“Your mother was a good woman, Marsha, and a horrible flirt. She had the roar of a lion and the heart of a lamb and she stepped in as a grandmother figure for Mariah and my twins.” She laughs. “But she'd never allow them to call her that. She said she would always be too young to ever be a grandmother.” She looks at Dannie. “I guess she was wrong. I'm so sorry you never got to meet that extraordinary woman, who became our ‘everything’ after my own parents rejected my marriage and my children. Donald and the kids were coming home from visiting her in the Hyde Park area of Chicago when they were killed.”
“When did that happen?”
Rachel sighs heavily. “December 12th, 1993. She was leaving for her annual trip to Las Vegas and she wouldn't be back until after the New Year. It was a tradition for us to go to her house for a visit so the kids could be spoiled before she left. That was the only trip she missed in over twenty years.”
“Rachel,” Matthew calls. “Do you know when Redding was born?”
“Not exactly. I know he was the same age as Donald senior, and Carl’s sister was less than a year younger than him, maybe around ten months. He was old enough to know not to screw a fourteen-year-old girl and get her pregnant. Then to walk out on her... I'm sorry, Marsha, but in my eyes, he was a coward. Unless it’s proven wrong, I will continue to feel that way.”
“She's right, Mama,” Dannie says hoarsely. “If he did skip out on your mother like that, then I don't want to meet him.”
Marsha nods then looks at her son. “I understand but do you understand that I have to?”
He studies his mother a moment. “I do. And you only do so with me or Ryan. Agreed?”
“Yes, honey. If he finds him and he's alive, I will have you or Ryan with me.”
“No ifs, Mrs. Drake,” Matthew says as he stands, pulling out his cell. “I’ll have something soon. Excuse me.”
As he leaves, I look at Marsha. “He’s telling the truth. Matthew is quite good. It's very annoying.”
She laughs. “I'm hoping. I could really use the closure.”
July 7, 2018 – 11.37 a.m.
I smiled at the soft knock on my office door. It's Mariah's signal that our daughter wanted me.
“Yes,” I called as I straighten my face. The door opened.
“I have someone here who misses her daddy,” my beautiful wife cooed.
“Well, who could that be?” I put my tablet down as Lila hid behind Mariah and giggled.
“A pretty little blue-eyed angel named Lila. She was just here a moment ago...”
Lila giggled again. “I'm here, Mommy! See?”
Mariah smiled. “Yes, I see, Angel... and there's your daddy.”
Lila ran to me and I tickled her, throwing her into a fit of laughs.
“I'm going to lie down a while. The boys are outside. Please ask Sidra to fix lunch for me?” Mariah asked, tiredly, then tried to hide a huge yawn.
“Okay, baby. Are you feeling all right?”
“Yeah... just a little tired. Your sons have been fighting again.”
“Donnie took my ball, Daddy,” Lila pouted. My heart melted at that face.
I picked her up. “He did? Well, let's go see what his problem is.”
I turned to walk out of the office. I smacked my wife's ass on the way and went straight to the kitchen, knowing the boys were in the garden.
“Boys! Come here,” I called at the back door. They ran up and give me the pout face. I smirked. Somehow, it didn’t work with them. Almost, but Lila owned it.
“Your mother says you're fighting again. Care to explain?”
“Dad, Donnie took Lila's ball so I took his juice,” Alex reported.
“What should you have done, Alex?”
“I should have let Lila tell Mommy but Donnie shoulda asked Lila for her ball. He shouldn't make her cry.”
“She didn't cry. She just whined,” Donnie insisted.
“Boys, enough. Donnie, you are supposed to ask for what you would like, you don't just take something from someone. And Alex, your mother and I decide the discipline, not you or your brother or sister. This is the last time I want to hear this in our home. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Dad,” the boys said in unison.
“Good.” I put Lila down. “Sidra?”
“Yes, Marcus,” she answers, smiling as she folds some laundry.
“Mariah's tired and I believe she's napping now. Would you fix the kids’ lunch? After, you can head out for the day. Are you coming to the party tomorrow?”
