Chapter 17
Grant studied his wife’s features, his mind a tumultuous mix of worry and wonder. Her amnesia complicated things. And with Kyle’s threat looming, it certainly didn’t make anything easier.
But Julia, despite not remembering him, still acted like the Julia he knew. She still worried about everyone else. Her heartache over not remembering Sierra was easy to spot, along with her heartache over not remembering him.
When he had to tell her their marriage was nothing more than a contract, how would she react? He dreaded the moment, but at least he had postponed it until she was home. Somehow, the safety of Harrington House made the unbearable task slightly more bearable, though not by much.
Kyle had disagreed but finally relented when he’d pointed out that if she panicked in a hospital full of people, it could go very badly for all of them.
In the private moments they’d spent since she had awoken, she’d asked him if she’d broken up his marriage. The question made him smile, but his grin quickly faded as he faced the reality of owning up to his past…again.
Kyle would undoubtedly be certain she knew she was his fifth wife.
The ringing of his cell phone pulled him from his ruminations. He glanced at the screen finding Kathryn’s name. His features pinched. He should speak with his campaign manager, especially given the latest set of events.
“If you need to take that, don’t worry about me. I’m just going to try to fall asleep.”
Typical Julia. Always supportive even when she needed support. It was amazing how much she was the same despite the distance he sensed between them. “I always worry about you, Juls. But if you don’t mind, I’m going to grab this.”
She offered him a reassuring smile and a nod as he pressed the phone to his ear and stepped into the hall.
“Kathryn, I don’t have long. Julia’s awake.”
“Oh, that’s great. How is she?”
“Not great,” he answered with a shake of his head as he paced down the hall.
“Oh, no. Does she need more surgery?”
“No, no, nothing like that, thank goodness. She…has amnesia. She doesn’t remember anything.”
“Really?” Kathryn’s voice sounded intrigued and surprised. “Nothing?”
“Not me, not Sierra. Nothing.”
“That’s wild. Do the doctors know when she’ll get her memory back?”
“Could be in a few hours. Could be in a few months. Could be never.” The last words stuck in his throat. Would he lose the woman he had grown to care for so deeply over a lost memory?
Kathryn sighed on the other end. “Oh, Grant. That’s terrible. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, me too. We’re hoping for the best, but until then, it’s rough going. She is trying to re-learn everything but in this family, that’s a difficult thing to do.”
“Right. Well, I certainly understand you need to be with your wife, but I do have some updates for you.”
Grant bit his lower lip, sliding his eyes closed as he made a decision. His hand tightened around his phone. Images of campaign rallies and strategy meetings clashed with memories of quiet evenings with Julia. At that moment, the roar of the crowd paled in comparison to her soft voice. “Kathryn, before we go through that…I’ve come to a decision.”
“Oh?”
“I…can’t continue with this campaign. Not now. I need to be with Julia. I need to see her through this. And I’m concerned the election is going to put more stress on her than she needs.”
“Wow,” Kathryn said, her surprise obvious. “I mean, I understand what you’re saying, but this is a blow.”
“Come on, we didn’t stand a chance after those fake affair photos came out.”
“We still could have made a good run at it. Our numbers weren’t that bad. And to be fair, it stinks to say this, but your numbers are up after reports of the accident.”
The thought of winning because his wife had nearly died didn’t sit well with him. “Well, that cinches it for me. I have no desire to win this election because Julia nearly died.”
“Hey, a win’s a win. If you still want to go for it, I’ll do my best to stay out of your hair and run everything while you take the time you need with Julia.”
Grant shook his head. Despite his desire to win, he had more important things in his life now. “No. Here’s the thing, Kathryn, if I feel this way now, I’m not going to make a very good Senator, am I?”
“No one cares about that. Everyone will understand that you need time with your wife. Especially if we tell them she’s not well.”
“No,” Grant said firmly. “I do not want Julia’s amnesia all over the media. She’s under enough pressure right now than to have those vultures reporting on her condition and speculating. No, I’m out. I need to take care of my family right now.”
Silence stretched between them for a moment before Kathryn sighed. “Well, we ran a hell of a campaign. I’d rather you take some more time to think about this–Grant, this is career-defining.”
“I’ve had plenty of time. I’ve sat by Julia’s bedside for two days doing nothing but thinking. My priorities have shifted. This is what I want. I’m sorry, Kathryn.”
“Don’t think anything of it. I’m already on to my next two jobs. I just need to know if you want to announce this personally or if you want me to handle it?”
“Can you handle it? It’s not usually my style, but I just don’t want to leave Julia to do a press conference on this.”
“That’s fine. I think everyone will understand. I’ll put a release out tomorrow morning. If you do change your mind–”
“I won’t,” he answered.
“Alright.It’ll be public at nine tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Kathryn.” He ended the call and blew out a long sigh. The Senate race had meant a lot to him, but not more than Julia. He needed to spend time ensuring she was okay and building back their relationship, even if it was from scratch.
He rubbed his chin as he allowed his decision to settle on him. It was the one thing he felt certain about, right now. With the campaign cleared off his plate, he strode back to her hospital room.
