Whatever It Takes: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series Book 4)

by Leigh Fleming

  Suddenly, he jumped. The beeper clipped to his belt went off, sending a shock wave through his system. He had to get to his daughter. They had a heart for Meghan.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Jason pushed through the crowd, elbowing people, knocking some aside. He had to get to Meghan and leave immediately. They had maybe four hours until it would be too late for her to receive the heart. His legs felt weighted down with concrete blocks as he ran between tables and people and charcoal grills. He had so much he wanted to say to Darla, but right now, all he could think about was his daughter.

  When he reached the stage, he charged up the steps and barged into Meghan and Darla’s reunion. “The beeper. It went off. We’ve got to go.”

  “What?” Shocked, Darla’s eyes grew round as ping pong balls as she gripped Meghan’s hand in her own. “They have a heart?”

  “They have a heart. Come on, Meghan.” He reached out for his daughter, but Darla stopped him.

  “Wait.” Still holding Meghan’s hand, she gripped Jason’s shoulder. Her gentle touch calmed him even in the midst of this emergency. “Driving will take too long. We’ll get Pete to call the medivac. She’ll fly to Cleveland.”

  Jason was numb, unable to speak. He knew a heart could become available at a moment’s notice, but he didn’t realize how paralyzing the reality could be. His daughter was about to have major life-threatening yet life-saving surgery. He pulled Meghan into his arms and let Darla take over.

  She reached for the still-hot microphone and yelled to the crowd. “Officer Pete Howard? Are you out there? How about an EMT? Barry? Randy? We have a medical emergency up here. We need a medivac for Cleveland.”

  A voice rang out from the crowd. “Who is it, Darla? What’s the emergency?”

  Meghan stepped in front of Darla and spoke into the microphone. “Me. I’m her daughter.”

  She squeezed Meghan’s hand and called out, “Hurry! She’s about to get a heart transplant.” She wrapped her arm around Meghan’s shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile, and spoke into the mic. “Well? Where’s that helicopter?”

  “We’re on it!”

  Jason reached out for Meghan and pulled her tight in his arms.

  “It’ll be okay, sweetheart. You’ll get to the hospital in time.”

  “Daddy, I’m scared.”

  He hugged his daughter closer but noticed Darla backing away. Right now, Meghan needed her father and mother. Reaching out to catch Darla before she disappeared, he captured her arm and tugged her into the fold. “We’re all scared, but we’ll be with you every step of the way.” He locked eyes with Darla. “Both of us.”

  Darla wrapped her arm around his waist as she pressed a kiss to Meghan’s brow. A wailing siren drowned out the chatter among the folks still milling around the park. Through his periphery, he saw an ambulance enter the parking lot and crawl among the people as they scattered to make room.

  “Come on, Meggy. We’ve got to go.”

  Together, he and Darla walked Meghan to the ambulance, keeping their arms wrapped around their frightened daughter as an EMT ran toward them. They didn’t speak, each absorbed in the fear and hope of the impending surgery. It had always been just the two of them—he and Meghan against the world. But now, moments before his daughter’s life was about to change, he was grateful it was now the three of them, facing this together.

  “We’ve called the medivac. It’ll land at the hospital and take her to Cleveland.” The EMT took hold of Meghan’s arm and guided her toward the awaiting ambulance. Trailing behind them, Jason reached out a hand to Darla, but she stood with her arms crossed. He held up a finger to the EMT to wait, and ran back to her.

  “Aren’t you coming?”

  “You go on. Let me know how it goes. I’ll be praying for her.”

  “No, you’ve got to come. Meghan needs you.”

  “The press knows who she is. My presence will just cause an uproar.”

  He grabbed her hands and held tight. “Please.”

  “But—”

  “To hell with the press. You did the right thing.”

  “That’s not what you said,” she murmured, tears threatening to fall.

  He glanced over his shoulder at the ambulance with Meghan inside. “Look, now’s not the time, but I have so much to say.”

