Our Forever Promise

by Mary Wasowski

  Jackson continued, “I didn’t have much time to tell Grandma Gail about Riley, but what I did say was that I found the person that I planned to spend my life with. She of course smiled, and at first I expected her to give me the speech on how young I was, but she didn’t. Instead she walked over to her hope chest in the family room and handed me this box. She wiped her tears away and explained that it belonged to mother. She would want me to give it to the one that I love.”

  “Jackson, I haven’t seen that box in years. I don’t even know what it contains. When your mother died, I allowed your grandmother to go through your mother’s personal things and keep what she wanted. I was so devastated after Elizabeth’s death, I didn’t care. I had the greatest piece of her, and that was you, anything else didn’t matter. Will you show me what the box contains?”

  I watched him lift the clasp, as the memories of my wedding to his mother came flooding back to me. Inside was a small piece of folded paper that had my vows written down on it. I was so nervous I would forget what to say that day, so I held the paper in my hand. Elizabeth’s eyes were filled with tears as I made my promises to her and our child. Jackson handed me the heart-shaped box, and I looked at the rest of the contents: a small dried flower and her wedding rings. Back in my vault at home, I had Elizabeth’s jewelry collection and pieces that I kept for my son, but I never knew Gail had taken the rings. I remember a staff member handing me her personal items and Gail taking the bag from me. It never occurred to me to even check.

  “Are you upset, dad? I thought you knew what was inside.”

  “No, Jackson, I’m not upset. I’m just a bit overwhelmed by all of this. How could I not know where your mother’s wedding rings were? I’m sorry.”

  “Dad, don’t be sorry. They have been in safekeeping all of these years, and now they are mine. You remember telling me how you felt the first time you visited Pottersville? That meadow claimed a piece of me that day I spent with Riley. We talked about our love and the future we wanted. I sealed my heart with Riley Taylor Briggs that day, and I knew she was the one. The night before I left for my trip, I opened this box and read your vows. I knew at that moment what I wanted to say to Riley. I never imagined my crazy girl proposing to me, but I also had never been happier that I had this box with me. I feel close to mom every time I read this. I want Riley to have her ring, and believe in all the promises I will recite to her on our wedding day.”

  “Dad, I want her to have this ring today.” Jackson declared. “She needs to have this on her finger to show her that I’ll be coming back to her. I will keep my word and not leave her. This ring is one of many ‘Forever Promises’ that I intend to give my girl. Are you okay with this? Dad, I need your support and understanding.”

  “Of course I am. Nothing would please me more than knowing your mother’s ring will now belong to Riley.”

  “I was hoping you would say that. Now I need something else from you.”

  “Anything.”

  “You promise, dad?”

  “Yes, I promise.”

  “Allow Grandpa Henry to be here. I want my grandparents around me. I can’t move forward with this surgery without seeing them first. I know what I’m asking, but please make this happen. I’m not asking you to forget what he did. I know that’s not who you are, but why hang on to something that you can never change? It’s in the past, and it really shouldn’t matter anymore dad.”

  “Jackson, it does matter. Your grandfathers changed my life without me ever knowing it. You can’t imagine how I felt and still feel about all they did. I just can’t magically wave my wand and forget it all. They don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that dad, but I disagree. They made their fair share of mistakes, but it’s nothing that can’t be forgiven. You say you’re not like your father? Prove it. Be better than him and move past your anger. I need you to do this for me, and for you. Please think about it.”

  “Jackson, you are asking the impossible. When have I ever second guessed any decision I made? Stressing over the problems I have with your grandfather should be the last thing on your mind. Please just let this go.”

  “I can’t, and I won’t.”

  “Why are you doing this? Haven’t I already made enough concessions already? Now you expect me to just roll over and play nice with your grandfather? I can’t do it, son. Not for your mother’s memory, and not for you. It’s not fair to ask this of me. I won’t be emotionally blackmailed like this. You are using the feelings I have for you to get what you want, and that’s not fair.”

  “Aren’t you the one that says life’s not fair? Nothing about this is fair. I shouldn’t be here right now, but I am, and I don’t think what I’m asking is unattainable. I’m about to face the toughest challenge in my life, and all I want is my family around me. I could have called him already, but I wanted to talk to you first. You promised me that you would not make me choose between the two of you. You said he’s still my grandfather, no matter what, and it would be up to me to decide what kind of relationship I wanted with him. Well I’ve decided that I can’t have him on the outside anymore with you hating him.”

  “Jackson, I would never stand in your way of having a relationship with your grandfather, but to ask me to just move on from all he did is not fair to ask. Yes, I use the word ‘fair’ because this is exactly how I feel. I meant what I said to you back in Arizona. Henry Townsend is no longer a part of my life, but I will not stand in your way of having a relationship with him. You want him here? Fine! I will call him, but enough with trying to force my hand. I won’t be topped by anyone, and that includes you. I need to check on Reese, and I’m sure Riley wants to see you. Please rest and concentrate on getting well. I’ll be back later. I love you, son.”

  “Dad, please wa...”

  I raised my hands to him and turned to leave. I was suffocating back there with him. I can’t be here for one more minute. I need Reese, and I need her now. I almost crashed into Liam as I made my exit.

