Harvest Dreams

by Jacqueline Paige

  “Charming the female technicians now?”

  Steven shook his head. “No college mate, a male. He owes me many hours of favors for holding his head over the toilet many, many times.” He motioned to the couch beside Cora. “Have a seat.”

  Rachel looked at him with wary eyes and sat down. “It’s not good.” She said softly.

  He sat on the table again facing her leaning on his knees with his hands clasped. “I don’t know for certain yet but several things are pointing to something a lot more serious then nutrition problems.” He looked down at his hands. “It would be easier if I had more family history to go on but without it I’m going to have to follow instinct mostly.”

  She touched his hand gently. “What do you think it is, Steven?”

  He looked up at her. How do I say this, he wondered. Telling parents bad news is never easy but this was Rachel. “We’ll need to do a bone marrow biopsy to be certain.” Her eyes widened. “But it’s pointing in the direction of leukemia. I could be wrong but with his symptoms, the bruises, listlessness, bleeding and his blood chem results...” He looked at her eyes for a moment and saw something he’d never seen in her eyes before, fear. “I hope I’m wrong, but we’ll need the biopsy to know.”

  Rachel Dropped her hand and sat back looking at him with obvious shock. “And if it is?” Her voice was flat.

  Steven let out a slow breath. “The problem with it is it’s never caught early. It’s usually not caught until it reaches the crisis period.” He rubbed his hand along his jaw. “Treatment in children has a higher success then ninety-six percent, so wait and see what we find out before we panic okay?” He reached over and grasped her clasped hands gently. “I called Connie. She’s going to bring him in tomorrow.”

  She looked up at him. “That soon?” She bit her lip. “I’ll see if I can get out of work and come in.” She continued to gently chew her lip.

  Glancing at Cora, he hoped she’d have something to say. She reached over and rubbed a hand over Rachel’s arm gently.

  Rachel looked back at him. “What does a biopsy entail?”

  He sighed and explained it as briefly as he could. “Removing a small piece of bone with a needle basically...”

  Her eyes widened. “Is he awake for this?”

  He nodded and then rubbed his aching eyes. “It’s done under a local freezing most times.”

  She chewed her lip again. “Will you be doing the procedure?”

  “I don’t usually but I have done them before.”

  Rachel nodded. “You do it. He trusts you and you’re so good with him.” She looked at Cora as her eyes teared. “I won’t be able to watch. I’ll just freak out and scare him.”

  Steven gripped her hands tighter in his. “You don’t have to be there, Rachel. He’s a tough kid, he’ll be fine.” He stood up. “I’m sorry to dump this on you and run but I have been going since four this morning and I start early tomorrow.” He didn’t want to leave but if he didn’t he was going to be pulling her into his arms right there in front of Cora and then Rachel would be even more upset.

  Rachel stood up and stepped in front of him. “Thanks for coming and telling me.” She hugged him to her.

  Closing his arms around her tightly he held her as long as she’d let him. “I hope I’m wrong, Angel,” he said quietly against her hair.

  She pulled back nodding. “Me too.”

  He glanced down at Cora. “Try to stay out of trouble until you heal.”

  Cora grinned. “Dade won’t leave me alone long enough to find any trouble to get into.”

  He laughed. “Take advantage of it and milk it for all it’s worth, he’ll be ordering you around again soon enough.”

  She laughed. “True.”

  He dropped a quick kiss on Rachel’s mouth and walked out before he changed his mind.

  *

  Rachel stood looking at the door.

  “He’ll look after him, Rach.” Cora said quietly from the couch.

  She turned. “Oh, I know. You should have seen him today. I don’t think Ricky realized he’d taken blood. Seeing him at work was quite moving in some ways.” She dropped down on to the chair. “I hope he’s wrong Cora, just this time I hope he’s wrong.”

  Cora leaned back slowly. “I hope he is too. It was nice as tired as he looked that he came and told you in person.”

  Rachel nodded. “I think I would be worse if he hadn’t. Just being able to look at him made me feel better.”

