Circle of Secrets

by Lauren Tisdale

  She listened to his words and felt the tears roll down her cheeks, sad about saying no because she didn’t feel like she was good enough. She was ill, he deserved someone healthy and who could be there to take care of him like a good wife should. Before she could answer he kissed her, and the kiss came as a shock to her but she kissed him back as she always did. When he finally pulled away, he ran a hand along the side of her face.

  “You won’t have to be sick anymore. There was a match.” He watched her expression change and she shook her head in disbelief.

  “Who? Who else was tested? I don’t understand, was one of the results read wrong?” Her voice rose an octave at the news, she was now feeling so many different emotions she thought she’d explode.

  “Me.”

  Her brows came together and she swallowed. “You?”

  “I had myself tested. I’m a match.”

  “You what?” She was shocked but also a bit angry, she’d never asked him to do that. She couldn’t. “I can’t let you do that, Carlos. I can’t.” She shook her head ‘no’ as she spoke, her voice shaky.

  “I love you, I want to marry you and I want to give you my kidney. Besides, it’s already set.”

  “What do you mean, ‘already set’?” she asked hesitantly.

  “I mean this coming Monday, we are to be at the hospital at six a.m. to have surgery. You need more testing, comparison rechecks and blood work. Also one more treatment before the surgery to ensure you are as healthy as possible at the time.”

  She watched him, not really sure she was hearing this right. Moving around him and rising from the bed, she started to pace the floor.

  “Surgery? Monday? That’s in five days, Carlos.”

  He stood and walked over to her, taking her wrists in his hands to stop her from pacing as he nodded. “Yes, it is. Please let me do this for you. Please? I can’t tell you enough that I love you and I want to do this. Look at it this way, if you’ll marry me we’re just getting a head start on the ‘what’s mine is yours, what’s yours is mine’ clause.”

  She smiled and shook her head, pulling one arm free and playfully swatting his arm. She sighed and he lifted her chin with his finger.

  “Just say yes.”

  She looked into his eyes, seeing the determination in his. He was set on this and she could see in his eyes the love he had for her. She could feel it. Her lip trembled slightly as she nodded then spoke, breaking the silence. “Yes. I will. I do. I want to.” She laughed and shook her head, knowing he’d won. He’d convinced her that her fears were minuscule and she knew he loved her as much as she loved him. Was it too fast? Maybe…but time didn’t matter where love was concerned. Especially with not knowing how much time you actually had.

  He smiled widely and pulled the ring box off of the bed, opening it again as she looked down at the ring.

  “It’s so beautiful.”

  He pulled the ring from the slit and took her left hand with his left and slid the ring on her ring finger with his right. Watching him put the ring on her finger, she felt her heart speed up and looked up into his eyes with tears brimming in her own again. He pulled her into him and kissed her deeply, just as Helen and Sophia entered the room.

  “Time to start lunch, we’re starved,” Helen said and then stopped speaking, seeing them kissing. “Oh Sophia, maybe we should wait in the kitchen.”

  Marissa pulled back and smiled, blushing and shaking her head no. “No, it’s okay. We’re coming. We have news anyway.” She smiled brightly and looked over her shoulder at Carlos with a grin. Helen and Sophia exchanged curious looks and then looked back at Carlos and Marissa who were both beaming.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Helen smiled and touched Sophia on the shoulder, looking between the two, “What’s going on, you two?”

  Marissa turned back to face her mother and smiled. “Let’s go work on lunch and I’ll tell you all about it.”

  “How about I cook this time, Helen hasn’t tried my cooking.” Carlos chimed in, following them into the kitchen.

  Marissa looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

  They all gathered around the table while Carlos gathered the things he needed to prepare lunch, occasionally looking over at Marissa and smiling.

  “Okay you two, what’s with all the smiles? Now I’m curious.”

  “Me, too, why are you both so happy? Did we win the lottery?” Sophia asked with a giggle.

