Second Chance Romance. Jill Weatherholt
she gazed out the window once more. The man and children she’d seen earlier were gone. A pain filled her gut. Gone...like her family.
Jackson stood and came toward where she was standing. “Do you not believe?”
“Believe what?” Her eyebrow arched.
“That the power of prayer is unstoppable. Nothing is ever wasted when you share it with Him, Mel.” He reached for her hand. “Whatever it is you’re dealing with, He’s there for you.”
His hand was warm. She found comfort in his touch. Afraid of what might happen if it remained, she jerked from his grip. “I’m sorry, Jackson, but I don’t believe that.”
Silence permeated the air. Several minutes later, Sara entered the room. “Excuse me. Dr. Roberts will be out to speak with you within the half hour. We’re busy today.”
“Thank you, Sara.” Melanie took a seat and released a heavy sigh. She prepared herself for the worst. After the past year, what else could she expect?
Jackson sat down and turned toward Melanie. “Phoebe is a strong woman of faith.” He bit down on his lip. “And she’s pretty stubborn, too.”
She smiled and nodded in agreement. Would she continue to be stubborn about the move? Melanie turned her attention back to the window, hoping to see the family once more.
* * *
Forty-five minutes later, Jackson spotted Dr. Roberts. He saw the man stop at the nurses’ station and hand some papers to the nurse working with Sara. He continued down the hall.
“Hello. I’m sorry you had to wait so long. The ER’s bustling this afternoon.” He paused and glanced at Melanie. “Have you been feeling alright since the accident? You look a little pale.”
“Yes, I’m fine. How’s Aunt Phoebe?”
Dr. Roberts referred to his clipboard and looked up. “The tests confirmed it was a stroke. Thankfully you got her here when you did. Any later and it could have been much worse.”
Jackson watched Melanie. She shook her head. Her shoulders stiffened. “This is my fault, Dr. Roberts,” she said.
The doctor scratched his temple and looked at Jackson before turning back to Melanie. “What in the world would make you say such a thing? You certainly didn’t cause her stroke.”
She threw a look toward Jackson. “She’s upset because I want to move her to DC.”
Dr. Roberts’s eyebrow arched. “Move to DC? Phoebe?”
“Dr. Roberts.” Jackson shook his head. He hoped the doctor would understand now wasn’t the time to discuss an impending move. “You were saying about Phoebe’s condition?”
The doctor pulled a seat in front of the couple and removed his glasses. He rubbed his eyes for a moment. “She’s having some trouble with her speech, and there’s definitely partial paralysis on her left side.”
“Paralysis!” Melanie sprang from her chair and walked toward the window. With her arms wrapped around her waist, she turned and looked at Dr. Roberts with wide eyes. “Will it be permanent?”
Placing his glasses on, he flipped through his papers. Dr. Roberts motioned for Jackson to bring Melanie back to her chair.
His boots pecked on the tile like a redheaded woodpecker as he walked over to her. Melanie flinched when he rested his hand on her arm. “Please, have a seat.”
She shadowed Jackson and sat down. Her breaths were short and rapid while she fidgeted in her chair. “I’m sorry, but she’s all the family I have, Dr. Roberts.”
Jackson’s heart ached for Melanie. Even though she never visited, it was obvious she loved her aunt. He reached over and held her hand. “She’ll be okay, Melanie.”
“Will Aunt Phoebe need rehabilitation?”
“Yes, she’ll need speech and physical therapy to strengthen her muscles.” The sound of the doctor scribbling notes filled the room while they both absorbed the news.
Dr. Roberts looked up and laid his pen on the clipboard. “Madison Village is an excellent facility in Harrisonburg. I’ve already called to check room availability.”
“How long will she have to stay?” Melanie twisted a tissue between her fingers.
“The paralysis won’t be permanent, but I can’t say how much time it will take to go away. Phoebe is incredibly strong, so ideally she’ll be back to normal soon. You’ll have to take care of The Bean, Jackson.”
A knot squeezed in Jackson’s stomach. With everything happening, he hadn’t thought about that. “Of course. I’ll make sure it’s running smoothly.”
Melanie’s eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute, Jackson. It’s Phoebe’s business, too, and she’s my aunt. I’ll take care of the restaurant. Unless you don’t think I can handle it. I do have a law degree, you know.”
Dr. Roberts’s laughter filled the room. “Okay, you two, there’s enough to do at The Bean for everyone.” He smiled. “Why don’t you work together? Phoebe would appreciate it.”
“What about your job, Jackson?” Her lips pursed.
Yesterday had been his first day off in a very long time, and he was on the schedule to return to duty tomorrow. He rarely took a vacation, so he had a lot of leave accumulated. Four years ago, he and Taylor had taken Rebecca on her first trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Rebecca was just learning to walk. He smiled as he recalled the framed photograph on his bedroom dresser. It was a photo of her first footprints in the sand. That was the last time they were together as a family. His world had never been the same.
“Yes, I do go back tomorrow, but I’ll talk to Tom tonight. I’ve got the time, so it won’t be a problem.”
Melanie rubbed her brow. “I really don’t think it’s necessary.”
“The Bean is just as important to me as it is to Phoebe. I’m half owner. If anyone is going to run the place while she’s recovering, it’s me.” Jackson’s jaw clenched. Why did this woman have to make everything so difficult? “Plus, won’t your big city law firm need you?”
Dr. Roberts shot Jackson a questioning look. He stood when the intercom announced he was needed in the ER. “Well, it’s agreed, then. You’ll both help Phoebe.”
Melanie nodded and glanced at Jackson. He returned a nod and shook the doctor’s hand. “When do you plan to move Phoebe to the rehab facility?” Melanie asked.
“I’ll call on Monday morning and schedule her for admission on Tuesday. Of course, that’s subject to change if there are any complications.”
Melanie’s eyes popped. “Complications, like what? I thought you said she’d be okay.”
“Don’t worry. Let’s take this one day at a time.”
Melanie wrapped her index finger around her purse strap. “Thank you for everything, Dr. Roberts. Aunt Phoebe spoke very highly of you after my accident.” She stood, placed her purse on her chair and gave the doctor a hug.
She didn’t let go until the intercom paged him again.
“I have to go. You two should head home and get some rest. It’s been an emotional afternoon.” He started to walk away, but stopped and turned around. “And, Melanie, you should give up the idea of moving Phoebe.”
“I agree,” Jackson said as he glanced at his watch. He needed to get Rebecca home and settled in for the night.
Melanie didn’t acknowledge either of their comments. She appeared lost in thought.
Jackson cleared his throat. “Dr. Roberts, before we leave, could Melanie visit with Phoebe for a moment?”
Melanie’s eyes brightened. “Oh yes,