My plan was to make every anniversary unique and special because Charlie was the most important person in my life. Knowing she was content was all I needed.
Chapter 5: Charlie
January
The excitement in the lives of my two best friends had finally subsided and I was beginning to plan for my own wedding. Mitch, however, had another idea in mind.
“I know you wanted six months to a year to plan our wedding, but honestly I don’t think we need that much time.”
“We don’t?” I asked with raised eyebrows.
“No, we don’t.”
I thought for a moment. Perhaps he was right. We were saving for a wedding, but what really mattered was our marriage.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking maybe you’re right. It’s you I want, Mitch. I don’t need anything fancy, just to be your wife, so I’d be more than happy with a simple affair in my parents’ backyard.”
“Yeah, we could do that or I could talk to my mom about having it in my parents’ backyard. It’s quite a bit bigger than your parents’ yard.”
I willed myself not roll my eyes. “Are you sure your mom would be up for that? She isn’t exactly thrilled we’re getting married.”
Mitch began to say something, then stopped himself. He tilted his head slightly and picked up my hand, placing it in his. “Sweetie, I know she’s been hard on you, but it would mean so much to me if you kept giving her another chance. I think she’ll come around eventually.”
“She might, but I don’t feel comfortable having our wedding at her home. I just feel like I’d have to do things her way.”
Mitch nodded. “I want to promise you something.”
“Promise me something? What do you want to promise me?” I asked, stroking his arm with my hand, staring into handsome face. His piercing blue eyes always kept me captivated.
“You will always come before my mom and I will make sure she knows I will choose you over her no matter what.”
I kissed Mitch for his sweetness. “I love that promise.”
“My mom wants to be in control, but I’m not going to let her control us. I love you more than anyone or anything else in this world. You know that, right?”
“Oh, Mitch. I’m so lucky to have you. I’m sorry it has been rough between her and me. I know you will always protect us. Thank you, baby.”
“I will always protect us, baby. No one’s more important to me than you.”
He was a hunk of a man, but had a tender side that melted my insides and I adored him for putting me first.
“So, getting back to the wedding, your parents’ house sometime in the next six weeks?”
“The next six weeks,” I exclaimed. “That’s not a lot of time.”
“But you already found your dress and have it ordered. When will it be in?”
“Sometime next week.”
“Isn’t that the most important thing?” Mitch asked, grinning.
“Yes, the dress is pretty high on the list,” I said, chuckling at my very smart man. “Well, let’s look at a calendar and choose a date.”
“Good,” Mitch said. “I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Hawkins.”
How could I argue with that? We had been together since the first day of college. Our relationship had become seasoned over many years which had demonstrated just how much we were meant to be. Mitch was right. Why wait?
Mitch had pulled up a calendar on his phone. “We could get married on February 22nd or push it to March 1st? What do you think about those dates?”
“Are both of those days on a Saturday?”
“Yes,” Mitch said, handing me his phone.
“Let’s go for February 22nd. I’ll call my parents and let them know.”
After talking with my mom, I was glad Mitch had come up with the idea to get married sooner. My mom was so excited about having the wedding at my childhood home. It would be the perfect setting, especially since Mitch proposed to me there. The change was also good because it would cost less and meant the money we had could go toward buying our first place. I wanted a home with Mitch more than I wanted an elaborate party.
“My parents love your idea, babe,” I said, as I returned to the living room.
“I figured they would.”
“Dad’s enthused to spruce up the house. He’s going to take down the Christmas lights today.”
Mitch kind of scrunched his nose. “Do you think your dad should be up on a ladder?”
“Well, I think he’ll be okay.”
Mitch picked up his phone and began texting. “I told him we’re coming over and I’m going to take down the lights. You and your mom can spend time planning while we’re out doing the man’s work.”
“The man’s work?” I questioned sarcastically.
Mitch flexed his right arm, showing off his muscles.
