When Sky Breaks: Burn & Break Duet Book 2

10. Sky

Hospitals arenotorious for being cold, so I make sure Foster takes a sweater for his appointment even as he complains about it.

“I haven’t started treatment yet, and you’re already acting like I’m this frail old man,” he teases, and his blue eyes are soft as he accepts the jacket I found in the hall closet. “But thank you, baby girl. I appreciate the fussing.”

I smirk. “Just wait until you’re sitting in that chair for hours during your first treatment. You’ll thank me.”

He pulls me in for a hug. “You know I’m so grateful you came home, don’t you? I don’t think I could get through this without you and your brother here for me.”

My chest swells. I squeeze him in return with every bit of strength I possess. This is only the beginning for him, and though his cancer isn’t aggressive and very curable, chemo is rough. He’ll likely have a port put in for the doctors to administer the chemo drugs. He’s in high spirits, which is great, but the inevitable crash will come.

He’s quiet on the drive, and I reach over to take his hand. “You got me now and forever. No matter how much I annoy you with my nurse attitude.”

His smile is small, and a part of me breaks. This powerful man’s vulnerability cuts through me deeply.

“Everything okay?” I ask, taking my eyes off the road briefly.

“I’m good. Nervous, but okay. Just brings back memories of Gwen.”

The vice around my heart tightens. I forgot how painful it must have been for him to lose the love of his life at such a young age. Foster’s only fifty-two and in excellent health from all the rigorous activity he gets as a firefighter. But as the one soon to be sitting in the chair hooked to poison that didn’t save his wife, optimism is only half the battle.

“Oh god, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think.”

He pats my leg. “It’s all right. I don’t know the reasons why I had to get this, too, but I know I’ll beat it. I have too much to live for. I miss her with every fiber in me, but I know you and Trek still need me here.”

Tears blur my vision, and I quickly swipe them away as I pull into the hospital parking lot. Foster needs me to be strong with him, so I ignore the guilt I harbor at staying away for so long and the pressures of the outside world. I’m here now and I’ll do anything for him to get better.

* * *

The room we’re in is cozy, the walls a warm green color with an array of pretty pictures framing each wall. Sun filters in through the large windows and we’re facing a courtyard complete with a pickleball and tennis court.

Seated around the table in the room are Dr. Ramirez, Foster, and me. Trek stayed at home to work, and we’ll update him later. At any moment, Johnny is expected to show. My nerves go into overdrive and my palms sweat. He better remain professional around me. I’m not ready to have that conversation with Foster—we have to focus on his treatment plan. And the last thing we need is any conflicts of interest messing with this.

“We’re just waiting on Dr. Hawk. He’s getting us all some coffee. He said he’s close to you, Ms. Winters. How do you know Johnny? He comes with a great reputation, so we’re happy to have him on the team.”

Well, shit.

The door opens, and Johnny breezes in, his arms loaded down with coffee cups in a carrier and a bag of what smells like pastries. I was too nervous to eat this morning, but on cue, my stomach grumbles.

“Sky works at the same hospital I do. She’s in pediatrics, but we’d occasionally cross paths at hospital functions.” He winks at me as he sets down the coffee carrier and bag, reaching over to squeeze my bicep before lowering to his chair.

Foster tilts his head and glances at me with a hint of suspicion on his face before holding out a hand for Johnny. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Hawk. Appreciate your help.”

“I insist you call me Johnny. Please.”

Coffee, fruit, and donuts are passed around, and I stuff one in my mouth to avoid blurting out anything I shouldn’t.

I listen and take notes as Johnny speaks. He pulls up Foster’s scans and walks us through what he sees and what he believes to be the best approach. Six months of chemo and radiation with regular blood work-ups.

Johnny’s sleeves are rolled to his elbows, and his mahogany brown hair is slicked back with a hint of gel. I almost wish a flop of his hair would come undone so he wouldn’t always look so put together, but that reminds me entirely too much of August’s unruly hair, and I immediately focus on the words coming out of his mouth instead.

“You’re very lucky, Mr. Berry. This cancer is not as aggressive as others, and even though it was caught later than we’d like, you’re still on the road to full remission as long as we get started right away. First is your port, and then we’ll schedule your first chemo treatment.” He’s all business, and I’ll admit it’s hot to see him in action. “Any questions so far?”

Foster shakes his head. “I imagine when I do, I’ll know who to ask.”

Johnny winks at me again, making my stomach bubble with something I’m not sure of. “Yeah, well, between me and your brilliant daughter, we can answer anything you need. And, of course, Dr. Ramirez. You’re in excellent hands, Mr. Berry.”

I notice my dad didn’t ask Johnny to call him Foster, but elect to think it’s his nerves.

After Dr. Ramirez excuses herself for another appointment, Johnny leans over and tweaks my ear before running his thumb along my jaw. “What are some good restaurants around here? I’d love to take you out to dinner since it’s been a while.”

I shift away from him slightly, but Foster catches it all. His blue eyes are keen on Johnny, also waiting for my answer.

