A Fresh Start for Two (21 page)

Julia sighed in relief. Vincent was gone, and she had no remorse.

The rest of the day was spent in a flurry of activity: doctors, nurses, moving out of the ICU to the regular floor, and many, many visitors.

Lucia came by in the afternoon and the three of them studied for their accounting test, which was scheduled for Thursday. Lucia had notified the instructor of Julia’s problems. The test would be online, and he agreed to give Julia until next Monday to complete it. Jake and Lucia would be taking the test on Thursday, so it was good they reviewed together.

Mallory had stopped in a little while later because she was working the emergency room. Julia had no recollection of seeing her in the ER.

After Lucia left, Julia received a text from Tiffany, asking if she could come visit with their mother. She didn’t answer right away. Mallory had just left, and she and Jake were joking in the hallway outside her room. But seeing this reminder of how wonderful family could be—and how supportive all of Jake’s relatives were of each other was enough to make her decide she shouldn’t be so tough on her mother. No matter what, she was her mother.

She picked up the phone and texted Tiff back to say she wanted to see them. She asked them to come in an hour.

Jake returned a few moments later and she told him her decision.

“Are you sure you’re ready to see her?”

“Yes. I don’t have much family, Jake. It’s just my sister and my mother. I don’t want to lose them.”

“No aunts or uncles?”

She shook her head. “Not that I’m aware of. Mom and I need to repair things, both for me and for Tiffany. The three of us need to talk. Besides, I’ll have to go home soon and I’ll obviously need help. It would be better to start mending things with my mom now. I’ll need both of them to help me for a while.”

“I was going to talk to you about that. I worried about leaving you alone at my apartment while I'm at work.”

“Jake, it was wonderful of you to invite me to stay at your place and at the Ramsay inn while all of this was unfolding, but you don’t need to do that.” She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone, yet she could see this wasn’t going to be a quick recovery.

“Actually, I was just talking to Mallory about your transition out of the hospital. She suggested you stay at the inn for a few days until you’re a little stronger and can get around better on your own. She’s off on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Cait is off on Thursday, so you’d have a trained nurse around to help you.”

“She thinks they’ll discharge me tomorrow? Oh, I don’t know if I’m ready for that, but I would love to get out of here.”

“That’s what Mallory suggested. There are so many people who are constantly in and out at my dad’s house that there would be many people available to help you. Tiffany is back to work, so your mom would be the only one around to help you at your house, and she’s still working part-time, right? I think it might be better to get you more self-sufficient first. I thought it was a great idea, particularly since it would get you out of the hospital a day or two sooner.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Mallory mentioned that they could try to send you to a rehab facility because of the extent of your injuries. She says it’s because you have two leg wounds, which will make your recovery particularly painful, especially when you add in the possible dizziness from your head injury. But she thinks we can get around that if we have you at the inn for a few days, since there will be nurses on hand.”

“A rehab facility? Do we even have one in Summerhill?”

“It’s part of the nursing home.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh my, I don’t think I could handle the nursing home. I thought they would keep me here in the hospital. If you think your dad and Lorraine would be willing, then yes, I’d rather be at the inn.”

“Mallory says that since you’re no longer acute, you need to start training to get back to normal.”

“Well, would you mind asking Lorraine when you go home?”

He kissed her, “Lorraine already offered. I suspect my dad and Mallory had something to do with it. But we’re family, and now they’re part of your family, too. We’ll help you in any way we can. Walking on crutches with stitches and a cast is not going to be easy. How is your head?”

“It still hurts. It’s better, but I still get nauseous and dizzy sometimes. It’ll get better, won’t it?”

“Babe, you still have a huge bump on your head. It’s going to take time. He hit you with the butt of his gun in two places. The Ramsay inn is the right place for you at the moment, and Lorraine loves having people around. She gets sad when her kids are all gone. Her twins are in the military, so you’ll keep her occupied. Once you get back on your feet again, you can move in with me. I liked having you there.”

“Really? I would like that, but I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“You won’t be a burden, but I agree with my sister. You need to have some people around to help you for a while. Listen, I’m going home to give you some rest before your mom and sister visit, but I’ll be back in a little bit. You look tired, and I think you and your family need some time alone.”

