I decide to cut the banter short because I really want to know what the doctor has to say. “Okay boys, that’s enough.”
The doctor turns his attention to me, smiling warmly. “And who is this lovely lady, Sandy?”
He winks at me and squeezes my hand. “This here is the love of my life. Meet my daughter, Sally.”
If he’s surprised at what Sandy just related, he doesn’t show it. He strides toward me and extends a hand. “No need to get up. I’m Doctor Lancaster, Sandy’s cardiologist.”
“Pleased to meet you, Doctor. I’m quite anxious to hear about his prognosis.”
Doctor Lancaster takes a seat on the sofa, while Elijah remains standing, leaning against a wall.
“Well, I’ve reviewed the preliminary tests, and, given the family history, we’re definitely looking at bypass surgery. I want to give Sandy a few days to regain some strength, so we’ll schedule surgery for early next week. Depending on how much we need to do, and how long it takes to stabilize post-surgery, he’ll be here for another week or so.”
I was used to taking the lead in discussions with Mama’s doctors, and I see no need to handle Sandy any differently. So, before he can ask, I continue. “What’s the recovery time and process?”
The doctor leans forward, now resting his elbows on his knees. “Probably about six to eight weeks. By today’s standards, Sandy’s young and strong. If he follows my instructions and resumes a healthy and active lifestyle gradually, there’s no reason to believe he won’t fully recover and live a normal life.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and Sandy squeezes my hand again. “Hear that, little one? You’re gonna be stuck with me for a long time.”
* * *
Since Sandy’s heart attack and accident, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on how much my life has changed since moving to Green Springs, and to think about what I want for my future. Almost losing Sandy so soon after finding him, and the sense of loss I still feel when I think about Mama, have really changed my perspective. I’ve been so careful to compartmentalize my relationship with Nolan, but to what end? To keep from getting my feelings hurt? To continue dwelling on the past? What if something happened to him? Would it be any less painful because I hadn’t voiced out loud how I really feel about him? Mama’s death and Sandy’s heart attack are the cruel realities that demonstrate there are no guarantees. Life is too short. Once Sandy’s out of danger, I intend to put my fears in my rearview and focus on a loving future with Nolan by my side.
Chapter 36
Nolan knew Sally was worried about her father’s health, and he was worried about her. She spent her days running between her shop and the hospital, and her nights in his arms, which was fine by him. Given the family history, he urged her to make an appointment for herself with the cardiologist, and surprisingly, she didn’t fight him on it.
Sandy’s bypass surgery had gone smoothly, and by all accounts he was doing well in his recovery. One day, while Sally stepped out to run some errands, Sandy summoned Nolan to the hospital. When the father of the woman you love says he wants to see you, you drop everything and go.
Nolan entered Sandy’s room just as he was finishing his lunch. Sandy muted the TV and invited him to have a seat.
“You’re lookin’ good, Sandy. How do you feel?”
“Not bad. Stronger every day. Hoping the doc will spring me soon.”
“I know Sally will be glad to hear that.”
“Yeah, she’s been hovering over me since the heart attack, but I must admit it feels good. I never dreamed I’d have a daughter, and I’m sure grateful I’m getting a second chance at life and more time with her.” Sandy gave a melancholy sigh. “My heart was broken way back when her mama left me behind, and it’s finally on the mend after all these years. Physically and emotionally.”
Nolan wasn’t sure why Sandy wanted to see him, but he knew it had something to do with Sally. “Is this the part where you ask me what my intentions are toward your daughter?”
Sandy chuckled. “Something like that. Actually, I called you up here to tell you not to make the same mistake I did. I lost Sally’s mother because I assumed she’d wait for me. I went back for her after I took care of things back here, thinking we had all the time in the world, but it was too late.”
Nolan raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Sandy, I’m absolutely in love with Sally, but she’s made it abundantly clear to me she’s not interested in a committed relationship. So, I have no choice but to wait.”
“That’s bullshit. I know my daughter. There’s no doubt in my mind she’s in love with you. Regardless of what she says—or doesn’t say.”
“What do you suggest? I want nothing more than to put a ring on her finger. It’s been burnin’ a hole in my pocket for months.” Nolan grinned ruefully.
“You leave that to me. Pack your bag and get your passport ready. You two are going to Bonaire. And don’t bring her back until she’s wearing that ring.”
Chapter 37
Life is somewhat back to normal. Sandy has been recovering at home and is planning to return to work part time. With his prodding, I’ve come to realize it’s time to focus on my relationship with Nolan and tell him how I feel. I’ve confirmed our flight to Bonaire, and Sandy has made arrangements to have the villa open and ready for our arrival. He told me I better not come home until I’ve been honest with Nolan.
Nolan is spending the night at the Patrick house so we can leave early in the morning for the hour and a half drive to Memphis. From there, we fly to Atlanta for our connection to Bonaire. We’ll be in travel mode for about eight hours, so it will be a long day, indeed.
* * *
