“We’ll never know why she started again. She must have either misjudged the purity of the drug or she has a new supplier.”
Cade’s heart jolted like he’d been electrocuted. “You think someone tried to kill her off?”
The doctor shrugged. “It’s not for me to speculate. Anyway, you should transfer her to rehab. I have a few clinics I can recommend.”
“Thanks, I’ll make the arrangements.” Cade stared at his mother and took her dry, leathery hand.
Why? Why now? She’d been overjoyed with caring for Bret, doting on him, and now this? Someone had to have introduced her to the drug again.
The question was, who, and why?
* * *
Every muscle in Andie’s body was stiff as she eased herself into a wheelchair with the help of the nurse. She was going home, except she couldn’t remember where home was.
Her mother had lent her clothes. According to Declan, she’d lost her luggage in the car crash.
Andie’s mind was cloudy. The last she remembered, they were eloping to Vegas on their way to Hollywood. Except, she’d forgotten her own wedding.
Declan told her it was at an Elvis Presley Chapel, and he even showed her the cheesy videos, but it seemed so long ago. In fact, it was over two years ago, according to her mother and the nurse.
“Mom? Where’s Declan? Isn’t he coming to take us home?”
“He had a meeting, but he’s on his way.” Her mother’s brow furrowed. “Do you remember anything more? I’m afraid to tell you too much because the doctor said it was better for you to fill in your own blanks than for me to inject memories for you.”
“I’m drawing a blank. You told me Daddy’s sick and had a stroke, but I can’t get on an airplane until I stop having headaches.”
Andie’s mother patted her hand and kissed her temple. “The last thing I want is for you to have a stroke. You had bleeding in the brain. Let’s wait a few weeks and see how you feel.”
“I miss Daddy though.” Tears welled in Andie’s eyes. It seemed that after she’d woken up, all she wanted to do was cry. “I can’t imagine him lying there helpless.”
“He’s getting better, saying a few words, and we can video conference him. He’s got a new gadget that speaks for him. It uses autocorrect technology to predict his words.”
Gadgets? She couldn’t even remember using anything called ‘autocorrect.’ Could she have really blanked out on two years of her life? No wonder her heart felt strangely hollow. Although thoughts and glimmers of that man on the road hugged and comforted her. Maybe all wasn’t lost. At least she’d relived part of Michal’s story and knew love, even if it was fictional. Or maybe the man signified her father. She really did truly miss him.
“As soon as I’m better, I’ll go home for a visit,” Andie declared. “I’m sure Declan will understand.”
Her mother’s mouth tightened. “We’ll go home as soon as possible.”
“Ready?” the nurse asked. She pulled out a plastic bag. “Most of your clothes were ruined, but here are a few items we saved. The police already delivered your purse and other things they found in the car to your husband.”
“Thanks.” She took the plastic bag and dug through it. A bright, sparkly pendant dangled on a golden chain. A pair of ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz movie, something a tourist would buy for a souvenir. How kitschy.
Whatever. It must have been special because she’d been wearing it.
She fumbled with the clasp, but her fingers felt too large and clumsy. “Can you put this on me? Maybe it’ll help me remember what I was doing.”
“Sure,” the nurse chirped. “This one looks like real rubies. Your husband probably gave it to you. Good luck, and I hope you remember your wedding.”
Andie glanced at her empty left hand. “Did you guys find my wedding ring?”
“No, miss. You weren’t wearing one when you came in.”
* * *
“Okay, little dudders, I know you’re hungry again.” Cade slipped the diaper bag off his shoulder with one hand while rocking Bret with the other. He’d arranged for his mother to go directly to rehab the next day, but there was nothing more he could do.
Except check on Andie. She was at the same hospital.
Cade filled a baby bottle at the drinking fountain and shook the powdered milk until it dissolved. “We’re going to take a slight detour. I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”
He walked out of the emergency room and strolled across the courtyard to the ward with the private rooms. Turning the corner to the nurses’ station, he almost ran into a wheelchair. Bret’s bottle dropped and rolled under it.
