Chapter 30
thirty
. . .
Savannah
I’d arrived in Dallas and Ubered to the hospital where my father would be receiving treatment for the next few months. He and Nadia had already settled into the apartment, which was attached to the hospital. My father would stay at the hospital, and Nadia and I would stay in the apartment.
I’d paid the deposit for him to start treatment, and I was damn proud to be able to do this for him.
It was the first time in many years that I felt hopeful about my father’s future.
There had been this dark cloud over us for many years.
I’d researched and educated myself every chance I had.
And it had led me here.
Nadia pulled me into her arms and hugged me. “Thanks for making this happen, sweetheart.”
I smiled, trying hard not to cry, because that would just make my father worry.
But it was emotional being here.
Hope was a dangerous thing. It allowed you to believe, to imagine that things could be better—all while knowing there were no guarantees.
I said a silent thank-you to Abe and Lily for making this possible. For giving my father the chance, something he wouldn’t have had without this money.
“Of course. I’m so happy they got you settled in the apartment already.”
“Well, they wanted to start first thing this morning, so coming last night was a good decision,” she said. “I’ve taken a leave from work, and we’ve got enough saved to cover rent on the apartment back home for a couple of months.”
“And I have this money set aside to help with all the expenses while he’s here.
So whatever you need, I’ve got you, okay?
” I sure as hell hoped I was right. I knew this could go up into the seven-figure price range, so I was afraid to make promises that I couldn’t keep.
But I also had time, because everything did not have to be paid upfront, and we could make payments when all was said and done if needed.
“Thank you, my love. Come meet Dr. Dorsey and see your dad.”
I’d had several Zoom meetings with Dr. Dorsey, but I was looking forward to meeting him in person.
“There’s my girl,” my father said, and I startled a bit at how thin he looked. He’d hidden it well on our FaceTime calls. I straightened my face and gave him a hug.
“Hey, Daddy-O. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” he said, his voice definitely making it clear how exhausted he was.
“It’s nice to meet you in person, Savannah. I’m Grant Dorsey.” He extended a hand, and I hugged him instead. This man had helped make this happen, and I’d be forever grateful. He chuckled and patted my shoulder.
I guessed he was in his late forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes.
“Thank you for making this happen,” I said.
“Don’t thank me. You did all the hard work.
He’s a perfect candidate, and you went through all the hoops necessary to be here.
” He’d agreed to keep the financial situation discreet, as my father would never be okay with me using all of Abe’s inheritance to cover the cost of the treatment.
Nadia, Dr. Dorsey, and I had agreed to keep the details to ourselves.
Insurance would pay a small portion, the pharmaceutical company had agreed to cover some expenses, and I’d cover the rest.
There was nothing I wouldn’t do to save my father’s life.
At the end of the day, what else was there?
The people you loved were all that mattered.
So, we got down to business. They took endless amounts of blood and ran a ton of tests over the next few days.
They wanted every single number to be current so we’d know exactly where he was starting.
Where his baseline was.
We’d been warned that things would get worse before they got better.
Dad would be here at the hospital, while Nadia and I spent our days here and our evenings at the apartment.
Nadia would stay here full-time with my father, and I’d be going back and forth to Magnolia Falls. Hayes wanted to come here, and eventually, we’d figure out a schedule, but right now, he was needed at home, and I was needed here.
I was going to roll with whatever we needed to do.
The next few days had been grueling on my father. I’d fallen into a routine, and I appreciated that I could be here to see how all of this worked. That I could ask questions and take notes and be present when my father needed me most.
I couldn’t believe that it was already dark again. The days were blurring together. I hadn’t eaten much today, as my focus had been on my father.
Nadia went to the cafeteria to get us a couple of sandwiches, and Dr. Dorsey pulled me outside of the room to tell me the plan for the next several days.
There were a few more tests to do, and then they’d start his treatment slowly to see how he responded, and then amp it up if all went well.
“I’m going to have the nurse draw your blood this week, as well,” he said as he jotted something down on his chart.
“My blood?”
He looked up, surprised by the question. “You’re his only child. It’s not common that children of parents with the disease have it, but as a safety precaution, I’d like to rule it out.”
