Jason and Vicky left Ryan and Alicia in thewaiting room. They’d spent too much time away from their daughterdealing with all them.
Once Jason and Vicky had left, Alicia eyesshot daggers at Ryan “I can’t believe you allowed this to happen tous! It’s not just your life you are ruining but mine too.”
Ryan closed his eyes and pinched the bridgeof his nose. “Alicia, I think I may know how I can salvage all ofthis.”
“And just how do you think you can fix this?This isn’t fixable!”
“What about if we beat them to the punch. Wecan call our own press conference to announce to the world that atconsiderable risk to myself, I selflessly donated blood to adaughter I never knew I had until the day of the accident.”
“That’s all great for you but how willyou explain that she was conceived while we weremarried Ryan?”
“We can say that you and I were separatedduring the time Angel was conceived. But, we realized how much wemeant to each other and decided to make our marriage work. Everyonecan understand marriages going through problems.”
The more Ryan spoke the more Alicia startedto think this explanation might work.
Ryan walked over to Alicia and reached forher hand “There is one more piece to this that would definitely putus into the Governor’s mansion. The whole plan rests solely on ifyou can accept this.”
Alicia raised an eyebrow “And just what othersacrifices would you have me make Ryan?”
“We’d need to file for sole custody ofAngel.” Ryan thought this plan would solve all of his problems.He’d then have the Governorship and the child he’d alwayswanted.
While they were waiting for Angel to get outof surgery, Franklin pulled Jason over to the side to have aprivate word. “There was a reporter here who was more than likelyable to put two and two together. When I saw him, I ‘accidently’smashed both his phone and camera. I might have been able to buy alittle time but it looks like whether you want it to or not thisstory is going to come out.”
Jason acknowledged what Franklin had to say“I’ll deal with that when I have to. Right now I can’t focus onanything but my future wife and daughter.”
Three hours later Dr. Franklin emerged fromsurgery with a huge grin on his face. Everyone rushed around him.“Angel is a strong little girl. She came through the surgerybeautifully. We were able to save her kidney and the swelling ofher brain has gone down considerably. It’s even showing signs offiring off the way it is suppose to. Of course, it’ll be a few daysbefore we’ll know for sure but I think she has a shot at making afull recovery. Give it about an hour before heading down torecovery to see her.”
Jason and Vicky shook his hand all the whilecontinuing to thank him profusely. Then, there was another round ofhugs, congratulations, and kisses.
Chapter 24
Vicky sat looking out of the upstairs bedroomwindow of the Rutherford’s home. It was a crisp, clear day, and thewarm sun was shining down beautifully. There was not one cloud inthe sky. The leaves on the trees had changed colors and they werebeautiful shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. She couldn’tremember the last time she’d noticed how beautiful fall was. Vickyknew for sure that since she’d met Jason she’d finally been able tonotice the beauty that surrounded her. She was finally atpeace.
There was a knock on the door which shookVicky out of her thoughts.
“May I come in?”
“Of course, Mrs. Rutherford.”
Miriam slowly walked into the bedroom. “Youare absolutely stunning my dear. I see the glam squad did anawesome job.”
Vicky hugged her. “Thank you so much forwelcoming Angel and me into your lives.”
“Vicky before you marry Jason, I just feellike I need to get something off of my chest. Jason said there wasno need but it is weighing heavily upon my heart.”
Vicky was mystified at what it could be. Shethought Mrs. Rutherford was fine with her marrying Jason.
“Vicky, I just wanted to tell you how sorry Iam for what happened to Angel on my watch. I feel like if I hadnever encouraged Jocelyn to take Angel to the park maybe theaccident could have been prevented. Please forgive me.”
“Mrs. Rutherford, there is no need for you toask for forgiveness. There is nothing to forgive. The accident wasjust that an accident. It could have happened to any of us. I’msaddened for Jocelyn, but I thank God every day that Angelsurvived. You know what else I’m grateful for? That you both loveAngel with all of your hearts and she loves you. I never thoughtI’d be able to give Angel grandparents. But, I couldn’t havedreamed up better grandparents if I tried.”
Miriam used her handkerchief to wipe away hertears. “Vicky, Jason is so lucky to have found you. You’ve been ablessing to all of us. I’d better let you finish getting ready.That son of mine would kill me if I made you late especially todayof all days. Please let me know if you need anything?”
Just as Miriam was about to leave, AuntShirley stood outside the door about ready to knock. Vicky smiled“Aunt Shirley, what are you doing here so early? Not that I mind.”Miriam left and closed the door behind her.
“I’m here because if your mom were alive thisis exactly where she would be. I know I’m not her but I’m hopingyou don’t mind me standing in for her.”
Vicky hugged her aunt. They’d become veryclose over the last few months. “Of course, I don’t mind. You’reall the family I have left.”
“Good. Then, I have one more thing to giveyou before we start getting you ready for your big day.”
Vicky looked somewhat puzzled. She had noidea what it could possibly be but both ladies sat down on the bed.Aunt Shirley handed Vicky a beautifully wrapped box.
“Aunt Shirley, you didn’t have to do this.The only gift I need from you is you being here.”
“Well, although I’m giving you this gift itis technically from your mother.”
Vicky’s hands were shaking something fierce.They were shaking so that she almost
