing in the waiting area for arriving passengers after they had deplaned at the Portland International Airport. Seeing them, he hurried over and gave Kenton a quick, manly hug. “So sorry about your dad.”

  He turned to Lettie. “I hear congratulations are in order for the two of you.”

  “And for you and Maria. Congratulations,” she responded.

  “Where’s Dad? The Providence Hospital?” said Kenton, gripping both suitcases tightly.

  “Yes,” said Rafe. “I’ll drop you off there. So far, he’s holding his own.”

  Lettie watched the lines of worry creasing Kenton’s forehead visibly lessen, and she gave his arm an encouraging squeeze. “That’s good. He’s strong, Kenton.”

  He acknowledged her but didn’t wait for her as he headed out the door of the terminal with Rafe. Lettie hurried to catch up.

  As she approached, she saw Rafe clap Kenton on the back and heard him say, “Congratulations, Kenton. Lettie is someone special.”

  “Don’t I know it,” Kenton said. “The best decision of my life.”

  Lettie hurried to Kenton’s side, but said nothing to indicate she’d overheard.

  Rafe led them to Rex’s black Cadillac. “Hop in. I’ll drive.”

  Kenton helped Lettie into the black-leather backseat and, after loading the suitcases, climbed into the front seat next to Rafe.

  They made their way through traffic to the front of a red-brick building. “Here we are,” said Rafe, pulling to a stop.

  Kenton opened the door and stepped out of the car. “Thanks, Rafe. Please stay around until we know what our plans are. Okay?”

  “Sure, that’s what I was going to do all along.”

  Lettie got out of the car, and they walked through the entrance of the hospital to check in.

  “We’re here to see Rex Chandler,” Kenton told the woman behind the reception desk.

  “I’m sorry, but he’s not to receive any visitors except immediate family,” she said, eying Lettie.

  “I’m his son and this is my wife,” Kenton said with enough force behind his words that the receptionist blinked. “Okay, then. Mr. Chandler is on the fourth floor. The elevators are down the hall on your right.”

  “Thank you,” said Kenton, and they hurried down the hall.

  On the fourth floor, they found Rex in a private room lying on his back in a single bed. Cables hooked him up to some kind of monitor. An IV bag hung from a pole close by. His eyes were closed. Observing the way one side of his face had slid downward like melted wax and how his cheeks had sunk into his face, Lettie grew alarmed. This was not the vibrant man she knew.

  “Dad?” Kenton said softly, leaning over the bed.

  Rex opened his right eye. The other eye remained closed. From beneath the light blanket, his right leg stirred. His hands, resting atop the sheet covering his body remained in place.

  “Hi, Dad,” Kenton said, patting his father’s hands. “We’re here.”

  Rex’s one-eyed gaze landed on him and turned to Lettie. For a moment, it almost looked as if he were attempting a smile.

  “We got here as soon as we could. Dad, Lettie and I got married yesterday.”

  Rex’s right eye brightened. “Ggggdd.”

  Lettie moved closer and clasped Rex’s cold hands in hers. Then very carefully, she planted a kiss on the one cheek that wasn’t drooping. Gazing into his eye, she spoke sincerely. “I’m so lucky, Rex. I love your son, and he loves me. Being part of this family is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I promise to be good to both of you.”

  Rex moved his head. “Ggggdd grl.”

  “Lettie is going to stay right here with you while I try to find the doctor,” said Kenton. “I want to make sure they’re doing all they can for you.”

  Rex let out a sigh of disgust.

  “I’ll be right back,” said Kenton, exchanging a worried look with Lettie.

  Lettie pulled a chair over to Rex’s bed and sat down. She rubbed Rex’s limp arm, willing it to move, but it was obvious that Rex’s entire left side was immobile. Lettie didn’t know that much about strokes, but it looked bad. Rex’s speech was another indicator that it was no small matter.

  When Kenton returned, the anguished look on his face told Lettie it wasn’t good news. She turned to Rex but both eyes were closed now, and he was breathing shallowly.