I reached out and felt them. “Nice,” I said, giving him my bedroom eyes.
“Don’t distract me now. Your dad is expecting us,” Mitch said, pulling me into his arms.
“Love you, Charlie,” he said quietly in my ear.
“Love you too, Mitch. Can’t wait to be your wife,” I said, melting into him.
Chapter 6: Mitch
When Charlie told me her dad was going to take down the lights, I knew I wasn’t going to let that happen. Her dad had married her mom when he was in his forties, so by my estimation, he was getting close to seventy. He was still in good shape, but it just didn’t feel right for him to take down the lights I had put up. If anything happened to Charlie’s dad, I would never forgive myself.
Arriving at her parents’ home, Tom was already outside. I could tell he was in his element by the gleam in his eye. He would do anything for his daughter. She was the sun in his universe.
“There’s the happy couple,” he called out as we approached.
“Hi, Daddy,” Charlie said, making her way to hug him. I took a second to look around and saw just how perfect the location was for our wedding.
Tom extended his hand toward me, but I pulled him in for a hug.
“Good to see you, Mitch,” he said.
“You too, Tom.”
“Honey, your mom and I are very excited about having the wedding here. We’ll make it exactly how you want it. She’s waiting for you inside.”
“We have so much planning to do,” Charlie said, beaming at me.
Stunning. She looked overjoyed and back to the happy girl I adored. I could look at her beautiful face forever and was thankful I would get the chance. “I’ll see you two later.”
Once Charlie was inside, Tom grabbed onto my shoulder. “You know I couldn’t be happier that you are marrying my daughter, right? Joining our family?”
Tom had always made me feel so welcome. “Thanks, Tom. Charlie means everything to me and I promise you I will do whatever it takes to make her happy.”
Tom nodded. “I know. You two are so fortunate to have found each other. When I think of who she could have ended up with, I cringe.”
“That’s funny. We were just talking about Charlie’s ex last night.”
“Yeah, he came to mind when Tamera told me you and Charlie had moved up the date. I never liked him. When Charlie dumped him and found you, I was so relieved,” Tom said, patting my shoulder.
“I’m the lucky one, Tom. You’re daughter makes me a better man.”
“Women have a way of doing that. Tamera makes me better, too. Let’s get started,” Tom said, as he turned toward the garage. I followed him, knowing I needed the ladder to begin my light removing quest.
Chapter 7: Charlie
Mom and I had been inside discussing how we could arrange the backyard. She was making a list of things we needed to rent and buy. Obviously, we needed chairs, tables and all the accoutrements that go along with having a wedding.
“Do you know what colors you want?” she asked me.
“I love the jewel tones. Maybe a rich purple or a deep green. I think I’ll know it
when I see the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
“Well, let’s go shopping tomorrow and see what we find. You can invite Kate and Natalie if you like.”
“Natalie and Mac are on their honeymoon, cruising to Hawaii, and Kate and Neil went to Santa Barbara for a long weekend.”
“Oh, lucky them. Maybe when they get back. We’ll have to see them in the dresses you select. Let’s make a day of it and go to lunch, too. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out together, honey.”
“That sounds good, Mom,” I said, reaching for my mother’s hand. I gave it a light squeeze. “I’m going to make some iced tea for Daddy and Mitch.”
“I already have some chilling in the fridge.”
I smiled at my mother, who always seemed to be a step or two ahead of me, thinking of everything before I had the chance. I made my way to the kitchen and poured two glasses of iced tea. “I’ll be right back, Mom,” I said as I began walking out the front door.
I dropped both glasses and they shattered on the concrete walkway.
“Mitch,” I screamed, watching the ladder shifting beneath him. Seeing him lose his balance, I watched him fall in what seemed like slow motion, an eternity passing before my eyes. Landing on his back as he hit the ground, I heard a loud cracking sound. “Daddy,” I yelled out. “Mitch fell.” I ran toward Mitch, praying to God he was okay.