  Marissa chuckled and shook her head, “No, but I feel like I have. First off, well…he asked...” She raised the back of her left hand towards them to show off the ring, “and I said yes.”

  Sophia squealed and ran over into Marissa’s arms and hugged her then jumped up and down. “Omigod! Omigod! Momma!” She smiled and looked between Carlos and Marissa, who both laughed in unison at her excitement. “I’m so happy! Yay!”

  “Glad you approve, Sophia,” Carlos said.

  “Oh, and great job on the ring, wow!” Sophia added as she examined her mother’s ring.

  Helen smiled as her eyes filled with tears.

  “Oh, Marissa. I’m so happy for you. For the both of you. That is really great news.” She stood and went around the table to hug her daughter.

  “Thanks Helen. I’m happy, too. But there is more…” Helen pulled back and stepped back a bit to look at her.

  “More?” She gasped and looked at Carlos then Marissa. “You’re pregnant?”

  Sophia looked up wide-eyed and Marissa laughed and shook her head. “No, no…but good guess. I think…” She took in a breath and looked at Sophia then back up at Helen. “I’ll be having surgery Monday. So will Carlos. He was a match.”

  Helen’s mouth fell open and she brought both hands up to cover her mouth in shock.

  Sophia began to cry and hugged her mother tightly around her waist.

  “Oh Momma, I’m so glad to hear you can get a kidney. I don’t want you to die.” She sobbed.

  Marissa sat down and wiped her daughter’s tears away, Helen and Carlos exchanged looks.

  “Baby I’m not going anywhere. I promise. Don’t you worry. Carlos is giving me one of his kidneys and I’ll be fine. I’ll get better, you’ll see. I’m not going anywhere.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead and hugged her tightly.

  “Carlos that is the best news I’ve heard all week. I’m so happy for both of you and it eases my mind to know that Marissa will be in good hands.”

  Carlos and Helen hugged and she sighed, relieved that her daughter had found a match in love and health. “I should call Tyson and let him know.” Kissing Marissa on the cheek, she headed outside to make the call.

  Sophia, Carlos and Marissa huddled into a family hug, both of them reassuring the little girl that the surgery would go fine.

  * * * *

  Helen stepped out onto the porch and dialed Tyson on her cell phone. He answered on the second ring and she sniffled.

  “Everything okay, love?”

  “Yeah. I just got the best news since I’ve been here.”

  “Oh? What happened? You sound upset.”

  “I wasn’t a match, but Carlos was. Her boyfriend, the doctor. I guess he must have had himself tested without us knowing. They will be having surgery Monday morning. I’m so relieved Ty. So relieved.”

  “I know you were supposed to come home today but do you want to stay? Does she need you?”

  “I don’t really know if she needs me, I haven’t asked her.”

  “I know you want to be there for her, you stay as long as you need to. I’m holding down the fort.” He chuckled.

  She smiled, “Are you sure? Of course you are, but you know I have to ask. I’ll talk to her soon and ask if she wants me to stay. My flight isn’t leaving until tonight, so if I find out soon enough I can get a refund. Oh, and that’s not all, either. He proposed. She said yes, they’re getting married!” she said excitedly.

  “Oh wow, that’s wonderful love. Just wonderful. I am so glad to hear t
hat, will you tell them congratulations for me?”

  She nodded even though he couldn’t see the gesture, “Of course I will. I’ll call you soon okay. I love you. Oh, how’s Dad?”

  “About the same. They switched his medication hoping it helps, but I haven’t seen a real difference. He asked about you, but I told him you had to go on a trip. He thinks you’re away at college.”

  She closed her eyes and sighed. “Thank you for taking care of him while I am gone.”

  “I would not have it any other way, love. Call me later and give them my love.”

  “I will.”

  “I love you Helen.”