  “The man worships the ground you walk on, Rachel. In case you’d like to know.”

  Rachel grinned. “Yeah, he’s a great friend isn’t he?”

  Cora laughed softly. “I didn’t mean it that way. I mean he’d Drop to his knees and kiss your feet if that kind of worship made you happy.”

  Rachel sighed then looked at her. “I think you’re seeing it all wrong.”

  Cora shook her head. “No, I don’t think I am. Dr. O’Reily has that same watchful, soft, lost look on his face when he looks at you as Chris has when he looks at Kasey.”

  Rachel covered her face with her hands and groaned. “It’s all so complicated.”

  Cora studied her. “Oh my. What did you do?”

  Rachel waved her hands around and turned to look at her with her ‘you know’ expression.

  Cora’s mouth Dropped open. “You slept with the charming doctor didn’t you?”

  “We didn’t sleep, trust me.” She laughed.

  Cora’s mouth Dropped open again. “Well, it’s no wonder he’s looking at you like he wants a taste, you gave him a sample one time and then took it away.”

  Rachel covered her eyes and whispered. “Was more like a full course meal, with a maximum number of courses spread out over... oh, four days.”

  “Rachel Winters you sneaky slut!” Cora hissed with a grin on her face.

  “I know. I know.” She groaned. “I just couldn’t not, you know? He kissed me and I mean he really kissed me and every thought just left my head until all I could think was more.” She dropped her head back on the chair and looked at the ceiling. “What am I going to do? I’ve always liked him. He’s one of my best friends.” Rachel glared over at her. “And you know how well relationships go with me. I tried to explain it to him that I didn’t want to screw it up.” She took a deep breath. “He said it wouldn’t, and he meant it. Things have been pretty normal with us.”

  “Well that’s good isn’t it?”

  “Yes. But it’s me I’m worried about, every time I look at him now I just want to Drop to my knees and beg him to pick me up and...”

  Cora held up a hand. “I don’t need the visuals thanks.”

  Rachel flipped around and sat up staring at her. “You don’t understand. He’s not the easy mannered, happy-golucky Doc when he’s holding you. He’s masterful and demanding, and he tells you what he wants then--then takes it, just takes it...”

  “Oh my.” Cora huffed out a breath and held up her hand again. “That’s enough or I’ll be knocking on his door before morning.”

  Rachel flopped back and watched her friend.

  Cora looked back at her. “Steven?”

  Rachel nodded then groaned again. “What am I gonna do?” She whispered more to herself.

  Cora exhaled slowly. “I don’t know. I guess only you can figure that out.” She laughed. “Now I’m going to try to erase a few words like masterful and demanding from my mind and try to get some rest so I can work tomorrow.” She sighed loudly. “At least there I’ll get some peace from Dade’s mothering.”

  Rachel sighed. “Yeah, I better try to sleep too I’m going to be a basket case tomorrow.”

  *

  Steven scowled down at the books spread across the table. What was he doing? Second-guessing himself even though he knew he was on the right track. Why?

  He dropped the book and leaned back to stretch. Because, he thought with a sigh, I really didn’t want to break Rachel’s heart by telling her that a little boy she adores and loves is extremely
ill and may not ever run in the park.

  Getting up he glanced at the clock. He dropped his head down to his chest and then headed for his bed. The first thing they should train you for in medical school was how to live without sleep.

  Not even bothering to undress he dropped onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling. If he could just close his eyes and not see her before him naked he might have a chance at a few hours rest before he had to get up again.

  Doubtful, he snorted to himself. I’d like the first ticket to peace please, he thought with a grin. Maniacs killing women, casting spells every week trying to fish out a killer, the whirlwind of two engagements in what seemed like a few weeks time but in reality was four months, Cora getting stabbed, telling Rachel Ricky might very well die, naked dancing Rachel--Rachel under him--Rachel’s tongue...

  He threw his hands up in the air then dropped them over his eyes. Almost, stupid. You were doing well for a few brief moments. Sighing slowly he closed his eyes.

