Her dad nodded, his gaze drifting back to the past. “That and a promise to always be there for her. We made a lot of promises that day. And we kept them all.”
The tenderness in his voice spoke volumes, and Daniella felt a surge of love for her parents and the life they’d built together. “You’ve set a great example for us.”
He looked into her eyes, his expression earnest. “And you kids are the best part of it. Your mom and I... we’re so proud of you. All of you.”
Tears pricked Daniella’s eyes, but she held them back, wanting to stay strong for her father. “I’m proud to be your daughter, Dad. You and Mom have shown us what love really means.”
He took a deep breath, wincing at the effort. “You know, when Marcus left us, it felt like the earth had slipped from under my feet. He was my boy, my firstborn. The world... it just didn’t make sense anymore.”
Daniella watched as her father gazed at the ceiling, his voice barely above a whisper, each word laced with the raw grief that time hadn’t healed. “I’d wake up in the morning and, for a split second, I’d forget he was gone. And then it’d hit me all over again.”
She rubbed his hand, feeling the tremors of his sorrow mingle with hers. “We all felt lost, Dad. You weren’t alone in that.”
His gaze met hers, a shared understanding passing between them. “I know, Daniella. But, as a father, you feel like you’re supposed to be the strong one, the one who has all the answers. And when Marcus... when we lost him, I realized sometimes there just aren’t any answers.”
The room was heavy with the weight of Marcus’ memory, a presence that lingered in the spaces between their words. Her dad cleared his throat, pulling himself back to the present. “And this heart attack,” he continued, “it scared me, Daniella. Not the pain or the thought of it being the end. What scared me was leaving your mother, you, and Owen with more grief.”
Daniella bit her bottom lip to stop it from trembling. “But you’re here, Dad. You’re still with us. That’s what matters.”
Her father nodded slowly, his eyes misting over. “Yes, I am. And I’ve got more I want to do, more time I want to spend with all of you. Marcus will have to wait to see me for a little while longer.”
A tear slipped down Daniella’s cheek. Life was so fragile. One day, she’d be saying goodbye to her dad. It broke her heart just thinking about him not being here. But, thankfully, he wasn’t going anywhere today.
* * *
Harrison pushedthe lawn mower across the neatly trimmed grass, the rhythmic hum of the blades a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. He’d already spent the morning weeding the garden at Daniella’s parents’ house, his hands working methodically to clear away the unwanted growth. It was his way of helping, something he could do to ease the burden on Daniella and her family.
He’d spoken to Daniella last night. Her dad was doing okay, but he wouldn’t be coming home for another couple of weeks. So, he’d called the number she’d given him and spoke briefly to George. With his instructions ringing in Harrison’s ears, he’d taken the day off work and spent the time in Daniella’s parents’ garden. Hopefully, it would be one less thing George had to worry about.
As he turned the mower around for another pass, Daniella’s truck pulled into the driveway. She stepped out, her mother Lynda beside her, both looking weary but relieved to be home. When they walked up to him, he released with mower’s handle and turned off the engine.
“Hi, Daniella and Mrs. Judd,” he greeted them, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
“Dad told me you might be here,” Daniella said, a small, grateful smile on her lips. “It’s really kind of you, Harrison.”
Lynda’s eyes softened as she looked at the well-tended garden. “Please call me Lynda. Everything looks wonderful.”
“It’s the least I can do,” Harrison replied, glancing at the neat rows of flowers and the freshly mowed lawn. “I wanted to help, and I know how much pride George takes in his lawn and garden.”
Daniella moved closer, her gaze taking in the garden that her father loved so dearly. “I didn’t know you’d spent time with Dad.”
Harrison smiled. “I came by to see you a couple of times, but you were working. Your dad and I sat on the back veranda, talking about all the important stuff.”
“Weeds and grass?”
“Among other things,” Harrison teased her. They’d talked about Daniella, too, but that conversation could wait for another time.
“Gardening has always been George’s escape,” Lynda told him. “He said it gives his mind some downtime.”
Harrison nodded, understanding the sentiment. “Everyone needs something like that. How’s George today?”
Lynda touched Daniella’s arm before she answered his question. “You catch Harrison up on how your dad is. I’m going to have a nice warm shower and take a nap before we go back to the hospital. Thank you again, Harrison.”
“You’re welcome.”
Daniella shaded her eyes with her hand. “Dad’s a little better today. He’s really tired, but the cardiologist said that’s normal. Overall, the doctors are pleased with his progress. It’ll just take time for him to recover.”
Harrison met her gaze, his own relief mirrored in her eyes. “That’s good to hear. And how are you holding up?”
