Where She Belongs (17 page)

A
J stepped off the elevator carrying two Starbucks travel mugs. When he walked into Jonah's room, Meghan gave him a brief smile.

“I hope you still drink caramel lattes.”

“You remembered?”

“Hey, I spent a fortune on these things back in the day.” When her face clouded over, he quickly added, “Not that I ever minded.”

“I like the mug.”

“Easier to handle than those disposable cups.”

“Thank you.”

He stood by Jonah's bed and gingerly caressed the back of the boy's hand between his bandaged fingers and the intravenous needle. His skin was cool beneath AJ's fingers.

“Did he have a good night?”

“Nothing's changed, if that's what you mean.”

“What about you? How did you sleep?”

“About the same as usual.”

“In other words, not well.” Whoever did in a hospital? At least the room had bench seating along the wall that folded out into a bed.

“Why don't we trade places tonight? Let me stay here, and you go to the hotel. Get a good night's sleep.”

“I can't leave Jonah.”

“I promise I'll call you if anything happens.”

“What if he wakes up and I'm not here?” She shook her head. “I won't leave him.”

“I just want you to take care of yourself too, Meghan. To let me take care of you.”

“I know you mean well. But don't push the father stuff, okay?”

“No pushing.” At least not yet.

Praying she wouldn't oppose his plan to move Jonah to the children's hospital, he sipped his coffee. “Has the doctor been here yet?”

“Only the hospitalist.”

“‘Hospitalist'? That's a new one.”

“He oversees everybody else. Kind of like making sure the right hand knows what the left hand is doing.”

“Sorry I missed him.”

“He'll be back.” She fidgeted with the lid on her mug. “Would you mind doing something for me?”

“Anything.”

“I have a couple of phone calls to make, and the service seems to be spotty in here. I won't be gone long.”

“Take as long as you need. I'll be here.”

“You won't leave him?”

“Cross my heart.”

She smiled her thanks and swung a large tote onto her shoulder. “There's a seating area at the end of this corridor. If anyone stops in, come get me.”

He grinned. “That'd be breaking my promise not to leave Jonah.”

“Only exception.”

“Got it.”

After she left, he pulled a chair close to the bed and clasped
Jonah's small hand in his. “Hey there, sport,” he whispered. “We haven't been officially introduced yet, and I imagine your mom doesn't want me saying too much. But I want you to know I'm here. And I'm going to do everything I can to help you get better.”

His voice cracked, and his eyes misted. “I'm here for you, Jonah. For you and your mom. And I won't leave you ever again.”

When Brett finished tilling the staked-out area, he helped Shelby plant yellow and orange marigolds, blue ageratums, and a variety of colorful petunias.

“You're going to a lot of trouble for annuals, aren't you?”

“Perhaps.” She dug a hole with her trowel and inserted a marigold plant. “But I didn't want to go all summer without any flowers in front of the house.”

“Oh no,” he drawled with a teasing grin. “Couldn't have that.”

Her shoulders tensed as she averted her face. “I hoped to plant iris bulbs in the fall.”

“My grandmother raised irises.”

“So did mine. Right here.”

“There's no reason you can't.”

“Guess that depends on how this lawsuit turns out.”

Squatting on his haunches, he shifted his weight and reached for a sunny marigold. Maybe he shouldn't have told her about Amy's plan.

They planted the last of the annuals in silence, then Shelby brought glasses of iced tea to the porch.

“You worked hard today,” she said. “Thanks.”

“Don't sound so surprised.” Brett clinked his glass against hers. “There's more to me than being a brilliant businessman.”

“I'd say you were also an unscrupulous cad if you hadn't helped me out.”

To hide the sting of her words, he shrugged and plopped in a chair. “You'd be right.”

She tucked one foot beneath her on the porch swing and pushed against the floorboards with the other.

The chain creaked as she slowly swung in the seat. “It took a lot of nerve for you to come here after what you did.”

“Or stupidity.”

“Which was it?”

“Good question.” He sipped the tea, savoring the icy cold beverage as it cooled his parched throat. Pushing the tiller had given his upper body and calves a better workout than he ever got in the gym. He rotated his aching shoulders.

“Well?”

He wouldn't tell her that he hadn't been home since Thursday because a woman he despised had taken up residence in his apartment. Shelby didn't need to know those details. But not even a night in an upscale hotel had soothed the restlessness that had haunted him since he'd walked out of the Italian café. He should have turned back then, tried to explain.

But he'd been blinded by the rivalry that Sully had nurtured between AJ and him since they were boys. When Elizabeth and Tabby glommed on to AJ, a sharp pang of jealousy had cut into Brett's heart. Wounding AJ by kissing Shelby was his revenge. But instead of feeling relief, he'd only felt cold.

“It started out as a game. But the more we talked, the better I got to know you, it wasn't a game I wanted to play anymore.” He took another sip of his tea. “But I had to keep going.”

“Why?”

“I didn't want Amy to do something she'll regret.” He gave a sheepish shrug. “And because I wanted to spend time with you.”

Shelby stared at her glass, seemingly intent on examining the ice cubes. “Can't you make her stop?”