  “Whoa! Where’s the fire, Reed? Are you okay?”

  “That seems to be the question of the day, but no, I’m far from being okay. I just need to get out of here for a little while.”

  “I was coming to find you. Samuel is back in his office. We agreed to take today to let Jackson process all that was said, and tomorrow we will begin all of his pre-op work with the operation taking place the following morning. If you’re in agreement, then we can move forward.”

  “That’s fine, Liam. Do what you have to do, and we can go over it when I get back.”

  “Do you want to talk about it? I can take my doctor hat off and just be a friend that listens.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Liam. Just take care of my son.”

  Not giving my long-time friend another chance to speak, I left the surgery floor. Fuck! How did my conversation with Jackson take such a drastic turn? I knew he had much on his mind, but to sit there and defend his grandfather to me? He is so like his mother. His heart is filled with love and compassion. It’s abhorrent to him to hold grudges. He’s kind and forgiving, but at the same time, he used that to get what he wants. I don’t play that way, but Jackson does. He knows I will move heaven and earth for him. But this? …I don’t see how I can.

  Reese has encouraged me to move on. The ghosts of Elizabeth and Phillip have begged me as well, and now Jackson. Why can’t I do it? It’s not like I will burst into flames if I change my mind. I promised I wouldn’t carry out my original plans for Henry if he had stayed away and out of my life. Now with Jackson facing this medical crisis, I’m being forced to pull Henry back in for the sake of my son. He loves him, he loves them all. I hate this, but I love Jackson more.

  This is for Jackson. I took out my phone and dialed Henry’s number. He answered before the second ring.

  “Hello, Walker,” he said with a guarded tone. I kept the pleasantries out of it and got right to the point of the call.

  “I need you and Gail to fly out to Maryland,
Johns Hopkins Hospital to be exact. Jackson is here and is requesting your presence.”

  “What’s happened to my grandson? Please tell me, Walker.”

  My heart was in my throat. I could hardly speak through my unshed tears. I would not show my vulnerability to this man ever again. He was now screaming through the phone and demanding an explanation. I could hear Gail in the background questioning her husband. My answer silenced him.

  “He has an AVM in his brain. He wants to see you before his surgery.”

  I heard the phone drop and Henry cry. He was screaming, “No! Please God, not again.”

  I couldn’t take anymore and ended my call. I wasn’t going to feel sorry for that bastard. I then dialed my mother and pretty much got the same reaction, but did my best to calm her. She would be on the next flight out.

  I was spent, utterly exhausted and sitting on the cold hospital floor. I closed my eyes, wanting to shut the world out. I was bled out with no emotion left…until I heard her voice.

  “WALKER, OPEN YOUR eyes.” I slowly opened them to see her again before me, Elizabeth, with light shining all around her.

  “So…is this going to be a regular thing? Or can I count on you haunting me just on Halloween?”

  “Ha ha! You are just a barrel of laughs today. I’m not haunting you. I’m trying to help you, if you would take your head out of your stubborn ass.”

  “I wish that was my biggest problem, but we both know it is so much more than just me being stubborn. Our son is facing a medical crisis. All he cares about is me making up with your father. I can’t do this, Elizabeth. I just can’t.”

  “Oh, Walker! I can see I have my work cut out for me. No one is trying to—what was the word you used—oh yes, top you. Our son was just trying to help you. He is far from being cynical. He was just trying to make you see his point of view from all sides. He needs you, Walker, and is depending on you to get him through this. Open your heart, and see what you have been trying so hard to block out.”

  “What if I can’t? What happens then?

  “You try harder. You have to do this, Walker. Our son needs you.”

  AFTER CALLING HIS cell phone and repeatedly going straight to voicemail, I began searching the hospital for Walker. When I went back to Jackson’s room, he had already left. Jackson explained to me what happened and the heated conversation that followed. I tried my best to calm him and reassured him that his father would be fine and just needed some time to think.

  Walker was in the habit of shutting down when he faced a situation he could not control. What Jackson was going through would be the ultimate test to Walker’s strength and resolve.

  Stephen and Richard were both on alert after unsuccessfully tracking his phone. I don’t know what made me search a particular stairwell, but my hunch was right because when I did, Walker was there. Maybe it was our connection that led me to the right passage. Whenever he was close by, I could feel his presence. My heart began to race as I felt him closer. I saw him from the top of the landing. He was sitting at the bottom of the stairwell with his head positioned between his legs, and one smashed iPhone next to him. I made my way down the stairs as he lifted his head to greet me. His eyes were red and puffy with no light behind them.

  “Walker, I’ve been so worried. Please talk to me. Have you been here this entire time?”

  No response.

  “Walker, come on. You need to get up and go see Jackson.”

  “I can’t, Reese. I don’t know how to help him.”

  “Yes, you do. You’re his father, and he loves you. Let love be your guide to help him.”

  “She came back you know.”

  “Who? Who came back?”

  “Elizabeth. She’s fucking haunting me, Reese. She and my father won’t leave me alone. Why the fuck are they doing this to me? They’re dead. Stay fucking dead, and leave me alone! I love you so much, baby, I need you. Let me love you,” he cried out, as he reached for me.

