A Forever Family (Forever #6) (12 page)

Julia

Hearing the words, “I’m sorry, Julia, but your kidney is failing,” was the hardest thing I ever had to hear. I lay on the couch, clutching my son and never wanting to let him go. Even though I knew deep down that this was going to happen, I wasn’t prepared. Could anyone ever be prepared? The doctor told me that I would need to start dialysis right away until they found a donor if I wanted to go ahead with the transplant. Once Collin and Amelia arrived, we had what my dad called a family meeting.

“Since Julia’s blood type is O, she can only receive a kidney from another blood type O person. Collin, you aren’t type O and neither am I.”

“But I am.” My mom began to cry. “Unfortunately, because of my two bouts of cancer and the aggressiveness of the last treatment I had, I’m not a candidate.”

My dad placed his arm around her and pulled her into him. “I called Cassidy and she’s the same blood type as me.”

“Jake what about you?” Collin asked.

“I’m type AB.” He slowly shook his head.

“Amelia?”

“I’m type A.”

“How can nobody in this fucking family be type O except for Mom?” Collin yelled. “This is bullshit, Dad.”

The stress that my family was under wasn’t helping me and I was ready to explode. Brayden began to fuss, so Mason took him from me. “I don’t want a transplant. So I want everyone to stop worrying about me. I’ve made my decision before I even knew what the final outcome was. I have an appointment with the nephrologist in a couple of days. I’ve done my research and people who are on dialysis live healthy, normal lives. Now if you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to my room. I’m sorry.”

I carefully got up from the couch and walked down the hall to my bedroom. I just couldn’t take the sadness from everyone anymore. I needed to be alone with my husband and my son.

****

Ellery

“Julia, wait,” Connor said as he tried to follow her.

I grabbed hold of his arm. “Let her go, Connor. I know what she’s going through and she needs to be alone for a while. We’ve been doing nothing but hovering over her since the accident.”

I gave Jake and Brayden each a kiss goodbye and went upstairs to the penthouse. Connor, Collin, and Amelia followed. I walked over to the bar and poured myself and Amelia a glass of wine. Feelings that I never wanted to feel again began to haunt me.

“Ellery, how can you just walk out on her like that? She needs us.”

“She needs her husband and her son right now, Connor. Julia is a woman; she’s not a child and we can’t tell her what’s best for her. She needs to figure out what’s best for her on her own.”

“Like you did?” Connor spat.

“Julia’s circumstances are different.”

“Bullshit, Ellery!”

“Mom. Dad. Please don’t,” Collin spoke.

“There’s only one cure for this and that’s a transplant. Do you think I want to sit and watch my daughter go through dialysis for the rest of her life?”

“A transplant isn’t a guaranteed cure, Connor!” I yelled back. “The chance of rejection is greater than it taking.”

“I’m not discussing this anymore. I’m going upstairs.”

I set my glass down on the bar as Connor left the room. Collin walked over to me and pulled me into an embrace.

“I’m sorry, Mom.”

“It’s okay. Your father is angry and he’ll come around. Why don’t the two of you go home and get some rest?”

“Are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine, Collin.” I placed my hand on his cheek.

As soon as they left, I went upstairs and found Connor sitting on the edge of the bed. Seeing him sitting there like that brought back memories of all those years ago. The pained look on his face, the sadness in his eyes, and the hopelessness that resided in him was unbearable to see again. I sat down and placed my arm around him.

“I’m sorry, Elle.” He began to cry.

“Don’t apologize, baby. I know how bad this hurts, but we’ll get through it. Julia will get through it. It’s her decision, Connor. Not ours.”

“I know, but she’s my baby girl, my princess, and I can’t just stand by and do nothing.” He turned his head and looked at me, bringing his hand up to my face. “I love you and I love our family and I’ll do anything to keep all of you safe.”

My lips curved into a small smile. “I know, but sometimes there are situations you can’t control. We’re going to stand by Julia’s decision. We’ll be there for her every step of the way and we’ll support her.”

He leaned over and brushed his lips against mine. He needed me physically just as much as I needed him.

****

Collin

Climbing into bed, I pulled Amelia into me and kissed the top of her head. I was hurting for my family, especially Julia.

“I think everyone needs to support Julia’s decision,” Amelia spoke as she ran her hand along my arm.

“I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know what to think. If Julia can have a better life with a transplant, why the fuck wouldn’t she opt for that?”

“It’s a hard decision and there’s so many factors involved. Don’t forget, I took care of patients every day. I know what they go through both physically and emotionally. In Julia’s eyes, dialysis is the best option right now.”

