Second Time Around Read online

  He lifted his hand awkwardly to his head, found the bandage and began to explore tentatively. “What’s that?”

  “Calm down, Kevin. You have a nasty gash with a lot of stitches. Don’t touch, honey.” She took his hand and lowered it to the bed. He wouldn’t let it go.

  She didn’t, either. “You have a severe concussion, but you’re going to be okay. We’re going to keep you in here for a couple of days to make sure you’re okay.”

  He closed his eyes and struggled to remember the accident, the ambulance, anything relating to the lost time. One memory he was certain of—Emily hadn’t called when she returned from Wyoming. He was sure he’d seen her just before his accident, eating with some other man. It was breakfast. It was the last thing he remembered. He winced.

  “Do you have any pain?”

  Kevin squirmed, sweaty and itchy from the plastic-covered mattress and pillow. “Yeah, there’s this one pain.”

  “Where?”

  “I’d better not say, you’d accuse me of flirting.”

  She scowled at him. “I’m serious.”

  “You always have been. No reason for that to change now, is there?” He squeezed her hand tighter.

  “Well, your memory seems to be good.” She took hold of his other hand and spread both arms wide. “Squeeze both of my fingers.”

  He did as she told him, gazing into her eyes as she studied his coordination. She was beautiful. Thank You for letting me come back to her, God.

  “Okay, that’s good. You can let go now.”

  He shook his head. “Nope.” He pulled her close.

  “Nope?” He saw the teasing in her gaze, followed by a sudden look of concern. “Kevin, your doctor could walk in at any time.”

  “My doctor is here. Whatever happened to bedside manners, Doc?”

  She blushed. “If you don’t behave, I’ll turn you over to a doctor with no bedside manner.”

  “You mean there are two of you?” He smiled. “Come on, Emmy, one little kiss.”

  “You’re incorrigible.” Her eyes drifted closed and her lips touched his. It was a slow, drugging kiss that left him feeling weak. He felt his body relax against the bed as she backed away.

  His eyes remained closed, and he was transported to his own dreamy world. “That was you.” He furrowed his brow and opened his eyes.

  Her look of anticipation offered hope. “When?”

  “I don’t know for sure. While I was out, maybe? Wait a minute. You were the one to save my life? You were talking to me. It was you….”

  Her voice was soft. “I wasn’t talking, buster, I was yelling.” A tear trickled down her cheek as she hesitantly leaned forward and kissed him once more. “Don’t you dare do that to me again.”

  The depth of her emotion confused him. Things were getting serious, and he wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Kevin studied her for a minute before coming up with a light response. “Oh, then I suppose you don’t want me to mention that you were all over me. Or those loving comments you made. Very unprofessional, if I might say. You might think I didn’t hear you, but I did,” he teased.

  She arched an eyebrow, and stepped close to the bed, her cheeks regaining a subtle glow that softened the worry lines on her face. “I guess you have the wrong person, after all.”

  Kevin laughed. “Oh, no, it was definitely you. And there was this bald guy.” Kevin tried to remember who that was. He gathered by Emily’s affections tonight that his first assumption was way off base. Maybe the bald man was his other doctor.

  Her green eyes were brilliant and twinkled as if she had a wonderful secret to tell. Red curls tumbled over her shoulders. “You remember the pastor’s visit?”

  “The pastor?” He thought, suddenly apprehensive. There was something more he felt he should know about the man. Why can’t I remember anything? “No.”

  She was disappointed. He could see it in her eyes. Why did she care that he couldn’t remember a visit from the pastor?

  “Hmm. Your other doctor will be in shortly to examine you. You know, the one with no bedside manner.” Emily strolled to the door, then hesitated. “I’d better go check on my own patients before it’s too late. I’ll be back to see you first thing in the morning.”

  “Sweet dreams, Doc.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Emily called the hospital in the middle of the night, hoping to ease her concerns that Kevin’s condition hadn’t worsened.

  Get some rest, she told herself.

  It was impossible.

  “I’ll never tell anyone that again!” she said aloud.

