“Not very much. I’m so worried about Dad. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him so soon after finding him. Sophie either…I had a terrible time getting her to go to school this morning. She wanted to come along, but hospitals aren’t any fun for young girls. I’m afraid it might bring back bad memories of her grandmother dying. Best for her to go to school until we know more.”
“I agree that’s wise. As soon as Howard’s better, you bring her for a visit. I’m sixty-four years old and hospitals still creep me out.”
The miles passed, and Violet acted the tour guide, pointing out local landmarks and giving Melanie a history lesson on Peak County, Colorado. She dearly loved this place she called home, and she suspected Melanie was starting to love it, too. Before she knew it, Melanie pulled into the parking lot of a large sterile building known as High County Hospital.
They walked up to the front desk, and she let Melanie talk. After all, Melanie was the relative. “We’re here to see my father, Howard Crandall. Can you tell me what room he’s in?”
The elderly lady turned to her computer, as Violet looked around the crowded waiting area. So many people with worried looks on their faces. Loving others was hard. It opened you up to heartache and pain. After Stan’s death, she hadn’t ever wanted to go through that kind of pain again. But here she was.
“Fourth floor,” the lady said. “Elevators are down the hall on the right. Once you get to the floor, the nurses will direct you.”
Violet grabbed Melanie’s hand and they made their way down the antiseptic-smelling hallway. Once off the elevator, they were assaulted with the hustle and bustle of early morning activity. Nurses and doctors navigating the busy hallways making their way through rounds. Food carts further congested things. They stood in front of the desk for a couple minutes before anyone even noticed them.
“Can I help you?” A stern looking nurse finally asked.
“We’re here to see my father, Howard Crandall. I believe they said room 435?”
“Third door on the right. The doctor may be in with him, so you might have to wait.”
Violet guided Melanie down the hall, and pushed the heavy door open with a loud squeak. A stranger lay in the first bed, and they maneuvered past him to where Howard lay, hooked up to too many tubes.
A doctor, standing by the bed, with clipboard in hand, looked up. “Can I help you ladies?”
“I’m Melanie. Mr. Crandall’s my dad.”
Howard’s eyes brightened seeing them. He was in the middle of a breathing treatment, so couldn’t greet them.
“I’m Dr. Stephens. Your father’s lucky you got him to the clinic when you did. His lungs were fairly congested, but we’re working on getting that cleared up. He smiled over at Howard. The treatment will be done in a few minutes and then you can visit. Just don’t tire him out too much. I need to finish rounds, but I’ll come back after I’m done and we’ll have a talk.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Melanie slid into the chair closest to the bed and Violet sat down beside her. Melanie reached over and held Howard’s hand. A twinge of jealously hit Violet seeing the look of pure love that passed between them. She wanted Howard to look at her that way. She suddenly felt like a third wheel. Although Melanie had only been in his life for a couple of months, the unbreakable bond forged between them was clear.
Howard looked over at the two women sitting by his bedside. Although glad to see them, it was embarrassing to be seen in his present condition. Especially by Violet, the woman he longed to find him attractive. He tried to carry on a conversation, but yet another bout of coughing took over. He remembered little of the night before, except that Melanie and Violet had both been there for him. For that, he’d always be grateful. He tried to push himself up into a semi-sitting position with his elbows. Melanie quickly slid another pillow under his head. He was a self-sufficient man—always had been—all this caretaking going on around him felt so uncomfortable.
“How’s Sophie?” he finally managed to say with a croak.
“She’s fine, in school. She wanted to come. She sends her love.” Melanie babbled on for a few minutes filling the awkward silence.
Groggy from all the pain meds, he was having a hard time following her thoughts. He glanced over at Violet, She didn’t look too thrilled to be here. “Who’s running the Café?”
“I closed it. The good people of Peakview can to make their own coffee today.”
Howard frowned. He didn’t want Violet to lose a day’s income for him. He didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. When he decided he wanted to start seeing her, this definitely wasn’t how he imagined it. He planned to wear his best clothes and be clean-shaven, with some manly smelling aftershave. Nothing was less attractive than the white and gray patterned hospital gown he currently sported. And he was sure his hair and stubbled face weren’t a pretty sight. He pulled the blanket up higher on his chest. How he longed to be back home in his cabin—alone. He closed his eyes and drifted off again.
Violet and Melanie sat quietly until Dr. Stephens returned and asked Melanie to step out in the hall to discuss her father’s condition. Violet scooted her chair closer to Howard’s side and reached her hand out to cover his. He still felt too warm. She bowed her head and said a silent prayer for God to help him to a speedy recovery.
Melanie tip-toed back into the room and suggested that they go down to the cafeteria and get some coffee while her dad sleep. After taking the elevator to the main floor and following the signs to the cafeteria, Violet filled a Styrofoam cup with not-so-fresh looking brown liquid, and followed Melanie to a small metal table.
“So what did the doctor say?”
“He sounded very positive. Said Dad’s doing extremely well for someone his age. They want to keep him here for a few days, until his fever breaks and the congestion clears up, but then he’s good to go. I have to tell you, I’ve been so scared. I couldn’t face the possibility of losing him so soon.”