“My dad won’t stop, you know.”

“He’ll have to. It’s not his decision. Maybe one day, Julia will change her mind.”

“Maybe.” I sighed. “Good night, baby. I love you.” I gave her a gentle squeeze.

“Good night, babe. I love you too.”

The next morning, I stopped at Starbucks before heading to the office. I didn’t get much sleep because my mind was too busy thinking about Julia. I pulled out my phone and called the office.

“Hey, Ethan. It’s Collin. I’m running late this morning and I’m in a monstrous line at Starbucks. Can I grab you a coffee?”

“That’s so nice of you. If you wouldn’t mind, I’ll take a grande skinny caramel macchiato with two pumps nut syrup and a dash of cinnamon.”

“Do me a favor and text that to me.” I chuckled. I shook my head as I ended the call.

“You sure do look exactly like your father.” I heard a woman’s voice speak from behind.

I turned my head and it was her, the woman I helped on the street. Staring at her for a few moments, the words my father said replayed in my mind.

“I know who you are, Ashlyn, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t speak to me, ever. Just go on and pretend you don’t even know who I am.”

“I’m sure your father has told you all about me, but I can assure you that I’m not that same person I was all those years ago. I have no intention of bothering you or your family.”

“Then why are you speaking to me? Just go about your business and pretend you don’t know me.”

“I really don’t know you, but I can tell you’re a very nice man. I never properly thanked you for helping me that day on the street. So thank you. I appreciate it. It’s rare these days that people would stop and help a stranger.”

“You’re welcome. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s my turn to order.”

Grabbing my two cups of coffee, I headed down the street to Black Enterprises. I was faced with the dilemma of whether or not I should tell my dad that I ran into Ashlyn. I decided against it. He didn’t need that added stress. He was already dealing with enough and I didn’t want to make things worse. But it would only be a matter of time when he ran into her himself and I didn’t want to be around when that happened.

Connor

A couple of weeks had passed and Julia started her dialysis. She had asked that we didn’t come right away the first day since she was going to be there a few hours and she only wanted Jake there. Ellery and I had taken Brayden for a while until we went to the hospital to relieve Jake. When we walked in, a sick feeling overtook me. The blue reclining chairs lined up against the wall. The machines. The I.V. poles that were placed in each section reminded me all too much of when Ellery was getting chemo. If this was this hard for me, I could only imagine what Ellery thought. I swallowed hard as I saw my princess sitting there, reclined back in the chair hooked up to a machine. Tears began to fill my eyes and I needed to get a hold of myself. I couldn’t fall apart on her.

“Hey, princess.” I smiled as I kissed her head and handed her Brayden.

“Hi, Daddy. Hi, Mom.” Ellery bent down and gave her a kiss, grabbing hold of her hand and holding it tight.

“How are you doing, baby?” I asked with concern.

“I’m doing fine, Dad. Stop worrying about me.”

“That’s the problem, princess. I’ll never stop worrying about you.”

She gave me a small smile and sat Brayden on her lap.

Jake, I’m going to get some coffee. Why don’t you come with me?” I spoke.

He followed me out of the room and I stopped in the middle of the hall and looked at him. “I know how you’re feeling right now and it’s okay.”

“It’s so hard watching her go through this, Connor. I don’t know how strong I am.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “You’re a lot stronger than you think. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was watch Ellery go through the most horrific treatments of her life. The pain, the screams, the crying, the doubt. It was so much to handle and, at times, I didn’t think I was going to make it through. But then, I would look at her and just think about how much I loved her and my strength pulled us through. Julia needs you to be her strength.”

“I know and I promise I will be.”

“If you ever just want to talk and let everything out, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks.” He smiled.

Julia had another hour and a half left and I desperately wanted to be alone with my daughter. Brayden was crying on and off and he looked so tired.

“Jake, take him home and put him down for a nap,” Julia spoke.

“I don’t want to leave you, baby.”

I looked at Ellery. “Since Julia only has about an hour and a half left, why don’t you go with Jake and help with Brayden. I’ll bring Julia home when she’s finished.”

She knew exactly why I wanted her to leave and she was more than happy to oblige.

“Come on, Jake. Let’s get this little guy settled and get things ready around the apartment for when Connor brings Julia home.”

Jake leaned over, gave Julia a kiss goodbye, and then left with Ellery. I took hold of my daughter’s hand.

“How are you doing?”