The woman in the chair glanced up at him, sweeping her red hair aside.
“Andie.” Cade jolted as fireworks lit his heart. “You’re awake. Thank God.”
Her eyes went straight through him, her brow furrowed and questioning, but she didn’t say anything.
Behind her, the nurse picked up the baby bottle. “Glad you made it. Your wife was worried about her wedding ring. Did the police give it to you?”
“Me? Er, no. I’m—” Cade’s tongue felt thick and heavy. This nurse obviously didn’t know who he was.
“Oh well, here’s the baby bottle.” The nurse handed him Bret’s bottle. “I wouldn’t stick that back in his mouth if I were you. The nipple might have touched the ground.”
“Oh, yes, sure. Thanks.” Cade took the bottle and stuffed it in the diaper bag. Fortunately, Bret had sucked down almost three quarters of the bottle and appeared to be satisfied.
“I can push her the rest of the way,” Cade said, taking advantage of the situation. What was strange was Andie hadn’t said a word to him. But then, she’d just come out of a medically induced coma and thank Heavens, she was conscious and awake.
“No, that’s okay,” the nurse said. “I’m doing my job and you have the baby. Point me to where your car is.”
“Actually, we were waiting for Declan,” Andie’s mother said. “He might wonder where we are.”
“Change of plans. We can call him and let him know where we went.” Cade wasn’t about to give up Andie now. “Let’s get her home first and settled.”
Andie’s mother rocked on her heels, as if unable to decide whether to go along with Cade or wait for that scumbag masquerading as her husband.
“Do we have a baby?” Andie reached for Bret. “Can I hold him?”
“Sure, honey.” He tucked Bret in her arms. “Here, like this.”
“I know how to hold a baby,” Andie retorted. “What’s his name?”
“Bret.” Cade kissed Andie’s temple. “I love you, and I’m so glad you’re back.”
“Me too. I just wish I could find my ring. You look different though, like you gained weight.”
“I’ve been working out. By the way, my name’s Cade.” He tipped her chin up and kissed her lips. “Don’t forget.”
“I know you. You’re the man who followed me on my way to Jerusalem.” She closed her eyes and cuddled the baby. “I knew I had a son. I didn’t die childless like the Bible said.”
Chapter Seven
“This is plain wrong.” Andie’s mother held the baby while Cade carried a sleeping Andie up the spiral staircase to her room. “You’re taking advantage of her and fooling her into thinking she’s your wife.”
“Can we talk after I get her settled?” Cade held Andie close as he peeled back the bedcovers. “This is her room. All her stuff’s here, and she belongs here.”
“She thinks she’s married to Declan.”
“She remembers me.” Cade gently slid Andie onto the bed. “She was trying to get Declan to sign the divorce papers before the accident.”
“So you claim.” Pam crossed her arms. “But then again, I didn’t even know she was married at all.”
Andie let out a sigh as her head sank on the soft, downy pillow. Cade brushed her hair off her face and caressed her cheek. She was precious to him, and his heart melted at having her
back in his house.
“I love you. I can’t stop saying it,” he whispered to her. “You have my heart, and no matter what happens, I will always love and care for you.”
A smile worked on her lips, and her eyelids fluttered in her sleep. He’d stay the night in this room whether her mother approved or not. No way would he let Andie wake up in a panic and wonder where she was.
“I’m staying with her.” Pam sat on the king-sized bed. “In case you get any ideas.”
“Then I’m sleeping on the floor, if you don’t mind, and I’m bringing Bret’s bassinet in here so I can tend to him.”
“I do mind,” Pam huffed. “I’m calling Declan. He offered to let us stay with him.”
“Really? Has Andie ever told you what Declan did to her and why they broke up?”
Pam froze like a deer caught in the high beams of oncoming traffic. “Well, yes, but he’s legally her husband. I don’t think it’s proper for her to stay with you.”