Violet tried her best to reassure the younger woman. She’d been scared too—petrified in fact, but now wasn’t the time or place to share that information.
The next few hours passed uneventfully. They spent most of it sitting at Howard’s beside and talking with him during the short periods when he was awake.
Around 3:00, Melanie stretched and said, “Violet and I should get back to Peakview. I need to pick up Sophie, and you need your rest, Dad. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“You really don’t need to come all this way. I’m fine.”
“I know, but I want to be here.” Melanie leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
Violet followed her out of the room, giving Howard’s hand a light squeeze before she left. Was he glad she’d come? She couldn’t tell.
***
Once back on the road to Peakview, Melanie looked over at her. “Thank you so much for coming with me today. Can I ask another favor of you?”
“Sure. What do you need?”
“I feel like I need to be there with Dad while he’s in the hospital. If it’s not too much of an imposition, can Sophie stay with you for a few nights? She isn’t much trouble, and she’s in school all day. That way I could get a motel room by the hospital and save driving back and forth.”
Violet longed to object. She wanted to be the one to stay with the man she was beginning to have such strong feelings about. Instead, she stuffed her emotions deep inside. “I’d be happy to have her for as long as you need. Maybe I’ll even put her to work around the café.”
“You’re a life saver. Thanks from me and my dad.”
Violet closed her eyes and said a silent prayer that Howard got well soon, and that when he was, he’d want continue where they’d left off.
She must have dozed off, because before she knew it, Melanie stopped in front of the café. She turned the key and let herself into the cold, dark building. She briefly considered flipping her sign to open and seeing if anyone was out and about and wanted something to eat. But no, she felt exhausted—no
t physically, but mentally, by the events of the day. She slowly climbed the back stairs, deciding to spend a quiet evening in her apartment with Lucky. Tomorrow was soon enough to reopen. She wouldn’t make very good company tonight. A lone tear trickled down her cheek.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Violet wasn’t her usual perky self the next morning. She hated the idea of the empty café—dark and quiet below her. When had she become so dependent on Howard’s presence? She couldn’t remember. Like a river eroding away its bank, it happened so gradually that she hadn’t even noticed until recently. She’d taken him for granted, and now that he wasn’t here, a massive hole loomed where he usually sat. There was no going back.
Once the coffee started brewing and a fresh batch of biscuits began rising in the oven, Violet’s spirits lifted. The aroma of the baking biscuits made her stomach growl, and she remembered she hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. She loved this café and all of her regulars, whom she called friends. She flipped on the open sign at 6:00 sharp and put a smile on her face. In walked Jeff and Luke Walker.
“Mornin’ Violet. How’s Howard?” They grabbed the first two stools at the counter.
“He’s too tough to let a little bout with pneumonia keep him down for long. The doctors are going to keep him there for the rest of the week, but he’s on the road to recovery.”
“Good to hear. And glad you’re back. It just wasn’t the same without our mornin’ coffee yesterday. Don’t you ever think about retiring. I don’t know what we’d do without you.” Jeff held out his cup for a refill, having downed the first cup in one long swig.
Violet laughed. It felt nice to be appreciated. “So what’s new out at your place?”
“Not much. The cold and snow really puts a damper on ranching activities.” Jeff smiled as she set his plate of biscuits and gravy in front of him. “We try to keep the younger horses in the barn at night when it’s this cold. June seems to love the cold. She’s making all kinds of improvements to the inside of the ranch house.”
Luke elbowed his dad in good-natured fun. “Pretty soon all traces of our bachelor pad will be gone. She’s added frilly curtains and lots of nick-knacks from her former home in Ohio.”
Violet smiled. “Every home needs a woman’s touch.”
“Speaking of homes,” Jeff said between bites, “Luke is going to start building his own cabin up on the north hill come spring.”
“Luke, that’s exciting. Is there a special girl I don’t know about that you are planning on sharing it with?” Violet teased.
“Nope, just thought the lovebirds could use some privacy. I’ve been planning it in my head for years. It’s time. Dad has supported me long enough.”
Jeff reached over and hugged his son. “As far as I’m concerned he could stay in our house forever, but I know he’ll enjoy having some privacy. Who knows, if a beautiful lady could fall for an old, worn down cowboy like me, there might still be hope for this young one.”
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Every time the bell jangled signaling someone’s entrance, Violet looked up. She kept imagining that it was Howard walking in, but of course it wasn’t. Sophie showed up after school and flung her heavy book-laden backpack into the nearest booth.
“How was school today?”
“Okay, lots of homework. The end of the quarter’s next week. Is it okay if I sit here and study until you get busy?”
“Of course, study away. You need a snack?”
“That’d be great, if it’s no trouble.”
Violet brought out some cheese and crackers for her and went back to preparing the night’s meal. Shortly before five, Sophie wandered into the kitchen. “Can I help with the dinner hour?”
“I’d love your help, if you finished your homework. Don’t feel obligated.”
“Homework’s all done. If I waited on some tables, could I keep part of the tips? Prom’s coming up soon, and if I get asked I’d like to save some money to buy a nice dress.”
