Heaven Sent Page 2

  “I can see if my friend Sinclaire is back in town yet.”

  “No family?’ he probed gently and she appreciated his candor.

  “My husband died four years ago. My parents when I was in college. His parents don’t live close by. Ash is all I have. I can maybe call one of her teammates to see if she can stay with them. It’s Christmas break so there is no school. I’ll have to see who is still in town.”

  “I see. Well then, we’ll see what we can do for now. Down the road we’ll come up with another solution if one isn’t easily found. If nothing else Ash can remain here with you. I need to examine you and my nurse will be in shortly with some medication to make you more comfortable. When you’re ready to try a bit to eat, we’ll send for a tray.” The doctor set his clipboard down. The stethoscope felt cool against her bare skin as he listened to her heart and lungs, instructing her to breathe and exhale. “I’m going to be rotating your neck a bit. Take deep breaths and tell me when it’s too much. This will determine the level of pain and discomfort from how your body responds.”

  As he barely rotated her head, Mia wanted to hit him for putting her through such agony. “Stop.” Bringing her hands up to her neck made her muscles tense. The movement caused a new headache to swarm over her, leaving her feeling nauseated.

  “Breathe slow and deeply.” He laid her head down gently on the pillow when he was finished. The nurse came in behind him with pain meds. Mia didn’t hear her enter through the explosion of pain in her head.

  “I’m Brenda.” She checked her wristband. “Can you tell me your first and last name?”

  “Mia Justice.”

  “Good and your date of birth?”

  “February 28, 1975.”

  “Thank you. I’m pushing in your pain meds now.”

  “I’ll order some anti-nausea meds for you Mrs. Justice. The stitches in your head will dissolve on their own in a few days. The nurse will change the dressing as needed.” The doctor patted her leg and murmured to the nurse who nodded and stepped aside for him to leave the room.

  “Why did he have to do that?”

  “To gauge your body’s reaction and see if there’s a need for any additional medical treatment or physical therapy. The nausea is a side effect of whiplash as is the slight concussion you received. We’ve treated the one, now we play the waiting game for the rest. I’ll get out so your handsome young man can come back in. Never seen someone so intense.”

  I don’t have a young handsome man. “Thank you.” Unbidden tears escaped, coursing down the side of her face. She closed her eyes to force back the nausea rolling in her stomach. Until now she hadn’t planned for the worst. What would’ve happened if she’d passed away or been seriously injured? Where would Ashland have gone? To his parents? They had been trying to get their hands on her baby for the last four years. She understood they wanted to have a piece of their son, they had so in Ashland.

  Mia didn’t want to relive the hell the two put her through—as if losing her life partner wasn’t enough, they petitioned the courts to have temporary guardianship of her daughter. True she was in the throes of grief and not the most coherent mother for a twelve year old girl at the time. While Sinclaire advised her not to worry, she had. His parents had stability as well as unlimited amounts of money. Financial security.

  She on the other hand, finished college by taking a few courses online for the past few years, while holding jobs that allowed her to move often as a military wife.

  Connor’s parents never grasped why he joined the service when he could’ve had any career in life he wanted with his Ivy League education and background. They never understood the measure of a man he’d become. How being in their world suffocated him, how he would never be the type of man his father was. Connor wanted to be as far removed as possible from their lifestyle. So of course when he’d been approached for officer candidacy, he jumped at the chance of a lifetime to protect and serve his country. From the beginning of their lives together, she’d known there was no love lost between Connor and his parents after he chose to abdicate his father’s plan for him to step into his shoes. Connor never planned to give up his dreams.

  Life worked well for them. Connor set goals and provided for their future. She took care of Ashland and worked on bases advocating for various charitable needs when she wasn’t working or meeting with other wives who needed support while their husbands were on detachment. Twelve years in, tragedy struck sucking him from her life. A heart attack killed him while on deployment. A month later, she received papers from his family’s lawyer. His parents wanted joint custody of their grandchild in their wake of their son’s death. They didn’t win then, but that didn’t stop the fear of it happening now from crashing down on her. If his parents got wind of the accident, or their hospitalization, they’d take Ashland.

