No One But You (15 page)

The waiting room was empty. A TV situated overhead showed network news. Sara had no interest in current news and events. Trying to be patient was proving difficult. She decided to call Denise, then each line sister, to update them about Jackson’s condition. Their comforting words made her feel good, and their loving support moved her to tears.

“Sara, would you join us?”

Sara hung up, not sure whether she told Naomi that she had to go. Jackson’s father stood in the doorway. He motioned with his head for her to follow.

She caught up with him, thinking that he would enlighten her with regard to Jackson’s current condition. He didn’t say anything. But when she stole a glance, she felt better that he didn’t look angry, just slightly worn at the edges.

“Cecil, thank you for everything and for sharing this time with me.”

Cecil nodded. “Go to him.”

Sara entered the room. “Jackson?” Sara couldn’t believe what she saw. Jackson looked so much better and sat up in the bed. His face was still gaunt, but the fluids and antibiotics had done a marvelous job on his condition.

“It’s me.” He raised his hands for her, but then they dropped at his side from the effort.

“Don’t tax your system.” She kissed his mouth with small pecks until his father cleared his throat. She blushed, remembering that Cecil and Eleanor were still in the room.

“The bad news is that you missed meeting my brother, Thadeus, and my sister, Becky, and their families. On the other hand, the good news is that the doctor says because I’m in such healthy condition, I should make a good and quick recovery.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’ll get to meet them eventually. I’ll be here until you get out of the hospital.”

Jackson eased back against the pillow with a small smile.

Sara wondered if he was feeling pain. She touched the side of his face, hoping that she could ease the tension.

“I think it’s time for me to say what has been on my mind and in my heart. Jackson lying here ill was my wake up call.” Eleanor stepped forward and took her place on the other side of the bed. She took Jackson’s hand and brought it up to her cheek before placing it back on his chest.

Out of respect, Sara moved from her position next to Jackson. She didn’t want to intrude on a private moment. Plus she was satisfied to see Jackson looking much better.

“No, child, this is not the time for you to retreat. You saved my son’s life.”

Sara’s face flushed—she was a little flustered with the emotional statement.

“You saved my life, too.” Eleanor looked at her. Sara didn’t know how to respond. “I don’t know what I’d do without him.” She looked at Jackson and her eyes swelled with tears.

His gaze was fixed on his mother’s face. “Mom, don’t cry.”

Jackson’s father stepped forward and placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders. She brushed her cheek against his hand. “No, Cecil. I’ve got to have my say. Let’s not waste any more precious time.”

“Okay,” he said, his voice tight. “I’ll be outside. I have to check on a couple things. Eleanor, let me know when you’re ready.”

“Thanks for coming, Dad.”

His father left the room.

What was going on? Sara didn’t like surprises, especially when they were family-related. Suddenly she grew nervous, dreading Eleanor’s announcement.

“Son, sometimes it takes almost losing someone to hit you over the head with what is important in life. Sarafina, give me your hand.”

Sara complied, still a little off balance by Eleanor’s change of attitude.

Even Jackson looked surprised by his mother’s actions.

“Eleanor, you don’t have to say anything.” Sara didn’t want to rely on her charity that would disappear in a matter of days when Jackson returned home.

“The first thing I have to say is sorry to both of you. Jackson, I wanted your life to be perfect as a child and even into adulthood. You were my baby. Nothing could be too good for you. Plus you made your father so proud. He saw himself in you. He went about teaching you the way he’d learned. Showing emotions was a sign of weakness. A man had the sole responsibility to take care of his family.” Eleanor opened her hand for Sara’s. “Don’t be angry with him. I told him what I wanted to say today. Of course, he didn’t agree. But I’m not going to be talked out of what I needed to say. I dismissed your feelings because I had learned to dismiss matters of my heart.”

Sara didn’t know what to say, how to respond. As much as she wanted to she didn’t know the appropriate comments.

“And thank goodness, despite my intervention, you found your way back to each other. Each time I’ve witnessed how Jackson’s face lights up when you’re around. He doesn’t have to tell me that he loves you because it radiates off his body.” She squeezed Sara’s hand. “When you walked in that day, looking so mature, I had no doubt that you loved Jackson. Son, you have stepped out beyond your father’s footsteps. Go after your dreams.” Eleanor wiped the corners of her eyes.

“Mom, don’t worry about me. I’m happy.”

“Be quiet, Jackson. You’re not happy because I said so.”

There was momentary silence before they burst into laughter. Jackson pushed his bed down a bit, already looking fatigued.

Cecil reentered the room. “Look, Jackson, I know you want to leave the company. And although your mom tries to make me understand, I still don’t want you to leave.” He exhaled and stuck his hands in his pockets, a move that was so unlike him. “And I know that you love this young lady sitting beside you. You have my blessing. I won’t stand in the way.” He shifted from foot to foot. “That’s all I had to say.” Jackson’s father left the room as abruptly as he’d entered.

“That took a lot of him,” Jackson remarked.

“Yeah, we’re quite a pair, I must admit.” Eleanor stood. “As much as we pretend, we’re not perfect. My marriage to your father was arranged by our parents right after high school. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t as if I didn’t have any feelings for him. But our parents manipulated every part of our relationship, from courtship to engagement to wedding. After all this time, I’ve learned to love your father.”

“Too much information, Mom.”

“No, it’s not. I want to hear,” Sara said, now understanding the impact of his mother’s message.

“I want to save what I see as a pure love between two people,” Eleanor declared.

“Well, thank you, Mom, but I don’t plan to let Sara go again.”

“Looks like both of you have my life planned for me.” Sara surveyed the two family members. “I’m not to be manipulated.”

“I wouldn’t manipulate you with words. I’m too weak to do what I’d really like to do with the right action.” Jackson grinned.

His mother gasped, putting a hand to her cheek.

Sara grinned back at her man. “Until you get better, you’d better learn to tell me.”

Jackson motioned her closer. “The only thing that I have for you is that I love you, woman.”

“You finally said it!” Sara exclaimed.

“I’ve learned a thing or two, also. I may have grown up where we keep our emotions out of view. But I’ve listened to what my mother said. I’ve watched how difficult my father has been. I’ve seen how much I’ve hurt you.” He took a deep breath. “I look into your eyes and can shout to the rooftops that I love you.”

“And I can look into your eyes and block out the world to say I love you.” She kissed him, softly, enjoying his lips against hers. The machines beeped with increasing annoyance.

Jackson’s mother waved away the nurse, as they both eased out of the room.

Sara laid her head on Jackson’s chest, loving the sound of his heart. She couldn’t bear to lose him.

“I hope you’ll let me share your bed…in Chicago,” Jackson said.

Sara looked up into his dark, sexy eyes.

“Just try and stop me.”

“But only as my wife.”

Sara grinned. “That’s a deal I can live with.”