“You don't know my sister.”

“I'm not sure I want to.” She raised her eyes to his, and her adorable lips widened in a teasing smile. “No offense.”

“None taken.” He took a deep breath and stroked his jaw. Time
to put the final nail in his own coffin. “You know, AJ cares about you. I've got the proof right here.” He winced as he touched a tender spot.

“He shouldn't have done that.”

“He was provoked.”

She sighed and stared across the yard. “I wish I knew what was bothering him.”

Brett stiffened, suddenly curious. “What do you mean? Where is he?”

“Toledo.”

“Why?”

“He said it was complicated.”

“Let's find out how much.” He pulled out his cell phone, found AJ's number, and hit the send button. Just as he thought the call was going to voicemail, AJ answered. His voice sounded ragged and tired.

“Everything okay with you?” Brett asked.

“Fine, why do you ask?”

“I heard you'd gone out of town.”

“I'm glad you called. I need a favor.”

“Name it.”

AJ snorted. “Just like that?”

“Figure I owe you.”

“For what?”

“I'm tired of fighting with you, AJ.”

“Then leave Shelby alone.”

“What's the favor?”

“Don't you know someone at the children's hospital in Columbus?”

“Yeah, I've got a buddy there. Dr. Marc Nesmith.”

“I need to know how to get a patient transferred to their pediatric neurocritical care unit.”

“Pediatric neuro . . . What patient?”

“A little boy who was in a car accident. He's seriously banged up, and I think he'd do better in a specialty hospital.”

“Who is he?”

“I'll explain all that later. Could you give Nesmith a call? Ask him to call me?”

“Sure.”

“The sooner the better, okay?”

“I'll call him now.”

“Thanks, Brett. I owe you.”

“When are you coming home?”

“I don't know yet. Listen, I gotta go. Call Nesmith, okay?”

“I will.”

The connection broke, and Brett tapped his phone against the chair arm.

“Did you hear any of that?”

“Most of it, yes.” Shelby stopped the swing. Concern dulled her expression. “Any idea who this little boy is?”

“None. But AJ's always been a sucker for a good sob story. Probably the kid of one of his former students.” He scrolled through his contacts list again, then stood. “I'm going to call Marc.”

Tapping the send button, he walked down the steps and into the yard. Typical AJ, getting wrapped up in someone else's problems, taking them as his own. But it still seemed odd he had left town so soon after the blowup with Shelby. In AJ's shoes, Brett wouldn't have left her side.

Maybe it wasn't too late for him after all.

He massaged his neck as Marc answered the phone.

“Hey, pal. Met any leggy blondes lately? I need a new receptionist.”

R
elief surged through AJ as he ended the call with Dr. Nesmith. For once, Brett had come through, and the pediatric specialist had agreed to review Jonah's records. Now he had to convince Meghan to go along with his plan.

When he returned to the room, she was curled up on the bench seat staring out the window. He paused at Jonah's side and gave silent thanks for the comforting rhythm of the monitors. He gently squeezed Jonah's fingers, the ones not swathed in bandages, then sat beside Meghan.

He stretched his arm across the back of the bench, and she surprised him by resting her head against his shoulder. Her eyes closed as she seemed to draw strength from his presence. If only they'd had a moment like this before she disappeared. How different everything might have been.

Demanding clients instead of awkward adolescents. A home in the suburbs instead of Gran's cottage. Maybe a walking dust mop, like a Maltese or a shih tzu, instead of Lila.

And no Shelby to run into at the 'gagement tree. No running through the rain to get a car seat. No hugs from Elizabeth and Tabby.

Suddenly feeling cramped, he squirmed in the seat. As much
as he hated to disturb Meghan, he couldn't relax when Jonah's medical care was at stake. Only God knew how much any delay in treatment affected the boy's recovery.

“I just talked to a pediatrician at the Central Ohio Children's Hospital in Columbus,” he said, his voice low. “They have brain injury specialists there who could help Jonah.”

“They have brain injury specialists here,” she murmured sleepily.

“The children's hospital has something called a pediatric neurocritical care unit. They do research especially for children. Jonah needs to be transferred there. I know it's the best thing for him.”

“You know what's best for Jonah?” She pushed away from him, her voice hardening. “You don't know anything about him.”

“That's not really my fault, is it?”

They glared at each other a moment, then AJ lowered his eyes. Sweeping his fingers through his hair, he took a deep breath and met her gaze again. “The pediatrician I talked to is willing to review Jonah's records. If there's even the smallest chance the pediatric team can do something for him that's not being done here, shouldn't we take it?” He immediately realized his mistake. “Okay,
you
. Shouldn't you take it?”

She wrapped her arms around her legs and drew them to her chest. “I want him to have the best. I just don't know how . . . we have no insurance. I can't concentrate on work.” She rested her forehead on her knees. “I'm so tired I can hardly think.”

“Thinking seems to be the only thing I can do.”

“You've already worked out all the details, haven't you?” Turning toward him, she slightly smirked. “You haven't changed much.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “Guess not.” But it wasn't true. When Meghan disappeared, practically every aspect of his life had changed. He'd alienated his grandfather and traded the halls of government for the halls of a high school. A profession he would have detested for one he loved.