  Mia let her mind drift to her fireman. Her fear was secondary to how her body responded to Dire’s touch. She hoped he’d missed her sharp gasp earlier.

  “I may not be on the list, but I am family.” Speak of the devil and they shall appear. The curtains rustled and she got an eyeful of Maryellen. Her mother-in-law in all her glory, swept into the room—regal, always perfectly put together. Mia slouched in the bed and closed her eyes hoping the aberration would disappear.

  “Don’t play opossum with me. Why didn’t you call us?” Maryellen loomed over her.

  Seems ignoring it wouldn’t work. “I haven’t been awake long, and I haven’t had the energy to ask for my phone to call you. I hope you understand.” Hopefully her in-law would back the fuck off.

  “Mom!”

  “Hey baby. C’mon in.” Ashland stepped into the room with Dire. He glanced at her with a questioning air.

  “So Maryellen, how did you find out we were here if no one called you?”

  “How do I learn about everything in my granddaughter’s life…social networks. If it wasn’t for technology, I’d never learn a thing.”

  Whose fault is that?

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I was telling Marissa, who texted the team, and then we all converged on Cheerboard. They wanted to see a picture of the truck, so I posted on Gabfest and one of the boys from our team posted on his page.”

  “I hate social media.” Blocking the sites hadn’t worked. Ashland found ways around it. Now she had a program that sent her anything improper talked about, which was a lot considering teens and the company they kept.

  “I don’t appreciate being the last to know everything in regards to Ash.”

  Weakness washed over her. The accident, Dire, thoughts of her husband and how guilty she felt at feeling anything for another man were a lot to handle in one fell swoop, adding a pissy intruding family member and shit hit the fan faster.

  “Ma’am.”

  “Don’t you know it’s rude to intrude on private conversation?” The ice queen returned with a vengeance. Hell everyone in the hall most likely heard the dragon speak.

  “Mia and—”

  “Jesus girl. You go from an officer to a local fire fighter? Both are jobs that can and will end in tragedy. You’ve already had one. What kind of example are you setting for Ash? Men like him shouldn’t have serious relationships when they can’t promise they’ll return.”

  “Excuse me. If you’d waited two seconds instead of ripping into a trauma victim, you’d have heard me say Mia and I are not a couple, and even if we were it would be no business of yours. You need to leave. Your daughter-in-law was in an accident. She doesn’t deserve to be lashed at or demeaned by your insults, nor does Ashland deserve to hear any of the words spewing out of your mouth.” Dire stalked over and sandwiched himself between them. Mia watched slack jawed as he took charge of the situation. “If you don’t leave, I’ll call security.”

  “Come along, Ashland. Let’s get the doctor to release you. There’s no way I’ll allow you to stay here overnight if you don’t need to.” Instead of blindly following her grandma, Ashland stood by Dire.

  “When Daddy died you t
ried to take me from Mom permanently, Grandma. Worse, Uncle Andrew asked Mom to marry him because of you. I love you. I really do…and I miss you and Grandpa, but you try too hard to railroad other people to do what you want. I promise I’ll come visit for a few days before Christmas break is over if you apologize. My mom is the best mom in the world. You would see for yourself if you could get past losing dad. Go home, I’ll calm Mom down and if I can’t drive, I’ll take a cab or ride the bus. We can have tea, talk about books and stuff I like to do. Okay?”

  “Oh baby. Of course. We can discuss the prep school you should be in and it’s not too late to begin looking at colleges. I hope you’ve been doing community works for your college resume.”

  When did her daughter become the mediator?

