“I understand.”
“Listen Lucas, I’m really sorry about the past and all our misunderstandings. You were right. I had a lot of growing up to do.” He paused until an approaching couple entered the hospital. “Maybe I can fly up soon and spend the weekend with you. The road goes both ways, and I should make the effort too.”
“I’d like that.”
“I have to get back in now. I love you.”
“Love you too, little bro. Take care of yourself.”
With that weight off his shoulder, Rex went in search of food. He spotted a deli across the street and walked there instead of risking cafeteria food—he’d had enough of it in Charleston. After ordering a roast beef sandwich for him and a turkey one for Monica, he slid his phone out again while waiting.
He shot a quick text message to Beau asking about Chance and added a promise to call later. A cashier called for order fifty-three, and Rex collected his food. He jogged the distance to the hospital, trying to revitalize his tired body. Instead of taking the elevator he sprinted up the three flights of stairs and paused when he saw Monica hugging another man.
What’s going on?He froze in his spot, not jumping to conclusions but unable to make himself announce his presence.
When Monica pulled away from the man, Rex was able to recognize him from the various pictures around the Hughes’s house. This man was a hollowed, hard shell of the man Monica had dated in high school and whom Carrie had married. Torment heavily shadowed his dark green eyes, and his slump in posture told Rex he had given up. The man obviously loved his wife very much to suffer like this, but he had a daughter to think of now.
Monica looked up, catching Rex’s eye, mouthing, “Give us a minute please.”
He stepped back, leaving distance for Monica as she attempted to break through the widower’s wall of grief. However, he stayed close enough that he was there if Monica needed him.
“Your daughter is lovely,” she told Matt. “All the nurses are already in love with her.”
“She has so much of Carrie in her that it hurts to look at her.”
“I’m sure it does, Matt, but Emily is a precious gift that Carrie left you with.”
“Nothing has turned out right. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” Matt shoved his hands through his hair.
“No, it wasn’t. We all love Carrie and will miss her more than words could ever express, but we have to find a way to continue on, especially for Emily.”
“Why couldn’t you have stayed. If you had married me instead, I wouldn’t be hurting like this.” Matt’s voice was angry, lashing out from hurt.
Monica reeled back at the words thrown to her, and only her brief warning glance Rex’s way kept him from rushing in to takeover. “You don’t mean that Matt. We both know Carrie was always the one meant for you. She adored you, and you loved her just as much. I know that everything feels blurry right now, but you have to fight through it. Your daughter is counting on you.”
“I can’t be a single dad. In all my dreams, I never imagined this. You must help me. Please, promise me you’ll stay and help?”
“I will stay with my parents, and I’ll help until you are settled and adjusted.”
“Marry me, Monie. We were in love once—we can make it work.” His desperation was fierce, and his eyes took on a wild glint.
Rex clenched his jaw. Monica turned her gaze toward him. After seconds that felt like hours, she asked for his help. He made it to her side in two long strides.
“Matt, this is by fiancé, Rex.” She silently begged Rex to excuse her minor lie. It was true enough in their hearts. “Together, we will do anything we can to help you. You name it, we will do it.”
“What am I doing? I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” Matt ran from the room without a backward glance.
Rex set the bag of food aside and rubbed Monica’s trembling arms. The encounter had shaken her already fragile state. “You did what you could.”
“He’s a different man. His grief is so deep that he can’t pull out of it, even for Emily. I’m really worried.”
So was Rex, but he wouldn’t let on to Monica to what extent. He’d witnessed how grief could change a man. Monica’s brush with death in Charleston testified to that. “He can’t leave here in that condition. His daughter needs him and maybe, as a stranger, I can get through to him.”
“I don’t know what will work, but you’re right that his daughter needs him.”
“I’ll go find him. Do you know what kind of car he drives?”
“A blue Chevy SUV or a black Chevy sedan.”
