Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cade paced the hallway with his father, waiting to hear from the doctor. His Ella had been attacked. No one seemed to know details other than Troy found her at work. Jerry called him. Jerry Wynn was her emergency contact. Jerry Wynn. Not me.
“She’s going to be okay,” Pappy said.
He nodded. I should have picked her up from work. I should have hired her a security guard. She wasn’t supposed to be alone. The other evening therapist was supposed to be with her.
“Nikki just texted. Your assistant got arrested tonight,” Pappy said.
“Felicity? For what? DUI?”
“I don’t know. Nikki’s going down to the police station to find out. Felicity is in the probationary period, right?”
Cade stopped.
“Yeah. This morning I told her she wasn’t a good fit, and needed to find another job. I gave her a month to find something else. Where is everyone?” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll call again. Maybe they’ll answer this time.”
“You two want some coffee?” Troy asked from behind them.
Cade turned around. “Yeah. Have you seen Garrett or Derek?”
“Yeah, they—”
The door to Ella’s room opened up.
Cade strode forward, leaving Troy and his father behind.
In a wheelchair, Ella sat so small, the pretty pink bustier and skirt he’d bought her for dinner with his family was torn and dirty. Her beautiful, brown hair, pulled to the side, and shaved…Stitches. Green-framed, dark sunglasses. The ones Jerry always wore. Her little nose and cheek. Scraped up. Her arm. Road rash.
His heart stopped beating. Gray swam around him. My Ella.
“We’re heading to labor and delivery at Garrett’s work hospital,” Jerry said. He pushed the wheelchair toward the elevator. “Come on. I haven’t told Garrett or Derek what happened, yet. Colleen is in trouble.”
“Mr. Wynn,” a nurse in green scrubs stopped him. “Here’s her paperwork, and her prescription has been called in.”
“Thanks for helping get her released so quickly,” Jerry said “I’ll make sure she follows the doctor’s orders.”
Cade’s mind connected the dots about Colleen, and his feet started working again. Within three strides, he walked beside Ella. “Ella needs to rest.”
“Yes, she does,” Jerry said. “She should be on her way home, not to another hospital, but Colleen and the baby are in trouble. And I’m counting on Derek to do his own thorough examination of Ella after we check on Colleen.”
“I’m fine.” Ella’s weak voice called to Cade’s most basic needs to protect her. “Please, I need to see my daughter.”
“You need to be here,” Cade said. “Sweetheart, there are a lot of stitches on…”
Jerry’s head started shaking from side to side, and his eyes widened. “Stop talking. Don’t get her angry,” he mouthed.
“After we make sure Colleen is okay, I’m taking you home with me, and—”
“—We’re going to see what happens,” Jerry interrupted. “It’s serious with Colleen,” he mouthed to Cade. “You might need to stay.”
The elevator doors opened. He and Jerry walked in with Ella, turned around, and faced the main nurses’ station.
With his phone to his ear, Pappy stood beside Troy.
“I’ll meet you at the hospital,” Pappy said.
“I’ll handle her business with Kyle until she’s better. I’m running down to the police station to make a statement,” Troy said.
“Thanks, Troy,” she whispered. “I’ll be at work tomorrow.”
“No,” Jerry said. “No work, Ella. Kyle and Troy can handle it.”
Her jaw clenched.
“We’ll deal with it tomorrow,” Cade said, and pressed the button to the first floor.
Thankfully, the elevator closed.
“How long will it take to get to Colleen?” she whispered.
“Car rides and concussions don’t really mix,” Jerry whispered. “Probably twenty minutes. At this time of night, it might be sooner, but not much.”
“My dad has my car,” Cade said. “I’ll hold her while you drive.”
The elevator doors opened, and they walked out. He picked her up in his arms, cradling her.
“I’ve got you, sweetie.” I’m never going to let you go.
****
Inside a pastel green, labor and delivery room in the hospital wing of the high-security building housing Garrett’s unnamed company, Cade held Ella’s hand as Derek removed the needle from her arm. Derek’s expression seemed normal, but the intensity in his hazel eyes as he systematically and delicately examined her was anything but normal. His hands moved quickly over her body, stopping to adjust her clothes and moving downward.
She whimpered here and there, but she spoke.
“Colleen is three rooms down on the right,” Derek said. “You’re not leaving until I give you a real exam.”
“I’m fine,” she said. She touched Jerry’s dark sunglasses over her eyes. “Can you dial back the lights?”
Derek lowered his chin and gazed at Cade.