  When the phone rang he almost bolted off the bed. “No.” He whined softly reaching for it. “O’Reily.”

  “Were you sleeping?”

  “No such luck, Angel.”

  She sighed. “I couldn’t sleep either, my brain won’t shut off.”

  Her voice sounded so soft and sexy his heart was already in his throat. “I know the feeling.”

  “I just needed someone to talk to.”

  “I’m always here for you, you should know that.” It was true many nights they had done this, but now it was different. He’d yearned always, but this time he knew exactly what he was yearning for. “Tell me what you need to hear, Angel.” He whispered it into the phone picturing her lying across her bed.

  She sighed again. “I don’t know. I’m worried about Ricky but it’s not the only reason I called.”

  “Oh?”

  She smiled. “I’m wishing you were here face to face...”

  “I’d be there in a heartbeat if I didn’t have to be at the hospital again in--oh four hours roughly.”

  “Probably just as well, huh?”

  He grinned. “I wouldn’t say that.” He heard a tap against the phone. “Tell me you’re not playing with that sexy ring while you’re talking to me.” A pause.

  “Maybe, I do it sometimes without realizing it.”

  Her voice was such a turn on. “Well there goes my chance at sleep.”

  She laughed. “I’m sorry. It was unfair of me to call.”

  “No it’s not,” he sighed. “I’m just having a few images right now that seem to be keeping me hard and wanting you instead of sleeping.”

  “Oh, now that was unfair.”

  He laughed. “Maybe.”

  “It’s more difficult than I thought it would be Steven, to look and not touch now that we’re back.”

  “It doesn’t have to be, Angel. You know that.”

  “Don’t, please. I explained it; I need you in my life for so many more reasons than that.”

  He closed his eyes. “I’d never walk away from you Rachel. Don’t you know that by now?”

  She sighed. “I guess, I’m just a little run down right now, I think. Too much stress.”

  He wanted to drag his ass out of the bed and go to her but he knew she wouldn’t let him. “I know. Do you take your cell phone to work?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll call you the second we’re done with Ricky tomorrow, later today, okay?”

  “Thank you.”

  He groaned softly. “Angel, I don’t want hang up, in truth I’d like to come see you right now but I have to try to get some sort of sleep here or I’ll be useless tomorrow.”

  “Me too.”

  “Dream of me if you dream.”

  “You too. Bye.”

  He hung up the phone and looked at the clock again. He almost wished he was a self-prescribing doctor but he wasn’t the type.

  *

  Sealing the envelope he pulled off the gloves.

  The detective had been warned.

  He’d seen him looking at those women dancing.

  He was as drawn to them as the other males.

  It wasn’t his fault and he’d understand.

  He’d help him find her.

  His head was hurting again.

  Time to rest a while more.

  Chapter 10

  Steven grabbed the phone before it rang once completely. “O’Reily.”

  “Hey. I always think I’ve gotten the wrong number when you answer like that.” Chris laughed.

  Steven tossed his pen down and sat back. “Well at the office it’s frowned upon to answer the phone with a ‘yo’. So what’s up?”

  “Just wanted to let you know we’ve moved the location of tonight’s meeting to Owen’s, at Dade’s orders so Cora can rest after working today.”

  Steven grinned. “He’s driving her crazy but it’s good you did call because I completely forgot about the meeting.”

  “Long day at the office, Doctor?”

  “A very long few days councilor. Listen I might be late, I’m waiting on the results for Rachel’s little buddy.”

  Chris sighed. “Yeah Kasey filled me in on that. Might be good we’re together tonight. You just show up when you can. Maybe by then we’ll have Dade’s ass in a chair and not hovering over Cora.”

  He smiled. “Good luck with that.”

  *

  Sitting in his car outside Owen’s house he closed his eyes. Fuck! Did he always have to be right? Taking a deep breath he regained his doctor’s composure and got out of the car.

