Chapter 17
Gulf Shores Regional Hospital
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The next day, Bennett, Poppy, Joules, and Ben flew to Gulf Shores. Taylor and Greer were shocked when they saw them all walk in. Taylor updated everyone on Rosie's condition. So far, no one in Greer's family was a match.
At this point, Bennett asked Joules to take Ben to the cafeteria so the others could talk. Sensing something significant was coming, Greer found a private room. Quickly, Poppy recounted the story that her Gran had shared.
For a moment, Taylor sat shell-shocked, saying nothing. Greer, fearing that the news had made a bad situation worse, was just before demanding they both leave when Taylor launched herself at Poppy in a hug that almost knocked her over.
"Oh, thank God. Thank you for telling me. Thank you for being willing to be tested," said Taylor in a rush. Turning to Greer, she said, "Can you take her and Ben down for blood work? If they match, we could start transfusions today."
In the next hour, they received news that Poppy and Ben were both matches. They each gave blood, and baby Rosie got her first transfusion that afternoon. Taylor had not been able to stop crying since she got the news that Poppy was a match.
Poppy and Ben knew they would need to continue to give blood each week for months to build up a supply that could be available should Rosie need it.
Later that night, it was decided that Joules would stay to support Taylor. Poppy, Bennett, and Ben prepared to return to Searcy. Taylor and Greer each hugged and thanked Poppy and Ben.
As Taylor embraced her, she said, "I will never be able to thank you for what you did today. You came forward to help me when you did not have to. I am so grateful. You may have very well saved my daughter’s life." At that, the tears began to fall again.
Poppy reached out and wiped Taylor's tears and said, "I was so worried you were going to be mad at me for destroying the memories you had of your father."
Shaking her head, Taylor said, "I can see why you might have worried about that, but I was under no illusion that my parent's marriage was perfect.
My mom was sick for a long time. Even as a little kid, I knew they did not seem very happy with each other.
I never worried they would divorce, but on some level, I sensed problems. I never saw them hold hands or kiss.
I think they slept in separate rooms for the last ten years of their marriage.
As a teen, I did not spend any time questioning that.
As an adult, I see that was a major red flag.
My dad often seemed lonely. It makes me happy to think he eventually found someone he loved.
I feel like he has sent me a miracle from beyond the grave.
I hate that we never got to know each other as sisters. Maybe once this is behind us, we can."
At that, Poppy teared up. "I would love that. I have waited my whole life for a family. Now our children will have cousins and aunts and uncles. Maybe we can find a holiday to celebrate each year as a family.``
"I'd love that," replied Taylor.
With that, they hugged one last time, and the new Carrington family returned to Searcy with all the old secrets shared and old hurts beginning to heal.
Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
November 28, 2023
"You and Taylor are sisters?" Harvey Cox practically yelled the question.
"Half sisters, but yes," replied Poppy. "Blown your mind yet?"
"Blown and more, "replied Harvey, nodding. "I just realized. That is the other reason you were so adamant about not cheating. It was your sister's husband."
"Yes, that and not wanting to make the same mistake as my mother," said Poppy.
"What is your relationship with Taylor like today?" asked Harvey.
"It is still evolving. We ended up settling on celebrating every Thanksgiving together. Some years have been easier than others. She was wonderful when the girls were born. She offered to come and help, but having her in my house when it had been her house would have been too weird."
"I can see that," replied Harvey.
"What about the guys? How do they get along?"
"Hum, they try to keep it to sports and guy topics."
"Makes sense. Do the four of you do anything other than Thanksgiving?" asked Harvey.
"They came for Ben's high school graduation.
But not really. Even though we have never discussed it, I think it is harder for Greer and me to be all together than it is for Bennett and Taylor.
Eleven years was a long time to be married.
I know that Bennett would not have achieved all he did without her.
She helped him attain his political goals.
She was the wife I could never have been able to be then.
She shined as a DC Senator's wife. I would have hated that, so I am grateful that he got that with her.
But it's tough to be in the room with someone you know your spouse had a long-term intimate relationship with.
Eww. This is not something I like to think about," replied Poppy.
"I get that. One last question, why do you think you would like being the Governor's wife if you were so sure you would not have liked being a Senator's wife?" asked Harvey.
"That is a question I have asked myself, actually.
I hate that Bennett had to give up everything he had achieved for us eleven years ago to make our lives work, but he did.
And, until recently, he has said he would do it all over again if he had to.
I know he would, too. He would walk away from being Governor if I asked him.
But, this time, it is my turn to make the change.
He will be a great governor. It would be criminal to keep him from the opportunity to serve the people of Arkansas and equally wrong to deprive them of him.
As a teacher and artist, I can spotlight education and the arts. I am not Taylor, but I am not a poor man's second, either. She was there for her season. This is mine.”
"Sounds like you have grown more comfortable with the idea of Bennett running," replied Harvey.
"I have. Twelve years ago, I never saw myself ever stepping foot back into this state.
The thought that a little over a decade removed from that, I might end up as its first lady is mind-boggling.
Maybe sharing all this with you has helped me process through how we got here.
It has been a long and winding road, but we made it," said Poppy.
"I think that is all I need unless you have anything else you want to share," said Harvey as he began packing his supplies.
"No, I have shared our dirty laundry and aired our family secrets. I ask that you be kind with our love stories, Bennett and mine, as well as Taylor and Greer's. Our lives have not been perfect. We are all doing the best we can. Just remember that when you write your article."
“I promise,” said Harvey. “The article should be out in two weeks. When do you think Bennett will make it known he is planning on running for office again?”
Poppy gave him a look. “I am not sure. This has caught all of us off guard. Since you work with Jameson Williams, I am sure you are much more familiar with how all of this works. Right now, we are supposed to be in the preliminary stages of getting his name and our story out there. Bennett can’t officially announce until this Presidential election is over.
There are a lot of assumptions being made about who will win and possible appointments that will lead to a special Governor election should one of those appointments be our current Governor.
All of that is still up in the air. Who knows what will happen in the next few months?
In some ways, knowing all our secrets will all be out there is freeing. In other ways, it is scary as hell.”
“I get that, and again, remember I work for you guys. I will make sure this article makes the best of what was a complicated situation for all of you. Since you don’t know when Bennett will be able to announce, what is next for the two of you?” asked Harvey.
“I asked Bennett that same question last night. He said we had to begin building a war chest to fund the campaign through small fundraisers and events. Also, we are both very involved with getting ready for the upcoming solar eclipse expected in April. We both help with Beats and Eats, a local community project that brings the whole community together several times a year. They are planning a huge event for that,” replied Poppy.
“What about you?” she asked. “What is next after writing this article about us?”
“Funny you should mention the solar eclipse. I have already been working on several pieces about it and will be at that event. Hopefully, I will see you both there,” replied Harvey. With that, he gathered his things and headed to the door.
“Yes, that would be great. There are going to be several food trucks there that day. Let’s make sure to meet up.”
“Sounds good. I will send you a copy of the article once it is done. Thanks again for everything.” With that, Harvey Cox gave a wave and left.