I knelt down beside him. “Mitch, talk to me.”
Mitch’s eyes met mine, but he didn’t speak. He also didn’t move. I touched his face. “Sweetie, I’m here. It’s going to be okay. Just…just try to breathe,” I gasped out.
I needed to tell myself to just breathe, too. I was on the verge of freaking out, but I remained calm for Mitch’s sake. His crystal blue eyes stayed locked on mine and I continued lightly stroking his face.
My dad dialed 911, told them what happened, and then knelt down on the other side of Mitch.
I continued to look into the eyes of the man I loved. He mouthed I love you and then closed his eyes. The moment they shut, a dam burst within me, my shoulders shook, and I couldn’t stop the emotions flooding my body like a tidal wave. I felt for a pulse, relief surging through me when I felt his heart was still beating.
“Dad, how long will the ambulance be?” I choked out.
“They’ll be here soon. What happened, honey?”
“I think he reached too far for the lights and the ladder became unstable. The next thing I knew he was falling.”
When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics quickly assessed the situation, but didn’t tell me anything. I rode in the ambulance with Mitch, holding his hand, while my mom and dad followed behind. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening. But the blaring of the siren convinced me otherwise. Dread invaded my body like a plague and all I wanted was for Mitch to be okay again. I didn’t know if that was truly a possibility.
Once we were at the hospital, he was rushed behind closed doors and I wasn’t allowed to follow. I felt like my life was being taken away, because it was. Mitch was my life. The thought of life without him was unfathomable to me. Breathing in deeply, I attempted to calm down. But it was no use; I was too scared of what might be happening to Mitch while I waited helplessly.
The nurse directed us to the waiting room and all we could do was sit. I was gripped with fear. Please God, let him be okay.
So many things were going through my mind, but the one resounding visual was my beautiful man falling, and nothing I could do to stop it. I had no idea what was going to happen when the doctor finally walked out to talk to me. My insides were trembling and I thought I was going to heave.
My dad sat beside me, taking my hand. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I should have paid a professional to take down the lights.” His voice was shaky and I could tell he was doing everything in his power to maintain his composure.
I shook my head. “Dad, it’s not your fault. Mitch wanted to help you. It’s just…just an accident,” I said, bursting into tears. An accident that could change our lives forever. My dad put his arms around me, consoling me while my mom tried to find out any information she could. But the nurse didn’t know anything yet.
My mind wandered to the recent times I had been right here in this waiting room. Some severe blows had been dealt to my dear friend Natalie. I didn’t want to call her or Kate to let them know what was happening. They both deserved a little peace in their lives after everything they had each been through. But, I knew if I didn’t call them, they would be pissed to say the least. I’d have to think about that later.
But, I had to call Mitch’s family. All I managed to say on the phone to his mom was accident and the hospital name. I could barely get the words out and she knew by my voice to get here immediately. Within a short period of time, Mitch’s parents had arrived.
“What happened, Charlie? Where’s Mitch?” Lillian, Mitch’s mom asked. His dad, Edward, just stood there waiting for the answer. I knew telling them what happened wasn’t going to endear me to her heart.
“He was taking down Christmas lights and fell off the ladder,” I said, holding back the tears, bracing myself for her wrath.
“What? Why was he doing that?”
“Mitch was helping out my dad, Lillian. It was an accident,” I said, wrapping my arms around myself in a protective manner. I knew Lillian wasn’t very fond of me, but I didn’t know why.
Her glare said it all. “So, my son is in the hospital because of your dad? Your dad couldn’t take care of it himself?”
My dad immediately intervened. “Lillian, I’m so sorry. I should have hired someone instead of accepting Mitch’s offer to help.”
