Alex walked up the stairs to Dylan’s room. She found him busy on his computer.
“Hey. So, what are you so busy doing up here?” she asked. She looked at the computer screen and was surprised to see a Web page about brain injuries. “You looked this up yourself?”
“Uh huh. It wasn’t that hard. I just did a search. I wanted to see what it said about what happened to Daniel. I don’t understand everything because they use a lot of words I don’t know, but I found out that it can take a really long time for people whose brain was hurt to get completely better, and, sometimes, they never do.” His eyes looked into his mother’s. “Is Daniel never going to get back to how he was before?”
Alex sat on the bed. “I don’t know, Dylan. The doctors don’t either. But Daniel wasn’t hurt as badly as a lot of the people those Web sites are talking about. I really think that he’s going to be all right. But we need to be patient and understanding and give him lots of love.” She took her son’s hands. “Um, how would you feel about me going back over to the hospital and staying there for a few days? I’d really like to be there to help Daniel. Molly, Kevin, and Nub will watch you. In fact, Nub said that you could stay with him on his boat. Would that be all right with you?”
“Couldn’t I come too?”
“No, sweetheart. You need to go to school. But you can come visit Daniel next weekend.”
Dylan looked down at the floor between his feet.
“I won’t go if it’s not okay with you,” Alex told him.
Her son lifted his head and looked at her. “No, it’s okay. I want Daniel to get better so that he can come home.”
With a smile, Alex gave Dylan a tight hug. “I am so proud of you, you know that?”
“Mom?” the boy said as they drew apart.
“Yeah?”
“Do you love Daniel like you loved Dad?”
Taken totally by surprise by the question, Alex didn’t answer for a moment. “Yes, I do,” she finally replied, “but not in exactly the same way. Daniel and your father are a lot different, so what I feel for Daniel is different. But I do love him, very, very much.”
“Are you going to get married?”
Alex flushed faintly. “Dylan, there are a lot of things that have to happen before anything like that would even be talked about. Why all the questions?”
Her son shrugged. “I just wanted to know.”
“Ah. Well, I’m going to go back tomorrow morning after I get you off to school. I’ll be coming back late Tuesday afternoon for a town meeting, then return to the mainland Wednesday morning. I was thinking that, tonight, we could rent a movie, fix some popcorn, and just hang out together. Does that sound like fun?”
“Can I pick the movie?”
Alex grinned and ruffled Dylan’s hair. “Yes, you can pick the movie.”
Alex spent most of the afternoon talking to islanders about the proposed retirement community. There was no way she was going to leave that up to Brian. He’d have the entire population thinking that it was the next best thing to the wheel. She wanted them to know the truth, not a pretty, glossed-over picture. Everyone agreed that they wanted a town meeting to discuss the project. One was scheduled for seven o’clock Tuesday evening.
Throughout the day, Alex found herself continually thinking about Daniel. She missed him, missed seeing him walking down the street, talking with the islanders, missed going up the hill to visit with him. She ached for the sight of him walking through the door of the Widow’s Walk, a smile on his face. All the little things about him, the way he walked, the sound of his voice, the way his eyes lit up when he smiled, his gentle laugh. She missed it all. Alex wanted to talk to him about the project, find out his opinion on it. It wasn’t until now that she realized how much she had come to value his insights. She couldn’t wait for the morning to come.
As how it usually is when you’re waiting for something, the day crawled by. But, at last, it was over, and Alex and Dylan settled down for a fun evening with a movie and a big bowl of popcorn. The time then went by too fast, and before she knew it, she was tucking her son into bed.
“Mom?”
“Hmm?”
“Did you really pray for Daniel in the chapel?”
Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Alex sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes, I did,” she admitted.
“You never prayed before.”
“I used to, a long time ago.”
“Why did you pray this time?”
Alex sighed. “I guess it was because I felt like I needed to. I was really scared and upset. I thought Daniel was going to die.”
“And you asked God to save him?”
“With all my heart.”
“And, now, Daniel is going to be all right, so what we all prayed for happened.”
Alex brushed back his hair. “Yes, it did. I don’t know if Daniel made it because we prayed, but I’m glad that so many were praying for him.” She paused in thought. “And I’m glad that I prayed for him.”
“Me too,” Dylan said. “When Daniel comes back, will you go to church on Sundays now?”
Alex’s discomfort increased. “Dylan, I made a choice a long time ago to no longer be a part of religion. The reason why I made that decision may have been wrong. I don’t know for sure. But it’s not something that can be suddenly changed because of what’s happened or because I prayed. Sometimes, when terrible things happen and people are scared, they pray. It’s not because they’re religious. It’s just something that they have a sudden need to do. I’m glad I prayed for Daniel, but it hasn’t really changed things.”
