Dreaming of Tomorrow Page 14

  “I know.” She smiled softly. “I’ll be all right.”

  She watched him for a moment as he drove away down her narrow street before turning to go into the house. As she reached for the door, Julia opened it.

  “Your father’s in the den in front of the TV. He’s as comfortable as possible, but he’s not doing well at all.” She hugged Emily with compassion and sadness in her eyes. “I wanted to call you but he insisted that we let you have your weekend.”

  Emily nodded silently and went in search of her father, bracing herself not to react to his condition. She wished David could be with her but she knew he had some things to take care of.

  David parked his car and went to help Nicole with the horses. Together they took off the leg wraps and blankets, and put both horses on the hot walker for a moment to make sure they were walking normally. They put new bedding in their stalls, tossed a flake of hay in each of their mangers, and measured out grain for each of them. David checked the automatic waterers in each stall. Finally, he unhitched each horse from the walker and stabled them. Then he parked the trailer in it’s usual space, unhooked it and parked the truck. He went into the house and quickly made some calls before he drove his car back to join Emily. He needed to be there, for Pete of course, but even more for Emily.

  Emily could see the decline in her father’s health at first glance, his skin was pale and clammy, and his breathing was slow and labored. She knew her father well enough to keep her emotions in check. As weak as he was, she could still see his fighting spirit and yet both of them knew the fight was near its end.

  “Daddy! I would have come home if you’d called.” She hugged him gently and kissed his cheek.

  “That’s why I didn’t call,” he said, his tone weak and thready. “I told Julia not to let you know.”

  “Why, Daddy?” she asked, a hint of tears in her eyes.

  “Because it wouldn’t make a bit of difference and you know it.” He coughed a little then said, “And it was the first time you’ve had anything for yourself in so long. Was it wonderful?”

  “Yes, Daddy.” She smiled, struggling to hold back the tears. “I had the most wonderful weekend ever.”

  “And was it romantic, being with David?” He managed to smile at her.

  “Daddy, it was more than romantic.” Emily smiled softly. “David’s a fantastic man, and he cares so much for me. I can barely understand it, but that’s how it is.”

  “All that means is he’s smart,” he managed. “And how was the horse show? Did David win a lot of trophies?”

  “Yes, Daddy, he always does.” She smiled softly then added, “And the horse show was great. David had a big surprise for me. He had me entered on Raider in the novice division and I won some trophies myself, and a belt buckle.”

  She held out the engraved silver buckle for him to see.

  “Fantastic, Sweetie. I’m so proud of you. I always have been.” He seemed to weaken in front of her eyes. “Now, let me rest until I have to see the doctor.”

  She kissed his forehead and tucked the quilt around him before she left him to his nap.

  As she left the room, she heard him barely whisper, “Emily, please, no hospital. Let me stay here.”

  The phrase “until I die” went unspoken, but she heard it clearly.

  She went up to her room for a while and sat on the edge of her bed. She had her moment to let go and cry. Then she rinsed her face and went down to find David had returned. He was in the kitchen with her mother. As usual, Mae seemed to be unaware of what was happening, but she knew something was terribly wrong. She had tears in her eyes. David was holding her hand and talking to her gently.

  Julia drew the older woman away so David could be alone with Emily. “How is he?”

  “He hasn’t got long. It’s so clear that I know it even without the doctor. The worst thing for me is that he’s aware of what’s happening. I was hoping that when he got to this stage he wouldn’t be, but he is. He doesn’t want to go into the hospital and I know the doctor’s going to want to admit him. I’m dreading this appointment.”

  “I’ll be with you, if that helps.” David drew her even closer, letting her cry and giving her what comfort he could. In the short time he’d known Pete, he’d come to really like and admire Emily’s father.

  It wasn’t long, only about half an hour, before David drove Pete and Emily to the medical center where Pete’s doctor had an office. The doctor had been alerted by Julia and had tried to clear his schedule so that there were very few patients in the waiting room. Pete’s deterioration was clear to every member of the office staff, and they all took time to give both Pete and Emily a hug and a kind word.

