A Dad of His Own (15 page)

“Give me a minute.” She lowered her head.

He shifted away and returned to the stool. He broke off a piece of the sweet roll, needing something to do with his hands. He washed it down with coffee.

Lexie finally lifted her head. She pressed her lips together and studied him, her eyes searching his. “You think it’s the best thing to do?”

“He’s Cooper’s father. It’s the best chance you have of finding a donor soon.”

Her expression sank to defeat. She nodded. “You talk. If he insists, I’ll speak with him.”

Ethan’s pulse accelerated. How would he tell a man that his son had leukemia and needed his bone marrow? He drew in a breath and headed for the den as he pulled out his cell phone. He stood a moment to get his bearings before pulling the paper from his pocket and punching in the number he’d jotted there.

When a man answered, Ethan stomach bungee-jumped from a Grand Canyon ridge. He caught his breath. “May I speak to Hartley Kurtz, please?”

“Just a minute.”

He couldn’t believe what he was doing. He sent up a prayer.

Ethan heard the receiver click onto a surface as the voice yelled Hart’s name. He waited, hands trembling. He never wanted to experience something like this again. “Hello.”

He wet his lips. “My name is Ethan Fox, and I’m a friend of Lexie Carlson. I’m sure the name rings a bell. Or maybe you know her as Alexandria.” He held his breath.

“Sorry. Never heard either name. What’s this about?”

Games. “Think back to your college days. I’m sure—”

“Look, I never knew or heard of a Lexie or an Alexan—whatever her name is.”

Ethan’s back stiffened. He didn’t like games. “You knew her from Wayne State University.”

“I went to Lawrence Institute of Technology.”

“You never went to Wayne State University?”

He huffed. “That was my dad.”

“Your dad?” Ethan’s chest hammered. “Listen, I’m sorry about that.” He cleared his throat. “Could I speak to him?”

“No.”

He drew back. “No?”

“My father died three years ago. Unless you’ve got a special connection with the afterworld, I can’t help you.”

The pounding slowed. Dead end. Ethan drew up his shoulders. He couldn’t give up now. “Will you give me a few minutes to explain why I called?”

“Go ahead, but make it short.”

Ethan closed his eyes, pulling together Lexie’s story in a neat bundle, and began. He heard Hart’s intake of breath, but Ethan didn’t let it slow him down.

“A kid? You mean…I have a half brother?”

The shock in Hart’s voice tore through Ethan. “I’m sorry to break the news, but yes. He turned eight a few months ago.”

“Eight. My parents were divorced then.” Hart’s voice seemed a whisper. “A half brother.”

Ethan bit his lip and waited.

“Look, this is a shock though I don’t know why. My dad chased after young women. We learned that when we got older. I suspect that caused my parents’ divorce. But I don’t plan to patch up my father’s mistakes, and I doubt if we would match anyway.” He’d said
we.
“You have a sibling?”

“Yes, Jess. He’s the one who answered the phone.”

Two of them. Two chances. Ethan’s pulse raced. How could he say no to possibly saving his half brother’s life? A long shot, but maybe. “Would you please think this over? Could I talk with your brother?”

“It won’t make any difference.”

Ethan sent up another prayer. “Could I please talk with your brother?”

“Listen, whoever you are, we put up with our dad’s antics for years. Neither one of us want to clean up his messes. You’ve wasted enough of my time.”

“Please, may I give you my phone number?”

“No point, man. I won’t change my mind.” He hung up.

Ethan’s body drained of energy. He lowered the receiver, gathered strength and left the den to face Lexie.

L
exie sat beside Cooper, her eyes on a magazine but her mind on her son. Ethan’s news churned in her chest. Hart dead. He’d walked out on two sons when he divorced. She had no idea. He’d avoided conversation about himself, and what he told her had probably been a blend of lies with a smidgen of truth. How could she have been so naive? So gullible? So stupid?

She rocked her head, unable to fathom what she’d been thinking back then. A college girl flattered by a handsome man heading for his doctorate, and he had been drawn to her. Why hadn’t she realized the man had probably swayed many young women into an empty romance? She’d pictured herself married to him, living in a lovely home where she would give dinner parties and talk about fashion and art.