“Mariah insisted I come as a guest, not an employee. I hope you don't mind,” she said as she gathers ingredients for grilled cheese sandwiches, a favorite of all three kids.
“Of course not. She said you're seeing someone. You should ask him along, as well,” I offered as I watch my kids play tag. Lila giggled as she tried to catch Alex. I smiled. It's the most beautiful sound in the world, right next to Mariah's laugh.
“Um, he has something to do tomorrow, maybe next time,” Sidra answered, softly.
“Okay, next time. Let me know when their lunch is ready.”
I joined the kids, caught Alex and tackled him.
“No fair, Dad,” he laughed as Lila ran up and jumped on him, laughing loudly.
“Yes it was, son. Lila's little legs can't keep up with you!”
“Fine!” Alex laughed as he ‘broke’ free. “It's Lila's turn! Run, Lila... I'm gonna catch you!”
Lila giggled again and took off but, once again, her little legs couldn't get her far. I had no choice but to pick her up and run her away from the boys.
“Dad,” Donnie yelled. “No fair, again!”
He whispered to Alex and they nodded. They run toward us and I stand until they get close, then I run to the right. Alex dropped and pretended to tie his shoes and I laughed to myself. They're trying this again.
Donnie continued to chase after me and Lila giggled her glee. I heard Alex approaching from behind as Donnie tried from in front.
“Now,” Donnie commanded.
I moved sideways, and they crashed into each other. Lila and I laughed at them as they fell and stayed on the ground, accusing each other of messing up the plan.
“Lunch,” Sidra called.
“All right, go wash your face and hands,” I told them, still laughing.
“Race you, Dad,” Alex challenged and took off.
Still holding Lila, I chased after him. She laughed as her little head bobbed, side to side.
“Lila wins,” I loudly declared as we reached the door. Sidra took Lila as I waited for the boys to catch up. They ran in the door and had a good laugh as they make their way to the bathroom. Sidra squatted as she settled Lila in her booster chair and I told her she could go.
“Are you sure, Marcus? I can stay until they've finished lunch.”
“It's fine, Sidra. I'm sure you have some things to do. I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Marcus,” she smiled then stood and swayed.
“Are you all right,” I asked as I checked her pulse. “Do you feel ill?”
“I’m fine, just a little tired. I'm going to go to my mom's and rest.”
“Good idea. Call me if you feel worse, all right?”
“I will. Thanks, Marcus.” She made her way around the table and kissed the kids goodbye.
* * *
After we cleaned up after lunch, the doorbell rang. The kids and I quietly go to the front door to answer it; it was an off day for the house staff. Alex opened it. My mother and Rachel grinned as Joshua's two oldest sons rushed inside.
“Gram! Grandma,” Lila squealed as she jumped up and down.
“We're here for the kids, Marcus,” Rachel informed as she picked up Lila.
“Where are you taking them,” I asked, kissing each of their cheeks.
“We're going to my house, darling,” Mother says, smiling. “I'm keeping them until the party tomorrow. Go pack some things. Where's my daughter-in-law?”
“She's napping in the den.
”
“Oh, I don't want wake her. Just tell her we came by.”
“No, it's fine. She'll want to say goodbye to the kids anyway. I'll be right back.”
I took the stairs two at a time. I love my kids but I really needed some alone time with my wife. I rushed through their rooms and it took no time to gather their clothes; Mariah and Sidra kept things orderly. I made sure to pack Lila's new blue outfit that she picked out herself when we went shopping together, just her and I, after our Daddy-daughter lunch.
I ran back down and give Mother's driver, Benny, the suitcase. I walked into the den and two excitedly boys ran past me.
“Well, if you're sure, I'll go and pack them some clothes,” Mariah yawned.
“No need, baby. I've already given the case to Benny.”
“Get some rest, honey. I'll see you Sunday evening,” Rachel urged. She kissed Mariah and patted her belly.
“Goodbye, darling,” Mother murmured as she kissed me.
“Bye, Mother. No spoiling.”
“What spoil? I don't do that!”