A heaviness settled on my chest at his words, because the thought of both of us having this disease was terrifying. My life had finally just started. I needed to be strong for my father. Be there for Hayes. Start my business.
Live my life.
But I nodded, because what choice did I have? “Okay, sure.”
Nadia and I ate as my father started to doze off. She wanted to stay late and read her book beside him, so she gave me the keys to the apartment, as I wanted to call Hayes and speak to him. I’d missed several calls from him today, and we were used to speaking throughout the day.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, as he answered the phone. “How did today go?”
“It went pretty well. He’s almost done with all the tests, and they may start treatment tomorrow or the next day. He looks really thin, and he’s definitely tired,” I said, as I walked across the enclosed bridgeway to the small apartments where family members stayed.
“Well, that’s why he’s there. He needs the treatment, and they can help him. Don’t let the way he looks now scare you. It’s just proof that he’s where he needs to be.”
I pushed inside the apartment, dropping to sit on the small pull-out couch. I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I know.”
The words sounded like more of a squeak than actual words.
My phone rang while I was holding it to my ear, and I saw the FaceTime call from Hayes and answered it.
“Hey,” I whispered, swiping at the tears.
“Hey, Sav.” He smiled, and I didn’t miss the concern in his eyes. “I wanted to see your face. You’re not alone, okay? I’m here.”
“I know you are. I’m fine. I just—he looks bad. And I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. He’s going to be okay. He’s fighting the fight. That’s all you can ask for.”
Something about seeing his face calmed me. “Yeah. You’re right. It was just a long day.”
“I can come there tomorrow if you want me to.”
“No. Don’t be silly. You’re back at the firehouse tomorrow.
I’m fine. This is going to go on for months, and I’ll come home once he finds his rhythm with the treatment.
You can come back with me soon. But right now, there’s not much to do.
” I didn’t mention that they’d run my blood work, as well, because I knew Hayes well enough to know that he’d freak out and worry. “Tell me how Roddy’s doing.”
I wasn’t worried.
I felt fine.
It wasn’t a disease that was passed on genetically.
It was rare and highly unlikely that two family members would get it.
“All right. You just let me know. If you need me, I’m there.” He leaned back on the couch and pulled our pup up so I could see him through the phone. “This guy chewed up my work boot a little bit, but otherwise, he’s doing well. He misses his mama.”
“Awww… how does he look bigger when I’ve only been gone a few days?”
“Maybe because he eats like a goddamn horse. He devours his food. And then he begs for more.” Hayes laughed, and I finally felt relaxed for the first time today.
“Tell me how your last shift went as captain. It’s been so busy here; I feel like you haven’t gotten to fill me in on everything.
” I leaned back on the couch as he told me about the calls they’d gone on and how proud he was of his guys.
“Have you heard anything from Lenny?” I asked.
“Nope. But I got a call from a firehouse in Thomas Creek asking about him. So obviously, he’s got his feelers out.” Hayes ran a hand down his face. “I get it. I’d have done the same thing.”
“What did you tell the guy inquiring about him?”
“I said he was a hell of firefighter, because he can be when he wants to be. He’s an asshole, but I’m not going to stand in the way of him getting a job.”
“You’re a good man, Hayes Woodson.”
“Thank you, baby. I miss your face. I miss your body. I miss your laugh.”
I chuckled. “I miss you, too. So much it hurts. Does Roddy like playing with Dandelion?”
“Yeah, we stopped by there today. He definitely likes playing with Dandelion. Winnie was over there, too, and the three of them ran wild in the yard.” Dandelion was King and Saylor’s dog, and Winnie was Emerson and Nash’s dog.
“That sounds fun.”
“You’re exhausted, baby. Get some sleep,” he said, and I could see the concern on his face.
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you, too. You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good, I promise. Get some sleep.”
“All right. If you need me, just call.”
“Always,” I said.
I ended the call and made my way to the shower. I let the water run down my head. I felt better already after talking to Hayes. He was right. My dad was exactly where he needed to be. And even though I missed my husband, I was exactly where I needed to be, too.