  Ashland came over and kissed her cheek. “I’m going to go walk Grandma to her car. I’ll be right back.” The next thing she knew, her baby crushed her in a bear hug, let go and turned her attention to Dire. “Promise to make sure my mom stays in her bed and doesn’t do something freakish like try to leave before the doctor says she can?”

  “I will sit on her if I have to.” Dire’s words made her stomach flip over, or maybe it was the pain killers. Mia huffed and pulled the blankets up higher to keep her feet warm.

  Ashland giggled and led her grandma from the small room. Silence filled the air. Mia wasn’t sure what to say or do next. She watched Dire visibly relax.

  “You know, I was going to ask why you denied having family but I can see the reason. Do you need me to get the nurse or a shot of whiskey?”

  Laughter danced in his eyes and Mia broke out in a sigh. “Welcome to my tragic life.”

  “I guess she missed the memo that says men in uniform are the in thing right now.” He sat on the edge of her bed. “How are you really? That was quite some verbal beating she delivered.” He traced a hand down the side of her face. Instinctively she turned into the intimate caress.

  “I feel like bad things come in three’s. Hopefully the next part won’t be devastating.”

  “I have to be honest…the dinner tray has no flavor and the Jell-O doesn’t even jiggle.”

  Mia grinned. “How do you know this inside information?”

  “I have my ways.” He sat there smiling and attempting to cheer her up.

  “I wonder how many times I’ll end up saying thank you to you before the night is out.”

  “A smile is all the thanks I need. Your daughter is pretty amazing. I liked the way she handled the piranha like a pro.”

  “Self sacrificial too. I never minded sharing her before with his family. Now I’m afraid she’ll come back all plastic—no substance from that woman’s influence.”

  “Have more faith in the work you and your departed put in on her.”

  “This should feel awkward, we’re strangers.” Dire laced his hand within hers and brought her palm to his lips. Her skin tingled from the contact.

  “Do you believe in kismet?”

  Do I? Here she was in a bed with a slight head injury, and all she could think about was how good Dire smelled and the way she wanted to melt into his soul searching eyes, compelling her to divulge her deepest darkest fears, secrets and fantasies. “I guess. Some. But I haven’t ever put too much stock into the cosmic universe.”

  “I think that would be a bit too much for your brain to process right now.” He chuckled and she wanted to snuggle into the encompassing sound promising to shroud her from the unpleasantries of life.

  “Maybe, but I’m awake. Just can’t promise I’ll stay alert for long.”

  “The happy drugs are finally kicking in?” He moved to draw the covers up for her.

  “I’m worried about Ash. Don’t want to let myself fall asleep until she’s back up here.”

  “I see your conundrum. Fighting the urge to sleep and making sure your daughter isn’t abducted by the mind erasing villainess.”

  Mia laughed, and it hurt. “Stop making me smile.”

  “Today has been a helluva day for you. If I can’t make you smile and ease your anxiety, then I’m of no service to you.”

  “Does every fireman take his job as serious as you do?” Mia yawned, tucking her feet under her. What she really wanted was a T-shirt and a pair of sweats. Thankfully, she didn’t need to use the commode.

  “We all take our jobs seriously. We’re affected when we save or lose lives. It’s a rollercoaster type of profession. But you don’t want to hear about what we encounter.”

  “I’ve seen many rescues on television. I read about 9/11. Trust me, I have an understanding about how brave your band of brothers is. My husband was a soldier.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.” A whispered caress laced his voice with an air of respect and understanding. His soft spoken words went a long way further than the other’s who had spoken the same without the conviction behind them.

  “Thank you for that.”

  She felt the sandman tug at her eyes, pulling them shut. “Stay?”

  “You’re welcome Mia, sleep now. I won’t leave you or Ash alone here. I promise.”

  She believed him.

  Chapter Two

  “I know you’re awake, Mama.” Ashland snuggled next to her in the too narrow bed. “Wakey, wakey. I have cookies, it’s okay to come to the dark side.”