She nodded, giving him her silent agreement, and he kissed her and walked out the door. She fell asleep as soon as he left the room.

The next time she awakened, Arthur Nye stood at the foot of her bed. Julia stared at him, unsure of what to say. Was he angry with her? The man had been nice to her, but she had only met him twice.

With a grim expression on his face, he said, “I came to tell you I’m sorry.”

Julia didn’t know how to respond to this, so she waited.

He stared out the window. “I was too hard on my Vinny. I told him how proud I was of him when he brought you home. His friend told me how he had gone over the edge. I don’t understand it, but if he did this to you, he lost control. He loved you, you know.”

She could see how hard he fought to maintain control. The man had just lost his son. Julia said, “It’s not your fault, Mr. Nye.”

He said, “Ah, but it is. It’s your parents who make you who you are.” He turned and strode out the door, never looking back.

Julia followed him with her gaze, thinking about what he said, and how glad she was that her mother was on her way in.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Julia sat on the porch at the Ramsay inn on Tuesday. Her mother had just arrived, and Mallory had headed out for a jog to give them some privacy. When her mother and Tiffany had stopped by to see her in the hospital, they hadn’t gotten the chance to talk,
really
talk, because the surgeon had been in with Dr. Ramsay and Lorraine.

Lorraine had left them after bringing out a pot of tea and some banana bread. “Julia, if you think of anything, call me. I’m heading to the supermarket.”

“Thank you, Lorraine. I think I’m all set.”

Once they were alone, Julia’s mother set a gift on her lap. “What’s this, Mama?” she asked in surprise. “You don’t usually buy gifts.”

Her mother’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Maybe it’s time an old lady changed her ways.”

Julia opened the small package with care. The box inside bore the name of an old jewelry shop that had been in town years ago. The logo said, “A place to fix broken hearts.”

“Mama, this is an old box.”

A tear slid down her mother’s cheek, and she reached into her purse for a tissue.

Julia lifted the lid off and gasped. Inside sat a heart-shaped pendant on a silver chain. She stared at her mother, stunned, hoping for an explanation.

“When your father was diagnosed with cancer, he wanted to buy his little girls something to remember him by. So he picked out two identical necklaces and had them gift-wrapped. He was going to give them to you that very Christmas.”

Julia’s eyes watered. “Mama? Daddy picked this out for me?”

“Yes. There’s one for Tiffany, too, at home.” She dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

Julia ran her finger across the polished surface of the heart. “Why didn’t you give them to us before?” she asked in a whisper.

“Because I was afraid you would lose them. I was waiting for both of you to reach an appropriate age, and I couldn’t give you yours until Tiffany was old enough to receive hers, too. He wanted to give them to you himself, but when he lost that chance, I didn’t think you would appreciate them at such a young age. So I held onto them for all these years. I planned to wait until you were both twenty-one, but after your accident, I decided it was time.”

Julia lifted the necklace out of the box as if it were the most valuable treasure on earth.

“Julia, there’s a card from your father underneath.”

Julia pulled the white cotton out of the box until she saw the folded paper underneath. Placing the necklace on the table, she opened the creased piece of paper with shaking fingers.

“Always remember that Daddy loves you, Princess Julia.”

“Oh!” she gasped, cradling the paper in her hands. “Daddy always called me Princess Julia. I had forgotten.” The words were written in a shaky hand, indicating her father was either in the thrall of emotion or sickness at the time he wrote it. She preferred to believe it was emotion that had swayed his hand.

She pressed the paper open so she could stare at it, settling the necklace in front of her. “Thank you, Mama. I’m sure you know how I will treasure it.”

“Julia, please forgive a foolish old woman. I have always wanted what’s best for you. I was blinded by a flashy young man and his wealth. It’s sad that a woman my age could have her head turned by money, but that’s what happened.”

“Vincent was flashy, Mama. He knew just what to say to charm you…and me, at first. You’re forgiven. I have come to believe everything happens for a reason. I’m not sure why I needed to meet him, but I did. Maybe it will help me appreciate Jake all the more.” She leaned over to give her mother a kiss on her cheek. “Have you given Tiffany her necklace yet?”