“Um, well, there’s the Mexican place or Chinese,” I say weakly, avoiding Foster’s piercing gaze, instead feeling the confusion he’s aiming at the side of my face.

“Well, doc, how about you just come on over to our house instead? I’m sure Sky wouldn’t mind introducing her new friend to the family.”

Johnny perks up and turns to Foster. “I like that idea. How about six? Does that work for all of you? And it’s on me. I’ll handle the food. I’m a bit of a foodie, and I’m pretty good at guessing what people love to eat.”

Foster stands and claps Johnny on the shoulder before lifting his jacket from the back of his chair. “Is that so? Sounds like a plan. We’ll see you then.”

Foster steps outside and I follow, but Johnny tugs me back and grabs my chin for a kiss. Flustered, I lean away. “We probably shouldn’t do this here. It already feels like a breach of ethics or something, and I don’t want to cause any problems.”

Johnny, a bit wounded, brushes a thumb over my cheek instead. “You’re right. I apologize. So, dinner with the family? I’m sure I can find something in one of these tiny strip malls for you all.”

I huff out a small laugh and grab my purse, pulling the strap over my head and across my chest. “Sorry, it’s not as fancy as what you’re used to.”

“No, but it’s quaint. Kinda cute.” Johnny smiles his big smile and grabs the leftover bag of donuts and tosses it in the trash. “I’ll think of something other than the sugar I just let you all consume.”

He opens the door and ushers me to where Foster waits.

“You ready, baby girl?” he asks, eyes on Johnny.

I nod, and we all journey to the lobby. It’s awkward and weird, and my brain goes into hyperdrive.

Why would Foster invite him to dinner? It’s a disaster in the making. Johnny isn’t a small-town man. He’s a Michelin-star restaurant kind of man. He said the town is cute. Like it’s a Polly Pocket or something. I don’t know Foster’s aim, but it isn’t just to be friendly. I mean, it will be friendly because Foster’s nice, but he saw how Johnny treated me, and I sense a lecture in my near future.

“Johnny is just some doctor you work with, huh?” Foster says as soon as I hit the road. He and Trek have that in common. Striking when I can’t shy away from the conversation at hand.

Thankfully, I’m driving, so he can’t see my face. It’s probably pinched or terrified. This will be the first time I’ve brought a guy over to meet him. And it’s not just any guy. It’s a man seven years my senior and a major deal at the hospital.

There were moments when I wanted to really introduce August to Foster. Or re-meet him. I wanted him to see the boy I loved and how much being around him made me feel like I was floating.

August was always the calm eye of a storm, whereas Johnny is chaotic and carefree, sometimes damning the consequences and asking for forgiveness later. Johnny prefers fancy restaurants and August liked to bring me a simple apple from the orchard.

Vastly different, which is what I need.

But now that they’re in the same town at the same time? The ball in my stomach grows larger. It’s only a matter of time before both my worlds collide. My past and my present with me in the middle.

“Just ask it, Dad. You know you want to,” I say, exasperated.

“Are you sleeping with the doctor on my case?”

If there was anything in my mouth, it would have spewed out. I swivel quickly before darting my gaze back to the road. “No. Absolutely not. We started seeing each other two months ago. I was just as surprised to see him here as you.”

“Do you think it’s wise to have him on the team?”

I swallow. “He’s the best at what he does. And I didn’t know until yesterday that he put himself there.”

“He’s older?” He says it like it isn’t obvious. I don’t know any doctors my age unless they’re genius level.

“He’s thirty.” I wince while I wait for his response.

Foster places a hand on my shoulder. “I trust you know what you’re getting into with that man, but I wouldn’t be your father without a little advice.”

Here we go.

“Lay it on me.” Can’t be any worse than the lectures I tell myself.

“Be careful with that sweet heart of yours. I saw it break into pieces before. Not just anyone is worthy. So please listen to it. It will lead you in the right direction.”

Rolling my lips under my teeth, I fight the emotions threatening to pull me under at his soft tone. He only knows half of what my heart went through, but there was no hiding the devastation I felt when August revealed his secrets and left.

And right now, I’m lost at sea with not even a current to lead me anywhere but further away from the shore.

“I’ll admit it’s a lot. Coming home, your diagnosis. Johnny showing up and finding out August is back in town.” That last part I meant to keep to myself, but Foster has a way of making me feel safe in talking about almost anything that bothers me.

“August, huh? Is that why you were twitchy yesterday?”

I nod.

“Bet that was hard seeing him.” Another gentle squeeze to my shoulder.

More than you can imagine.

Foster sighs. “I know he’s one of the main reasons you never came home.”

I flit my eyes to his to see him watching me. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, knowing it won’t make up for it.

“Don’t apologize. Heartbreak can bend even the strongest. I just wish I had helped you get through it. I know the feeling well.”

I take his hand and grip it tight. Right now, he’s the only real tether I have. The one man who’s always had my back. And I took it for granted.

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

A weary but warm smile crests his face. “Being here is enough, sweetheart. Just don’t spend all your time worrying about me that you forget about yourself.”