Chapter 19
NINETEEN
F orrest Hills Hospital
Haley sat beside her dad’s hospital bed, the antiseptic smell of the room mingling with the faint scent of the flowers she’d brought earlier. Her father’s chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his face pale but peaceful. She brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, her fingers trembling as she clung to the memory of the man he’d been—strong, stubborn, and full of life.
The door creaked open, and Dr. Klein stepped inside, her face soft with sympathy. Haley stood, her stomach twisting into knots.
“Haley,” the doctor began gently, “your dad’s stable for now, but it’s time to prepare for what’s ahead. He could still have some good days left, but we’ve decided to call in hospice. We’ll focus on keeping him comfortable.”
Haley’s throat tightened. “How long?” she whispered.
Dr. Klein hesitated, her voice quieter now. “It’s hard to say. Maybe weeks, maybe less. I’d encourage you to focus on the time you have left together.”
Haley nodded, her chest aching with a mix of gratitude and dread. “Thank you, Doctor.”
The room fell silent as Dr. Klein left. Haley sank back into the chair by the bed, her hands covering her face as silent tears fell.
“You know I love you, Don’t you Haley-Bug?” came her dad’s familiar, gravelly voice, “I love you even if you lied about where you were going.”
Haley’s head shot up, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. “Dad, you’re awake.”
“Hard to sleep through all that sniffling,” he teased, his smile faint but full of warmth. He squeezed her hand with what little strength he had left. “What’s wrong, pumpkin?”
Haley’s lip trembled as she tried to hold it together. “The doctor says... they’re calling in hospice. They think... the end is near.”
Her father studied her, his blue eyes clear and steady despite his frailty. “Well, we knew this day was coming, didn’t we? It’s just how life works, kiddo.”
“That doesn’t make it any easier,” Haley said, her voice breaking.
“No, it doesn’t,” he agreed. “But some of the best things in life come with a little pain. Love, for one.” He gave her a pointed look.
Haley blinked, caught off guard. “Love?”
“Don’t think I don’t see what’s going on with you,” he said, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t know where you’ve been. But your mother’s been nagging me non-stop about the neighbor telling her you’d run off with Ian Johnson. You’ve had a crush on the boy since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. I say, good for you! I told your mother that as well, although I’d bet my last dollar she didn’t tell you.”
Haley’s cheeks burned. “I—I don’t know what to say.”
Her dad chuckled, the sound soft and wheezy. “You can lie to yourself, but don’t try it with me. I’ve seen the way you look at that boy. And the way he looks at you? It’s the same way I used to look at your mom.”
Haley’s heart twisted. “How can you say that? You and Mom have had so many problems. She’s always...” She trailed off, shaking her head.
Her dad sighed, his expression growing somber. “Your mom and I... we’ve had our ups and downs, sure. But love isn’t about perfection, Haley. It’s about fighting through the hard times because the good times are worth it. She’s had her demons to bear—things she’s never fully healed from. That doesn’t excuse the way she’s treated you, but try to forgive her someday if you can. She’s scared about being alone after I'm gone.”
“Forgive her?” Haley echoed, bitterness creeping into her tone. “That’s easier said than done, Dad. We got in a big fight before I came over here. Everything is all tangled up.”
He squeezed her hand. “Forgive her if you can, Haley. But hear me now. Don't let her bully or belittle you. Nobody— nobody —should ever clip your wings. You’ve got too much spirit for that, Bug. And you don’t need to hide it to make anyone else feel comfortable.”
Haley swallowed hard, her father’s words sinking deep into her heart. “But I can’t handle it if you go, Dad. Not now. I—I’m not ready. There are so many things changing in my life and I can’t handle it.”
A flicker of pain crossed his face, but he squeezed her fingers with a trembling hand. “You’ll always have me, Haley. Always. The day you were born, you stole a piece of my heart, and I refuse to take it back. It’s yours now—always has been, always will be.”
The dam broke, and Haley sobbed, her tears falling freely as her dad pulled her hand to his chest. His thumb brushed against her knuckles in a small, soothing motion.
“Shh,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Don’t cry, Bug. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Live it. Follow your heart, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Fight for love, Haley. Don’t let fear make your choices for you.”
Haley wiped her tears, her voice shaky. “How do you know I’m in love?”
Her dad smiled faintly. “Because I see it. You won’t believe me with those tears running down your face. But you look different—happier, I think. That boy’s had his eye on you for as long as I can remember. He just didn’t know what to do about it half the time—like his feelings were too big to fit inside him. The way you two were always fightin’ and carryin’ on. Lord, I knew you’d both figure it out eventually. I’m just glad I was here to see it happen.”
Haley let out a watery laugh. “Sounds about right. Dad, there’s something I should tell you about Ian. Well, about both of us really.”
“That can wait, Bug. I’m getting tired and need to rest. But before I do, I need you to promise me something, Haley,” her dad said, his tone growing serious.
“Anything,” she whispered.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment to live your love story,” he said. “There’s no such thing. Take the leap. Love’s worth the risk. I had my happily ever after. It’s time for you to have yours.”
Haley nodded, a fresh set of tears trailing down her cheeks. “I promise, Dad.”
He smiled, his eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. “That’s my girl,” he murmured, his voice fading as he drifted back to sleep.
Haley stayed by his side, her hand resting over his, as his words echoed in her heart.