He stood and looked at Emma, his smile fading. “Tracie will be in to take care of the blood work. Call me if you need anything else.”
As he turned to go, Emma bit her lip. Seeing his smile, though directed only at the girls, weakened her will.
“Travis?”
He stopped and pivoted. “Yes?”
“Will...will you be coming to the hearing?”
He frowned, appearing more intimidating than she’d ever seen him.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
18
...by God-sent changing winds ere long he’s driven.
–Goethe
Travis dialed Emma’s phone number and rubbed his forehead. He knew it was cowardly to call from his office instead of waiting until her appointment, but he didn’t know if he could face her at the moment—it might weaken his will. He might be tempted to take her in his arms.
I need to curb these comforting impulses. It’s not professional.
He closed his eyes and waited for her to pick up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Emma, it’s me.”
She paused. “Do you have the blood test results?”
“Yes.” After some additional research into tropical infections, and after conferring with Dr. Winthrop, he’d ordered a broader spectrum of tests. He was glad he had, as the illness may have progressed into a raging infection difficult to treat. “It looks like the girls have a form of pyomyositis.”
“Is that bad? It sounds bad.”
Travis sighed. “It’s not good, but it is treatable with an IV antibiotic therapy. They probably picked up a staph infection which can go undiagnosed if it goes into deep muscle tissue where it abscesses. Have either of the girls complained of pain anywhere?”
“I’ve noticed Kendra scratching the same spot on her hip, though when I’ve looked at it, I can’t see anything.”
“I’ve ordered an MRI so we can locate any swelling, then we’ll start antibiotics.”
“I’m looking at the twin’s records from the orphanage and it doesn’t say anything about that ‘pyomy’ thing you said. Why didn’t they test for it?”
“Staph itself is a common bacterial infection, which is what probably started the whole thing and can be missed by usual tests, since the infection can occur at extremely low levels in the earliest stages.”
“So that explains their occasional fevers and lethargy?”
Travis hated the defeated sound of her voice. “Maybe, but once they begin treatment you should see improvement in that area. I had Wendy set up an appointment for the MRI tomorrow morning at eight, if that works for you, okay?”
“Okay.”
“And I’ll be sending you to Dr. Winthrop for follow up.”
“When will you need to see them again?”
Travis suppressed a sigh. How long could he pretend that she and her girls were just patients? Maybe she needed a nudge to find someone new—then again, he wanted to be the one to supervise the twins’ care. “If you choose to keep me as their family physician, then I can see them for the everyday concerns and immunizations.”
“What do you mean if I choose to keep you? Travis, I’m thankful you’re their doctor.”
He felt petty for voicing his angst. “I just wanted you to know I understand if you want to switch.”
“While I’m in Galveston, I won’t be switching.”
He sat up straight. “Are you planning on moving?”
“Not immediately, but I’ll have to vacate the beach house at some point and find someplace permanent. It’s a vacation rental.”
Travis bit his lip against what he really wanted to say. There was no telling where Emma might eventually choose to live. She’d been all over the world. He clamped his mind shut against any speculation.
“Um, call me if you have any more concerns.”
“Okay. Thank you, Travis.”
“And I’ll see you tomorrow.”
****
Emma caught her breath when Travis strode into the waiting room at the hospital where she sat with the twins the next day. He said he’d be here and he is. And for what it’s worth I’m grateful.
She smiled when he looked her way, but his answering smile seemed guarded. Well, what did I expect?
Emma turned her attention to Kendra and Katrina, who held onto the bears Travis had bought. Their faces broke into smiles when they saw him.
He plopped down onto the couch and gave them noisy kisses on their cheeks. Both girls rested against him, content in his arms. Emma averted her gaze to swallow the lump in her throat.
A nurse entered the room and called the twins back. Travis stood, holding one in each arm, and led the way. Emma followed, more thankful for his presence than she wanted to admit.
After talking with the anesthesiologist, the difficulties began. The girls were dressed in hospital gowns and put into separate cribs, then medication was given to relax them, as well as a topical analgesic to numb the site for the IV. During the process of administering the shunts, Emma felt like crawling out of her skin. Despite the meds, the girls whimpered tearfully. She held onto Katrina’s free hand, while Travis held onto Kendra’s. The girls soon closed their eyes when the anesthesia took effect.
The nurses wheeled the cribs the imaging department. Emma had to follow behind the procession, longing to hold onto Travis for support. He walked alongside her, silent.
They had to stay in yet another waiting room while the MRI’s were being done. Emma paced back and forth, worried for her daughters and frustrated by the emotional entanglement with the man sitting nearby on the couch.
After a moment, he patted the cushions. “You’re wearing out the rug, Emma.”
She approached him, trying to appear relaxed. “I hate waiting.”
He took her hand and tugged her down next to him. “I know you’re worried, but they’ll be fine. The sedation makes sure the girls stay absolutely still for the procedure. In no time they’ll be awake and feeling better.”