  That didn’t stop the receptionist from winking and grinning at the office manager out of sight of Emily before saying, “Hey Linda, looks like Emily found a hot one. Wow! Good for her.”

  “And the timing’s perfect,” the manager shot back, “because he seems even nicer than he looks.” She sighed softly. “I hope he is that nice because she’ll need him. And soon.”

  “I know, I’ve prayed for her and Pete,” she looked at Linda, “and Mae too, of course. I wonder how she met him, do you know?”

  “Kate and Laura, of course.” Linda looked at the single and very pretty receptionist and asked, “Have you met either of them? No, don’t bother to answer, I know you haven’t.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s easy,” Linda smiled, “you’re still single.”

  In the exam room the doctor’s appointment proved to be every bit as difficult as Emily feared. Pete’s doctor wanted to admit him to the hospital straight from the office. He was ready to call an ambulance to transport him. Pete, as expected, balked.

  “They can’t do anything for me, so why should I go into the hospital?” he argued, his voice was weak but his attitude was strong. “Can’t I stay home with my family?”

  Emily took the doctor aside. “Exactly why should he go into the hospital, Doctor?”

  “He’s dying,” the doctor said gently. “Surely you’ve realized that by now.”

  “Will being in a hospital save him?” she returned.

  “No, but we may be able to prolong his life,” the doctor admitted.

  “By making him less comfortable, putting him in unfamiliar surroundings, putting tubes in him, and having him cared for by strangers? No, thank you. We’ll take him home.” Emily told the doctor firmly, “I have a Registered Nurse living with me, so between the two of us we’ll make him as comfortable and happy as we can, but we’ll do it at home.”

  David stepped behind Emily, his arms around her waist, giving her his strength. She took a deep breath then said, “Doctor, if he was unaware of his surroundings I’d probably go along with your plans, but he’s alert and he should make his own choices. We’re taking him home.”

  “Refill his pain prescriptions and make him comfortable,” the doctor relented, “and call me if you need me. Don’t tell anyone, but for Pete, I’ll make a house call.”

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Emily said quietly.

  He touched her face gently and said, “Pete’s lucky to have you for his daughter.”

  They took Pete home. David helped the older man as he walked up the steps and into the house. They settled him in his favorite chair and sat with him until he fell asleep in front of the TV. Then Emily and David sat in the kitchen and talked to Mae, who for once seemed to be aware of her surroundings.

  “I’m so sorry, Emie, that your father and I are such a burden on you,” she told Emily. “I’m so proud of you for how well you take care of us.”

  “I love you, Mom. What else can I do?” Emily smiled sadly at her mother.

  “Your new friend is so handsome, Emily,” Mae told her daughter. “I hope he makes you happy.”

  “He does, Mom.” Emily sighed.

  “I’d love to see you married and happy.” She continued, “I just hope when it happens, I can remember who you are. I want you to realize, Dear, that eve
n when I don’t seem to be able to think straight, I do know that I love you.”

  “I know you do, I love you too, Mom,” Emily told her.

  As suddenly as her rationality had come, it fled. Abruptly, Mae got off her chair and crawled under the table. “Really, sis, you should get down here and take care of this baby. You shouldn’t just let him crawl over by the stove like that.”

  “Sorry Mom,” Emily apologized ironically, “I didn’t see him. I thought he was still in his playpen.” She pretended to pick something up off the floor, and keeping her back to Mae, left the room briefly.

  “Is that your baby?” Mae looked at David. “Are you my sister’s husband?”

  “Yes, Mae,” he answered her, “my name is David, remember?”

  “No, but I don’t seem to have a very good memory,” Mae admitted. “Can I ask you something? Who’s that sick man in the living room?”

  “He’s your husband, Pete,” David told her gently.

  “He must be very ill,” Mae said sadly. “He looks so old I hardly recognize him.”

  “Yes, Mae. He is very ill,” David told her, “that’s why Emily and I are here.”