She exhaled, her chest rattling with regret. Cooper had two half brothers. Uncaring and unemotional. Like father, like son. Now she knew what that meant.

Though she’d fought Ethan’s idea to call, she’d shocked herself by being disappointed when his effort failed. Hart wouldn’t have helped anyway, but not even his sons. Though unlikely matches, she’d still felt her hope crumble. Her par
ents were the only other options, or an anonymous donor, but as yet that hadn’t happened.

Lexie noticed Cooper stir. She leaned closer and brushed her fingers along his cheek. His eyes opened. “Did you get a good rest?”

He blinked. “That’s all I do, Mom.” He rolled onto his side, looking thin and worn.

She stroked his arm. “It hasn’t been a very good summer.”

His eyes brightened. “The Grand Canyon was the best.” He lifted his head and gazed around the room, then let it fall back. “Is Ethan coming?”

“In a while.”

He nodded and closed his eyes.

Lexie rested her back against the chair and peered up at the TV. She should turn it on for him. Not much this time of day but news, soaps and game shows, but it would be something. She checked him again, but his eyes remained closed.

Her mind drifted to Ethan. The adventure of the past weeks with him astounded her. Once she’d told her story, she’d experienced amazing relief. She hadn’t known what to expect from Ethan, but he’d give her the best gift anyone could expect—his own kind of forgiveness—acceptance without explaining her sins away. He’d dismissed them as if he’d wiped crumbs from a table. She’d become free.

Their relationship had heightened and grown since then. Without time to enjoy it, they’d accepted it. She knew he would call, and he knew she expected him. No questions. No confusion. Nothing but confidence in each other. She luxuriated in the feeling. They’d made no commitment, but they didn’t have to. The unspoken concern now revolved around Cooper. If only he could be part of their joy.

When she looked again, Cooper’s eyes were open, and he was watching her. “Want to sit up a little?”

He nodded. She shifted his pillows and cranked the mattress upward so he could sit. “Would you like to watch TV?”

“What’s on?”

She shrugged. “Let’s look.”

As she grasped the remote, she caught movement at the door, and Ethan stepped into the room.

A smile grew on his face when he saw Cooper. “How are you today?” He strode to his side and gave him a hug.

Not only had their relationship changed, but so had Ethan with Cooper. He’d hesitated before with his demonstrative affection, but since they’d returned from the Grand Canyon, he’d become like a dad, and despite Cooper’s illness, he reveled in Ethan’s attention.

Lexie snapped on the TV and found a channel about animals. When Cooper was absorbed in the program, Ethan raised his eyebrows and gave her a cryptic look.

He leaned closer. “I have some news.”

She noticed Ethan’s head flick toward Cooper, and she caught on. “Good news?”

“I don’t know.”

That confused her.

He gave a subtle shrug. “Later?”

She eyed Cooper. The program had engrossed him, and she motioned toward the doorway. “Cooper, we’re going to go down the hall a minute, okay?”

“Can I have a snack?”

“I’ll ask while I’m gone.” She leaned over and kissed his forehead.

Ethan had already slipped through the doorway, and she followed him. He’d waited for her a few feet down the hall.

“What’s the news? What happened?”

He grasped her hand. “You won’t believe this, but Hart’s son Jess called me today.”

Her legs became a feather pillow. “I thought the other brother wouldn’t take your number.”

“He didn’t, but Jess found it from the telephone’s caller ID.” His gaze captured hers. “He wants to meet Cooper.”

“Meet Cooper?” She grasped Ethan’s arm to keep her balance. “But Cooper doesn’t know he has a half brother. What will he think?”

Ethan shook his head. “I don’t know, but he’s such a great kid, mature for his age, I can only believe he’ll accept it.”

“When does he want to meet?”

“As soon as you’re willing.”

The repercussions charged through her mind. Would Cooper understand? Would meeting Cooper make a difference in Jess’s decision? She leaned her head on Ethan’s strong shoulder while he moved his hand along her back. “Tomorrow night? At the house, not here.”

“Okay.”

“Can you be there? I want to meet him first.”

“I want to be there, Lexie, and I understand. You need to be cautious.”

