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JEN

WE ALL LOOKEDup in surprise to see John Cranston’s large frame filling the doorway.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” Tyler asked stiffly. As if sensing another storm, the officers left the room.

“I came to offer my services to Jennifer,” he answered, his hard tone softening as he moved all the way into the room. “Not that I think she’ll need them,” he added hastily.

“You’re damn right, she won’t need them,” Tyler glared as he moved to sit behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist to hold me close. “But your wife might. How did you know we were here?”

I didn’t remember so many lines creasing the corners of John’s eyes the last time I saw him. “I’ll tell you, but first I want to make sure your young lady isn’t badly hurt.” He ran his eyes over me, and if I wasn’t mistaken, he seemed genuinely concerned. I just wasn’t sure if it was for me, or concern for his wife’s potential criminal record.

“Of course she’s been hurt, Dad, she’s in the hospital!” He threw one hand in the air. “Andyourwifeis one of the reasons.”

“Of, course. I meant I hope there’s nothing serious.” John’s voice was more subdued. “I’m terribly sorry to see you hurt at all.”

I relaxed a bit at his words, but his presence still puzzled me. Tyler was still staring at him with narrowed eyes. “What do you really want, Dad?”

“After I got your phone call today I confronted Natalie.” He sat in the chair the detective had just vacated. “She denied any wrongdoing at first, of course, but once I showed her that I’d been tracking her phone and emails as proof that I knew she was going to cause trouble for Tyler, she backed down and started blubbering about some guy named Mark. Natalie is probably being picked up for questioning by the police as we speak, based on the evidence I turned over to them just a short while ago. I do not know, nor do I care, what is happening to her.” I gasped, and Tyler’s hand froze on my side.

He looked steadily at me. “After thatdelightfuldinner a few weeks ago, I decided to start keeping a closer eye on my wife. I owe you an apology, Tyler. You were right to warn me about her. She does have quite a history of being unfaithful. I guess I always knew it, I just chose to ignore it because . . . well, it doesn’t matter.” He leaned forward so his forearms rested on his knees.

“Please believe me, I had no idea either of you was in any real danger. I didn’t know anything about Jennifer’s attack until I showed up here at the hospital looking for you. I still don’t know what happened or why you suspect Natalie has anything to do with Jennifer, but I’ll take your word on it. I owe you that much.”

Tyler briefly filled him in on what happened with Mark, and that Natalie’s stunt is what gave him time to attack me. Hearing what happened to me out of someone else’s mouth felt so surreal, he might as well have been talking about someone else. John, however, grew paler and paler with every word Tyler said.

I didn’t know what to say. He looked riddled with guilt over my situation, but like Tyler, there was no way he could have known. “You aren’t responsible for what happened,” I whispered. “Not you, not Tyler, and not me. Only Mark is.”

“She’s right,” Tyler sighed. “We have our issues, but this isn’t one of them.”

John relaxed against the chair. “Young lady, you made some pretty harsh accusations to me awhile back.” My stomach clenched again.

I felt Tyler bristle, and he opened his mouth to speak, but his father held up his hand. “But you were right, about everything. Not many people have ever dared to speak up to me with such audacity, or if they did,” he glanced at his son, “I didn’t listen. You should consider a career in law.”

John’s shoulders slumped. “I thought a lot about what you said regarding Tyler’s mother.” He looked at Tyler. “You aren’t to blame for your mother’s death, Son, but you are responsible for the happiness you brought her. She loved your more than anything, and you brought her a lot of joy.”

Tyler cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably on the bed. “I appreciate that, Dad, but I think given the circumstances, this can wait.”

Once again, I tapped his hand. “No, Tyler. Let’s turn this day into one of communicating. If you’re up to listening to your dad, let him talk. Believe me, when you experience a time where you’re afraid you won’t ever have a chance to tell someone something, you’ll . . . well, you get what I mean. There’s been too much silence in our families as it is, and it’s led to a lot of misunderstandings.”

“Are you sure?”

“Believe me, I’m glad to have the distraction.”

John nodded at me gratefully. “I promise I won’t stay long. I just want to set a few things straight with my son. I’m not too proud to have you hear it either.”

Tyler examined me carefully. He pulled me forward and kissed me on the forehead before leaning his head against mine. “If you’re sure.” I nodded.

“When I was just starting out as a young lawyer, a colleague invited me to attend the symphony with him. I hadn’t wanted to, but he was more senior than me at my law firm, and I was trying to get noticed, so . . .” He spread his hands apologetically. “He had passes to meet the performers at a social gathering afterward. I met Christina and thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. I couldn’t believe when she accepted my invitation to go out to dinner later in the week.” John went on to describe how they continued to date and eventually got engaged. “Christina’s father never seemed to think I was good enough for his daughter. It just made me even more determined to become successful at the firm, which meant longer hours. Between my hours and her practices, we didn’t see each other very often. I wanted her by my side, but she was just as dedicated to her career. And then she got pregnant.”

I felt Tyler tense by my side. I guess we were about to find out if my assessment was correct or not.

“She was so happy about having a baby. For the first time in a long time, I saw her face light up. I was glad, also, but I admit it hurt that it wasn’t me that was able to put that smile there. All I had worked for, all that I had given her, hadn’t brought that smile.” His eyes darted between the two of us. “I know that makes me a small man. To resent a helpless infant is just wrong. But you should know, Tyler, while it wasn’t easy to give up the career she’d worked a lifetime for, she never regretted it.”

Tyler remained quiet during his father’s tale, but his hand tightened where it rested on my shoulder.

John continued. “I don’t expect you to forgive me, Tyler. I’ve made too many mistakes. But your mom would be proud of the man you’ve become. I am, too. You’ve got yourself a wonderful woman, Son. Make sure she’s always your first treasure. Nothing else is more important than the love of a good woman.” He stood. “I wish you every happiness, and if there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

He started for the door. Tyler glanced at me, then stood up to follow his father. “Dad,” he called. John turned. “Thank you.” John nodded and left the room.

Tyler ran a hand through his hair. “Huh. Who would have guessed all that?”

“Now you know for sure,” I whispered.

“You understood all along what motivates someone to give up on a dream.” I settled back against her pillows and cushioned her against me. I felt her nod.

“But in your case, she just replaced one dream with another, better one. And that’s what I’m finally doing, too.” I lifted my head so he could see the truth of my words. “You are my dream, Tyler. I love you so much. I’m so grateful I have the chance to say those words to you again. I wasn’t sure I would.” I couldn’t stop the shudder that shook my body.

Tyler strengthened his hug. “Oh, baby. When I saw you lying so still on the floor, I . . .” His voice shook with the unspoken image.

We held each other until we fell asleep. I expected I’d have nightmares, but feeling safe in Tyler’s arms, I only woke once when a nurse came in to check on me. She took one look, smiled, and left the room.