He paused again before he continued, “He still has a fully functional one as of right now, and providing he follows doctor’s orders, he should be back on the golf course in a few months.”
“Thank you.” My mother sagged back into her chair, and I wrapped myself around Jake.
“When can we see him?” my mother asked, hopefulness in her voice.
The surgeon looked sympathetic. “I can take you and your daughter back now, but only for a couple of minutes.”
Jake kissed me on the top of my head. “I’ll be waiting here for you.”
I buried my face into his chest and breathed him into my lungs. “I know, and that’s what’s keeping me going right now. Knowing that you’re here with me.” I kissed his chest and stepped away.
My mother held out her hand, which I gladly took.
Chapter 25 ~ Jake
WHEN EVIE WENT THROUGH the large double doors in the hospital with her mother, I sank back down into the chair I’d occupied since we arrived.
I was exhausted and felt like I hadn’t slept in days, which was probably close to the truth. I couldn’t leave her alone and, even now, I twitched to follow her. It was on that thought that I heard chuckling next to me.
“She’ll be back out here soon, son. They don’t like letting people past there. I’m guessing they’ve only been allowed because he’s a senator.”
“I didn’t realize I was so obvious.”
“You’re still my son.” My father cleared his throat. “I know you will have hated me all these years, but I hope you’ll visit me and let me show you everything. I can back up what I’ve told you with emails, photographs, and of course, the bank statements. Once the Feds have sorted the whole mess of Declan out, then we’ll get your name on to that account. It’s your money, Jake. Every cent is what I won because of you.” His voice broke.
I hesitated before putting my arm around his shoulders. “For years I told myself that I hated you.”
He nodded and his body shook with distress. “I deserved your hate.”
“But, I don’t hate you. Part of me wants to and feels that I should, but I can’t. Knowing the truth was hard to hear at first because I wanted to believe everything was a lie. But while I’ve been sitting here, waiting for news on Evie’s father, I realized that could have been you through there. Declan could have killed you ten years ago and I’d have never known the truth. You could have come with us today and been in there, with or instead, of Evie’s father. There are a lot of could have’s, and I’m so tired that I just want to move forward with Evie, and you.”
My father pulled away and wiped at his face with a handkerchief. I smiled at the memory. Even back then he’d use handkerchiefs as opposed to Kleenex.
“Thank God.” He let out a loud sigh.
I grinned. “So, when do I get to meet my stepmom?”
He paused and then started laughing. “Tomorrow, if you have time. She can’t wait to meet you.”
“I’m supposed to meet with Carter and some other agents to give an official statement of my version of events from back then, and now. But I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, I gave mine after you left the house this morning. An agent took me to the office and grilled me. I passed over all the evidence to them. I kept every bit of paper, so they have a lot to sort through. They don’t think any charges will be brought against me, but who knows.”
My heart dropped before it started its regular rhythm again. “I think they have too big a case on Declan to worry about you.”
“I hope so.” He straightened in the chair. “Evie’s back.”
My head whipped around and, as soon as I spotted her, I moved quickly into her space. “Everything okay?”
I wanted to wrap her up in my arms, but currently she held her mother who looked to have lost all color.
“The doctor said he probably won’t be awake until tomorrow morning so we’re going to go home.”
I swallowed because I had no idea where home was for me. I wanted it to be with Evie, but it was obvious that she couldn’t leave her mom alone right now.
“I’ll drop you guys off on our way to my place,” Carter offered.
Evie slipped her fingers into mine, tugging me closer. “You don’t mind staying at my parents’ house for a few days, do you? I don’t want to leave my mom alone.”