Emma noticed he didn’t release her hand—and she couldn’t bring herself to break the contact. How could she convey her pleasure in his company without mixing it with the deeper realities at war within her heart? She tipped her head up to face him. “Thank you for being here.”
“No problem.”
She licked her lips. “How did you get away from the office?”
“Wendy rescheduled the appointments that could wait, and Gary is picking up the rest. And I’m not taking appointments at all during the hearing.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry, I’ve bailed Gary out several times so he could be with his family for the unexpected stuff like this. Friends help each other out.”
Emma noted the fine lines around his eyes that hinted at strain despite his gentle smile.
I haven’t helped you out, Travis. For some reason I’m always the one on the receiving end. She sighed, tired of the same litany of thoughts, and tried to enjoy the warmth and strength of Travis’s fingers wrapped around her own.
Moments later, a nurse entered the room. She spoke to Travis in medical jargon and they followed her to the doctor’s office. There, Travis spoke to the doctor for a few minutes before they both turned to Emma. The doctor shook her hand.
“I’m Dr. Fisk, and I just finished assessing the images. Dr. Taylor’s hunch was correct. We found tissue swellings on both girls. As soon as they wake up and the anesthesia has cleared their systems, we’ll begin antibiotics. The nurse will assist you in getting them settled in the Peds unit.”
Emma realized it was Travis’s presence that got the appointments and test results so quickly. “Thank you so much, Dr. Fisk. When can I see the girls?”
“Dr. Taylor will take you to Peds. They’ll be there when you arrive.”
****
Travis led the way down the hall to Pediatrics. He took Emma’s hand in his, unable to avoid touching her altogether. The fact that she hadn’t pulled away in the waiting room confirmed her need for support. Now she gripped h
is hand, even leaning against him a little as they traversed the halls. How could he be more to her than just a friend in her time of need? He wanted to be there for her every step of the way through life.
Forever.
Travis thought of how she described him as being someone who needed to rescue damsels in distress. He combed through his memory banks, wondering if there was a pattern. The few women he’d dated through college hadn’t been in any particular distress. And Lucy had run the show from the beginning.
No, Emma, I’m gonna have to respectfully disagree. That she needed help at the moment was a mere coincidence—or God’s providence that had led her his way. Everything about her that had appealed to him way back when had expanded full force in the woman she’d become. Bottom line—he loved her and the girls. His desire to help was only fueled by his affection.
But how to make the woman next to him believe it? Despite her delicate appearance and sometimes winsomely dithering ways, he knew of old her stubborn streak. How can I make her stubbornly in love with me? He suppressed a sigh. That’s the rub. Can’t make her do anything. I can only steal what moments present themselves to show her I’m more than a guy with a white knight complex.
Animals painted on brightly colored walls and stuffed teddy bears perched on the nurses’ station heralded their arrival into the Peds unit. He asked the attending nurse the room number and led Emma to the right doorway.
She dropped his hand and hurried to Kendra’s crib side where the little girl lay asleep. Next, she checked Katrina, and after apparently satisfied that all was well, she dropped onto a nearby chair next to the crib and sighed.
Travis grabbed the other chair and pulled it up alongside her. He refrained from taking her hand, worried he might be pushing his luck. “How are you holding up?”
Her troubled blue eyes told him plenty—along with the tired smile she attempted. She looked back toward the girls, her shoulders hunched, lost in a private world. He wondered what she was thinking.
A nurse entered the room and checked the twins’ vital stats. Then they were alone again. Emma crossed her arms over the railing of Katrina’s crib and rested her chin there. Travis watched her for several minutes, thinking of numerous things to say before discarding each one.
“I think it all started with my parents.”
He jumped at the unexpected sound of her voice. “What started?”
Keeping her gaze fastened on the girls, she continued. “All my life, they chastised me for making foolish decisions, for not living up to their expectations. They didn’t understand how moving from town to town, country to country, made it difficult for me to establish relationships. And now they’re upset that I’ve adopted the twins. In their eyes, I can’t do anything right.”
Travis regarded her, wondering where she was headed.
She turned to him. “They were especially disappointed in my choice of you.”
He raised his brow. “I was well aware of that fact.”
She lowered her gaze. “After we left Texas, they were relentless about my failures.” Her voice pitched lower. “And I was a failure. I failed you and myself.”
His heart pounded against his ribcage. “Emma, we’ve already been over this.”
“But I’ve never apologized.” She took a breath. “Can you forgive me for leaving that way?”
His voice broke. “Of course.”
Emma returned her gaze to her daughters. “I think that’s why I have a tough time making decisions even now. What if I do something stupid again? Maybe that’s why people see me as weak.”
“What do you mean?”
She glanced at him. “They must see me as weak because I tend to bring out the bully in people.”
Travis sat up straight. “I hope you’re not including me in that assessment.”
“My parents, my bosses, Stephen, the people who want the girls...and Charlotte with her matchmaking attempts. Everyone seems to think they know what’s best for me.”
He held his breath when her gaze rested on him.
“Even you, Travis. You have an agenda for me, too.”
His face flushed hot at her words. “Are you saying you want me to leave?”