  David took Emily aside and hugged her gently before saying, “Emily, I have all the arrangements ready, we can get married tonight if you’d like, at my place. I took a chance and made a few calls today. That way, Pete can be there. I even managed to invite his doctor.”

  “Yes, we should do it tonight.” She had tears in her eyes. “I want to have my father there when I get married. I don’t care about the rest. The flowers, the cake, fancy food or even a lot of guests. I just need him there. So I do want us to get married tonight. I want you beside me day and night, good times and bad.”

  “Well gee, I guess I will.” David pretended to sulk. “You could at least say you love me when you demand we get married.”

  “I thought the bit about wanting you beside me day and night in good times and bad was a pretty good declaration of love!” She pouted.

  “Well, the words would make it perfect,” David said stiffly.

  “The words?” Emily smiled then said, “You mean the words: I love you?”

  “Well, yeah, those words,” David said softly. “Do you love me as much as I love you?”

  “What would you do if I said I love you more? You opened me up to the wonder of life, and the joy of love. How could I resist? I do love you, so much that it’s hard to put into words. I do know one thing: the future doesn’t scare me anymore. I’d even like to have your children, one day”

  An unbelievable joy filled David. “Well, in that case, I guess I will marry you today. I’ve already made calls to everyone to help us set it up.” David kissed her. “Isn’t it lucky that Nikki’s in town now?”

  “Very lucky.” She smiled, tears in her eyes. “But don’t you have to work today?”

  “I did have a couple of appointments set up for today but I had my secretary cancel all but one and clear my schedule for a few days,” David kissed her, “so I only have to go in for that one. It should only take half an hour.”

  “While you’re doing that, I can pack a few things, fun a few errands, and . . .” Her voice trailed off.

  “What is it?” David asked gently. “Do you need more time? Please say no.”

  “It’s not that. It just hit me, why we’re getting married so soon. Emily shook a little, trying to fight off her sorrow and concentrate on the joy of marrying the man she loved.

  “We’ll tell everyone to meet at the ranch at. . . what do you think? Around seven?” At Emily’s dazed nod he continued, “We’ll have a limo pick us up at your house.” David got up and began dressing as he planned. “Your folks and Julia can take it home after the ceremony.”

  “Okay, I better hit the road if I’m going to make it on time.” Emily’s smile was so wide it seemed to be a permanent addition to her face, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I have a lot to do.”

  They kissed and separated to go their separate ways, each with a long mental list of errands to get done. They each had a million thoughts bouncing around in their heads.

  Emily took her car and headed out to run her errands. She called Nikki and told her what was going on, but Nick already knew. After she and Nick exchanged a short and excited conversation, Emily got to the point of her call.

  “I want to wear that wedding dress I modeled a few weeks ago,” she told Nikki. “Remember you had them alter it for me instead of just pinning it temporarily? It was so perfect for me. Do you think we can get it?”

  “Why do you think I told them to alter it to fit you?” Nikki smiled through the phone. “It’s all ready for you at Hans’ studio. I bought it for you, just in case. I’ll call him to let him know you’ll be picking it up.”

  “You’re terrific, Nick.” Emily gushed. “Do me one more favor? Don’t tell David I called you; let me surprise him with the dress.”

  “I will, and Emily?” She paused. “I’m gonna be the best sister-in-law you ever had.”

  “You’re gonna be the only sister-in-law I’ll ever have, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone I loved more.”

  She finally arrived home with her dress in a garment bag. Emily began packing a few things to take over to David’s: her make-up, dress, shoes, veil, and a few more things. She sat down with Mae and told her about the wedding. She got Mae cleaned up and dressed, ready to go. She made sure Mae was dressed in her best outfit. She told Pete to put on his best suit, and Julia helped her with him. He was tired, but excited. Emily put her garment bag by the door along with anything else she was taking so they’d be ready for David.

