“We do.”
“Great, we should be back in a few hours,” he responded.
And with that, Carter took me by my hand and led me into the elevator. I fell against his chest as I let out a deep breath.
Carter comforted me, “It’s going to be okay, love. You saw and talked with your mother, and the doctor just confirmed it.”
I didn’t argue with him, I was too tired. By the time we reached my mom’s house, I was down for the count. Carter lifted me from the backseat of the car and carried me inside. I finally opened my eyes as he placed me down in my old bedroom.
“How did you guess this was mine?” I asked.
“The concert posters gave it away.”
“As you can see, mom doesn’t really take to change well. For a long time, she was hoping I would come back and find work here in the city, but I stayed away for my own selfish reasons.”
“You are not selfish for living your life and following your dreams. Your mother is a smart woman, and I know just by talking to her briefly that she is so very proud of the woman you have become.”
“You think so?”
“I do, babe. She loves you more than anything in the world. I know you don’t believe it, but it’s true, so I am going to do all I can to convince you, okay?”
“Okay. I’m going to shower, and then we can figure out what we want to eat. There’s a bath and shower downstairs that you can use.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” he said as he kissed me softly and then he left me on my own.
I stood under the spray of hot water until I felt clean again. I debated calling Nick to let him know about mom, but beyond that, I knew I wasn’t ready for the conversation he wished to have with me. And then there was Carter to consider. I didn’t miss the strong reaction he had to Nick, and I can only imagine what was going through his mind all throughout that confrontation at the hospital.
The weather was cooler here than in California, so I opted for wearing jeans and a light sweater paired with my ankle boots. Usually my wardrobe in LA consisted of pencil skirts and four inch heels that required a good soak by the end of the day.
My stomach was grumbling by the time I found Carter in the kitchen. He was hardly wearing clothes. He pulled out what looked like a breakfast casserole from the oven and placed it on the cooling rack. I caught his strong back as his muscles flexed with every move he made. When he turned around, he nearly caught me biting my lip. I was somewhat of a voyeur when it came to Carter, but I couldn’t help myself, he was that sexy. Man, he was sexy and all mine to play with as much as I pleased. The question remained…where do I begin?
“Your mom wasn’t kidding when she said her refrigerator was well-stocked. I found more than two casseroles but lucked out with this one. It seems to be some sort of potato, egg, and bacon dish. She’s got all the food groups covered.”
“It smells delicious, I’ll start the coffee. Carter, you look at home standing in my mother’s kitchen, looking quite comfortable, I might add.”
“It’s a good kitchen and very homey. You can feel the love in this home.”
“I would agree, but like any home, it has had its fair share of sadness too.”
“I cannot even imagine how you felt on that day, but baby, it was a long time ago, and it’s time to make new memories.”
“I’m trying, Carter.”
“I know, and I love you for making the effort, but that leads me to another question.”
“You know you can ask me anything.”
“I know, and that’s what makes this so hard. Is the ex-boyfriend going to be a problem? Because he is not someone I wish to see hanging around you again.”
“Carter, I am not intentionally seeking him out, and I had no control over Nick showing up when he did. You need to trust me. I am not looking to start anything with Nick. That’s why I sent him away when he returned to the hospital.”
“When was that?”
“While I was in the chapel. I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke up, he was there.”
“Fucking hell, Thea. And why am I finding out about this now?”
“Don’t yell at me, Carter, and I am telling you now.”
He immediately softened his stance and practically pulled me onto his lap.
I told him, “I’m sorry. After Nick’s appearance at the chapel, when I saw that mom was awake and talking, that became priority number one in my mind.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. And for the record, I do trust you. I just don’t trust him. I’m a guy, and I saw the way he looked at you.”
“He was just being a friend, nothing more. We share a past, but that’s all it is anymore.”
It was clear to me that our conversation was over. Carter’s eyes shifted to desire, and he pressed my body against him with his hard erection digging into me. He was kissing me to the point that I was dizzy, and it wasn’t from lack of food.
“Thea,” he whispered close to my ear.
“Yes,” I let out in a breathy tone that matched his.
“Bedroom, now.”
He wasn’t asking but still wanted my submission. Thank goodness my bed was at least a queen size, but knowing Carter, I didn’t think anything would have stopped him from taking me. I was stripped out of my clothes quicker than I could say my own name.
“I love you, baby,” he said over and over as he slowly made love to me, making me forget the past forty-eight hours.
I awoke first.
“Carter, wake up! It’s after twelve! We have been asleep for over five hours,” I screamed out as I tried to get out of bed, but his strong arms pulled me back in.
“Shhh, baby it’s okay.”
“Carter, no it is not. Far from it. We have to get back to the hospital.”
“Hey! Stop screaming at me for just a second and let me talk,” he said as he continued to hold me down to the bed. “While you were sleeping and ever so soundly, I called the hospital a few hours ago, and your mom is doing well. I even spoke to her. She wanted me to tell you to get some sleep and come back when we were ready.”