  “Sir!” the EMT shouted from the back of the ambulance. “Her blood pressure is rising.”

  “You’re coming with us.” Without waiting for another argument, he grabbed her hand, dragging her behind him. When they reached the ambulance, it was obvious there wasn’t enough room for all of them.

  “Here, take my keys.” He pressed the keys into her hand, giving her a tender squeeze. “Go home. Pack a suitcase for a week, maybe more. Bring my car. I’ll keep you updated until you get there.”

  “But I—”

  “Damn it, Darla.” He raked his hand through his hair, casting a quick glance over his shoulder at the awaiting ambulance. “She needs you…I need you.”

  Maybe it was the worry on his face, maybe it was his emphatic plea, or maybe it was just their daughter looking scared that prompted her to agree. It didn’t matter. He needed her, no, wanted her there.

  “Okay, I’ll come. Now hurry.”

  He squeezed her shoulders, tempted to kiss her, but decided it could wait. He’d have a lifetime to show her how much he loved her.

  ***

  Darla glanced out the waiting room window to the parking lot below, wrapping her arms around herself. Cold and numb, the air conditioning only added to the frigid worry seeping through her pores. It had been over an hour since the last update on Meghan’s surgery.

  News vans with their satellite dishes pointed toward the stars were lined up along the perimeter, and reporters were bathed in LED lights as they speculated on the serious surgery going on inside. Thank God for HIPPA laws. The hospital administrator had refused to comment on Clyde Fletcher’s alleged daughter’s condition. Rabid reporters had chased Darla across the parking lot, shoving their microphones into her face as she rushed into the hospital. She gave no comment. That was two hours ago.

  “I got us some coffee.” Jason’s sudden appearance startled Darla away from the window. “Thank you.” Keeping her gaze on his outstretched hand, she took the coffee and set it on the table. She dropped into a nearby chair, pulling her sweater tightly around her. In the hours since she’d arrived, she and Jason had barely spoken, both caught up in their own thoughts and worries over Meghan. Conversation had been limited to the weather, the traffic coming to Cleveland, and the most recent update from the medical staff. He had alluded at the ambulance that he wanted to talk to her, but under the circumstances, she couldn’t expect him to delve into their relationship—or lack of one. That was fine with her. She wasn’t ready to listen to him continue the message he’d left on her voice mail. He’d washed his hands of her, but at least he allowed her to be here. Their daughter had to be her sole focus now.

  He was tired. Dark circles and a sickly pallor gave him an almost ghostly appearance. But even with all the fear and concern on his face, he was still the most handsome, distinguished man she’d ever met. His long legs were stretched out, crossed at the ankle, as he sipped his coffee in silence, slumped in the stiff, vinyl chair. If things were different, if she hadn’t exposed him and Meghan to her sordid past, she’d go to him, pull him into her arms, and comfort him as he worried about his daughter—their daughter. He had told her to stay away from him, so that’s what she’d do.

  “Where the hell is the nurse?” He jumped from his chair, slamming the coffee cup on the table beside him. “It’s been hours.” He paced the room with his hands stuffed deep in his pockets, glaring at the industrial-grade carpet as if it could give him answers. Darla couldn’t sit in silence anymore. She had to do something.

  “I’ll go find someone.” She headed toward the hallway, but he stopped her.

  “No, don’t. They said they’d find us when they had something to report.” She tur
ned back toward her chair, but he stepped in front of her, making eye contact for the first time since she arrived. “Let’s talk.”

  “Oh…um…maybe I should—”

  “Please.”

  She wasn’t ready. Couldn’t bear to hear him say it was over. She was in love for the first time in her life and about to experience her first heartbreak.

  Nodding, she followed him to a gray sofa, stained and dirty from years of use. How many families had sat here, frightened for their loved ones’ condition? Would this be where they got good news about Meghan, or would they be devastated? With his elbows on his knees, Jason sighed heavily as Darla sat down beside him.