“I’m her friend, and with you in the same room, you won’t have to worry about her virtue.” Cade couldn’t help the snide remark.
“That’s true enough,” Pam conceded. “And you were the one who called me when this all happened.”
“I am sorry, though.” Cade took Bret from her. “If I hadn’t been texting her …”
“Stop.” Pam laid her hand on his arm. “She chose to read the text. You couldn’t have known. Other than memory loss and confusion, the doctor said she’ll make a full recovery. I am taking her home as soon as she’s cleared to fly.”
Cade hated that she would leave, but it was for the better. She needed time to recover her memory, and she missed her father. He just hoped he’d get enough time with her to convince her of their love again. If she wasn’t already married, he’d marry her on the spot.
“I completely understand,” he said to Pam. “Andie’s well-being is the most important for me.”
“Then we agree. As for Declan, I texted him while we were in the car and told him we were on our way here. I thought he should know.”
“Fine. But I’m not letting him in.” Cade strode to the door with his son in his arms. “I’m sure you’ll respect my wishes.”
“I’ll respect Andie’s wishes.” Pam glared at him. “Don’t think just because you waylaid her at the hospital that we have to stay here. I can call a cab at any time.”
“Andie will want to stay with me. Respect that.”
* * *
Roxanne didn’t get home until close to midnight. Cade heard the garage door and forced himself to leave Andie’s room where she slept next to her mother.
He bunched up the sleeping bag and picked up Bret. Logically, the baby should spend the night with his mother. After all, Cade had to prepare for the upcoming game this weekend and also check in on his mother the next day.
Yawning, he made his way down the spiral staircase and met Roxanne as she latched the deadbolt.
“Why didn’t you return my phone calls?” he demanded as soon as she let her laptop bag hit the floor and kicked off her shoes.
“I had an all evening design session.” She reached for the baby. “Seems like you have it all covered.”
“My mom’s in the hospital, so you’ll have to take care of him tonight. He’s due for a feeding around two.” Cade was too tired to go after her on the “fake” paternity test, but he’d deal with her later, like after the exhibition game which was being held at Hollywood Stadium this weekend.
“Can you do it? I’m bushed.” Roxanne stretched her bone thin arms and gave him back the baby. She padded toward the kitchen. “I have to work tomorrow.”
“And I don’t? Dammit, Rox, this is your son.”
“He’s your son, too,” she screeched, swinging open the refrigerator door. “What’s there to eat?”
Cade caught the door and slammed it shut. “Nothing for you. Maybe you should move out since my mom’s going to rehab and you’re not around to help anyway.”
The baby woke with a loud howl.
“Now look what you’ve done. You woke him.”
“What kind of mother are you?” Cade cuddled the baby. “He’s not my son and you know it.”
Rox dropped the can of soda she’d just opened, spewing the contents over the baby who howled louder.
“Why would you say that? Of course, he’s yours.”
“Lies, Rox. This baby is full term. Look at him. Big and strong. Look how loudly he yells. Look how chubby he is. Thank God he wasn’t a preemie because between you and my mom, if he had special needs, he’d be really sick by now. I found him alone, screaming his head off.”
“I can’t help it if your mother decided to get high on smack.” Roxanne rolled her eyes. “You’re the one who said she was so reliable. It’s your fault.”
A nerve jiggled on the back of Cade’s neck. How the hell had Roxanne known what his mother was taking? He was sure he hadn’t said anything to her.
“Did you give drugs to my mom?”
“Why would I?” Her eyes bore into him, too aggressive, like she was covering another emotion.
“How’d you know what she was high on?”
“Come on, everyone knows Barb Prescott’s a junkie. Once a junkie, always a junkie.”
“And you trusted her with your baby?”
“Look, Cade. I never wanted this baby. He cramps my style.”
“Why didn’t you give him to Dick instead of palming this baby off on me? Am I a chump? An idiot? Oh, let’s fool Cade into thinking this is his baby. Let’s blackmail him into taking the baby because we all know he’d never ever let a son or daughter of his go into the foster care system. Why? What’s in it for you?”