Cade nodded. “She’s not leaving until you see her.” He carried her out of the room and placed her on her feet outside Colleen’s room.
Supporting her weight, Cade placed his hand on the flat handle. “Ready?”
“Are the stitches covered? I don’t want anyone seeing them.” She gently patted her head.
He moved a section of hair over the shaved area on her head. You need to be in a hospital room. You’re not okay. Not okay at all. “They’re covered, but Ella—”
“—I need to see my daughter.”
He pushed the door open.
With strength he hadn’t expected, Ella sprinted to Colleen’s side. The bright personality of the young woman was gone leaving an ashen and scared little girl in her place. A baby-blue blanket covered up most of the pastel-pink gown she wore. Garrett stood behind Ella. His face drained of color as he made no effort to hide his visual exploration of her from head to foot.
Ella wobbled but grabbed onto the metal bed rail with one hand and stroked Colleen’s long blonde hair with the other.
“Momma.” Big, crocodile tears fell from Colleen’s beautiful, blue eyes. “It’s that bleeding thing you had.”
“It is, but you and your sweet little baby will be just fine. Derek is very optimistic. Your baby boy has a strong heartbeat, and he’s strong-willed like his mom and dad. You just need to stay in bed and rest.” She kissed her daughter’s head.
Cade’s heart swelled with deeper love for Ella. Seeing her fight through pain and a concussion to be there for her child brought up all the reasons he’d waited for the right woman to have his children. The perfect woman stood—under a power only a mother or father would comprehend—supporting her daughter when most women or men would be in bed nursing their own wounds. Why didn’t I meet you six years ago? We could have had a family together.
Colleen’s hand slid over her belly. “Do you really believe he’s going to be all right?”
“Yes, sweet pea. Your baby is very strong. He just needs to stay in there for a few more weeks.”
“Where are the boys?” Cade asked. They should be here. “Sammy?”
“The boys left twenty minutes ago for Sammy’s. They’re staying there for a few days to help out.” Garrett’s hand slid around Ella’s waist.
She hissed.
Red crept up Garrett’s neck to his chin and steadily rose to his forehead. “Sammy is outside talking on the phone with his parents. He’ll be back soon.”
The door opened, and Derek poked his head inside. “Colleen will be ready to go home soon. Sammy’s team is getting the supplies, and they’re scheduling shifts to monitor her.”
“Really?” Colleen asked.
“Yep. Sammy is medically trained, and so is everyone on his team. You’re in great hands,” Derek said. “They know what to do. And you’ve got me checking on you too.”
Colleen burst into tears. “But I’m scared.” She turned to Ella. “Momma, I’m scared.”
“Sweet pea,” Ella wiped the tears from Colleen’s eyes. “You’re going to be just fine. Your little guy is going to keep growing and getting bigger and stronger. You have to keep the fear away. Think happy thoughts. Visualize him growing into a linebacker like your Sammy was in high school.”
“Quarterback,” Colleen said in a tiny voice. “He was the quarterback.”
“That’s right. Quarterback,” Ella said. “Derek wouldn’t let you leave, if he thought for an instant you needed to be here.”
“Listen to your mother.” Derek’s gaze swept to Ella. “Ella, I need to see you once I get everything squared away with Colleen.”
“I can’t,” Ella said.
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t sneak out of here,” Cade said. She couldn’t make it down the hall before collapsing.
“Mom?” Colleen said. “What happened to you? Why are you dirty? Why are you wearing sunglasses? Why is your face—”
“—I fell. I’m fine. I can’t wait to see this little guy.” Ella covered Colleen’s hand with hers. “I remember when I was in labor with you. Your dad and Garrett were in the delivery room. Your dad went down first.”
“Went down?” Colleen eyes widened, and a hint of amusement came to her lips.
“Your dad fainted straight out,” Garrett said. “Your mom looked at me, and I started laughing. I couldn’t stop until I went to help him and saw what he saw. I stumbled back into a table and cracked my head.”
Cade couldn’t help but grin. Tough guy Garrett Winthrop can’t handle seeing the reality of childbirth. “I find that hard to believe.” He walked forward and joined the three inside their private bubble instead of standing outside as an observer.
“Greg and I ended up with stitches while Ella labored to push you out. We semi-recovered. Then you came.” Garrett placed his hand over Ella and Colleen’s on Colleen’s belly. “We both fainted at the same time. Ended up with more stitches. We did better with the twin’s birth.”
“They only got one set of stitches with the boys.” Ella’s lips trembled. “You, my lovely daughter, gave your father and uncle two set of stitches which is quite an accomplishment.”