“Then you’re not going to come to church,” her son said, looking disappointed.
“No, sweetheart, I’m not. Maybe, someday, that will change, but not now.” She smiled encouragingly. “But I’m happy that you go. I’m glad that it makes you happy. And don’t ever think that I don’t want you to pray. Don’t ever feel as if you shouldn’t when I’m around. You pray whenever you want to, okay?”
Dylan smiled. “Okay. Can I pray now?”
“Sure you can.”
Dylan crawled out of the bed and knelt beside it. “Dear God, thank you for saving Daniel and making him get better. Please make him get better fast so he can come home. Thank you for having him come to Hope and be our minister.” He went on to ask God to bless several people, including Alex, and to ask for other things. Alex listened to his prayer, not feeling any discomfort this time.
Once Dylan was finished, he got back into bed, and Alex kissed him goodnight. She then went back to her room. Opening the window, she sat in a chair and looked out into the night, her chin resting on her crossed arms on the sill.
The last time she had prayed, it was also for the life of someone she loved, but her prayers had been in vain. This time, they weren’t. Daniel was alive and well on his way to recovering. She did not know if her prayers had made any difference or if the minister had survived simply because he did. She still didn’t know if prayer made a difference at all or was just something that made people feel better.
Looking up at the stars, Alex thought about what she’d said to Dylan. A year ago, she would have sworn that she would never again have anything to do with religion or the clergy and would keep her son from it no matter what. But that all began to change the day Daniel Cooper stepped into her life. His spirit, his fervent, yet gentle faith, and his unswerving friendship to the people of Hope had succeeded in doing what four years had not. Her son was now a member and acolyte in a church, and she was madly in love with the minister. Not only that, but she was his friend, and she felt all right about being friends with a clergyman. She even felt all right about being more than friends with one.
But there was something else. Alex realized that the anger and bitterness over her mother’s death was fading and had been for quite some time. It no longer influenced her life and personality as it had. She was healing. Someday, she would be able to put it completely behind her.
Closing the window, Alex turned away and got ready for bed.
Alex strode quickly down the hallway, eager to reach Daniel. She’d driven her boat full throttle the entire way to the mainland, and it still hadn’t been fast enough to suit her. And the taxi ride had seemed to take forever. But she was finally here.
At last reaching Daniel’s room, she went inside. The minister’s parents both saw her and smiled.
“Alex! We weren’t expecting you back so soon,” Bonnie said.
“I managed to make arrangements on the island so that I could come back sooner,” the redhead told them.
“Well, we’re very glad to see you. Daniel woke up four times after you left, and every time, almost the first thing he did was look around for you.”
“He did?” Alex asked, pleased.
“Yes, he did,” Cliff confirmed. “He’ll be delighted to see you. I should imagine that he’ll be waking up again soon. Bonnie, how about if we go out for a while and give Daniel and Alex some time alone?”
Both women smiled at the comment. There was no doubt that Cliff had accepted the idea of his son’s relationship with the redhead.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Bonnie said, pleased to no end. She looked at Alex. “We’ll be back in a few hours.”
As soon as they were gone, Alex went to the chair beside Daniel. “I’m back, Daniel. I missed you.” She kissed his cheek.
The minister stirred, his eyes slowly opening. The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up, and a big smile spread across his face. “Hi,” he said.
“Hi.” Alex returned the smile.
“Missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Alex put some books on the table. “I brought your bible and a couple of your poetry books. I thought you might like something to read.”
“Thanks.” The minister looked around the room. “Where’s Dylan?”
“He’s home. He wanted to come, but he had school.”
“What day is it?”
“Monday.”
Daniel’s brow knit as he tried to figure things out. “What day was I hurt?”
“Last Thursday.”
“The big storm?”
“Two weeks ago Friday,” Alex told him. She saw his face cloud up. Taking his hand, she leaned in closer. “I know that you don’t remember much of those two weeks, Daniel, but it’s going to be all right, and I’m going to help you in any way that I can.”
Daniel held onto her hand tightly. “Thank you.” He searched her face. “I just wish I could remember.” Deep inside, he knew that one of the memories he had lost was something very, very important to him. He also knew that it had something to do with Alex. More than anything, he wanted to remember what it was.
Trying with all his might to bring back the memory, Daniel let his gaze moved over Alex’s face, her eyes, her cheeks, her nose, her lips. His eyes fixed upon her mouth as he saw her tongue come out and wet her lips.