  Chris opened the door for him before he reached it. Eyebrows rising in question at Steven. To which he received a grim shaking of his head.

  Chris stepped aside for him. “Cora had Dade make you something to eat.”

  Steven slapped a hand on his chest. “Really? Is it edible?”

  Chris laughed. “She sat and gave him step by step instructions.”

  “Excellent! I’m not sure when the last time was I actually did eat.”

  Chris patted him on the back. “You need to slow down before you burn out, what are you going to do when you’re my age?”

  “You mean the age you’re going to be in a few weeks? What is it thirty-five then?”

  Chris snarled at him. “Yes, but as long as Kasey doesn’t complain I don’t care.”

  Steven grinned. “Well I’ve got about six years of run left in me then before I need to worry.”

  He stepped into the kitchen and looked at Dade. “Honey I’m home, what’s for dinner?”

  “Shut up.” Dade growled. “It’s in the microwave waiting for you. I’m taking this beer and going to see where the women vanished. Told her to sit down,” he muttered.

  “She’s a big girl there, Jones. She’ll stop when she’s had enough.”

  Dade sighed. “I know, I just--I should have been faster.”

  “Whatever you say rocket boy.” Steven grinned and opened the microwave. “Awesome, food!” He opened a drawer and grabbed a fork. Turning he sat down and started to eat chewing slowly and savoring real food. “I love Cora’s stew.” He moaned.

  Dade scowled. “Well tonight it’s Dade’s stew.”

  Steven nodded as he chewed. “When you can make it all by yourself without her looking over your shoulder it can be yours.”

  Dade took a drink. “Fine. So did you get the results?”

  Steven hesitated between bites. “Yes, which is why I’m eating now because I will lose my appetite shortly...”

  Dade nodded and took another drink. “I’ll buy you a few minutes then and go annoy the ladies.”

  Steven picked up the beer Dade set in front of him. “Appreciate it.”

  *

  Steven just finished the last bite when Rachel stuck her head around the door.

  “Hi.”

  He rinsed the bowl and turned. “Hi.” He searched over her face. “You look as tired as I feel, lady.”

  She grinned. “Long day after a long, long ni
ght.”

  He walked over and pulled her into his arms and just held her for a moment silently. He’d needed to do this a hundred times in the last few days. He just needed to feel her in his arms.

  She turned without letting go of him and looked up at him. “You have the results.”

  It wasn’t a question and didn’t need an answer. He could see on her face that she knew the answer before he told her. He continued to hold her neither speaking for a few minutes.

  “Does Connie know?”

  “I called her before I came over. I told her I’d tell you. I’ll explain as best I’m able to Ricky tomorrow as well.”

  “So what happens tomorrow?” She pulled back from him but continued to stand close enough to rest her hands on him, as if she needed to draw his strength.

  “I’ve already called two associates of mine. One works out of our hospital, the other is a few hours away but comes in from time to time when needed.” He looked down at her. “This isn’t my specialty, Rachel, so I called those that do it best.”

  “So what are they?”

  “One is a pediatric oncologist and the other a hematologist. They’ll assess further and then see if they can bring about remission.” She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his chest. He pulled her into his arms and if he could have sheltered her from everything he would have. He lifted his head and saw Leena looking in for a moment before closing the door quietly again.

  “He’ll be at the hospital here right?”

  He nodded and kissed the top of her head. “Yes, where I can keep an eye on him when you’re not there to badger the doctors and nurses.” She offered a weak smile.

  *

  “This is good then. Okay.” Rachel took a deep breath. “Okay.” She said softly to herself rubbing her hands against his chest. You can do this she told herself. She looked up at him for a moment again searching his eyes. She couldn’t thank him again or she’d fall apart completely.

  *

  Steven lifted her chin and studied her eyes he wanted to comfort her but knew she didn’t want that. Not Rachel, not now. Pulling her tighter into his body he lowered his mouth and kissed her deeply, not a comforting kiss but a kiss that told her he’d missed her, needed her. When he lifted his head again she smiled up at him.