Roxanne backed herself against the counter and glared at him. “You better keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you. You know why we picked you? You have the most to lose. After I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to get rid of it, but Dick wanted his piece of immortality. He wanted another baby, so I slept with a bunch of guys while they were drunk. The night you threw the interception was the deciding factor. Dick knew he had you by the balls. You’ll never ever play football again if he accuses you of throwing the game for Vegas bookmakers.”
Cade’s blood boiled so fast to his head he thought he’d explode in a sea of red. “What’s in it for you? Why did you sleep with him in the first place?”
Roxanne’s lips trembled and she blinked. Despite her tough act, she looked like a bird with a broken wing. “You don’t want to know.”
* * *
Andie heard voices downstairs. She opened her eyes and took in the dark room, the bed, and her mother sleeping beside her.
She was definitely not in ancient Israel, despite the memory of the big man with the brown beard. She closed her eyes and recalled the way he’d felt when he hugged her—warm and cuddly, comforting, yet exciting. If only she could be back in her dreams where men were rugged and rough, tough on the outside and mushy inside. Sigh. But this was no dream, and this room looked real and modern—her time in the twenty-first century.
She opened her eyes. Something seemed familiar about this room. She’d been here before. Opening the door, she peered down a spiral staircase. It was trimmed with wrought iron and had floating steps. She could see light beyond the stairs at the bottom. Feeling a little like Sleeping Beauty descending the staircase on her way to her destiny with the spinning wheel, Andie glided out the door and stepped toward the light.
A man and a woman were arguing about a baby. She quickened her steps. Were they taking her baby away from her? Where was he? Didn’t she have a baby boy with bright blue eyes?
She shook the fog from her brain. She wasn’t Michal and this was definitely not Israel. Except the man’s voice was real—angry and gruff. He was speaking English.
Let’s fool Cade into thinking this is his baby. Let’s blackmail him into taking the baby because we all know he’d never ever let a son or daughter of his go into the foster care system.
A
ndie’s heart raced, and the sound of the man’s voice tugged her slow, cotton-candied mind. This was important. The man, Cade, he’d said to remember him. He’d handed her the baby and said it was theirs. So why was he denying their baby?
She perked her ears at the woman’s response. Her voice was lower, so Andie crept closer. Vegas bookmakers? Some guy named Dick? And Cade throwing an interception?
Super Bowl, Super Bowl. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Someone named Cade was being blackmailed.
Cade was important. Cade said he loved her. There’s no love like Cade’s. Cade loved the baby, but the man in the kitchen said the baby didn’t belong to him, that it was Dick’s baby.
The kitchen door swung open, and a woman dashed out, flinging her hand over her eyes, weeping. Andie jumped back, but not fast enough.
The woman bounced off her and collapsed to the floor. Andie knelt by her side. “Who are you? What’s wrong?”
“Fuck my life. All of it. I’m done. They have nothing on me. Nothing.”
“Who? What are you talking about?” Andie put her arm around the rail thin blonde.
“Take my baby. Take him and get the hell out of LA.” She flung Andie from her and ran out the front door, leaving it open.
Andie ran after her, but a strong hand gripped her shoulder. “Let her go.”
It was the man named Cade, the one from her dreams. Or was this a dream and the dusty road to Jerusalem real? His eyes shone as blue as a desert lake, and the way he held her, made her tingle and feel protected and safe at the same time.
“Who are you?” she asked the man with the baby. “Why is she asking me to take her baby? Is he not mine?”
“Are you ready for the truth?”
Andie nodded. Behind her, her mother said, “Yes. You’d better level with us right now.”
Chapter Eight
“Let me take care of the baby.” Andie’s mother marched to the kitchen and found clean bottles in the dishwasher. “Then we’re having it out. If I don’t like what I hear, Andie and I are leaving in the morning.”
Intercepted by Love: Part Four: A Football Romance (Playing the Field Book 4) Page 4