“I’m ready now.”
“You are not going anywhere until you get yourself under control. I swear you are like a lioness ready to pounce on your prey. Normally, baby, I would welcome it, but I’m still not awake yet.”
“You could have fooled me! What’s your dick’s excuse then? It looks up and ready.”
“So true, baby, but that head definitely has a mind of his own. I love you. Just lay with me for a few more minutes and then we will shower and head over to the hospital.”
He nuzzled my neck with his soft kisses, causing me to moan out sexy whimpers of pleasure. I decided to shut up and just feel what he was doing to me instead of arguing in a fight that I knew I would not win.
“I’m glad you see it my way,” he whispered.
I could feel the smile in his tone, which just made me want him more.
We made it to the hospital about an hour later.
“Hi, mom, you look so much better. How are you feeling?”
“Oh, darling, I feel okay. The therapist was just in a little while ago and had me up and walking.”
“That seems a little soon, don’t you think?”
“It was just to test my balance, and I did okay for being down for the count for two days.”
“Yeah, about that, please do not do that again,” I pleaded.
“I will try not to. I promise. So, where is that handsome man of yours?”
“He’s down in the gift shop, probably buying you all the flowers they have down there, so act surprised.”
“That is sweet of him, but just seeing you so happy is enough for me. You are happy, aren’t you?”
“I am, mama. No worries there. Carter is amazing, and I am lucky he still wants me after all the push and pull I have put him through. He’s been more than patient and understanding with all of my hang ups.”
“The
a, don’t you know by now how special you are? He’s lucky to have found you. You two will have an extraordinary life together. It’s as clear as day how much that man loves you.”
“He does, mama. He treats me like a queen. We hardly fight, and when we did, it was mostly my fault because I was telling him I wasn’t ready to marry or I didn’t let him come with me the first time I was here.”
“And why is that? Thea, you are a grown woman living your life, far be it from me to butt into your business, but why did it take you so long to tell me about him? Did you think I wouldn’t approve?”
“Of course not. That’s not it. Mama, for years you and Stella have been trying to force a reconciliation between Nick and me, and I told you countless times that reuniting with him was just not possible. Nick Bartelli is a great man, but he’s not the man for me, and it took me walking away from him to finally realize that. We were friends, and it really shouldn’t have gone any further than that. Mama, it is so cliché to believe in the kismet stories of young love. I had to leave home to grow up and rediscover who I was before I became an ‘us’ with anyone else. Does that make any sense to you?”
“It does, more than you know. And if it’s Carter Newbanks that you truly want, then you have my unconditional support.”
“Hi, ladies, sorry to interrupt,” Carter said as he walked in.
I closed my eyes and prayed he didn’t hear what mama just said. I tried my best to convince Carter that my feelings for him were true, and I didn’t need mama planting any doubts in his mind. He was still raw from meeting Nick.
“No apologies necessary, son. We were just catching up. Are those for me?” Mama questioned while eyeing the two large bouquets of flowers Carter was holding. It seemed like mama could work the charm just as good as Carter.
“They are. Where would you like them?”
“Over on the table will be fine. Thank you, Carter. They are lovely.”
“Well, not as lovely as my future mother-in-law.”
Carter kissed her hand, and I swore I saw mama blush three shades of red that matched her roses.
“Okay you two, knock it off. If you weren’t my mom, I think I might be a little jealous,” I said.
Mama and Carter both laughed, and easy conversation followed until I had to tell her that I would have to return to work in a few days. Carter could tell how my expression had shifted, but I was saved by an orderly coming in to collect mom for another scan. We were told it would be about an hour or so, and we took that time to leave the hospital for some fresh air and talk.
“So, I called Stan and explained what was going on with your mom,” Carter said.
“And? What did he say? Or do I want to know?”
“Stan was being Stan, so you know how he rolls. I kind of made an executive decision as your fiancé and put in for some much-needed time-off for the two of us. He didn’t like it, but he had a mother once too so he tried his best to be considerate of your feelings. He gave us a week, but nothing more than that right now. We are thirty-nine days away until the presidential election, baby. Every day counts, and I need to be there.”
“Carter, I am not stopping you from doing your job, and if you want to go back to California, then go. I will just have to deal with Stan’s wrath, because I am staying here with my mother until I know she is recovered.”
“Which could take weeks, and you know that. Please do not mistake my concern for our work in place of your mother’s well-being. That’s not what I am doing here, and you know it.”
“I’m sorry, okay! She’s all I have, and this was a big eye opener for me.”
“Are we back there again?”
“What?”
“Thea, you heard me. Are we back there again? And do not look at me with those big doe eyes and act like you do not know what I am talking about. You have more than your mother now; you have me, and we are going to be a family.”
“No, we are never going back there, Carter. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing and just breathe, baby. If I have to fly in the best neurologist in the country, then I will if that will put your mind at ease.”