“Gram? Can I get three toys this time?” Lila asked, with five fingers. I stifled a grin. Lila was too cute. I fell in love with her as fast as I did with her mother.
Mother held up one finger. “One.”
“Pwease, Gram.”
“All right, sweetie. Three.”
My jaw dropped. “Mother. What did I just say?”
“I'm not spoiling her! I'm being a grandma. And she's my only granddaughter.”
I shook my head with a sigh. I couldn’t argue with either points. I remembered exactly how my grandmothers were.
“Fine, Mother. Say hi to Dad for us.”
“I will, Marcus. All right, boys! Gram and Grandma are ready to go! Let's hurry to the store and get your three toys each!”
“Katherine,” Mariah gasped.
I scowled as she winked at Mariah.
“Give it up, Marcus. She's a proud grandmother. It's a losing battle.” Rachel smiled as she walked away. “I promise I will only get them two apiece. Maybe,” she said over her shoulder.
“Five bucks says they will have Lisa's and Tom's kids as well.”
“It's only going to be worse when Ethan and Alissa's baby comes and then there's our next,” Mariah sighed, quietly.
“And the next one...” I whispered as I rubbed her belly.
“Marcus! This is it! You promised!”
I gave her my ‘pwease’ face.
She caved. “Talk to me in three years. In the meantime, you're keeping that consultation appointment next week, Cramp!”
YES! At least I’d get a discussion. I'd like to end with five... for now. I may change my mind and ask for another one, so I won't tell her five is my current limit. I planned to go to the consultation appointment, but was going to wait to schedule the procedure.
As I watched my mother's limo drive away I thought about Sidra's sway in the kitchen.
“You should call Sidra later. I don't think she's feeling well.”
“I will. I think she'll be fine. Just tired,” she smirked. I close the door.
“No kids, Mrs. Cannon... what would you like to do?” I smiled and look at her greedily.
“Oh, no. I'm going to bed!”
“Good idea,” I grinned wide.
“To sleep,” she insisted, walking away.
“We'll see...” I murmured. I grabbed her from behind and walked her toward the stairs, holding her tight to me.
* * *
My cell rang. Damn it... I was sleeping pretty well. My wife and I exhausted ourselves making love all afternoon and all I wanted to do was hold her as we slept it off, child-free. I was tempted to let it go to voice mail, but I couldn't; I was on call.
I glanced at the clock and grabbed the phone. “Dr. Alexander,” I whispered.
“Doctor, this is Ms. Hampton. We have an eight-year-old in the ER and her mother says you're her primary.”
I released Mariah and left the room so I wouldn't disturb her.
“Who's the patient, Ms. Hampton?”
“Melania Russo.”
“Yes. Melly. What's the problem?”
“She's complaining of pain in her ankle and her mom says she can't put any weight on it.”
“Okay. Order films and I'll be right in.”
“Right away, Doctor.”
I had a quick shower, threw on scrubs and my favorite runners, then go over to my wife, who startled awake.
“Sorry, baby. There's an emergency. I have to go.”
“Okay. I'm going back to sleep,” she murmured.
“Do you want anything?”
“Just sleep.”
“If you change your mind, call me. Okay?”
“Mm-hmm. Love you,” she murmured again, going back to sleep.
I softly kissed her cheek. “I love you, baby.”
Chapter FIFTEEN
That Was a Shitty Thing to Do
July 14, 2018 – 7.22 p.m.
A pager going off brings me back to the present.
“Doctor Henderson. Please report to ICU, room 822 STAT. Doctor Henderson ICU, Room 822. STAT!”
Melvin frowns then his eyes widen. “Oh, shit! That's Mariah's room,” he shouts and takes off.
I knock over my chair as I run after him. We make it to the room and a woman is standing over Mariah weeping. I frown as I recognize her. Shit. I forgot to call her.
“Madison?”
She turns around, tears streaming down her face. “I'm sorry, Marcus. I just found out this morning. No one called me. It was our lead story. My producer didn't know there was a connection and he included it in the script! Why didn't someone call me?”
