Montana Wild (27 page)

“Oh, honey.” Only two words and Kevin jumped out of his seat into her welcoming arms. His body shook as he released his grief onto this pillar of strength that stood barely five feet tall.

Looking away, the guys gave Kevin some privacy. Finally releasing his hold, he motioned for the little lady to sit.

“Aunt Sarah.” Kevin lost his voice and hung his head.

Wrapping her frail arm around him, her soothing voice comforted all of them. “It’s okay, honey. It’s gonna be all right. She’ll pull through. I know this girl, remember? She’s pretty damn spunky.” She caught his eye and he chuckled.

“Yes she is.” His voice wavered again.

“I think I remember these young men from the ranch when Jacob and I visited.” Her kind eyes landed on Rick and Ben. “At least these two.”

“Yes ma’m,” Rick and Ben both stood and hugged Sarah.

“But not this tall city boy.” Her gaze turned to Noah.

“No ma’m, I’m Noah, Jamie’s friend. It’s a pleasure.”

“Sorry, Noah, this is my Aunt Sarah, my angel. She had the unlucky chore of raising me.”

Sarah slapped gently at Kevin. “You were a gift. You know Jacob and I treasured every minute.” Kevin’s eyes welled as he hugged Sarah again.

“So how’s our girl?” The mood turned somber and a heavy silence hung in the air.

Finally Kevin offered, “She hasn’t woken up.” Pausing, he swallowed hard. “The doc said she’s not out of the woods yet. But she’s holding on, and that’s good.” His face grim, he hung his head again.

“Well, that is good.” Sarah stood up and started walking. “I need to talk to that girl. I’ve got a message for her from Jacob.”

Kevin sprang up and followed Sarah as she instinctively walked toward Jamie’s room. For an eighty-five year old fragile thing, she sure was spry. Kevin caught up with her as she entered Jamie’s room. One of the nurses had just finished changing one of the IV drips.

“How is she, dear?” Sarah addressed the nurse.

Smiling at Sarah, the young woman answered apologetically. “We’re doing everything we can, but it may take some time.”

“Yes, of course it will.” Sarah returned her smile. “Is it okay if I visit with her now?”

“Of course, I’m finished.”

Kevin positioned a chair for Sarah near the foot of the bed. “Not there, honey, bring it here and one for you too.” She pointed near the head of the bed. “I need to talk to her.”

“Of course, Sarah.” Kevin did as he was told and Sarah settled into her seat.

“You know, when we realized Jacob wasn’t doing well, he fought me tooth and nail about getting a nurse. He did not want one. He was stubborn as a mule when he wanted to be. But I won out, told him I couldn’t do it alone.” Fixing her eyes on Jamie, she took hold of her hand. “But on her first visit, Jacob and Jamie hit it off. You could see it in his eyes. He adored her. She could get him to do anything. And talk, Lord they talked for hours. It would get late so I made her stay for dinner. She tried to say no, but I think she liked it.” Sarah let out a small laugh and then looked out the window.

“As Jacob weakened, their bond strengthened. I knew she would get hurt, tried to warn her but she was smitten with him, and he her . . . like soul mates from another time. It did my heart good to see them together. And she was a big help to me too. I couldn’t have managed without her those last two months.”

Shaking her head and straightening her posture, Sarah reached into her purse. “After Jamie left town to go to her dying aunt . . . poor thing, so much at once. When she left, Jacob asked for a pen and paper. He was so weak but he wanted to write it himself.” She pulled out an envelope and opening it, smiled sadly. “He made me promise to give this to Jamie when the time was right and I would say the time is right now.”

Adjusting her glasses, Sarah unfolded the letter, looked at the comatose Jamie and began to read.

Dear Jamie,

I thank God for bringing you into my life. You have been a wonderful nurse who has nurtured Sarah and me during these difficult last few months. You have eased my transition from this life to the next so much more than you can ever know. But more than that, you have proven to be a true friend and dare I say daughter to Sarah and me. You have brought us such happiness and comfort by your limitless kindness and love. I can never repay what you have done for us, except to tell you that true love is right around the corner. Don’t ask me how I know, but I do. God works in mysterious ways and I do not second guess Him. You have always envied the love that Sarah and I share and I find this humorous because I know that this is what awaits you and Kevin. Cherish it. Enjoy it. Don’t question it. It is a gift from God. I wish I could be there in person to see both of you together, but that is not God’s plan. Just know that I am there in the wind that you hear, in the warmth of the sun that you feel, and in the beauty of the  mountains that surround both of you.

All my love, Jacob

Kevin stood next to Aunt Sarah, speechless. Uncle Jacob knew. He knew before Kevin did. His chest felt like it would explode as raw emotion pumped through his veins. Feeling the spirits of Jacob, Aunt Sarah, and Jamie pulsing through his very being, overwhelmed him and caused him to fall back into his chair. Taking hold of Jamie’s hand, he wanted to infuse his strength into her. Love connected them all together. He couldn’t lose her. She was his link to life.

After Sarah left, Kevin needed some time to digest Jacob’s letter. His heart and head were physically heavy, and he rested his head on her bed, still holding on to her hand.

Kevin’s head jerked up. Had she squeezed his hand? He wasn’t sure but maybe. He looked at her face, but nothing had changed.

