And she definitely didn’t want to tell him about Mick Remington. She’d let her grandfather keep his pleasant memories of the Mick from years ago.
Nicole rapped lightly on the door and waited. It only took the nurse three seconds to answer it. Nurse Betty smiled at Nicole and motioned her to come inside.
“How is he doing today?” she whispered to the middle-aged woman with short blonde, curly hair.
“He’s the same. But he’s been asking about you today.”
Nicole’s hopes lifted. Perhaps he was feeling better, after all.
Grandfather had a large room, and a few years ago, it had been filled with many historical artifacts and furniture. Now, however, all of those pieces were gone. Only his bed, drawers, and hospital equipment were inside. He had an oxygen tank, a heart monitor, and a blood pressure cuff monitor. There were a few other machines placed beside his bed, but she couldn’t remember what they were used for.
As usual, his curtains were pulled closed, and a small lamp with a dim light on the table was the only thing that brightened the room. Nicole wished he’d allow the nurse to open the curtains. At least the room wouldn’t look so gloomy and full of death.
She neared his bed, and her heart clenched. Once upon a time, her grandfather had been a tall, robust man with olive complexion and a full head of black hair. Now... he was frail, and his skin was gray. A few strands of hair covered his balding head. Wires were hooked to his chest and arms, and an oxygen mask covered his nose and mouth.
When he saw her, his eyes widened and with a shaky hand, removed his mask. “Nicole,” he said weakly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hello, Poppie,” she said, using the nickname she’d given him as a child. She sat on the empty chair beside the bed. “You look a lot better today. Does that mean you’re feeling stronger?”
He rolled his eyes. “You tell me that every time you see me, but no, I’m not any better than I was the last time you asked. I don’t know what’s taking the Almighty so long to come and get me, but I wish he’d move me up on his schedule.”
Her grandfather’s words made tears fill her eyes, but she was happy to hear he still had a sense of humor. “No, Poppie. It’s not your turn to go. I need you too much.” She patted his hand.
“Hogwash,” he mumbled. “You don’t need me. You’re a strong-willed woman now, and you can handle anything.”
Now was not the time to correct him. “I’ve only been able to handle things because you’ve been beside me.”
He placed the oxygen mask back over his mouth and took in a few deep breaths. Coughs erupted from his chest, sounding tighter by the moment. The nurse rushed over and helped him with his inhaler.
Nicole clenched her teeth, praying that he wouldn’t suffer any longer, but not wanting him to die, either. Once he started breathing easier, she released the panicked breath she’d been holding.
He took off his oxygen mask again. “Tell me what’s going on with the company.”
“Everything is fine, Poppie. Kate had her baby. It was a boy.”
“Things are not fine, Nikki. I know Remington is in town. There is only one reason for him to be in Maple Springs.”
She tried to appear innocent. “For their family reunion, perhaps?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “For a takeover.”
She frowned and slid her hand on his. “I won’t let that happen. Mick Remington is not going to get his hands on—”
“Mick? No, no, no.” He coughed again, but then cleared his throat. “Mick won’t take over the company. His father, however, would do it in a heartbeat and take down as many people as he could along the way.”
“Poppie, I’m trying to stop him, but I don’t know what to do. He’s already paid off two of our shareholders.”
“I know what you can do.” He nodded matter-of-factly.
“You do?” Hope sprang inside of her and she sat up a little straighter.
“You must talk to Mick. He’ll help. He won’t let his father take over my company.”
She scowled and folded her arms across her chest. “Mick Remington? I can’t trust that man, Poppie.”
“You have to. He’s the only one who can help us.”
She jumped to her feet and paced the floor around her grandfather’s bed. “No, there’s got to be another way. He’s as deceitful as his father.”