Emma reached out and touched his knee. “No, I don’t want you to leave. I appreciate your presence more than you can know.” She paused. “But please, I just need a little space from everyone’s expectations so I can think.”
Travis stared at her, struggling against a distinct reaction of huffiness. But he knew that he had put a certain amount of pressure on her. How can I not? How can I ignore what’s in my heart? He stood up and walked to the window, needing a bit of his own space to process her words.
The noise of someone entering the room broke his reverie. Travis turned and saw another nurse checking on the twins, who began to stir. Emma stood and touched Katrina’s hand.
“I’m right here, Baby.”
Travis gazed at Emma as she bent over the little girl, her fingers grazing her cheek.
Despite the sting of her words, he was determined to honor her wishes for as long as he could stand it.
I’m right here, Emma. Whenever you need me, I’ll be right here.
19
...bitter is the wind.
-Oscar Wilde
Emma stood in the kitchen, gazing at the snapshots of the girls hanging on the refrigerator with fruit magnets. She studied their faces, noting that their eyes were brighter, their smiles broader, than when she’d first seen them in the orphanage. Wasn’t this empirical evidence that they were thriving in her care? Surely, there was no chance they’d be taken away.
She shook her head. How could it have come to this? She had to go and defend her parental rights tomorrow—something unthinkable only a few months ago.
When the girls were home from the hospital and recovering for the last three days, she mused that the interim of peace was like the eye of a hurricane. Travis called in the evenings to check how they were doing, but didn’t unexpectedly appear on her doorstep. Charlotte had apparently given up her overzealous matchmaking attempts, and Emma hoped Stephen’s absence meant he’d returned to Florida.
Aside from a few calls from her lawyer, even her phone was quiet. The stillness should’ve helped her sort out her thoughts—but Emma saw no solution with regards to Travis. She knew she was in love with him, and knew that in her heart of hearts, she knew she’d never stopped loving him—even if she’d packed away the knowledge for a time.
But right now, nothing else mattered except protecting her daughters and making sure they received the best possible care. Maybe once the hearing was over, and decided in her favor as her lawyer staunchly asserted, she could assess her relationship with Travis in a better light.
“Girls not doing well, Emma?”
She spun around, her hand on her throat. “Stephen! What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
He wore a black Polo shirt and khakis. His expression was soft—the way she remembered it when she’d agreed to marry him.
“I knocked on the door. When you didn’t answer, I looked and saw you in the window. I tried the knob and it was unlocked.” He smiled. “No harm done.”
She leaned back against the kitchen counter, thankful that the twins were sleeping. “I don’t want you in my house.”
He took a step closer. Emma struggled to hide the revulsion, the fear, from her face. “Based on the way you treated me last time, I’m sure you can understand why you’re not welcome here.”
“I do apologize for my behavior, but I was, let’s just say pressed. And I thought I could count on you to help me.” Stephen put his hands in his pockets. “And from what I saw of the paperwork on the table last time I was here, you might be the one in need of help right now.” He reached out and touched her face. “You can count on me, Emma.”
She recoiled from his touch and put several feet between them, her fists clenched. “I don’t need your help.”
Stephen peered up at her with an appeal in his
eyes. Yet she couldn’t shake her suspicion.
“Word on the street is that you have to defend your adoption, Emma. Very unsettling to say the least.”
“It’s none of your business!”
“In theory, perhaps. But I can make it my business.”
Emma tried to stare him down. In the end, fear at his menacing tone rattled her. “What are you talking about?”
He leaned against the counter in the area she just vacated. His studied nonchalance didn’t fool her. “I’d like to offer my services to help you at the hearing.”
Who told him? How can he know this? Alarm at his underhandedness fragmented her thinking.
“In exchange for a bit of financial largess,” he went on, “I can make sure the other lawyer doesn’t hear about your, um, difficulties.”
I don’t want to know what he means. “Go away,” she said, knowing he wouldn’t leave until he’d said his piece. When she kept silent, he shifted his weight. Good! Put the pressure on him!
He smiled suddenly, a blinding smile. “I gotta admit, you’re playing this cool, Emma.”
“Please leave, Stephen.”
“Let’s cut to the chase. I need a bit of cash, and you need some of the less favorable details of your life to remain under wraps. So if you choose to help me out, I’ll keep quiet.”
Emma shook her head. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no intention of being blackmailed.”
His face turned red. He straightened and walked over to where she stood, intimidating her with his height. She lifted her chin, refusing to budge, while her heart thundered. Please God, make him go away.
“You’ve gotten quite high and mighty, Emma. But don’t lean too hard on your doctor friend. He might be exposed as the straw man he is.”
Emma concentrated on her breathing, forcing herself to meet his furious gaze. Finally, he swung away. With a curse, he strode across the room and out the door.
When she heard the sound of a gunning engine, she hurried to the window and looked out. Stephen’s red sports car tore out of her driveway. After a moment, only the sound of the surf filtered up the porch steps.
Texas Whirlwind Page 17
