Perfect Fling (Serendipity's Finest 2)

The other man continued to run down the risks of the surgery for any patient, causing Cole to shut down again because he couldn’t let himself hear all the negative possibilities. Not if he was going to make it through the next however many hours.

“So, all that said, your father’s prognosis is decent, once he wakes from surgery,” the doctor said, his words, as well as Erin’s hand squeeze, bringing him back once more.

“When?” Cole managed to ask.

“First thing tomorrow morning. The surgery lasts four to six hours, could be longer. In other words, tomorrow will be a long day. I suggest you go home tonight and get a good night’s sleep.”

“I’d like to see him,” Cole said. He couldn’t imagine living with himself if anything happened on the table and the last words between them were Jed telling him he didn’t need him here.

The other man frowned. “The nurses told me your last visit agitated him. He’s in a fragile physical state. If he works himself up again, we won’t need the OR,” the other man said with brutal honesty that Cole respected.

“Fine.”

“Wait.” Erin spoke up.

“It’s okay,” he assured her. Whatever was best for Jed, that was what mattered now. Not Cole’s feelings.

She shook her head. “Jed and Cole have a difficult relationship, but now Jed knows his condition, right? He knows he’s having surgery tomorrow?”

The doctor nodded.

“So ask him if he’s up to seeing his son. Better yet, let me ask him.”

“Erin—” Cole said in a warning tone.

“Shh. I’ve known him for years. He likes me, or usually does.” Neither Cole nor Erin mentioned she’d thrown him out of her house a few weeks ago. Even Jed wouldn’t hold that against Erin. But that didn’t mean Cole wanted Erin to try to sway Jed on his behalf. He hated the embarrassment caused not just by their dysfunctional relationship but by Jed’s assessment of his son’s failings.

“Maybe knowing what he’s in for, Jed will want to talk to you.” Erin spoke in her softest, most understanding voice. Then she looked up first at Cole, then the doctor, with a sweet, imploring expression that probably had juries bending over backward to see things her way. Lord knew he couldn’t deny her anything. He was pretty sure she’d get Jed to see things her way.

“Please let me go in?”

Dr. Wilson, he’d said his name was, clutched his clipboard and smiled. “You’re persistent, Ms. . . .”

“Marsden. Erin Marsden.”

The other man’s eyes opened wide. “I know your father. His oncologist referred him to me when he was trying to decide on treatments for his cancer last year.”

Erin wrinkled her brow. “Really?”

This time Cole squeezed her hand, offering her comfort.

“Some of the chemotherapy drugs can be hard on the heart. We often confer, go over a patient’s history and situation before they decide on a course of treatment.”

Erin nodded in understanding. “My parents dealt with everything about the treatment and the cancer themselves. They kept us kids in the dark about specifics, but I do know dad’s in remission thanks to the care he received, so thank you.” She beamed at the other man, obviously recovering from her surprise. “And I’m sure Cole’s father will be getting the same type of excellent care.”

“We’ll do our very best. Now, I’ll take you in to Jed so you can work the same magic on him you just did on me. If he agrees to a peaceful, quiet visit with his son, it’s fine with me.”

Cole, well aware they were talking about him as if he weren’t there, knew he owed a debt of gratitude to the amazing woman by his side. No matter what his stubborn father ultimately decided.

Sixteen

Erin stopped in the doorway to Jed’s room, surprised by how frail the older man suddenly looked. The doctor had paved the way for Erin’s visit, so Jed was expecting her. She knoc

ked, and he turned his gaze from the window overlooking the parking lot.

“Hey, there,” Jed said. “Doctor said you wanted to see me.”

She nodded and walked up to him, pulling a chair beside the bed. “You’re still speaking to me after the way I threw you out of my house?” she asked with a quick smile.