  Each time she thought of Kevin’s accident, she felt guilty for not calling him after returning from Wyoming. Had he been angry with her instead of concentrating on his work? Was she at least partially to blame for what had happened?

  After a sleepless night evaluating every aspect of Kevin’s injuries and what his recovery would mean to his work, Emily began to worry. How solvent was his company? Had he overextended himself? Would he lose his business if he missed the deadline?

  Kevin needed time off, and he wasn’t the type to sit back and let others do his work.

  She pondered the problem. Kevin and his crew started around seven. Would his crew be able to continue working without Kevin at the helm?

  On her way to the hospital, she took a detour by the clinic to see if any of the crew had shown up. When she saw the idle equipment, she immediately called Bryan. “Does Kevin have anyone who can run the project while he’s out of commission?”

  “Not that I know of. He didn’t mention it last night when I visited. A couple of his men showed up as I left. He must have it under control.”

  “No one is here. They usually arrive around seven.”

  “I’m just the silent partner, Em. Sorry. Why don’t you ask Kevin?”

  “Because he’s already a challenge to keep calm. The last thing I want to do is make him think about not meeting the deadline. I know the penalty is outrageous, and Kevin’s already cut the budget to the bare necessities on this, I’m sure. His bid was so much lower than the others—he has to be taking a risk as it is.”

  Bryan wouldn’t confirm Emily’s suspicions. Not that she was surprised: the two men were as loyal as blood brothers. “He’s feeling okay, isn’t he? How long are you talking about?”

  “A week or two, but that’s if he takes it easy.”

  “Ouch.” Bryan paused, then added, “That’s going to hurt all right. Why don’t you see if the crew shows up later on today. Maybe Kevin put someone in charge.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on it, but in the meantime I have an idea, and want your opinion. Did you reach any of Kevin’s family last night?”

  “His mom picked up Alex at the airport, and they got in late. They’re staying at the Sodbuster Inn. Adam and the twins couldn’t make it. Why?”

  “Since Alex and Kevin both worked for his father’s company, don’t you think Alex would be willing to help Kevin with the project until Kevin is back one hundred percent?”

  There was a long silence at the other end of the line.

  “Bryan? What’s wrong with the idea? I know Dr. Roberts isn’t going to let Kevin go back on the site for a few weeks. He might be able to handle things in the office within a few days, but I’m sure they need a foreman, too. Don’t they?”

  “You and Kevin haven’t talked a whole lot yet, have you?”

  Emily felt an emptiness, realizing there was so much that Kevin hadn’t shared with her. What could be so horrible that Kevin wouldn’t even ask his own brother for help? “I know there must be more than what he’s told me about the past few years, but—”

  “Maybe it’s for the best. It might be the perfect opportunity to let those two make amends. After all, Alex did come.”

  Emily stopped him. “Wait just a minute, Bryan. I need to know what happened.”

  “Kevin hoped to rebuild the business after his dad passed away. Alex didn’t want anything to do with it, took off to fight forest fi
res. The family voted to shut down their dad’s company.” He paused. “I can’t imagine Kevin is still upset about it. They’ve celebrated several holidays together since then, and the house is still standing.”

  Bryan offered to arrange a breakfast meeting between Kevin’s family and Emily.

  “Thanks, I’d appreciate it. It’s going to be awkward enough to see them, let alone the fact that I want to ask a favor our first meeting. I need to make my rounds and see Kevin. If it won’t work to meet at 8:30, page me.”

  Emily said a prayer that the breakfast meeting would go well. After her rounds she went to see Kevin. As she expected, he was flirting again—this time trying to convince the nurse to remove his IV so he could get back to work.

  Darleen checked the IV in his hand, and pushed the stand closer to the bed. “No, Mr. MacIntyre, Dr. Roberts wants the IV left in for the rest of the day.”

  “But it’s going to get in the way of my using the saw.”

  “I think that’s the point, Kevin.” Emily smiled and stepped into his room. “Thanks, Darleen. I’ll handle this charmer.” She turned to him. “You should be ashamed of yourself, trying to sweet-talk the nurses into breaking doctor’s orders.”