“No, I’ll do it tonight when she gets home from work.” Her gaze scanned the porch and the grounds outside. “This is quite a place, isn’t it?” She stood and wandered over to the door, taking in the sight of the large deck, the landscaping, and the boathouse. “Maybe your new boyfriend doesn’t have this kind of money, but he’s an honest man, and he takes good care of you, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, he does. I’m proud of the work he does as a police officer. He’s wonderful, and we’re really just discovering each other. I couldn’t ask for a better man.”

Patricia Ross moved over to her daughter and picked up the necklace. “Shall I put it on you?”

Julia leaned forward and lifted her hair for her mother. “Yes, please.” Once her mother clasped the chain, Julia patted it against her skin. “I’m glad you didn’t keep it any longer.”

Her mother leaned down and kissed her cheek. “It was time. Are you sure you’re welcome here for a few more days?”

“Yes. I’ll probably stay for a week, Mama. Then I’m coming home, but I don’t want to be a burden to you. Jake invited me to move in with him, but I don’t want to until I can take care of myself.”

“I look forward to having you at home, even if it’s for a short time. I just hope I can help you. How are you doing with the crutches?”

“Here, I’ll show you.” Julia fumbled with them for a moment, but she finally managed to get them in place and take a few slow, solid steps from the porch and into the kitchen.

Patricia Ross gazed around the house once more. “I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t ever want to come home again.”

“Mama, it’s still my home, and yes, I want to come home as soon as I’m able to do it safely. I miss you and Tiffany.”

“Here, let me help you go back.” She stood next to her and kept her from tipping, being especially watchful when she descended the one step down from the kitchen to the porch.

“We’ll be fine, Mama. I think I’ll go over to the couch and rest, if you don’t mind helping me get there. This medicine makes me sleepy.”

Her mother smiled once she got Julia settled in the couch, something she rarely did. “Maybe I
will
be able to help you.”

“Of course you will, you’re my mother.” She squeezed her hand and released it. As a family, they had been through too much. Maybe they could start out fresh.

Her mother looked down at her for a moment and then brushed her fingers over her cheek in a caress. “I can’t begin to explain why your own mother would allow you to bear the brunt of her guilt. I’m not proud of my behavior, Julia. I thank you for being the kind, forgiving daughter that you are. I’ll do my best to make it up to you.” She leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I’m going to go now. Call me so I don’t worry about you.”

“I will. Thanks for coming by.” Julia reclined on the couch and closed her eyes, her fingers resting on a silver chain around her neck, not wanting to let go of the proof that her father did indeed love her.

Once her mother left, she couldn’t stop herself from sitting up for a moment to stare at the angel on the wall. It was as if her angel was finally answering all her earnest prayers. She recalled the cherished dream she had when the angel had told her that her father’s love would return to her someday. Had this been what she had meant?

She swore the angel on the wall across the room smiled and winked at her.

***

Jake climbed into Ryan’s car on Wednesday evening. They were headed over to Gramps’ house for the Ramsay war night meeting.

“How’s Julia?” Ryan asked as soon as Jake climbed in.

“She’s doing well. Better every day.”

“This is going to last a while, isn’t it? Unusual for you.”

“Yeah, but I like her a lot.” Jake hated to admit how much. Then again, he
did
want to admit it. He was enjoying life more than he had in a long time.

Ryan raised an eyebrow at him.

“Alright. I know you heard me when you took us to the hospital. I love her, yes.”

Ryan grinned. “Join the crowd. Cait had me hooked from the start.”

“You’re still happy, aren’t you?”

“Never thought I could be this happy after the war. She has turned my life around. I hope you’ll feel the same way about Julia in a few months.”

Jake stared out the window, reflecting on how much his life had improved over the past few weeks, both with Julia and with Ryan. It was great to have such an open relationship with his brother once more. “I already know she’s changed my life for the better.” He’d been searching for something before, his life feeling incomplete. He had no idea that his answer would come in the form of a slim brunette.

Ryan cleared his throat. “Jake, by the way, I was wondering if you’d be willing to help me with something.”