  “Ash, you’re going to make my head hurt. Why are we whispering and where did you get cookies?”

  “Mr. Sylis is sleeping. The nighttime nurse brought some Christmas cookies in. She gave me a few as a bedtime snack.”

  Mia turned her head his direction. Sure enough, he had his feet propped up, hands laced behind his head and was dead asleep. Dead asleep and drop dead handsome. She took the opportunity to get a good look at him. I’m loopier than a fruit loop seven days from a bowl of ice cold milk. How else could she explain her instant fantasy starring his truly across the room? Worse, how the hell could he possibly sleep in that position?

  “The lioness spots the buck and formulates what type of meal he’ll make. On her haunches, she slides through the tall grass waiting….to strike.”

  “Ashland. Shhh.”

  “C’mon Mom, he is totally hot. I snuck a pic of him and emailed my fellow cheerleaders. There is a new consensus. With men like him, the QB on our football team is totally forgotten. Well, until next game at least. He might be old but Mom you’re crazy if you let him slip through your fingers.”

  “I’m not having this talk with you, and to be honest, it’s a bit reversed.” Mia hissed under her breath.

  “Wait, he stirs.” Ashland giggled under her breath.

  “Incorrigible brat. I’m so glad you’re safe.” Mia kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Are you in any pain?”

  “Nah, just from the railing on the bed.” Ashland sat up and stretched. She picked up the discarded tray and poked at the food. “I don’t think this is edible.” The secondhand on the clock clicked extra loud, at least to her, reading a little past ten. No wonder he was out cold. He had to be exhausted from work, not to mention witnessing firsthand her external family drama. In sleep he took ruggedly handsome to a whole new level. His lips appeared softer, his face almost boyish still holding a cocky smirk as if dreaming something delicious. She wanted to be, ached to be the delicious dream he might be dreaming.

  “Mom.” Ashland poked her.

  “What Ashland.” After she spoke she realized how acerbic her tone was. She gave the most important person in her life her full attention. “I’m sorry. Yes?”

  “I only said mom like five times. Maybe I should’a said Mia.”

  “Sure, if you want to land on punishment.”

  Mia winked.

  She had a rule about calling a parent by the first name, only in emergencies or if lost as a young child. Then of course, calling mom would result in multiple mothers answering. Feeling cold, she pulled the blankets up higher. Hiding under the hem of the bedding, she chanced a peek at the slumbering giant she wished reclined closer to her bed.

  �
�I think it’s time to have a talk about the birds and the bees.” Ashland grinned in annoying teenage glee.

  “Shut your mouth, girl.” Mia huffed before pinching her daughter. “Don’t make me kick you outa my bed.”

  “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that man is crazily into you. He is so romantic. I wish boys at school acted as interested as he does with you.”

  “Honey, he was just doing his job. Nothing more, nothing less. I wouldn’t be surprised if he acted this way with all the victims he’s come into contact with. Dire seems to have a need to control and reassure those he feels responsible for. It’s sweet but he’s a stranger. We really don’t know him well enough to come to any type of conclusions about his personal life. Now shush before you wake him. The least we can do is be silent so he can rest, who knows if he has to head back into work today.”

  “Whatever you say, Madre.” Ashland shifted in the bed, snuggling into her. “Oh, I do know he is off for the next forty-eight hours. We had a lot of time to talk about randomness while you took an extended nap. I like him, Mom, a lot.” Ashland sighed and Mia felt her retreat.

  “Spit it out. Something is up with you.”

  “I loved Daddy so much. I still do, and so did you. I keep thinking about what Grandma said about colleges and planning for my future. With the wreck happening, thinking you might not wake up, it terrified me. And then I wondered what will happen to you when I leave in a few years? You barely hangout with Sincliare now and you don’t go to parties with the other Cheer Moms anymore. You haven’t dated anyone since Daddy passed. Well, unless you count the few blind dates my friends’ moms set you up on that went nowhere.”