Chapter 16 #2
"I won't go into details, but he's in recovery and will not require a bypass now. He's going to have to change his lifestyle significantly. And cut back on a lot of things."
The man's gray eyes regarded the couple steadily.
"He's insisting on seeing you even though I advised him that he needs rest and sleep." A grimace crossed the man's craggy face.
"You know how he is."
Regina squeezed his hand. "I'll wait here-"
"He wants to see both of you." Dr. Matthews glanced at his watch.
"I'm afraid I can only allow five minutes. He really needs his rest."
"We understand."
With a nod, the doctor led the way to the private wing.
"I take it that Muldoon owns the hospital?" she murmured as they wound their way through the narrow and sterile hallway.
"We have some interests, yes. Particularly the oncology department."
Taking a deep breath, he hesitated before stepping into the large, well-appointed room. Regina had time to think about the power of tremendous resources before glancing at the man propped up on the pillows.
She could not believe how shriveled he looked. It was like the robustness had been stripped, leaving him shrunken.
Craig was thinking the same but was careful not to let the concern show on his face.
"You stayed." He had not expected they would have and had been pathetically grateful that they were still here.
"Not that you deserve it, but yes, we did. You're still my grandfather."
Pulling up a comfortable chair, Craig sat, tugging Regina down on his lap. "At least, we have it on good authority you weren't faking the heart attack."
A grimace met his words. "I can only apologize for the method."
He lifted a hand and then let it drop.
"I wanted you home and would have done absolutely anything to make it happen. You're the only family I have left."
His eyes drifted to Regina. "Both of you."
Reaching out, she closed her hand over his. He gripped hers with surprising strength.
"We forgive you."
"Do you?" he asked the question but lifted his eyes to meet Craig's.
Sighing softly, Craig realized that he was no longer angry. Regina had pointed out something.
It might have been devious the way the man had gone about doing things, but the end result was amazing. He had the woman he loved more than life itself because of his grandfather's manipulation.
"Yes. We're not going to be staying long. George gave us five minutes."
He gazed at them pleadingly, and for the first time, it hit Craig that his grandfather was an old man. "You will come back?"
"Of course." Regina assured him with a smile.
"You're good for him, for me." His eyes were moist.
"You brought light into that dark home, and I'm hoping you'll reconsider and stay. The house needs some young blood."
He swallowed the lump that had lodged in his throat.
"I never appreciated my son and his wife. And that's something I will regret for the rest of my life. I would like you to forgive me for the way I acted while you were growing up."
"Water under the bridge."
"Thank you." He lifted his free hand hesitantly, not sure the gesture would be reciprocated.
This time, Craig did not hesitate but reached over to take his hand.
Inhaling deeply, Cecil felt his battered heart sighing in relief. He had been given another chance; one he didn't deserve.
This time, he was going to make it count.
"We should go and let you get some rest."
"Thanks for staying," he told them.
"You're welcome." Leaning over, Regina delighted him by kissing him on the cheek.
"Get well soon. You're only going to piss me off if you die now."
He choked out a rusty laugh, his hand brushing her cheek. "Thank you," he whispered.
"For coming into my life and staying."
"Of course."
Craig took her hand as they made their way out to the parking lot a few minutes later. "He's right, you know."
"About?"
"The difference you made in our lives." He turned her around as they reached the car.
"You brought light and hope."
"I have to remind you that it's mutual." Going on her toes, she brushed her lips on his.
"You changed my life. Something I will always be grateful for. I'm happy he's going to live."
"So am I. Let's go home."
**************************************************************
Their different projects were both completed in December. Two days after she opened the doors of her modeling agency, she confirmed with the doctors that she was three months pregnant.
She had suspected it three weeks ago when, for the second time, she missed her period, but chalked it up to the rush and excitement of getting everything in place.
She was also monitoring "Gramps" - he had insisted on being called that! She had also been making sure he stuck to his strict diet and exercise as advised by his doctors.
Besides which, her husband's boys' shelter was now up and running. She was dividing her time there as well, helping to get things running smoothly.
She had acquired staff, with the help of her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Sherry. Her brother was getting married in January!
Another thing to celebrate, and their father had not been heard from.
Regina suspected that he would resurface soon, but she was not thinking about it. He did not matter at all.
Not anymore.
She was happy. She had her life, a very full one, and a husband who adored her.