And, all at once, Daniel remembered.
He saw Alex come into the church, angry and upset because she’d heard about Daniel’s father asking him to join his ministry. He remembered what they said, her storming away and him going after her. And then . . . then he remembered what happened in the doorway of the church. His breath caught as his mind was flooded with the memory of kissing her, holding her in his arms, feeling as if he never wanted to let her go.
Wishing that she could help him somehow, Alex watched Daniel struggle with his memory. She was about to tell him to rest and try again when he was stronger, when the concentration on his face abruptly transformed to discovery. She saw his eyes widen, his breath draw inward quickly, and she knew beyond all doubt what he had just remembered. The redhead felt heat come to her cheeks.
“I . . . I kissed you,” the minister murmured.
“Yes,” Alex whispered.
Daniel’s fingertips softly brushed her lips, sending a little tremor through the redhead. “I remember.” His eyes lifted to hers. “Did I . . . do it again?”
“No.” Alex decided not to tell him about the near miss in her room.
The memories kept coming. He remembered talking with Alex after he turned down his father. He remembered the words he spoke to her and what she said to him. He’d confessed that he had given his heart to her. But did she know that he loved her so utterly, so completely that he felt as if he’d given her not just his heart but also half his soul? He wanted to tell her now, but he didn’t want to do it like this, not with him lying in a hospital bed. When he told her, he wanted them to be truly alone with no chance of interruption. He wanted to be able to take her in his arms and kiss her, showing her with more than words how much she meant to him. No, it was not the right time now. He would wait until he was back home on Hope.
His eyes leaving her face, the minister’s gaze dropped to the choker she was wearing. He touched it. “Pretty,” he said.
“Yes, it is. You gave it to me.”
A frown came to Daniel’s face. “I did?” He stared at the necklace. “I don’t remember.” His face clouded up again, frustration in his eyes.
“Hey, it’s all right,” Alex said quickly. “You gave it to me as a thank you for putting you up at the Widow’s Walk because a tree had fallen onto your bedroom during the storm.”
Daniel’s frown deepened. He had only partial memory of the time he stayed at the inn. They were just bits and pieces jumbled together without order, just as were his memories of repairing his house and the church, of going around the island to help others. And he knew that there were so many things he was not remembering at all.
He hated it, hated having so many gaps, so many missing pieces in his life of the past two weeks. Would he ever get those pieces back?
Alex saw Daniel’s face mirror the emotions he was feeling, the anger, frustration, fear, and sadness. It was terrible watching him going through such mental and emotional turmoil.
“Daniel, listen to me. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this is for you, but you need to know how lucky you are to be alive. You came so close to not making it.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
Daniel nodded. “Dad told me.”
Alex looked at him earnestly. “Then you must know that everything you have to go through will be worth it because it means that you are alive, that you’re still here.” Alex’s voice caught on the final word. She quickly turned away.
Daniel saw the flash of anguish on her face and felt terrible for having upset her. He touched her arm. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
Alex shook her head. “It’s not your fault.” She turned back to him. “I was just . . . really scared. I thought I was going to lose you.”
Daniel’s hand tightened on her arm. “I’m here, Alex. I won’t go away.”
Alex smiled. “I know.” Deciding that she wanted to change the subject, she said, “Have the doctors talked to you yet?”
“A little. They said I may need therapy. But I’m better.”
Alex nodded. Daniel did seem better. Though his speech was still hesitant, it was obviously easier for him to talk. His eyes looked clearer, and he seemed to understand things better. The deep confusion was gone from his face, though she still saw a ghost of it from time to time.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good, though we’ve got something going on back home that I’m concerned about.”
“What?”
Alex told him about Hope Gardens. “I don’t know. On the surface, it sounds like a good idea. It’ll bring more money into the community, which we could really use, and it will provide some part-time jobs.”
“But?”
“But I’m worried about some things. What kind of people will be moving in? They’re obviously going to have money. I just don’t want them to come in and start looking down their noses at us because we’re not in their ‘class’. I’ve dealt with people who have money, and some of them are such snobs that you feel like punching them.”
Daniel smiled at the comment. “Won’t the people who move there know what kind of community they’re moving into?”
“I should think so.”
“Then if they don’t feel like they fit there, then they wouldn’t move there.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right, unless they plan to spend most of their time in Hope Gardens and only go among the locals when they have to.”
Daniel thought for a moment. “Then maybe you should have a say in who moves there,” he said after a while.
“What do you mean?”
“Make a committee that has the final word on everyone who wants to move into Hope Gardens.”