  “I love you, too, Ty.” She ended the call and exhaled, feeling so blessed to have a husband who understood and was so supportive. She always vowed she would be there for her children, to give them anything they needed, to make sure they were healthy and okay. This was her keeping that promise. A mother’s love knew no bounds, not when life or death was involved. Her daughter had found the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and as her mother, she wanted to make sure that everything went okay with the surgery and she just couldn’t leave knowing that Marissa needed her most. She was so thrilled to see such joy on Marissa’s face. To top it all off, the man she loved was giving her a kidney. She would always be grateful for this doctor. For all he had done for Marissa and all he was doing now.

  She still worried about her father and hated being away from them all. It helped to know that Tyson was making sure everything was okay. Elijah was even calling more often now. She had called him a few days after she arrived in North Carolina and told him about everything. She smiled remembering his reaction.

  “Are you serious? You have got to be kidding me, little sis. She’s alive? Really alive? All this time?” His voice gave away his shock.

  “Yep, she’s alive. Daddy told me the truth and I really couldn’t believe it. It was so hard trying to track everything down and find her but it was even crazier that she was the one to find me. God was on our side that time. Oh, Elijah, she looks just like me and she has his eyes. She’s beautiful, and her soul is, too. She was raised really well and I am so thankful for that. I wish I had been the one to do it, but I know his intentions were good.”

  “Are you upset with him?”

  “I was. I didn’t think I could ever forgive him. But I did.”

  “Naomi and I will come down with the kids soon. It’s just been so busy with LeAnn starting college and Phil about to graduate. I called a few days ago and talked to Tyson. He’s keeping me updated.”

  “That’s wonderful, Eli. I’m so happy to hear from you. I guess you’re keeping Lorraine informed?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I am.” She was glad to hear he was because she was still bitter against her sister about everything. But learning to forgive was a new step in her life and she had to remember not to hold grudges. She couldn’t wait for Elijah and Lorraine to meet Marissa. They would love her, she was certain.

  Marissa had called everyone to meet them at Chili’s for dinner and mentioned having news but wouldn’t tell anyone what it was. She swore Helen and Sophia to secrecy and made a point to explain that it was all good news. Her parents and best friends could not wait to meet them tonight and Carlos had called his parents to tell them the news, exciting his mother who wanted to know a date.

  He told her it hadn’t been set yet and explained about Marissa’s condition. She insisted that she drive from Virginia and help, but he reassured her he’d be fine. Promising to call her and keep her updated on everything, he hung up with a smile. He had planned to bring Marissa and Sophia up to Virginia to meet his parents on the first holiday of the school year, but Marissa’s health had taken a turn for the worse by that time. Being engaged to a woman his parents hadn’t met yet was unlike him, but they trusted his judgment.

  Marissa, Carlos, Helen and Sophia went into the restaurant and waited for the rest to join them. After thirty minutes everyone was there and curiously looking at them trying to figure out what was going on. Sophia and Samantha were gossiping silently in the corner as Lyndsay’s two boys debated on what to order.

  “So, what’s the news?” Chantelle asked.

  “Yeah, you’re killing me for sure,” Lyndsay added.

  “Did you get good news about the tests?” Susanne asked and Mike put the menu down and looked up at Marissa. Helen beamed at Susanne then her eyes went to Marissa and Carlos who exchanged a look. Marissa kept her eyes on Carlos as she started to speak.

  “Well, first things first…” She turned and looked around the table at her family and friends who were all waiting on the edge of their seats to hear the news that had prompted a family get-together that had to mean a celebration. Raising her left hand slowly to show off the engagement ring, she smiled and bit her bottom lip. “We’re engaged.”

  Lyndsay squealed and bounced in her seat, Chantelle smiled and grabbed her hand to look at the ring. Sophia and Samantha giggled and looked at the ring with Chantelle. Bill looked at the two boys and shrugged in male confusion--women and engagements. He turned back to Carlos and nodded. “Congrats to the both of you.”

  “Yes, congratulations!” Lyndsay added and took her turn looking at the ring. Helen and Susanne exchanged looks of joy with both women getting misty-eyed.

  Mike shook Carlos’ hand and nodded. “Take care of my daughter, okay?”