Lillian’s jaw clenched and her nostrils flared. “Sometimes, sorry isn’t good enough, Tom. I guess all we can do now is wait.” Lillian and Edward turned and sat in the chairs across from us. So, there we were, waiting together, Mitch’s parents staring a hole through me. Well, Lillian mostly. Edward didn’t seem to know where to look. The tension was palpable. I wanted to disappear from Lillian’s gaze, but I couldn’t escape. I could only hope the doctor would be coming out any minute with good news.
Grief was beginning to invade deep into my bones, making everything ache. When was the doctor going to appear? The longer it took, the worse I felt. My mind was spinning out of control with heartbreaking scenarios.
Finally, the doctor walked into the waiting room.
“Doctor, I’m Lillian Hawkins. Is there any news about my son, Mitch Hawkins?” Lillian asked. I knew she had to be beside herself with worry.
The doctor had a concerned look on his face. “I’m Dr. Grayson. You son is in the ICU. We had to operate on his brain because he cracked his skull and his brain began swelling. The pressure has been relieved and all we can do is see what happens in the next twenty-four hours.”
“What does that mean? Is he going to be okay?” I asked.
“A brain injury is very unpredictable. Right now, we don’t know exactly what the prognosis will be. Not until Mitch wakes up.”
“Can we see him?” asked Edward.
“I think it would be best if you all went home and came back to see Mitch in the morning. I’m hoping we will be able to move him out of the ICU and into a hospital room tomorrow. He’s heavily sedated so he won’t be waking up tonight.”
“Thank you, Dr. Grayson,” Edward said. “Come, Lillian. Let’s go home.”
With that, Mitch’s parents turned and walked out, not even bothering to utter a goodbye. Dr. Grayson had a puzzled look on his face, probably from their abrupt departure.
“Sweetheart, the doctor’s right. We should go home and come back in the morning,” my mom suggested.
“Would you be able to leave each other here?” I asked, looking at both of my parents, already knowing their answer.
My mom pulled me in for a hug. “No, we couldn’t leave each other or you, sweetheart.”
As our embrace ended, my dad touched my cheek. “If you want to come stay in your old bedroom while Mitch is here y
ou are more than welcome.”
“Thanks, Dad. I think I might take you up on that offer. I don’t want to be at the townhouse without Mitch.”
I turned to Dr. Grayson. “I know you said he won’t be awake, but you also said brain injuries are unpredictable. Is there any way I can see him, talk to him?”
Dr. Grayson nodded reluctantly. “Hearing your voice would most likely be good for him. Follow me.”
I said goodnight to my parents and followed Dr. Grayson to the elevator. I couldn’t help but notice his kind blue eyes that seemed to emanate so much empathy.
“So, have you and Mitch been together very long?” he asked, as the elevator doors opened.
“Seven years,” I said, looking up at him. “We met in college and recently got engaged.”
It was a short ride up to the ICU and Dr. Grayson led the way to Mitch. He didn’t look like himself, lying there in a hospital bed, his head bandaged and an IV attached to his arm. My insides turned seeing him in this condition. Mitch was my superman with the muscles, dark hair, and handsome face to prove it.
I exhaled sharply, my mind replaying Mitch falling from the ladder and landing on the concrete below. Dr. Grayson pulled me from the nightmare replaying in my mind.
“You’re welcome to stay with him for a little while and then you can check in with the nurses’ station. They can give you a pillow and blanket, but we really don’t have a place for you to sleep.”
“That’s okay. I don’t think I can sleep right now,” I said, staring at Mitch’s face.
“I understand. I’ll be back later.”
Dr. Grayson departed and I pulled the chair closer to Mitch. I picked up the rugged hand of the man I loved. “Baby,” I said, kissing his hand. “Oh, I need you to wake up, Mitch. I need to look into your big blue eyes and see your sexy smile.” I leaned toward him and gave him a kiss on the lips, hoping he was like sleeping beauty and would awaken once my lips caressed his. But he didn’t. I was relieved he was alive, but the not knowing if he would be okay until he woke up was going to be hell. All I could do was talk to him.
Forgotten by You Page 2