“Thank you, but I am not concerned with the care she’s receiving. She’s in a great hospital, so this is just my nerves. When we arrived here on Saturday, I never thought I would be in this situation with my mom. She has always been responsible when it comes to taking her medication and living a healthy lifestyle. Why she stopped taking her insulin is a mystery to me, but having said that, I will not feel comfortable leaving her until I know for certain she is okay.”
“Would your mother be opposed to a nurse?”
“Carter, she would never agree to that. I mean, look at her home. Did you even find one crumb on the kitchen floor? She is strong-willed, especially when it comes to her independence.”
“Yes, but this is different, babe. She just suffered a complication that has impacted her health, and studies show once you have a stroke, you run the risk of having another.”
“Thank you for that, like I really wanted to know that piece of information.”
“If you want to be proactive with her care, then it is absolutely necessary for you to know all the facts of her condition, as well as what you need to do to facilitate a successful recovery.”
“How do you know all of this?” Was your dad a doctor or something?”
“Not a doctor, but he did suffer a stroke about ten years ago while I was studying in England. Although it was a mild one, he didn’t exactly learn from the gift of life he had been lucky to receive. He became more of a bastard than ever before, so don’t be too sorry.”
“Oh my God! I’m such a jerk, Carter. I never knew.”
“How could you? I never shared it with you because you kept me at arm’s length and never wanted to share our most intimate details of our pasts.”
Ouch! That one felt like a bullet to my chest, and it actually pained my heart. His face had fallen with regret, but I wasn’t angry. In truth, he was right, and I deserved it. He had let go of the hand he was holding and ran his fingers through his hair. I knew he was sorry and angry with himself.
“Carter, look at me,” I said.
“No.”
“Carter,” I tried again, “please turn around and look at me.” This time he did and dropped his hands by his side.
“I’m sorry, Thea, that was totally out of line and insensitive of me.”
“Yeah, it was, but I get it. It took me two years to finally open up to you, and Carter, that’s when I felt I was close to losing you. I feel awful for making you jump through hoops just to get a small piece of me, and once I gave it to you, you demanded more. I meant what I said when I asked you to marry me. I promise from here on out, I will be an open book with you. If we are going to be married, I see no other way.”
“Yes, I agree, but I am never going to be the kind of husband that says something below the belt just to get my point across. I’m sorry for reminding you of something that we both agreed to move on from.”
“Carter, there is something that we haven’t said to one another, and I think we should say it now.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“Do you truly forgive me for shutting you out? Kissing Nick? And risking our relationship by being so closed off?”
“Thea, of course I forgive you. Am I happy about the kiss? No, I am not. However, I do understand you better after our talk. Do you forgive me?”
“Yes. I love you, Carter.”
“I love you more. Come here and kiss me.”
“That I can do, and I will for the rest of my life.”
“I like the sound to that,” he said as he picked me up and held me while my feet dangled off the ground.
Carter was so strong, and he needed to be if he was going to take me on. God, I knew I wasn’t easy and made conditions on him that I was never ready to take on for myself, but no more. They say every relationship went through some tests and challenges; it’s good to know we were not immune to them.
As we walked back to the hospital, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I looked down to see who was calling and hit the decline button.
“Who was that?” Carter asked, of course, he would.
Nothing got past him, especially when it came to me. No more games and certainly no lies. I showed him my phone, and he took it from my hands and looked at the missed call directory. Carter didn’t hesitate scrolling through the log; he never did respect boundaries. His eyes settled on the last number, and then he sighed as he handed me my phone.
“It’s okay,” he said, “He’s probably just calling to check on your mom. Did you not tell me they were close?”
“Yes, they are, but I can just leave a message down at the firehouse and I’m sure it will get back to him.”
“Or you just call him and tell him yourself. He’s called several times already. Just call and put his mind at ease, and then we can get back to you and me. It’s okay. I trust you.”
Three phone calls later, and she still hadn’t picked up her phone. It’s been four days already for fuck sakes! What is wrong with this girl? Why can’t she do me the fucking courtesy of calling me back? Fuck it! My mom is due home today, and before I phone her to tell her about Frannie, I am just going to go to the hospital and find out for myself.
I still had some time before the visiting hours ended for the night. If I hurried, I could visit with Frannie for a bit and then still catch Karen down at the bar before her shift ended. I didn’t make any promises, but it would be nice to see her again. After our talk, Karen and I came to an understanding and agreed to take things slow between us. She hadn’t mentioned Thea again since our talk, which was more than fine with me.
I picked up flowers and a few magazines on the way to the hospital. Hospital stays were hard enough just focusing on the recovery part, and the days were long and boring. Her room was still on the third floor, but she was no longer in the ICU, which was a very positive sign. Once I located her room, I gently knocked in case she was sleeping. I scanned the room, and she was alone.
“Hi, Frannie, you want some company?”
“Nick,” she happily said my name. “Come in!”
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