He hoped to find her asleep but expected to see her blue eyes open when he entered. He pulled the door open and stepped inside, freezing at the scene.
Kyle perched on the edge of her bed. Julia’s features registered upset and confusion as she glanced between the two of them.
Grant’s jaw clenched tight, his fists balling at his sides as he spotted Kyle’s hand around Julia’s. A surge of protectiveness flooded through him.
Why had his son sneaked back into the room when his back was turned? If he had told her about their contract, Grant couldn’t be responsible for what he did to him. They’d come to physical violence once over Julia. Would this be the second time?
“What are you doing in here?” he barked.
Kyle rose from his seat, twisting to face him. “Checking on Julia. She shouldn’t be alone.”
“I stepped out for a call,” Grant growled, his fingers curling into fists.
“That’s always the case with you. It’s always about you.”
“Do you really think this is the best time and place to do this?”
Kyle glanced at Julia who looked overwhelmed again. He reached for her hand. “No. It’s not. I’m sorry, Julia.”
“It’s okay,” she murmured.
“Get out, Kyle.”
“I’ll leave when Julia asks me to,” he answered. “We were in the middle of a discussion.”
Grant’s jaw flexed. The coward had thrown the decision on his amnesiac wife. She didn’t need more pressure on her.
“Maybe it’s best if you left, Kyle. We can talk another time.”
Kyle slid his other hand around hers before he leaned closer. “Okay. Try not to stress about it, okay? It’ll all make more sense soon. Try to get some sleep, Julia.”
She offered him a tentative nod as he let go of her hand. With an icy glare at Grant, he strode past him and through the door.
She slid her eyes closed as Grant closed the gap between them and eased into the chair next to her.
“I’m sorry about that,” Grant said. “Kyle is…not good with boundaries.”
Julia glanced at him. “I’m afraid that’s my fault.”
“No, it isn’t. Don’t take the blame for his bad behavior.”
She chewed her lower lip as she twisted the blanket in her hands.
Grant reached forward to take her hand with a sigh. “The family dynamics are…complicated. I wish it was easier, but it’s not. Kyle and I never get along. In fact, the only thing holding us together is you.”
She snapped her gaze to him, her features registering surprise and concern. He offered her a warm smile. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to play peacekeeper during your recovery. I’ll try my best to get along with him.”
He was eager to share the sordid story with her, but he feared it might overwhelm her. She seemed on the verge of her breaking point, weighed down by everything that had transpired since she woke up.
With the Senate race off his plate, he’d have plenty of time to fill her in when she was ready.
Despite his words, her tension didn’t seem to ease.
“I’m sorry, Julia. I wish I could do something to help.”
She took a deep breath and slouched further down in the bed. “You have nothing to be sorry about. It’s hardly your fault that any of this happened.”
Grant pressed his lips into a thin line. Wasn’t it? He’d tracked her down and convinced her to marry him for show. Then he’d done it again, the second time almost trapping her into staying with him when he’d made the surprise announcement naming her CEO of Harrington Global. If he hadn’t done that, she’d be living a quiet life somewhere far from all of the trouble he’d brought to her doorstep.
“I just wish I could make things go back to the way they were.”
Her features twisted with upset, and she reached for his hand. “I’m sure they will. Even if I don’t remember, I’m certain we’ll reconnect.”
He wanted to take solace in her words, but he wondered if the connection she promised had ever existed on her side. With the revelation looming ahead of him, would the Julia he knew and loved still look at him with the same eyes or would the truth erect an insurmountable wall between them?
He squeezed her hand, trying to find comfort in the moment, but only growing more apprehensive.
“I think you’d better get some rest. I’m sure this is very stressful for you. I don’t want you overdoing it.”
She smiled at him, resting her head against the pillow. Within ten minutes, her rhythmic breathing and the slow, steady beat of her heart monitor announced her sleep. He kept her hand in his as he stared at her for another few moments.
“Why did we have to be so complicated, Julia?”
Why hadn’t he met her at another time in his life and swept her off her feet? The question plagued him as he leaned back in the chair, reluctantly letting her hand go. Eventually, the constant beeping lulled him to sleep, too.
When he awoke the next morning, he found Sierra sitting across from him and Julia already awake. She smiled at him as she sipped orange juice, already dressed. She looked better already without the hospital gown. “Good morning. I’ve got good news.”
He rubbed his bleary eyes as adrenaline shot through his system. “You remember?”
She shook her head with a slight wince. “Sorry, it’s not that good.”
“She’s going home, Daddy! Isn’t that wonderful? Julia will finally be home at Harrington House.”
A grin spread across his face. “That’s great. It’ll be good to have you home.”
“I agree. I’ll bet she remembers everything when we get home.”
Julia grabbed his daughter’s hand. “Oh, Sierra, please don’t get your hopes up. I haven’t had even a glimmer of anything since I woke up.”
“It doesn’t matter. Just you being home and better is a really good step forward.”
“I will not miss this place,” Julia said.