“I think that’s a great idea. And the boys in Peakview are crazy if they’re not fighting over who gets to escort you to prom. Even after your mom gets back, feel free to come by and work for some tips. Anytime.”
“Thanks Violet, you’re the best!” Sophie threw her arms around Violet and engulfed her in a hug. “I can’t wait until we get the bookstore open. Mom’s going to pay me to work there.”
***
That night long after Sophie fell asleep on her pull-out couch, Violet lay wide awake, reliving the events of the past few days. Sophie was such an amazing, personable, young lady, despite the fact that from what Violet gathered, the child hadn’t exactly lived an easy life before landing in Peakview. Melanie was obviously an incredible mother. Violet scolded herself for the feelings of jealously she experienced toward Melanie’s relationship with Howard. Those two needed each other and deserved all the happiness that they found. She had lived a blessed life. Stan was one in a million. She couldn’t have asked for a better marriage—for a better partner in life. She’d enjoyed more than her share of happiness. As much as she liked Howard Crandall—and oh did she like it when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her—she needed to step back and let him enjoy his new family. Romance at her age, ha! It was probably a fantasy, anyway.
She pulled Lucky closer to her side and scratched his head. “You’re the only guy I need.” She stroked his silky hair and listened to his soft purr until she fell asleep.
***
Howard felt his strength returning day by day, and with it his desire to reclaim his self-sufficiency. Melanie remained constantly at his side. They walked the halls of the hospital and spent many hours telling each other stories about their lives. He regretted that he hadn’t known her when she was Sophie’s age and was going through her teenage struggles. As much as he hated hospitals, he wished he’d had the opportunity to see both her and Sophie born. He urged her to go back to Peakview and Sophie, but she appeared to have inherited his stubbornness, because she refused to leave.
At night, after his daughter returned to her motel, his thoughts turned to Violet. How he longed to hold her in his arms again. Did she want that, too? Did she think about his kisses? She hadn’t come back since that first day. He turned over and fluffed the uncomfortable hospital pillow. Sure he didn’t want her to see him in this dang hospital bed, but to see her smile meant the world to him. Did his illness bring back bad memories for her? He still remembered how devastated she was for months after Stan’s death. She’d walked around in a daze—a shell of her former self. As time passed though, her cheery outlook on life returned. He didn’t want to put her through any more heartache. No. He’d better be certain of his full recovery before he even thought about starting anything up with her. Still, as he lay in the hard, sterile bed, thoughts of her soft lips and warm body lying next to him for the rest of his life lulled him to sleep.
***
Violet’s life at the café went back to normal except for the gaping hole created by Howard’s absence. She enjoyed her time with Sophie and began to view her as one of her own grandchildren. “Grandchild number three,” she called her affectionately. Sophie received daily phone calls from her mom and reported Howard’s progress. It sounded like he improved every day. Melanie planned to drive him home on Saturday. Violet almost called him many days, several times even picking up the phone and starting to dial the number of the hospital. But what should she say? He must know that Sophie was staying with her and that she got updates on his condition. She didn’t want to intrude or sound like a worry-wart. She’d see him soon enough. Customers bombarded her with daily questions about his progress, and she shared whatever she learned second hand.
Friday afternoon, Sophie and Allie Peyton bounced into the café after school.
“It’s official, Mom and Grandpa are coming home tomorrow.” Sophie’s voice bubbled with excitement.
“That’s wonderful news, although I’m going to miss you around here.”
“I’ll miss you
, too.” Sophie led Allie behind the counter and poured them a couple of cokes and grabbed some fresh baked cookies. “Put it on my tab,” she joked.
Violet smiled, “You’ve earned a few cookies helping out this week.”
“Allie wants me to come spend the night with her at the ranch. Is that okay? Did you know they have two brand new baby horses that were born just this week? I might even get to help name them.”
Sophie’s enthusiasm made Violet laugh. “That’s fine as long as it’s alright with her parents. I’ll have to drive up there and see the babies for myself soon.”
The girls ran upstairs to grab Sophie’s stuff. Violet’s smile lingered. Howard was coming home.
She wasn’t quite sure what she expected, but the next day Violet looked up every time the front door opened—willing it to be Howard or even Melanie with a report on his condition. She dejectedly flipped on the CLOSED sign at 7:00 that evening, still no word. Surely, he was home safe and sound. If something bad happened, she’d have heard. There were very few secrets in Peakview.
She finished closing up and went upstairs to run a nice, hot, lavender bubble bath to soak her aching muscles from the busy Saturday. She slid down into the water and willed her mind to relax along with her body. She needed to face it—she wasn’t a part of his family. At least, not yet. Unable to keep her composure any longer, all of the frustrations of the past week began to seep out of her along with the tension in her muscles and she dissolved into tears, sobs racking her body.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Sunday’s lunch rush happened early, as folks stopped by for brunch after church. She didn’t have a moment to herself, until Melanie finally showed up just as business winded down. Melanie looked tired as she plopped down on the nearest stool.
Breakfast for Two (Peakview series Book 2) Page 11