  “A lot’s happened in the past few days,” he said, studying his hand as he rubbed his thumb over his knuckles.

  “It has.”

  “I…uh…owe you an apology.” He feigned a laugh as he leaned back in the chair. “Again.” He stretched his fingers around his forehead, shielding his gaze from Darla.

  “No, I’m the one. I should’ve called you.”

  “You did the right thing.”

  “Should’ve warned you.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “For now, but it could get worse.”

  He dropped his hand and finally looked at her. His blue-gray eyes were damp and bloodshot. “It can’t get much worse.”

  “The press could harass you, hound Meghan.”

  “We’ll worry about that if the time comes.” He turned to face her, taking her hand in his. “I’m sorry about my phone call. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. If I could take it all back, I would.”

  “You were upset. I understand.”

  He jumped from the sofa and glared down at her. She pressed the hand he’d been holding to her chest. “Damn it, Darla. Yell at me, tell me what an ass I’ve been. You stood up to Clyde Fletcher. Stand up to me.”

  “Jason, you had every right.”

  “No, I didn’t. I was too damned worried about my job and Meghan’s condition and the looks and comments we’d get. I didn’t think of you.”

  “But—”

  “How strong and courageous you are.” He laid his hands on her shoulders and pulled her to her feet. “Go ahead. Let me have it.”

  How could she possibly be angry with him? He’d reacted like any father would under the circumstances. The news had blindsided him, and all he wanted to do was protect himself and his daughter. But by the look on his face—a deep crease between his brows and his eyes flared with anger—she couldn’t let him off the hook so easily.

  “Fine, you big jerk.” She knocked his hands off her shoulders. “How dare you talk to me like that? If you ever have a message like that for me again, say it to my face.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “And another thing. You told me to stay away. Forget it. I refuse.”

  His gaze softened, and a tender smile grew on his face. “I don’t want you to.”

  “Meghan is my daughter, and I plan to spend lots of time with her.”

  “Agreed. About us…we need to talk about what will happen after the surgery.”

  “What do you mean?” His smile faded, and she felt his hands quiver as he rubbed his thumbs over her collarbones.

  “I know how risky this procedure is for Meghan, but I truly believe she’ll pull through it. She’ll be her old self again—better than before.”

  “I think so, too.”

  “You’re her hero.” He chuckled, an honest, happy sound, bringing color back into his cheeks. “She called you a freaking rock star.”

  “She did?” Her heart swelled, knowing her daughter was proud of her, but she was confused by his sudden nervousness.

  “You should’ve seen her face during your speech. She was so proud.”

  “That makes me happy.”

  “And so was I.” He cleared his throat and glanced off toward the window, blinking rapidly before turning his gaze back to her. “Listen, Meghan will want to see you regularly, be a part of her life. And I…” He took a deep breath, glancing at the ceiling before he continued. Their eyes locked, and the smile returned to his lips. “I want you in my life.”

  In what capacity? As Meghan’s mother? To co-parent their daughter? She wanted so much more.

  “I was thinking only of myself instead of what it must have taken for you to come forward like that. Meghan desperately wanted you to stand up for yourself, and when you did, I was furious—all because of a job I hated but thought I needed.”

  “You hate your job?”

  “Yes, no…I love teaching. College kids are like sponges. They soak up all this knowledge and challenge me every day. But I hate it at St. John’s. The chair of the department is a buffoon. The administration is narrow-minded. The whole school is backward, operating like it was still the 1950s. I had to get out.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I quit. Before you got here, I called the president and tendered my resignation. Tomorrow, once Meghan is out of the woods, I’ll go over and clean out my office.”

  “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe—”

  “Stupid, huh? Just when the medical bills are really starting to roll in.” He dropped his grip on her shoulders and shoved his hands in his pockets. “But after seeing you stand up on that stage, gaining confidence with each jeer and heckle, I decided I wouldn’t be disrespected anymore. I have a PhD from Duke, been published in more journals than anyone on the faculty, and deserve better. Meghan’s going to college soon, and I can go anywhere I want.”