  “Walker, we need to get you up and out of this stairwell.”

  “No! I’m not going anywhere. Stay with me, Reese, please?”

  “I’m here.”

  I’d never seen him like this before, so I wasn’t really sure what to do next. The mere mention of Elizabeth had me a bit alarmed. I knew he’d been struggling with nightmares of his father, but I couldn’t imagine him seeing Elizabeth haunt him everywhere too. He was exhausted and sleep deprived. I would do anything I could to help him, but I wasn’t going to last too much longer in this stairwell. I was uncomfortable, and Walker had me in a tightly wrapped hug. Did he just pass out?

  “Walker, I need to get up. Uncomfortable pregnant woman here. Please, can we move?”

  “Reese?”

  “Yes, baby, I’m here.”

  “Oh my god! Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” His voice sounding panicked.

  “No, of course not. You’ve been drifting in and out. I just need to get off this floor. My legs are getting numb, and we need to get back to the kids.”

  He finally loosened his hold and helped me up.

  “I’m so sorry, baby. I must have blacked out or something. What time is it?”

  “It’s almost noon,” I replied.

  “Noon! What the hell? I guess I hadn’t realized how tired I was.”

  “Smashing your phone doesn’t help either when you have people looking for you.” I showed him his phone, and his eyes just widened.

  “I was angry and so fucking lost. After my talk with Jackson, I just needed to breathe. I wanted to come find you, but somehow I ended up here. I did what my son asked me to do. I called his grandparents. Has my mother arrived yet?”

  “No, not yet, but she called and will be here soon. I arranged to have a car pick her up at the airport and bring her directly here. Stephen and Richard were busy looking for you, and I didn’t want to leave the kids.”

  “I’m such an ass to worry you like this. I am so out of my element right now. I don’t know what I’m doing. Please help me, Reese?”

  “You never have to ask, baby. I’m here for you always. Let’s go check in with Jackson and Riley, and then we can get something to eat. You haven’t eaten since breakfast, and that was very little.”

  “I’m so sorry I frightened you. I love you.”

  “I love you too, and I’m fine.”

  Not really, but I wouldn’t let Walker know that. He had enough on his mind without worrying about me. I’m just as scared as he was, but even more so now that I know the Townsends will be here soon. The last time I saw Henry Townsend was the day Walker introduced me to his parents. Elizabeth and her family were there for brunch. Her mother was kind, but her father’s coldness was hidden behind his impeccable manners. He and Phillip were definitely cut from the same cloth. This time around, I was not a scared, innocent girl. I could take anything Henry or anyone threw my way.

  I texted Stephen our location, and he met us on the floor just below the surgical unit. None of the grandparents arrived yet. Even with their own jet, the Townsends couldn’t rush time. They would probably still have a few hours of flying time. I wanted to get Walker out of here for a while to rest and prepare for their arrival.

  “How’s Jackson?” he asked Stephen.

  “He’s fine, sir. He’s resting comfortably in his room. He was just examined by Dr’s Briggs and O’Larien. Nothing to be alarmed about, they called it routine testing. They told me that they would confer with you this evening.”

  It was just like Stephen to get right to the point in his most professional tone. It didn’t take much convincing to get Walker to leave for a little while. Richard called ahead and had lunch waiting for us. I was famished, but so thankful my morning sickness didn’t rear its ugly head today.

  The car ride back to the hotel was met with calming silence. Walker stared out the window the entire time. I checked my messages with my right hand, as he never let go of my left. My mercurial man was here with me, and he was safe. The door opened and I was pulled back into hi
s chest of tight corded muscles.

  “I love you, Reese, and when we get upstairs, I’m going to show you just how much.”

  All I could do was nod in my response. Walker was full of sexiness and charm. He led me through the lobby toward the bay of elevators that would take us to the penthouse floor. Once he entered our private suite, I would have thought Walker would have picked me up and carried me off to the bedroom, but he didn’t. I was picked up, but taken to the dining area to eat the lunch that was waiting for us under the large silver dome covers.

  He whispered in my ear. “As much as I want you, need you, hell…crave you, I also know you need to eat and so does our daughter. Forgive me once more for not taking care of you today. You are my world.”

  “Will you stop? There is nothing to forgive. We are both fine.”

  “Don’t ever let me off the hook. I know you better than that, Reese, and you’re just pacifying me because of Jackson.”

  “Please join me? You need to eat too, Walker. You passed out in the hospital stairway and were hallucinating before that.”

  “I will, baby. You start and I’ll join you in a few. I have to make some calls to my office and check the flight statuses.”

  “Stephen could do all that. Now sit and eat with me, or I’m not going to.”

  “Reese,” he enunciated my name in a “warning tone.” “I mean it, Walker, either you join me at this table or no one eats.”

  Who was I kidding? I was starving and he knew it. My stomach had been growling, and the smell alone had my mouth salivating. The aroma of the delectable dishes must have wafted towards Walker too. He wasn’t a man to be pushed, but I think I won this round. He smiled, kissed me barely on my lips and sat down next to me.