  Kenton waved Lettie toward the hall. She stepped outside the room and waited for him to speak.

  Kenton’s eyes welled with tears. “The doctor said the situation wasn’t good, that because he wasn’t found right away, there’s little they can do to restore any functions to that part of the brain. He’ll have to go to rehab to try and get some strength back into the affected parts of his body, but it will take time. Lots of time.”

  Lettie shook her head sadly. “You know Rex would hate for that to be his life. He’s a man who likes to walk free and easy.”

  Kenton lowered his head into his hands, his shoulders shaking. When he raised his face to her, it was wet with tears and creased with worry. “I can’t think of anything worse. What are we going to do? Having him here in Portland and us at Chandler Hill will be impossible.”

  “Maybe we can hire someone to work with him at home. That would be a lot more comfortable for him.”

  “Perhaps. Let’s say goodbye to Dad, go home, and see what arrangements we can make. We can turn your downstairs bedroom into his room. You’ll be with me upstairs now anyway.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Let’s go see him.”

  A sudden alarm came through the intercom system. “Emergency! Code blue! Code blue! Room 406.”

  Lettie moved aside as doctors and nurses rushed into Rex’s room. Kenton started to follow them inside, but a nurse said, “Wait here. Let the team work on him.”

  Kenton paused.

  Lettie took hold of his hand and pulled him away. “We’re right here for him.”

  The confusion and noise stopped suddenly.

  Lettie’s heart sank. She stared at Kenton.

  He slumped against the wall and covered his eyes.

  As staff filed out of the room, Kenton and Lettie went inside.

  A doctor was standing next to the bed.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “We did everything we could. It may not be of comfort to you now, but sometimes it’s best when this happens. The day will come when we can do much more for stroke victims, but right now, there wasn’t much that could be done to help him. Not when he didn’t get to us for so long.”

  Kenton’s eyes fill
ed. “Dad would’ve hated living like that. Thanks for all you did.”

  They shook hands.

  The doctor’s expression was sad. “I understand from one of the nurses that you just got married. Too bad to have your time together start out like this. I’m so sorry. If there’s anything we can do to help you make arrangements, please let us know. My nurse will be happy to assist.”

  He left, and Kenton and Lettie stared at one another wide-eyed. What were they going to do now?

  A nurse came into the room. “Why don’t I give you a few minutes alone with your loved one, and then I’ll walk you down to the chapel. A counselor can meet you there.”

  Lettie nodded numbly, thinking of the strangeness of it all. Yesterday, she’d been in a chapel happily marrying Kenton. Today, they’d share the pain of his father’s death in a hospital chapel.

  “I’ll say goodbye, then leave you with your father,” Lettie suggested.

  Looking as sad as she’d ever seen him, Kenton said, “Thanks.”

  Lettie went over to Rex’s bed and stared down at the face whose waxy surface indicated that the spirit of the man was gone. She hadn’t known him long, but the instant connection they’d made had given her a bigger gift than he could ever have imagined. Gently, she placed her lips on his cheek and then whispered, “Thank you, Rex Chandler, for everything. Rest in peace.”

  Fighting tears, she stepped away from the bed, hugged Kenton, and left the room.

  CHAPTER TEN

  After Kenton placed a phone call to Lew Barnes, Rex’s lawyer, things moved fast. Rex had wanted his body cremated and his ashes spread or buried at Chandler Hill. With Lew’s instructions, Kenton made those arrangements, signed necessary documents, and paid the hospital bills. Then Lettie and Kenton headed home. Lew would join them in the next few days.

  Grim-faced, Rafe drove them home in the Fleetwood, his silence an indicator of how much he, too, had admired the man. Kenton rode in the backseat with Lettie, gripping her hand tightly.

  Darkness was descending when Lettie saw the inn sitting at the top of the rolling hills she loved so much. Fresh tears blurred her vision. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” she murmured.