They each took it in turns to assist Blaze Jr. and get refreshments. Erica left him for a short time to make a phone call. While he was alone, Chris thought about all the pain he’d caused. The possible death of his father was opening his eyes to so much more. He would not allow Erica to leave him. This was for life. He wanted her by his side.
He watched Cassie with Blaze. The love the couple had for each other had overcome so many odds. If she could forgive Blaze, then Erica could forgive him. They could have a future together. She came back, handing him back his phone. Chris took the device, kissing her on the lips before she could speak.
Molly was handed some forms to fill out, which she did with a shaking hand.
Chris kept hold of Erica’s hand. The tests being run were taking their time.
Finally, as it was getting dark outside, a doctor appeared. Chris recognised the cardiologist as one of the people who visited his father’s country club.
“Mrs. Sinclair,” he said.
“Don’t do that, Malcolm. Just tell me if he’s going to be all right.” Molly sounded scared. Chris knew without doubt that she still loved his father.
“He’s going to be fine. I’m so sorry. We’ve been running these tests, and there has been a lot going on in the hospital today. Your husband had an angina attack. This is not a heart attack, but I’m pleased we’ve caught it before it could get worse.”
All of them crowded the doctor.
“Has he had a heart attack?” Trent asked.
“No. He’s got diabetes, which some of the tests showed, and he’s suffering from stress. Is David under a lot of stress or anxiety at home?”
They all turned to Molly.
“Yes,” she said. “I’ve asked for a divorce, and it has been quite tense.”
“Then I want to keep him in for observation. His age, circumstances, and diet could be detrimental to his health. I’m going to write him a prescription for his diabetes and heart. Providing his tests come back clean, he should be free to go home tomorrow.”
Chris took a seat while Molly finished talking to the doctor. “He’s going to be all right,” Erica said.
“I know.”
****
Erica stayed with him. His brothers went into visit his father. She kept hold of his hand when each one came out looking shocked. Even though he was fine, she imagined the sight of their father in a hospital bed, hooked up to tubes would be shocking for anyone.
Chris was the last brother to go through. She started to stay in her chair, but Chris held her hand through to the waiting room. David was propped against a load of pillows. Erica stood in the corner allowing Chris space. Molly sat by the bed. Erica noticed the grip the older man had on his wife’s hand. He clearly didn’t want her to leave him.
“Hi, dad,” Chris said.
“I can’t believe it took the fear of a heart attack for all my boys to call me dad in the same day,” David said.
She chuckled, covering the sound with a cough.
“Who is this delightful young woman?”
Chris held his hand out to her. She accepted moving forward. “This is Erica. Erica, I’d like you to meet my dad, David, and my mum, Molly.”
When the introductions were over, Erica stood back in her corner.
“You don’t look well. How are you feeling?” Chris moved to the side that was free.
“I’m tired and fed up of being poked by people. I want to go home, but that blasted doctor who calls himself a friend is leaving me here for the night.”
“It’s for your own good,” Molly said.
David gazed at his wife. “Thank you for staying with me.” He kissed her hand. The tenderness made Erica yearn for that kind of affection. Chris had explained the lack of love between his two parents, but looking at them now, she saw a lot of ... something. It might be love.
“You’re my husband. I’m not going anywhere.”
Chris stayed for a little while until the nurse asked them to leave for a short while. They all stood in the waiting room.
She kept quiet as they each made arrangements. They were a big family. Cassie took her to one side. Blaze Jr. was curled up on the chairs.
“How are you holding up?” Cassie asked.
“Fine.” She stared at Chris and knew she’d be more than fine with him in her life.
“He hurt you.”
“I know, but things are different now. It’s hard to describe or understand. We’re together, and nothing is going to come between us. I appreciate that you care so much about me. I do. I love him, Cassie.” Erica broke away from him to look at the woman at her side. “After everything between us, I still love him.”
“I can relate to that feeling.” Cassie stared at Blaze.