“You call him, then, and I need to find the courage to talk with Cooper.”

Ethan heard a noise outside as he paced across the living room. He slipped to the window as his pulse rose. “He’s here.”

Lexie stood in the archway. “Would you let him in?”

Her voice had an edge, and stress showed on her face. Ethan waited for the bell before opening the door.

Jess gave him a nod, his tension evident.

“Thanks for coming.” Ethan pushed open the door. He studied the good-looking young man, the shape of his face and the curve of his nose so similar to Cooper’s, it gave
Ethan a jolt. He extended his hand. “I’m Ethan Fox, Lexie’s friend.”

The young man grinned. “I recognize your voice.”

Ethan motioned toward Lexie. “This is Lexie, Cooper’s mom.”

Jess stepped forward and reached for her hand. Lexie grasped it. “I’m sorry to hear about your son.” He brushed hair from his forehead. “I still can’t believe I have a half brother.”

Lexie motioned for him to sit, and he waited for her to take a seat before he slipped into the easy chair. “Tell me about Cooper.”

Ethan slipped into the kitchen to see what drinks Lexie had available while she began the story. They needed privacy, and he wanted to make sure he didn’t infringe on it. She had coffee made, and he found a few soft drinks in the fridge. He settled on a stool, with hope the pinnacle of his thoughts. The voices bounced back and forth from Lexie to Jess. He heard Hart’s name mentioned, and he winced, assuming she had also shared the story of her relationship with Jess’s father. That story had to be difficult for her to tell.

The clock ticked, and finally when he heard a chuckle, Ethan returned. “Would you like a drink, Jess? Coffee? Soda?”

“Coffee would be great. Black.”

Ethan headed back to the kitchen and poured three cups, relieved to see that some of the strain had vanished from Lexie’s face. Their meeting had to be difficult. When he returned, he delivered the drinks, then settled on the sofa.

Jess turned to him. “I’m glad you called, and I apologize for my brother. He’s much more like my dad than I am.” He glanced at Lexie. “I don’t run away from problems like they seem to do.” He chuckled. “Actually I didn’t see this as a problem. I saw it as an adventure. It’s exciting, in a way, to
be about ready to turn twenty-one, and then learn I have an eight-year-old brother.” He raised his cup and took a sip.

Ethan’s spirit rose. “You’re different, I’ll admit.” He gazed at Lexie. “We were both disappointed after talking to Hart.”

Jess gave a faint snort. “My brother can do that sometimes…even to me.” He drew in a lengthy breath. “I’d like to meet Cooper. Is that possible?” He turned to Lexie. “Would you let me? I know it might be hard for an eight-year-old child to learn he has a brother. It was shocking to me.” He took another sip of coffee.

Lexie lowered her eyes. “I tried to get it out this morning, Jess, but I didn’t have the courage. I promise I will tomorrow.”

“Then I can visit him? Is he well enough?” A frown sank to his face. “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through.” He shook his head. “And alone.”

“I have Ethan now.”

Her look made Ethan’s heart sing. “Cooper’s a strong, amazing boy. He’s curious and takes great photographs.”

“Ethan helped us arrange a trip to the Grand Canyon through the Dreams Come True Foundation.”

“That’s a place to take pictures.” Jess’s facial expression reminded Ethan of Cooper.

Lexie shook her head. “He had a wonderful time. Naturally we cut the trip short when he got sick, and now I wonder if the trip was too much for him.”

Ethan rose and sat on the arm of her chair. “You know better than that. He’d been doing great.” He turned to Jess. “He was able to attend school for a month or so before summer vacation. That was what he wanted.”

Jess shifted his gaze from Lexie to Ethan. “I hope I can meet him.”

Ethan gave Lexie’s shoulder a pat and rose from the chair
arm. “Personally, I think he’ll be thrilled to know he has an older brother.”

Jess’s grin returned as he stood. “Then you’ll call me when you decide?”

Lexie nodded. “I promise I’ll talk with him tomorrow.”

Jess extended his hand. “Thanks for the coffee and for meeting me.”