A slow smile spread across Alex’s face. “I never thought of that. That’s a great idea. We could conduct interviews with the people, like you would with someone seeking a job. We’d ask them questions like why they want to move there, how they feel about the neighborhood, stuff like that.” Her smile disappeared. “But these guys who want to build the place would never go for it.”
“Tell them it’s a condition of letting them build it. I think they’ll agree--eventually.”
“Thank you, Daniel. I wish that you could be there for the meeting tomorrow.”
“I do too.”
Alex expressed some of her other concerns over the project, listening to Daniel’s thoughts and suggestions, sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing. After an hour or so, she could tell that the minister was growing fatigued.
“You should get some sleep,” she told him.
“Will you be here when I wake up?” he asked softly.
Alex smiled. “Yes, I’ll be here--unless you have the bad timing to wake up when I go get my lunch.”
Daniel smiled back at her. “I’ll try not to.”
Alex sat at his side until he was asleep, then she got up and moved to the window. Daniel remembered. He remembered their kiss, the words they spoke to each other in the church. It was possible that he also remembered what he told her the following night in the Widow’s Walk. Things could still go forward with them, only, this time, she was ready for it to. The moment he gave her any indication that he wanted to continue where they left off, she would let him know that; she would tell him how much she loved him.
Alex looked back at him. But she was going to let him take the first step. He’d been through so much, and he was still struggling with the repercussions of what happened to him. He needed time to sort things out and get his life back together. Once he was out of this hospital and back home, once he felt ready, then they could begin focusing on their relationship.
Not wanting to take the chance that he would wake up while she was gone to lunch, Alex left early and got something to go. She brought it back to his room and nibbled on it while waiting for him to awaken again. She hadn’t been finished long when she saw his eyelids flutter and open. He quickly glanced about the room, smiling when he saw her.
“Hi again.”
Alex stood and went to the chair by the bed. “Hey.” She grinned. “You sure are a sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?”
Alex glanced at her watch. “12:17.”
“Lunch?”
“Already eaten. I’m all yours until dinnertime.”
Daniel’s smile broadened. “I’ll try to stay awake.”
“Gee, thanks. That’s so big of you.”
Daniel’s eyes crinkled with laughter. The sight made Alex’s heart fill with happiness. It was such a wonderful thing to see.
“You know what I’d like to do once you’re well?” she asked.
“What?”
“Go to the beach and do things like build sand castles and hunt for shells. Just you, Dylan and I.”
“I’d like that, Alex, a lot,” Daniel said softly. He laid his hand upon hers, his thumb gently rubbing back and forth across the back of her hand. Alex smiled into his eyes, and he suddenly felt very happy. He was alive, the woman he loved more than life was there with him, and once he got out of the hospital, he was going to take the first step in building a relationship with her that would last for as long as he lived.
Two hours passed as Daniel and Alex talked. After a while, the minister began to get tired, but he fought it off, not wanting to miss any more of Alex’s visit. He knew that she was going to be leaving tomorrow afternoon for the town meeting and wouldn’t be back until Wednesday. He didn’t know what would happen after that. He knew that Alex couldn’t keep coming over to the mainland every day until he got out of the hospital. It was possible that he might be there for weeks. And if he needed therapy, it could be that it would also have to be done on the mainland, unless they could find a way of having the therapists come to Hope.
Alex looked at the heavy droop of Daniel’s eyelids. She knew that he was fighting to stay awake for her. She also knew that he needed the sleep that his brain and body were demanding. In a brief conversation with Doctor Harding, he had explained that the minister would probably be doing a lot of sleeping over the next few days, and that this was not only natural but also a good thing.
“Daniel, why don’t you get some sleep,” the redhead finally said.
“I didn’t want to sleep your visit away.”
“I’ll be here the rest of the day until visiting hours are over with, and I’ll be here tomorrow until five. We’ll have plenty of time to visit. You need the rest.”
Daniel sighed and nodded. He let his eyes close. He was asleep inside a minute.
Alex gazed at the sleeping man. She had to decide what they were going to do if Daniel had a long hospital stay and convalescence. Hopefully, once he was out of the hospital, any therapy he had to undergo could be done on the island. But who was going to take care of him? Depending on his physical condition, it was possible that he might need someone to do things for him. The islanders would be glad to help in any way they could, but it was possible that he would need someone to be there all the time.
Deciding that they would cross that bridge when they came to it, Alex went down to the gift shop and bought a paperback. Back in Daniel’s room, she curled up in the chair beside him and began to read, yet again waiting for the minister to awaken.