  Carlos nodded, “Of course I will. Every day for the rest of my life.” He gave Marissa a smile as she moved her hand over to Helen and Susanne who looked at the ring and smiled.

  Susanne turned to her daughter and hugged her tightly. “I’m so proud and happy for you both. Oh, this is the best news I’ve had all week,” she said, hugging her, then pulled back and reached a hand to Carlos and squeezed his with a warm smile. “You’ll both be so happy.”

  They both said “Thank you” at the same time but Marissa continued, “That’s not all…” she said, looking down at her hand holding Carlos’.

  Lyndsay and Chantelle said at the same time, “You’re pregnant!” then giggled at their comment in unison.

  Marissa laughed and shook her head. “Why does everyone keep saying that?” She smiled and looked at both of her mothers, then her father. “Carlos was a match. He was tested without me knowing and he’s my match.” She let that sink in before telling them about surgery.

  Chantelle and Lyndsay gasped and exchanged a look of shock and happiness.

  Susanne cupped her mouth and looked at Mike, then the tears fell as she realized her prayers had been answered. “Marissa! Oh, that’s wonderful. Carlos, oh…what you’ve done for my daughter. For our daughter…” she said grabbing Helen and Mike’s hands and then looking back at Marissa and Carlos. “I can’t ever thank you enough.”

  “Surgery will be Monday of next week,” Carlos added with a smile, “You don’t have to thank me, I love her and I’d give anything for her.”

  They all expressed their happiness and concerns, with a few questions. Susanne volunteered to care for Sophia until her mom was better and Marissa thanked her for all her help.

  “Helen said she’s going to stay, I thought that was a great idea. I could use all the help I can and I hate seeing it all put on you guys,” Marissa said as Helen smiled and nodded. Susanne patted Helen on the hand and smiled.

  “I think that’s wonderful. I know you want to be here for this, and I don’t blame you.” The waitress came to take everyone’s order and they each took turns ordering. While waiting, they all chatted about the upcoming nuptials, asking about dates and plans, and asking questions about the surgery that Carlos answered with his medical knowledge, easing everyone’s minds.

  Everyone was in high spirits about the good news, while offers came from Chantelle, Susanne and Lyndsay to do anything and everything they could--from helping with cooking and cleaning to caring for Sophia. Marissa felt so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in her life and for the first time in a long time, she felt like eve
rything would be okay. Looking around the table at all the smiling faces, she felt stronger and confident that the surgery would be a success and she had the man next to her to thank. She was more in love with him now more than ever, seeing him laugh and smile with her family and how he fit perfectly in her life. God had blessed her, he had saved her life in so many ways. She couldn’t wait to be his wife. With Carlos in her life, reconnecting with her birth mother and her health possibly on the road to being better, what more could she ask for? She felt like she had it all, now the future looked bright.

  It was the night before the big surgery and Carlos and Marissa read Sophia a story together before bed. It always calmed her nerves and allowed her to fall asleep. Of course, instead of listening she was more interested in asking questions about the surgery, which Carlos answered in a calm tone that even reassured Marissa that she would be in great hands and everything would be okay.

  Marissa’s nerves were still getting the better of her, but she tried to rely on her faith and the faith she had in the doctors. Carlos was a smart man and if there were something she should worry about, he would tell her. They hugged her together and Marissa felt a rock in her throat. Her survival tomorrow was imperative and she was determined to do whatever it took to make sure that she recovered. She had to be there for her daughter and she had to be there for Carlos and her parents, and now Helen. After all, she’d one day marry this man and they’d all be a family, a real family. Sophia needed a man in her life as a father figure, and there couldn’t be anyone better than Carlos to fit that role. Kissing Sophia on the forehead, she stood and took Carlos’ hand, lacing their fingers together.

  “Goodnight, Momma, goodnight…future step-father?” Sophia tilted her head to the side with a smile and Carlos and Marissa both chuckled in unison.

  “You can call me whatever you like, Sophia.”