“How come I never heard that story before?” Colleen’s blue eyes twinkled and a pink blush filled her cheeks.
“We swore Ella to secrecy,” Garrett said. “Sammy won’t faint. You’re in good hands with him.”
Two drops of tears ran down Ella’s cheeks.
Cade wrapped his arm around her, above Garrett’s supporting her. I’ve got you.
Garrett released her and plucked a tissue from the counter behind him. He handed it to Ella and replaced his arm, snuggled below Cade’s. “Your mom was amazing.”
Cade gazed down at Colleen. “You’re going to be an amazing mom too.” You’re maturing every day.
“Thanks, Mr. Jackson, um, Cade.”
I’m waiting for the day you call me Daddy Cade. Maybe it will be the baby first. I’ll be Granddaddy Cade.
“Did I ever tell you when your dad and I took you to the beach without your mom for the first time?” Garrett asked.
Colleen shook her head.
Cade listened to story after story of Colleen’s early years with Greg, Ella, and Garrett. The history between Garrett and Ella held so much emotion and depth, the kind he wanted with her, longed to have, hoped to have as they grew old together.
A soft knock on the door grabbed his attention.
A short-haired brunette wearing pink scrubs with rainbows and pots of gold printed on them rolled a wheelchair into the room and parked it next to Ella beside the bed. “Miss Winthrop, are you ready to go?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Colleen said.
Sammy walked into the room smiling. “Baby, we’re heading ho…” He paused and stared at Ella. “Uh. We’re ready to go home. Ella, are—”
“—Ella,” Derek interrupted. “I’m ready for you.”
“I’m fine,” Ella insisted. She let go of Colleen’s hand and wobbled a little as she stepped back, making room for Sammy.
“I’ve got Colleen,” Sammy said. “Go with Derek, Ella. I’ll text when we get home. I think we’re going to get married at my house in our bedroom tomorrow evening. Just my team and y’all. We don’t want to wait any longer.”
“Okay. I love you, Colleen and Sammy.” Ella lifted her foot. Her head tilted to the left. She reached forward.
Cade tucked her into an embrace, carefully cradling her head, avoiding her stitches. “I’ve got you, sweetheart.”
“Get her out before Colleen sees the blood in her hair,” Garrett whispered. “I’ll be there in a couple minutes. I want to know what the hell happened.”
“She was attacked at the spa. My company will handle security for her and the spa,” Cade whispered. “The three of us will never be gone at the same time.”
“Agreed. She gets no choice.” Garrett slapped him firmly on the shoulder, and gripped it, holding on to him in solidarity exactly like Cade had seen him do with Derek in a farewell.
With Ella in his arms, Garrett by his side, and Derek waiting in the hall, the weight of all the problems Cade faced lessened. They love her as much as I do. How can she choose between Garrett and Derek, and me? We each bring something different and valuable to her life.
Garrett let go, shifted toward Sammy, and stood like a soldier ready for battle.
“Colleen will…” The nurse discussed discharge instructions.
Cade walked Ella to the door.
Ella stumbled but Cade pulled her upright.
She gripped his hand at her hip. “I’ll be over tomorrow after work, Colleen.” She turned her head toward her daughter.
“Maybe you could tell me more stories about Dad and Uncle Garrett?” Colleen asked.
“I’d love to,” Ella said. “I’d really love to.”
Cade escorted Ella into the neutral hallway. With a wheelchair in front of him, Derek stood near the nurses’ station a few yards away.
She inhaled deeply. “I’m not getting in that.”
“Either you get in, or I’m carrying you,” Cade whispered.
The door to Colleen’s room behind them opened.
Garrett stepped into Cade’s personal space. Fierce blue eyes called for a battle. “What the fuck happened?”
“I’m not—”
“—Nothing,” Ella interrupted Cade. “Shut up, Garrett. You’re giving me a headache.”
Garrett grabbed the sunglasses from her face and sucked in a gasp. His eyes widened to epic proportions, gazing at Cade. His hands trembled as he rubbed them against his stomach “Who?”
“I don’t know yet. But we’ll find out,” Cade whispered. “Whoever did this will be punished.” I will make sure of it.
She stepped forward and grabbed the glasses from Garrett. Her eyes fluttered. Her hand holding Cade’s lost its strength.
Cade moved on instinct and dove forward as she fell. He slid on his knees, caught her, and cushioned her head before she hit the ground. He pulled her against his chest. You used up all your strength for your daughter.
She blinked bloodshot eyes at him, the bruising under her makeup darkened, making the injuries she sustained more apparent than before. “Cade, the lights are too much. I need Jerry’s glasses.”
