The Chase

Heavenly heard morethan saw Beck and Seth leave the room. She was alone with her dad—probably for the last time. For years, she’d worried this terrible autoimmune disease—along with its accompanying pain and misery—would catch up to him. Dr. Litchfield’s gentle but unmistakable bombshell minutes ago had confirmed her worst nightmare.

I’m sorry, Ms. Young. We’ve done all we can for your father. I’ll give you two some privacy to say your goodbyes.

She swallowed her sob. After all, she’d have the rest of her life to cry. She would rather hoard her last few minutes with him, cram in every last moment she could.

Her dad opened his frail arms. “Let me hold you, boo.”

Silent tears rolled down her face as she leaned into him, gratefully taking the strength he needed to give her. She did her best to be strong for him in return, hoping it would somehow be enough to keep the worst from happening.

Heavenly nestled her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his chest. “Dad…”

He kissed the top of her head. “It’s going to be all right.”

No. Once he left, nothing would ever be the same.

She swiped at her tears and smiled up at him. “Don’t worry about me.”

“I always do. That’s a dad’s job.” He tried to grin but couldn’t muster the strength. He’d turned chalkier since she’d stepped out with Dr. Litchfield. As he stroked her hair, his hand visibly shook. “The day the doctor put you in my arms was the happiest of my life. I started worrying then. I never stopped. Be happy, boo. Live life. You never know when your time will be up.”

Life with him had taught her that. “I will.”

“Do you know what you’re doing with Beck and Seth?”

No, but she wouldn’t burden her dad with the devastating shock that Beck was married—and had been for the past eighteen years. “Everything is fine. I’m sorry if you’re worried or disappointed in me—”

“Never disappointed.”

“I didn’t mean to fall for them both.”

And she had—hard. But she couldn’t spend another night with a man who had hidden his marital status and broken his vows.

Was it possible there was more to the story? Beck wanted her to believe that. But what could it possibly be? Maybe he had feelings for her. Who knew? And Seth? He’d clearly known his partner in seduction was married.

So much for all that honesty they’d insisted on…

Whatever. She obviously wasn’t meant to have the devotion of two men, like her best friend, Raine Kendall. Stepping back from this unconventional relationship would be for the best professionally since she volunteered at the hospital where Beck practiced medicine.

But she couldn’t waste these last precious moments with her father to untangle the mess she’d made with the cheating dirtbag.

“Boo, I don’t understand how you can be in love with two men…but if anyone has a heart big enough, it’s you.”

She tried not to tear up. “It might be nothing. I don’t know what the future holds. One day at a time, right?”

He bobbed his head. “Don’t miss a thing, baby.”

Like he had.

“I won’t.”

“Promise me.”

“I won’t let you down.” She sniffled back more tears.

His voice was growing weaker. He struggled to keep his eyes open. She squeezed him tighter.

The moment seemed awful and surreal. Never again would she wake up to fix his breakfast or talk about their day.

“You never have,” he assured. “Thank you for your loving care. I know it wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful.”