“Sure, Ryan. Name it.” He had no idea what was coming next.

“Well, I know she mentioned this to you briefly the other day, Cait and I have been talking about snow skiing. She wants to learn how to both snow ski and water ski, and I was wondering if you would be able to help me. I’ve been checking online and there’s a special prosthesis I can wear on the slopes to help me ski, but Cait doesn’t have any skiing experience at all. Would you go with me the first few times to help me get adjusted?”

Jake was stunned, but the prospect of skiing with his brother again excited him. It was yet another way they could reconnect. “Sure, Ry. You know I’d be glad to help you.”

“Does Julia ski?”

“You know, I’ve never asked her. But she never had much money, so I would guess the answer to that would be no. Once her leg heals, I bet she would love to learn.”

“I was thinking you and I could go a couple times alone before taking the girls with us. I’m guessing it will take me a while to get used to it.”

“Maybe, but if anyone can do it, you can.”

Ryan turned to catch his gaze. “Thanks, Jake. It would mean a lot to me.”

“I’m here for you, any time. Once you get that mastered, maybe you could move on to water-skiing.”

“I’ll be happy with a jet ski. I have to get fitted first, so I don’t know how long it will take.”

They rode in silence for a short distance, but it was a comfortable silence for once, not one filled with things unsaid.

“Have your war memories gotten any better?” Ryan asked.

“I don’t know if they’re better,” he said, quietly. “I don’t think they’ll ever change, but I don’t spend as much time thinking about the war. It actually feels like it’s in my past now.”

“That’s how I feel, too. Someday, maybe we should tell Gram how much this Wednesday war night has helped. I know this is only our second time, but I like that if something pops into my brain, I can shelve it until Wednesday instead of letting it take over my day.” Ryan pulled into the driveway at his grandparents’ home.

Jake got out of the car and slammed the door, but then leaned his elbows on the roof of the car so he could speak to his brother on the other side. “You’re right. It no longer dominates me. It’s a part of me, and I know it always will be, but it doesn’t control me anymore.”

The screen door of the house banged shut and Jake spun around to see Gram heading down the steps.

“Evening, lads. How are the women folk doing? Is that nice lass of yours healing, Jake?”

“Yeah, she’s doing great, Gram,” Jake answered. “Shopping?”

“Yep. Need a new pair of sandals.” She gave each of them a hug and continued on to her car.

“Gram?” Ryan asked.

“What is it, laddie?” She paused by the open driver’s side door.

“Thanks.”

“For what?” She glanced between the two of them.

“Uhhhh…” Ryan stuttered to a stop, looking to Jake for help.

“For being you, Gram,” Jake said. “Just wanted you to know we love you.”

Ryan turned back to her. “That’s it. For being you.”

She set her purse down in the car and walked back over to them. Reaching her arthritic hands up to their faces, she tugged them down to her level so she could kiss their cheeks. “You’re good boys. Every lad needs a little guidance once in a while. You think I’m an old fool, but I still have at least half my mind.” She chuckled. “Now, promise me you’ll take good care of your lassies.”

“We will, Gram.”

“Yep, we will, Gram.” Jake echoed his brother.

She headed back to the car, but turned to face them again before getting in. “Oh, and keep an eye on your grandfather. Don’t let him pull the wool over your eyes. He can be a crafty one.” She grinned and slid into the driver’s seat. They watched her pull away before they entered the house. Gramps stood at the window, looking out and shaking his head.

“Gramps, do you still love her like you did when you were first married?” Jake asked.

“Hell, no.”

Jake and Ryan stopped in their tracks to stare at him.

“Love her more every day.” The gleam in his eyes told Jake he was being truthful.

“Really, Gramps? After all these years?” Ryan asked.

“Yep. But if either of you say a word about it, I’ll deny the whole thing.” He pivoted and headed toward his easy chair.

Jake grinned at his brother.

***

Caitlyn closed the accounting textbook and handed it back to Julia. They were sitting out on the porch in the evening sunlight. “Good thing it’s you who’s taking this exam and not me. I’ll stick to nursing.”

“Thanks for helping me study, Cait.”