  His smile was as mischievous as ever, and his eyebrows lifted as he shrugged. “Well, now, I can go right to the source of the problem. You’re slowing me down here, Doc.”

  “Not nearly enough, obviously.” She leaned over the side of the bed and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. “If you don’t behave, I’m going to have to order round-the-clock supervision—”

  “Well, now, that just might be worth it.”

  “—from one of the security officers. How are you feeling?” Emily smiled.

  “I need to get out of here. I don’t like hospitals.”

  She smoothed his sheets, wondering how she was ever going to convince him to slow down enough to let his body recover from the accident. “It won’t be long ’til you can go home, if you cooperate and follow doctor’s orders.”

  “I have a job to do, Emily. You know as well as I do what a tight schedule we’re on. I can’t afford to sit in here.”

  “I understand, and I want you back at work, too. But more important, I want to make sure you’re okay.” Emily gazed into his blue eyes. I want you around forever, Kevin. “Do you have anyone who can take over for a while?”

  He laughed. “You’re looking at him. I have a small operation. Until I cover the expenses for this project, I can’t afford to pay a foreman. Everything rides on finishing this project on time. Can’t you check me out of here? Ple-ea-se?”

  Emily was torn between laughing and crying. “No, I can’t, and even if I were able, I wouldn’t. You need rest!”

  Kevin pushed the breakfast tray aside, slid his legs over the edge of the bed and looked around the room. “Where are my clothes?”

  “I took them home to wash them. Your wallet and keys are at home. I didn’t think they should be left around here. Of course, the shirt’s ruined. I’ll bring you some clean clothes before you’re dismissed.”

  He frowned. “You think that’s going to stop me from checking out of here?”

  Emily smiled. “It works on most patients.”

  “Smart aleck.” Kevin let out a weak chuckle and let his head relax against the pillow, then tossed it aside when its plastic cover crinkled. “As long as you’re going to make me stay here, could you please bring me a decent pillow from home?”

  “You want me to get things…from your house?” She didn’t mean to hesitate.

  “Does that bother you?”

  “No, I just didn’t want to presume anything, I guess.” She looked at her watch and realized she didn’t have much time before her meeting with Kevin’s mom and brother. “I have an appointment in a few minutes. You need to rest, Kevin. We’ll talk later.”

  After a quick goodbye, Emily drove to the Sodbuster Inn. Bryan arrived just as she did. “You ready?”

  She had hardly had time to think about the fact that she was going to be seeing her former potential in-laws for the first time since the broken engagement. Her main concern right now was getting Kevin to slow down for a few weeks, which meant finding someone to help during his recovery. “I was before I saw Kevin. He’s ready to check himself out and go right to work at the clinic. I know something has to be done, but are you sure I should do this?”

  “Bryan!” Alex bound down the stairs and offered his hand. The two men embraced. “Looks like marriage agrees with you.”

  “Yes, it does. I’m anxious for you to meet the family. We’ll plan on you and your mom coming over for dinner tonight.”

  Alex turned to Emily then, and back to Bryan. “Oh, I thought for a minute that this was your wife, but—” He did a double take, and there was a glimmer of recognition in his expression.

  Mrs. MacIntyre’s soft voice came from somewhere behind her. “Emily?”

  Emily turned toward the woman she’d been too proud to accept help from all those years ago. “Mrs. MacIntyre, I can’t tell you how sorry I was to hear about your husband.”

  “Thank you. What are you doing here?”

  Emily had hoped Kevin had at least mentioned they were both living in the same town, though she doubted he would have mentioned they were dating yet.

  Emily looked to Bryan for support, thankful suddenly that he had come along. “I’m a doctor at the clinic Kevin’s company is working on.”

  “Well, that explains a few things, doesn’t it?” Alex chuckled. “So, are you here in an official capacity?”

  “Not completely.” I’m not going to hide from the truth. “Kevin and I started seeing each other a few weeks ago, though it’s not serious, yet.”

  “Better have that staff of yours run a few more tests on him, then, Doctor. Until that little brother of mine realizes he needs to make it serious, I think he has a few more priorities to get straightened out.”