I moved her to the corner and give her my tissue pack. “I'm sorry, Madison. I've been out of it and I just didn't think,” I say, feeling like shit. My wife's oldest friend and godmother to our daughter and I didn't call her to tell her about the kidnapping.
“I'm glad she's not in a coma anymore. I can't wait for her to talk to me again.”
“Excuse me,” Melvin croaks. “Did you say she talked to you?”
“She did. Why? Is she supposed to stay quiet?”
“Dr. Wall, examine Mrs. Cannon. Miss, I'm Dr. Henderson. I'm Mrs. Cannon's neurosurgeon. What did she say?” Melvin asks taking Madison's hand.
“Madison Copeland. Mariah was staring at her arm when I came in the room and she looked up at me. She looked terrified; her eyes were wide with fear.”
“What did she say? Was she lucid?”
“No.” Madison shakes her head and fresh tears fall from her eyes. “She knew me and asked me for a kiss but then she said she thought she died because she saw her Daddy.”
I inhale sharply and look at Melvin.
“She has memory, Marcus,” Melvin grins.
“What am I missing, Marcus,” Madison asks.
“We just found out Mariah has some cousins from her father's side who worked to help find her. There is a man in the conference room, that found her, and he looks just like Donald and she called him Daddy before she passed out.”
Madison shivers. “Has Rachel seen him? Is she all right?”
I nod. “She fainted when she first saw him, but they've talked. She's fine now.”
“Good. Is it okay that I'm here,” she asks, nervously.
“Of course, Madison. I know how much you love each other. I really did not mean to snub you.”
“Dr. Henderson?”
We turn to Dr. Wall.
“Sir, I believe she's sleeping. I think she's out of the coma.”
Melvin goes over and leans in and takes her hand.
“Mariah,” he shouts. “Squeeze my hand.”
Nothing.
“Cookie,” he shouts louder. “Cookie!”
“What,” she startles and closes her eyes again “Tired.”
Melvin grins. “She is definitely sleeping. Good job, Arthur. You've just graduated.”
“Thank you, sir,” Dr. Wall grins.
“No, problem,” Melvin holds his hand out. “Good luck in your career.”
Dr. Wall takes his hand and lingers a moment. “Sir, if you and Dr. Cannon don't mind, I'd like to see Mrs. Cannon through, at least until she's able to stay awake.”
“Marcus,” Melvin asks.
“I don't mind.”
“I'll keep a watch on her and you can tell your family the good news. Looks like they are just outside the door,” Dr. Wall nods in front of him. I turn and see several of them peeking in.
“Madison, let's go into the conference room and talk to them.”
“Go ahead, Marcus. I'd like a few more minutes with her. I'll be along soon.”
“Of course.”
I go into the hall and ask everyone to go back to the conference room. Once there, I explain that Mariah woke and is out of the coma but sleeping. Tom nods explaining she should be doing that a lot for the next few days.
“Another thing. No one called Madison. She found out during this morning's broadcast.”
“What?” Rachel gasps. “Oh, I can't believe I forgot her!”
“So did I. She thought she wasn't welcomed here.”
“She's here,” Lisa asks.
“Yes, she's in with Mariah. She must have come in when Rachel was talking to Marsha.”
“Damn it,” Nathan utters. “I forgot, too. I feel like shit.”
“I think we all do, Nathan. We have to make her feel welcomed.”
“Who,” Matthew asks, entering in the room. “Who feels unwelcome?”
I give Matthew an ‘I need to talk to you’ look.
Matthew narrows his eyes. “I need to speak to you, Marcus.”
I walk out and feel Matthew's glare on my back.
“First, Mariah is out of the coma and is now sleeping. She spoke, Matthew.”
“That's great, right? So who felt unwelcome here?” He frowns. “Everyone's here.”
“Matthew... we forgot to call Madison. Even though we talked about her, we still forgot to call her and let her know what happened.”
“Shit,” Matthew mutters looking at me like he can't believe what I'm saying. “You of all people forgot, Cramp? Jesus... she must hate us all.”
I nod, hoping that’s not true. “You're going to have to tell her of your engagement.”
Marcus: The M Series, Book Three Page 31