“I’m doing fine, Daddy. Please don’t worry about me.”

“Did I ever tell you about the time that I went to your mother’s first chemo treatment?”

“No.” She grinned. “But somehow, I think it’s a hell of a story.”

“Your mom and I weren’t seeing each other anymore and I had sent Denny to follow her to see where she went, what she did, but most importantly, that she was okay.”

“So you had Denny stalk Mom?”

“Yes. I did, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.”

Julia laughed as she interlaced our fingers. “Go on. I’m dying to hear the rest of it.”

“I found out that she decided to do the chemo treatments and I showed up at the hospital, this same hospital, in fact, and she was not happy to see me. She was such a smart ass. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Her attitude sucked and she gave me so much grief. She tried to kick me out numerous times, but I wasn’t going anywhere and she wasn’t telling me otherwise. When her first treatment was over, I took her home and made her pack because I didn’t want her staying in that box of an apartment by herself. She told me that she wasn’t my charity case and to know that she felt that way really hurt me. But ultimately, she packed a bag and stayed briefly at the penthouse. One day, I was in my office and I heard her whimpering upstairs. When I went up to check on her, I found her lying in the hallway, curled up in a ball and crying. She was in so much pain that she wouldn’t let me touch her. I felt so helpless. Finally, she told me to pick her up and get it over with. When I did, she screamed and cried. That is one day I’ll never forget. A few days later, I said some things I shouldn’t have out of anger and she left and went to California without as so much as a word.”

Julia slowly shook her head at me. “Wow. You two are so stubborn. I would give anything to be able to travel back in time and watch the two of you.”

“It wasn’t easy, but I never once gave up on her. Just like I’m never giving up on you, princess.”

“I know this is hard for you, Dad, considering what you went through with Mom all those years ago. But please don’t worry; I’ll be okay. I promise. I’m strong and I can do this. We’ll have to make some minor adjustments, but life will go on.”

A single tear fell from my eye as I stared into the eyes of my little girl. “Life will go on, princess.”

“Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.” She reached over and wiped away my tear.

“What is it, baby?”

She looked down and, suddenly, I became worried.

“That night of the accident when they took me to surgery, something happened.”

She paused.

“Julia, what happened?”

“I had a dream, but I don’t think it was a dream. I saw Denny.”

I narrowed my eyes at her and cocked my head. “What do you mean you saw Denny?”

“One minute I was in the operating room on the table, and the next I was standing in the hallway outside the room. He told me that it wasn’t my time and that I had my whole life ahead of me.”

I swallowed hard as another tear filled my eye. “Did he say anything else?”

“He told me to tell you to stop being stubborn and that you know the right thing to do and that forgiveness always prevails. He said that everything happens for a reason and the big guy upstairs makes things that way. He looked so good, Dad, and he said he was happy and had never felt better.”

I knew at that moment that Julia was telling the truth. Denny had written in his letter that forgiveness always prevails and nobody knew that but me and Ellery. I squeezed her hand as I bent my head down and rested it on her. Knowing that Denny was happy and at peace gave me comfort.

“Dad, are you okay?”

I lifted my head. “I’m fine, princess. Thank you for telling me. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I don’t know. So much had happened. Do you think I’m crazy?”

“No, Julia.” I smiled. “You’re not crazy at all.”

“Do you know what Denny meant about forgiveness and you being stubborn?” she asked.

“No. Not really.” I let out a light laugh.

Her dialysis was finally over and I helped her out of the chair and into the limo where Ralph drove us to our building.

****

Later that night, after Julia got home and settled, Ellery and I went back to the penthouse and placed a carryout order. Grabbing the plates from the cupboard, she set the table and I opened the wine. A few moments later, the doorbell rang and our Chinese food had arrived.

“Julia told me something today that is really sticking with me.”

“What did she tell you?”

“She said that she saw Denny the night of the accident when she was in surgery.”

“Oh?” She smiled. “What did he have to say?”

I sighed. “He told her to tell me to stop being stubborn and that I know what the right thing to do is. He also said that forgiveness always prevails.”

She set down her chopsticks and her eyes widened as she stared at me.

“Yeah. I was just as shocked as you are right now.”

“I don’t know what to say, Connor. Denny did say in his letter that he’d always be watching over us. I guess he is and, to be honest, it’s very comforting to know that he was there for Julia.”

“Yeah. The man is dead and yet he’s still telling me what to do.” I smiled.

Ellery laughed and we finished our dinner, took a nice hot bath together, and then made love to each other into the late hours of the night.