  “Alex, stop teasing Emily.” Mrs. MacIntyre put her arm around Emily in a welcoming gesture. “I hope everything works out this time. Kevin…well, Kevin wasn’t quite the same without you.”

  Me, neither.

  Emily didn’t know what to say. Everything in her life had turned upside down in the last week. She had no idea how or where to start straightening it out. Especially now.

  While they ate, Emily filled them in on Kevin’s condition. The only thing remaining was to ask Alex to do his younger brother a favor. Why did she feel as if she were asking for the world? They’re brothers. Of course he’ll help. Won’t he? Since she didn’t have brothers, she could only go on her relationship with her sisters. And she knew from experience, they wouldn’t hesitate for a minute.

  She glanced at Bryan, who winked. When she couldn’t speak, Bryan interjected. “Alex, Emily and I have discussed an idea, and we could use your input on the matter. Emily, go ahead.”

  “As I said, I’m not Kevin’s primary-care doctor, but I’m certain Dr. Roberts won’t want Kevin working for a few weeks. You know Kevin as well as I do. That won’t stop him from trying, unless he has someone capable and trustworthy to do the job in his place—someone who knows the business—who knows the way Kevin works.” Her gaze met Alex’s. “I’m sure you all know how much this job means to his company. There’s no way he can shut down for that long.”

  Alex took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Who-ee, gal, I thought I was the only fire-fighter in the family. You sure you’re ready to put out this blaze?”

  Emily’s eyes grew larger and she looked at Bryan, pleading for an explanation before she finished. Silently, she prayed, Am I doing the right thing, God?

  Bryan chuckled. “I’ll take the heat if sparks start flying.”

  With a glance to Kevin’s mother, Emily cleared her throat. “I’m not only gambling with my feelings for Kevin, here, but—” Emily stopped. She’d almost blurted out that she had a child to think of, as well. “I’m not sure this is the right thing to do, but I can’t let Kevin risk losing
his company.”

  Alex took her hand. “I came to do this job, whether or not anyone asked. I can’t think of any better way to show my support.”

  Emily’s mouth fell open. “He already asked you?”

  Alex let out a deep laugh. “Don’t get happy. What’s he going to do, kick me off the site? If Kevin forgives me for the past mistakes in the process, all the better. If not, at least I tried. One thing for sure, I’m not going to let him down this time.”

  Emily felt tears sting her eyes. “Thank you, Alex.”

  “You take care of my brother, and I’ll take care of his business—’til he’s back in shape.”

  Mrs. MacIntyre’s soft voice broke in. “Since we’re clearing the air, I’m glad you’re here, Emily. I look forward to visiting again later.” She looked at Alex. “I want to see Kevin. Are you ready?”

  Emily didn’t know how to respond. Little by little she was discovering why Kevin was so different from the man she had almost married. “I’ll see you all later, I’m sure.” She pulled a card from her purse. “Here’s my pager number, if you need anything.”

  They all rose and pushed the chairs in behind them.

  “Oh, I took the clothes he was wearing when the accident happened home to wash. I told him I’d bring them back later, but I’d recommend we hold off on that as long as possible. He just may go AWOL if he has any opportunity.”

  Bryan gave her a hug before heading off to work. “Don’t give up on him, Em. You know Kevin’s too stubborn to do anything the easy way.”

  When she visited him that night, Kevin didn’t mention Alex’s helping out. She decided that it was between the brothers now. Maybe they needed more time. But could the project afford to sit idle while the two made amends?

  Dr. Roberts was due anytime. Kevin turned to look at the clock again and shifted in the bed, perspiration gluing his back to the mattress. It had been two days since the accident, and he had to get to work. He was tired of sticking to the bed, eating tasteless mush and being poked and monitored.

  Not only that, but being around the hospital so much was obviously bothering his mother, as well. After failing to convince her he’d be okay, and that she could go on home, they finally reached a compromise. She’d keep her hospital visits short. She and Alex would stay at his house. She could stay to take care of him for a few days after he was released from the hospital.