“Jamie? Jamie, I love you. Please don’t leave me. I don’t know what I would do without you.” He put his head down on the bed next to her hand. “I need you. Please babe, please.” His voice was weary with anguish as his tears dampened her bed linens. Eyes closed tight, he opened them in response to movement on his head. Her fingers imperceptibly touched his hair. This time he was sure he’d felt it. He lifted his head and looked at her hand, her fingers moving again. Picking up her hand, he kissed it. He put his face in her hand, needing to feel her move, and she did, ever so slightly. It was a small movement, but at this point he would take any sign and said a silent prayer of thanks.

It was a long night, but Jamie’s numbers held and the medical staff was pleased. Kevin did not leave her side. Every now and then, one of the three guys would come in to check on both of them.

The nurses brought in a recliner so he could rest more comfortably. He appreciated their kindness and told them so. The whole experience made Kevin realize all that nurses do for the patient and their families. Kevin felt pride for all that Jamie did as a nurse. Nurses were unsung heroes
.
There was so darn much he needed to tell her. She would wake up, he had no doubt about it now. Jamie had promised him and she kept her promises. Her finger movement earlier let him know that she was coming around. She just needed some time.

“I’ll wait for you, Jamie. I’ll wait.” He looked at her and then took a double-take. Was she smiling?

The guys noted a definite change in Kevin’s mood. Upbeat, he smiled and talked about his future with Jamie. Had they missed something?

Ben finally asked. “Kev, did the nurses tell you something that you forgot to share with us? You seem so, so happy.”

“I am happy and I’m thankful. Jamie’s got her work cut out for her, no doubt about that, but she’s coming back.” He looked at them all.

“How do you know this?” Ben looked worried about his friend now.

“Jamie told me. Not in words, but she told me. She’ll be fine.” Ben looked at Rick and then Noah.

Finally Rick spoke, “Ben, if Jamie communicated this to Kevin, then I believe him. Sometimes in matters of the heart, you have to go with what you feel, and obviously Kevin feels it. I’m not saying it makes sense, but you have to go with blind faith.” Rick wore a knowing smile.

“Okay,” Ben concurred, “I’ll go with it, too.” Noah looked at all of them and nodded agreement.

Kevin returned to Jamie’s side but felt more relaxed now. Holding her hand, he chatted away about things they had shared in the past and plans he had for their future. An inner peace filled him now that he knew she would come back to him.

Since Kevin had signed the next of kin authorization for surgery, everyone assumed he was her husband and addressed him as so. Somehow it came to light that this may not be true and the legal representatives from the hospital questioned him, worried about their own involvement in all this and any liabilities.

In the scheme of everything going on this was but a nuisance. He could care less, even if he got sued or charged with fraud. Jamie’s healing was all he focused on and he wanted to have a say in her care and make sure she got the best. For some reason, this annoying legal matter kept popping up and Kevin had no patience for it.

“She’s my wife. At this time, with everything else going on, are you serious?” He wanted to be able to make Jamie’s medical decisions to ensure she received the best care. Ben, Rick, and Noah confirmed Kevin’s words but that did not seem to be proof enough for the administration staff.

Jamie’s numbers continued to improve, enough to remove most of the tubes. Kevin remained upbeat. He stood at her bedside when the legal hospital representatives approached him once again. “I’m not getting why this is so important to you right now.” Kevin asked them in an irritated tone.

“Certainly you can understand our predicament, Mr. Cunningham.”

“No, I can’t. Who is saying we are not married anyways?” Kevin asked, getting more annoyed.

“A Mr. Derrick Stiller,” they answered.

Kevin was flabbergasted with that information. “Do you realize that Stiller is the maniac who shot her? Does that not sound a bit weird to you?” He was getting angrier by the minute.

“That’s not the point, Mr. Cunningham,” the lawyer answered.

“Then what exactly is the point?”

“We need to get to the truth.” The attorney pursued her point obnoxiously.

They were getting on Kevin’s last nerve. “Go. Leave me. Do what you have to do, it doesn’t matter. It’s of no value to me. I have more important things to worry about.”

Kevin held tight to Jamie’s hand, never letting go. Suddenly she squeezed it. This time there was no question. “Jamie. Jamie, it’s me Kevin. Can you hear me?” he asked, ignoring the legal types in the room.

Jamie’s eyelids fluttered and she opened her eyes, looking up at the ceiling with a blank stare. Kevin stood up excitedly and positioned his face near hers.

“Jamie, baby. It’s me Kevin.” He looked at her hopefully.

She turned her head and recognition registered on her face, smiling. “Kevin.” She whispered his name softly but it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

“Jamie!” He held her hand in his and kissed it. “Jamie.” He repeated her name again and again.

Now she turned her head fully to face him. “Kevin. Kevin,” she whispered. “Kevin, my love, my sweet, sweet husband.” With this statement, the legal team looked at each other sheepishly and excused themselves.

Kevin smiled and winked at her. He bent down and kissed her on the cheek.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I know.” And she smiled back.

Epilogue

Kevin squeezed Jamie’s hand as his old truck rambled up the drive. Her physician had forbade her to travel for six weeks and the wait had been unbearable. Kevin insisted on escorting her back to Montana.

The log arch announcing the ranch was covered with a
Welcome back Jamie!
banner. Her heart expanded, filling her chest, making her gasp. Tears welled as she bit her lip taking in the much missed scenery. How had she won this lottery in life which provided the grand prize of loving family and friends in a faraway paradise?

In the courtyard, they waited, waving anxiously, Ben, Rick, Tommy, Consuelo, Hector, all the ranch hands and Jack, snorting loudly. Inhaling deeply, her chest expanded as the scars in her heart healed. Now, finally, she was fully mended. She was home.