But the estrangement from Sully? That had been excruciatingly painful. As a teen, AJ had admired and respected his grandfather
as a shrewd businessman. Only later did he realize how much Sully's acumen was rooted in vengeful ruthlessness.

They'd never reconciled. And it still hurt.

Meghan nudged his arm. “Tell me your plan.”

“We do whatever it takes to get Jonah transferred. You won't have to worry about anything but him.”

She averted her gaze. “I'm not sure that's quite true.”

“I promise it is.” He gently hooked her chin with his finger so she looked at him. “You'll have whatever you need as long as you need it. A place to live. Anything.”

“What's the catch?”

“No catch.”

“There's always a catch.”

“Not this time.” He scratched his arm, then propped his elbows on his knees. “I want to make up for the years I missed with him, Meghan. Please let me.”

As she leaned back against the seat, her hair fell forward and hid her face. AJ bit his lip to stop even the smallest word from slipping out of his mouth. She needed time to think, and he owed her a few moments of silence. But he wished he could follow her thoughts as she considered his proposal. Her eyes focused on Jonah's bed, though she couldn't see him from her angle. He silently prayed he was doing the right thing, that she would say yes.

“I heard you bought one of my stained glass pieces.”

“It reminded me of home. I knew it was yours as soon as I saw it.”

“I heard that too.” Her gray eyes glistened. “It's not a good time to be an artist, the economy like it is. But things have been getting better. I've been asked to teach a class this fall at the art museum, and my designs are being considered for an aeronautics memorial. I worked so hard researching and sketching plans for my proposal.” Her voice cracked, and she took a deep breath. “I'm a finalist.” She snatched a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “Me.”

“That's great. Congratulations.”

“Don't you see?” She quickly stood and gripped the bed rail. “This was supposed to be my big break. But how can I concentrate on work when my son, my baby, is suffering?”

AJ stepped beside her. “You're a talented artist. There will be other opportunities.”

“Not like this one.”

“All the more reason to let me help. Just give me a chance.”

She sniffed and looked up at him. “I'm afraid, AJ.”

“I know. But I'm not going to let you down. Not this time.”

Her eyes bore into his. “I believe you.”

“Then you don't mind if I talk to the hospitalist about transferring those records?”

“I'm beginning to think God really did bring you to us. It'd been so long since I prayed, I hardly knew the words to say.”

“He knows your heart. Sometimes words aren't necessary.”

She nodded slightly, then braced her shoulders. “Send the records.”

“You're doing the right thing, Meghan.”

Her mouth quirked upward. “Time will tell.”

Before he could respond, a knock sounded on the door. The woman from the art gallery entered.

“Dawn.” Meghan hurried to embrace her. “I'm so glad to see you.”

“I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier.” She turned to AJ. “I don't think I introduced myself when you stopped in yesterday. Dawn Lahm.”

AJ shook the hand she offered him. “Thanks for telling me where to find Meghan.”

“She doesn't seem too mad at me, so I guess I did the right thing.”

“I think so.” He looked pointedly at Meghan.

“I think so too,” she admitted.

“How's Jonah?” Dawn asked.

“No change.”

While Meghan gave Dawn an update, AJ left to speak to the hospitalist. Shortly after gaining access to Jonah's records, Dr. Nesmith started the paperwork to facilitate the transfer.

“All done,” AJ said as he entered the room. Meghan stood by Jonah, and Dawn sat in a nearby chair. “Now we wait.”

“How long will it take?” Meghan's voice sounded almost robotic.

Something must have happened while he was out of the room. He glanced at Dawn, but she wouldn't meet his gaze.

“Is everything okay?”

“Fine.” Her hand played with Jonah's blond strands, brushing them from his forehead then down again. “What's the plan?”

“They'll transport Jonah in the morning. You can go with him in the helicopter.”

“Not an ambulance?” She looked up in surprise.

“Too risky. They don't want to take a chance on him being jarred or anything happening on the drive.”

“What about you?”

“I'll drive home this evening if that's okay with you, and meet you at the hospital tomorrow.”

“Sure. That'd be fine.”

The tone of her voice told him otherwise.

“What's wrong?”

She forced a smile. “I'm just tired.”

“You need to sleep.” He gripped the bed rail and leaned toward her. “Why don't you go to the hotel for a while?”

“I can't.”

Dawn stood and placed her arm around Meghan's shoulder. “You should go, Meg. I can stay with Jonah. All night if you want me to.”

“No, that'd be too much. You didn't come prepared to spend the night.”

“I'll manage. It's more important that you're well rested for that
helicopter trip.” Dawn handed Meghan her large tote. “I promise I'll call if you're needed.”

Meghan reluctantly agreed, and AJ mouthed a thank-you to Dawn.

After they arrived at the hotel, he encouraged Meghan to order room service while he packed his bag.

Ready to leave, he turned to say good-bye, but she was already asleep. He removed the menu from her relaxed fingers and covered her with an extra blanket.

“Sleep tight, Meghan,” he whispered. “See you tomorrow.”