Lexie moved to his side. “It’s been very nice meeting you. Your dad had charm, and so do you, but you have one thing he didn’t have. A kind spirit.” Instead of shaking his hand, she gave him a hug.

“Thanks. Both of you. I can’t wait to meet Cooper.”

Ethan opened the door and Lexie joined him as they watched Jess return to his car. When he’d pulled away, Ethan closed the door and drew Lexie into his arms. “I had no idea you blamed yourself for Cooper’s relapse.”

“I know better, but maybe I was so busy with the trip plans that I didn’t see the signs.”

He nestled her closer. “You answered your own question. You’re a great mother, and you see every twinge. I didn’t notice, either. Not one thing until after we were there.” He touched her cheek. “Do you realize Jess could answer our prayers?” He searched her eyes.

“I have been praying. It feels strange but good at the same time.”

“You amaze me, Lexie.”

She lowered her eyes. “I still don’t get it. I amaze you?”

“I get it.” He tilted her chin as his lips met hers. Peace flooded him. Lexie and Cooper brought joy to his life. Jess had added hope. God? He had provided it all.

Her lips moved beneath his, and Ethan breathed in a new life.

Cooper shifted the pillows behind his back. “Is he here yet?”

He’d asked the question multiple times, and Lexie gave him the same answer. “He’ll call us from the lobby when he’s on his way up.” She sat beside him on the mattress, aching as she studied his thin face and the ravages of the powerful chemotherapy. She leaned forward and kissed his head. As she did, her cell phone jingled.

She rose and pulled it from the top of her handbag. She nodded to Cooper. “It’s him.” She pressed the button. “Come up, Jess.” She smiled at her son, seeing the excitement in his eyes.

“What does he look like?”

“You’ll see in a minute, but he looks a little like you will when you grow up.”

His tired eyes widened. “Mom, you’re kidding.”

“No. Really. I can see a resemblance. The parts that belonged to your dad.”

Movement at the door caught her attention. She nodded, and Jess stepped inside, set a bag on the empty chair and stood at the foot of the bed. “Cooper, I’m Jess. I’m very happy to meet you.”

Cooper studied him for a moment. “You’re my brother.”

“Only half, but that’s enough.” His face lit to a smile as he leaned down and wrapped Cooper in his arms.

Jess’s greeting melted Lexie’s heart. She returned to the chair while Jess settled on the other side of the bed and listened to Cooper relive the Grand Canyon trip. They talked about school, and Jess told him about college. Nothing was said about Hart Junior.

Lexie wished Ethan had come to see their meeting, but she knew he would hear about it later when Cooper latched on to him. Hope soared as she listened and watched. If Hart
had done one thing right in his marriage, he’d given birth to at least one son who had both charm and goodness.

Jess grinned. “I heard you like books.”

“I love books.” Cooper’s focus didn’t shift from Jess’s face. “Stories and pictures.”

Jess nodded and stepped back to the chair to pick up the package. “I brought you a present.”

Cooper eyed the bag. “A book?”

Jess nodded and settled on the mattress again. “If you don’t feel like reading it now, you can when you’re better.”

“That’s what I want.” He lifted a plaintive gaze. “To get better. We need bone marrow for me so I can be healthy again. That’s what the doctor said.”

Jess glanced at Lexie. “Maybe that will happen very soon.”

Lexie’s heart bounced to her throat.

“Only maybe, though. It depends what the test says.”

Lexie rose and rounded the bed.

Cooper nodded. “It has to match.”

When she reached Jess, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “You’re willing?”

“I am, and I’m working on Hart. That’s a project, but who knows? Give me a couple more days.”

Warm tears escaped her eyes, and before Cooper saw them, she brushed the back of her hand along her cheeks. “I can’t thank you enough, Jess. Whether it’s a match or not, I am grateful that you’re willing to try. It means a great deal to us.”

“I’ll talk to them at the desk and find out what I need to do.”

Lexie’s chest constricted. “Do you understand what this entails?”

“I read up on it on the internet. An overnight stay in the hospital and sometimes a little pain that Tylenol can fix.” He
patted Cooper’s legs. “It’s easy compared to what Cooper will face.”

His voice faltered, and he looked away, probably to hide his emotions.