  “Jason, I’m so…I’m happy I inspired you to leave a job you hated.”

  “I’ve been in touch with another school—bigger, more prestigious—that happens to have a full-time position available for the fall semester, teaching graduate-level classes.”

  “That’s great. I’m happy for you.” She glanced across the room, drew in a deep breath, and prepared for the news that he was moving far away.

  “There’s only one sticking point to me taking the job.” He lifted her hands to his lips, grazing her knuckles with a tender kiss. “It’s in Highland Springs.”

  “Highland U?”

  “Yes. How would you feel about that? Me moving to Highland Springs?”

  Thrilled. Elated. Relieved. “That would be amazing.” Hopeful. “What about Meghan?”

  “Maybe she’ll want to go there, too. She’d get free tuition.”

  “I would love that, being able to spend time with her.”

  He ran his hands up her arms, gazing at her with the longing she remembered from their one, magical night. “What about me? Would you like to spend time with me?”

  She was too afraid to answer. Of course she wanted to spend time with him—today, tomorrow, forever.

  “I know I have a lot of making up to do for the way I’ve treated you. But I’ll do whatever it takes to show you how important you are to me.”

  “All’s forgiven, forgotten. I’ve put it behind me.”

  “So I guess you’re telling me to take the job?” He chuckled as he pulled her into his arms.

  Her answer was interrupted by a sharp drilling. They broke apart and turned to the source of the sound outside the window. “I don’t believe it,” Darla said, rushing to the window. She laid her hand on the glass as a bird flew away, but not before she saw the red-headed woodpecker tap another rhythm against the window frame.

  “What was that bird doing?” Jason stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

  “Tapping outside the window.”

  “Don’t tell me there’s going to be another death.”

  “No, not this time.” Her heart swelled after witnessing the vision Aunt Clara had predicted. The bird hadn’t crashed into the window, but tapped outside it. There was only one way to test her great-aunt’s psychic abilities. Darla turned and faced Jason, excited and hopeful and scared.

  “So about this job at the university.”

  “You think I should take it?”

  “Yes, it’s a
great opportunity.”

  “And…what about us?”

  “Us?”

  Jason blew out a sigh, rolling his eyes skyward with a shake of his head. “You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you? I guess I deserve it.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” Her coy answer brought a smile to his face.

  “Come here.” He pulled her close and kissed her softly. Keeping his lips pressed to hers, he said, “I love you, Darla Jean Heartwood.”

  “I knew you did.”

  “You did, huh? How’d you know?”

  “A little bird just told me.”

  Laughing, he wrapped his arms around her, kissed her deeply, lovingly, and all the worry and fear magically disappeared. Darla would no longer be alone, living the life of a spinster cat lady, but with the man who had brought her back to life. She’d be a mother to the daughter she’d reluctantly given up. A family. Together. Forever.

  “Come on,” Jason said, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “Let’s go see how our daughter is doing.”

  One year later

  “Are you ready for this?” Darla leaned toward Jason, whispering in his ear as she slipped her hand in his.

  “Are you?” he whispered back, planting a kiss on her temple.

  “More than ready.”

  It was the first day of Kimberly Cole, et al vs. Clyde Fletcher, and Kate Fisk was giving her opening arguments in the multi-million-dollar lawsuit. Kim and six of Clyde Fletcher’s accusers had brought a suit against him, and although Darla wasn’t one of the plaintiffs, she could be called as a witness. Thanks to Darla’s friendship with Kate, the accusers had asked her to represent them. They’d joked Kate was the Gloria Allred of West Virginia, having represented each victim in one capacity or another since they had come forward. Darla had been asked to join the suit, but declined. After the year she’d had, she preferred to stay out of the limelight and enjoy her new life. That new life included Jason and Meghan, who now sat beside her, insisting on attending the trial with her.