  David quickly finished his own errands. He had already called Nick and took the mandatory teasing a sister is required to give her brother when he tells her he’s getting married. He had called as many members of both Churches as he knew and explained the situation before the weekend, adding that he couldn’t be sure when the wedding would take place. Most of the women had made casseroles and had them waiting in the freezer, ready for when they were needed. So he knew they had plenty of food. It would be potluck but plentiful, and among the Church members were two caterers. Both of them also had some of their best dishes ready to go.

  Also among the Church ladies was a woman named Grace who baked spectacular wedding cakes. She had a four-tiered cake in her cooler, covered with very realistic edible flowers. Everyone who knew Pete loved him, and the ones who didn’t know Pete knew David and knew he was always ready to help someone out.

  He made calls from his house and made arrangements for several things. He had his cleaning service out to give the house a fast, but detailed cleaning from top to bottom. He had a florist lined up to do silk floral arrangements in the great room downstairs. He called his friends and family, and also called Emily’s. He made sure there was lots of champagne and strawberries, and sparkling cider for Mae. The four-tiered wedding cake arrived. The topper was a cowboy and cowgirl sitting on horseback. It was just the light touch of humor the cake needed. Grace had done a beautiful job with it. He already had the ring, ready and waiting. He called for a limo to drive him over to Emily’s.

  He got out of the limo and walked up to the front door. He raised his hand to knock, but Emily managed to sneak up behind him. He turned and looked at her, awed and amazed at the love that spread through him. Life was good. His quick laugh was filled with joy.

  “Hurry up gorgeous, we have a wedding to get to. Ours!”

  Chapter Seventeen

  In spite of the rush to put the wedding on and the sorrow behind the reason for the rush, it was a beautiful and touching wedding. The pastors from both Emily’s and David’s churches took part in the ceremony. The flowers were beautiful, but silk instead of real flowers, in a nod to Pete’s allergies. Of course, David’s dogs were banished from the house and it had been meticulously cleaned, top to bottom, including the carpets. It was a last minute job, but a large tip to his cleaning service did wonders.

  Emily dressed in Nick
i’s bedroom, putting on the beautiful designer gown she’d once modeled. It was ivory with a beaded halter top, mermaid silhouette, and a short, lacy train. Hans sent his favorite stylist over to do her hair and make-up. She looked amazing. While she was dressing, her father knocked on the door and came in.

  “Honey, you look wonderful. I’m so proud of you, and so happy to see this day arrive,” he said with misty eyes. “David’s a wonderful man. He’s everything I’d hoped you’d find. God has truly blessed us with him.”

  “Daddy, I couldn’t settle for less, I had you.” Emily fought back tears of her own. “I love you so much.”

  “Emily,” her father started, “don’t be sad, sweetie. God gave us a miracle to let me be here today. Always remember how proud I am of you and how much I love you. Whatever happens I will always be with you, in your heart, your memories, and your soul. We have that, and we have today. It’s enough.”

  “I know,” Emily swallowed hard, “and I am grateful, but Daddy. . .”

  He hugged her and said, “Thank God for what he’s given you and try not to worry about what you don’t have, okay?”

  Emily nodded wordlessly.

  Emily’s mother looked wonderful. Mae was dressed in a soft blue gown, lightly beaded, and her hair was perfectly styled. She was smiling and upbeat, although no one could tell if she realized what was going on.

  Pete was in a dark grey suit. It had been perfectly tailored, but was now loose and his frailty was apparent, as was his joy. With his suit he wore a crisp white shirt and a slate blue tie. David’s mother flew in for the special occasion. She was youthful in spite of her age, and beautiful in peach silk. Nicole was as gorgeous as always in a stylish burgundy gown. She acted as the maid of honor. David’s law partner was the best man. The law partner couldn’t believe his luck at standing next to a genuine supermodel. His smile almost split his face open.

  For the other guests there were the members of both Churches, staff from David’s office, a few members of the riding club and the matchmaking friends Kate and Laura, with their husbands and kids in tow. For what started out to be a small, last minute wedding, it was surprisingly large.