A knock sounded at the door. Grant twisted, the smile sliding off his face as Kyle stepped in. “Good morning, Julia. You’re looking much better today.”
“I’m going home,” she answered with a smile.
“That’s excellent,” he answered.
“As soon as they get her paperwork, we’re taking her home,” Grant said as he grabbed her hand, his joy over taking her home tempered with the dread of what he had to tell her when they got there.
“Great,” Kyle answered. “And I just so happen to be off, so I can go with you.”
Grant clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around the armrest, his knuckles whitening. The air crackled with unspoken animosity, a silent war waged in the glances they exchanged.
“Umm, listen Crazy–”
“Will you please stop with that nickname?” he asked.
Sierra narrowed her eyes at the man. “No one asked you to come.”
“I think Julia needs all the support she can get. Especially with Lydia lurking around the halls.”
“Fine, it’s fine,” Grant said as he recalled the promise he’d made to Julia last night. She remembered Kyle. Maybe seeing him would continue to spur her memory. He hated that the only recollection of her life with them was of Kyle, but he’d take what he could get. He didn’t care how her memory came back, as long as it did.
“Daddy!” Sierra exclaimed.
Grant held a hand up. “Sierra, it’s fine. Kyle is…a member of this family. And Julia also said she remembers him somewhat. Maybe that’ll help.”
“I still can’t believe you remember him of all people,” Sierra said with a roll of her eyes.
Julia offered a nervous smile as she fidgeted in the bed. They made small talk until the nurse arrived with her discharge papers.
“Oh,” Grant said as they readied to leave. “I nearly forgot. You’ll need these back.”
He dug into his pocket and removed her wedding ring and engagement ring. She stared at them as he slid them onto her finger.
“Well? Did that do anything? Do you remember?” Sierra asked.
She finally tore her eyes away and shook her head. “No, sorry. It’s a lovely ring, though.”
James awaited them outside. Julia offered him a nervous smile before she shifted her gaze to Grant. Each confused glance she gave him was like a blade to his heart. Each forgotten memory felt like a personal loss, a shared moment erased from their canvas.
“This is James, my driver. Oh, and Sierra’s boyfriend. I don’t want you to find that out the hard way for a second time.”
“Right,” Julia said with a nod. “Hi, James.”
“Mrs. Harrington,” he said with a smile as she slid into the backseat. “Great to have you coming home.”
Grant took her hand as they pulled away from the curb, snaking out of the city to the quiet solitude of Harrington House. As they pulled up to the door, he eyed her. She studied the exterior with a nervous stare. Was anything sparking inside her?
“Anything?” he asked as they stepped out of the car.
“No, sorry,” she said as Kyle and Sierra pulled up behind them.
“It’s okay. It’s good to have you home. Let’s head inside.” He guided her into the foyer. As they stepped inside, he couldn’t help but recall the day they’d first walked into this house together. The moment, a symbol of their new beginning, now contrasted sharply with their fractured story. Worthington awaited them, a soft smile aimed at Julia.
“Mrs. Harrington, so lovely to have you home.”
“Worthington, right?”
“That’s correct, Mrs. Harrington.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you. I wish I did.”
Grant rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay, Julia.”
“Would you like me to show you to your room?” Worthington asked.
Kyle cleared his throat, his meaning clear.
“Not just yet, Worthington,” Grant said as his muscles tensed. “I need to speak to Julia for a few moments.”
“Why don’t we go into the living room?” Kyle suggested.
“It may be better if I–”
“Not a chance,” Kyle answered. “I think Julia will appreciate the support from all of us.”
Grant’s heart sank. He’d hoped she’d walk into Harrington House and have a miraculous return of all her memories. Instead, she’d looked at the space and the people in it with the same blank stare. She didn’t remember. And now, he’d have to tell her the truth.
With a heavy sigh, he led her to the large space.
She froze as she stepped inside, her eyes lingering on the massive wedding photo of them mounted above the couch. “Whoa.”
Grant let his gaze fall on it, too, a reminder of a day filled with hidden truths that were about to come to light.
“Do you remember anything from that day?” Sierra asked.
Grant held his breath as he waited for the answer, though she only shook her head.
He eased her to sit on the couch, perching on the heavy coffee table across from her. The barely perceptible shake in his hands as he grabbed hers made him more uneasy.
Sierra eased to sit next to her as Kyle leaned against the door casually.
“Julia, there is something you need to know.”
“Okay,” she said, her apprehension obvious. She shifted on the leather couch her eyes flitting from Sierra to Grant.
“It’s about our marriage.”
A flicker of something flashed across her eyes. What was it–fear or something else?
He sucked in a breath, his heart thudding. As many times as he’d practiced this, he struggled to find the words to tell the woman he cared so deeply for that their marriage was a sham. “Julia…when we got married…I…we…”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Julia, your marriage is nothing more than a contract set up to save Grant’s image,” Kyle said.
The words smacked him like a physical blow, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d rehearsed it so many times, but now, stripped of control, he felt a mix of relief to have the words out and profound regret. And he could only wait to see how Julia reacted.