He picked up the glasses from the gray-speckled linoleum and placed them on her. “I’m taking you to Derek. You aren’t thinking clearly. You need a doctor.”
“I need sleep.”
“Derek is examining you.” Garrett’s voice softened. The normal orders he barked came out more like begging, pleading. The hard, outer shell of the man seemed to crack as the need for her permission to be examined and her stubbornness blocked his efforts. He couldn’t force her, not with witnesses present. “It’s free.” He gripped Cade’s arm.
With Garrett’s help, Cade stood up and shielded Ella from the harsh florescent lights with his palm.
“Garrett, I’ve already been examined. I’m—”
“There is my argumentative patient,” Derek said, lightening the tense mood. “I’ve got your records from the hospital. Jerry is coming back in a few minutes with clothes for you.”
“I don’t need this,” she said.
“Humor us,” Cade whispered. “Please, you were in and out so quickly—”
“—She refused anything but stitches,” Derek said. “I’m going to finish examining her. It’s free, Ella. So…” He paused and gazed down at her.
A couple nurses in pink and blue scrubs with multicolored teddy bears printed on them strolled down the hallway from the nurses’ station and stopped a few feet behind Derek.
“Need any help, Dr. McGregor?” the taller nurse asked.
“Do I, Ella?” Derek asked.
“No, sir,” she whispered.
The nurses turned on a dime and strode back to their station.
Cade carried the love of his life down the sparkling-clean hallway and into the sky-blue labor and delivery suite closest to the nurse’s station. It took all three of us working together to get you to agree to let Derek examine you. He placed her carefully on the bed.
The strong, independent woman whose presence seemed to occupy every inch of space in a room, lay dwarfed in the birthing bed. So fragile. Helpless.
“Guys, I need you to leave,” Derek said. “Go hold babies in the nursery or something.”
She pushed more upright on the bed. Her head slightly bobbed from side to side. She fought against injury and exhaustion to sit up straighter and gain a few more inches of bed space.
Cade placed his hand over hers. You’re so determined to keep control when all you need to do is give it to me. I’ll carry your burdens. All of them.
“This is ridiculous. I’m going home.” She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. “See, I’m fine.” She took a step. Her knees shook. She dipped. Cade stepped in and caught her again.
“Thanks,” she whispered. “I’m not sure what happened.”
“You’re not leaving until Derek says you can,” Cade said. Stop fighting. I’ve got you.
Garrett stood unusually quiet next to him.
A knot formed in Cade’s stomach. Her dilated and red eyes tore at his heart. Her limp body in his arms broke a piece of his soul. Her resolve to go home without being examined made no sense. Are you worried, sweetheart? Did the doctor at the hospital tell you something? Are you hiding something from me? Did you tell Jerry a secret, but not me?
He gently placed her on the bed again as a gray-haired nurse walked in holding a tray of medical supplies and a bag of clear fluids.
“Mr. Winthrop and Mr. Jackson, it’s time to go,” the grandma-like nurse said.
Cade’s feet seemed like they were stuck in concrete, immoveable.
The nurse set down the tray on the counter, pulled the rolling IV machine over, and quickly connected Ella to it. She picked up four empty vials and placed them on the bed next to Ella’s hip.
“You already took blood,” Cade said.
“These are for extra tests. I’m running everything possible,” Derek said.
The nurse finished taking the blood samples and walked to the light panel beside the door. She dimmed the lights and took out supplies from the cabinets near the sink on the opposite side of the room.
“I’ll keep an eye on her,” the nurse said.
Derek nodded. He slung his arm around Cade’s shoulders like they were best friends. Maybe they were in a way. Weird.
“Come on, big guy,” Derek said.
Cade’s feet released from the stuck position, and he walked with Derek’s guidance toward the door. They stopped outside the entrance to her room.
“She’s dehydrated,” Derek said. “She’s injured. It’s going to take a little while to get all the tests done, but she’s got heavy bruising on her back near her kidneys, and on her leg. Her head… Shit. She refused treatment, but Jerry talked her into stitches. All in all, she’s going to be fine. She’s in shock.”
Garrett’s face seemed to close off any emotion. His blue eyes seemed vacant. “She knows she’s hurt or she would be fighting tooth and nail to get out of here. That nurse would have gotten an earful, and possibly a fistful by now, but she’s as quiet as a mouse.”
“I’ll tell Garrett what I know while you’re in there with her,” Cade said. I don’t know shit, but I’m going to find out. Jerry, what the fuck is taking you so long?