Daniel looked at the crowd of people in the little chapel. Every member of his congregation had managed to attend, plus there were quite a few people from the hospital staff and patients. There appeared to be even more here this Sunday than there had been last week. It made him feel good to know that all these people had come to hear him speak about God.
The service went perfectly, everyone listening attentively. Afterwards, Daniel was approached by every member of his congregation, who all told him how much they missed him on Hope and how happy they were that he was able to give his sermons. In addition to his parishioners, nearly half of the other people who’d attended came up to talk to the minister as well.
“Will you be giving a sermon here again next week, Reverend?” asked an elderly lady who was a patient. Her granddaughter had come with her.
“I don’t know,” Daniel replied. “I’m hoping that I’ll be discharged this week.”
“Oh. Well, I’m happy that you will be getting out of here but disappointed that I won’t be able to hear you preach anymore. My sweetheart here,” she patted her granddaughter’s hand, “reads to me from the bible every day, but it is such a joy to hear the word of God spoken by a minister, especially one of such gentle spirit as you, Reverend.”
Daniel’s cheeks colored faintly. “Well, I’m glad that you could come today. Some members of the hospital staff talked about getting regular services held here. I don’t know if that’s going to happen, but I hope so.”
“So do I. I don’t expect that I’ll be getting well enough to attend services in a church anymore.”
“Grandma, don’t say that,” the woman’s granddaughter said, looking upset.
“Now, Child, don’t fret. I’ve made my peace with my maker, and I know that he’ll be taking me soon. There’s a time for everything, Janine, for living and for dying. I’ve lived a good long life with lots of love and happiness. Now, my time’s coming to leave this earth and be with your Grandpa Luke in heaven. But even after I’m gone, I’ll still be with you. Isn’t that right, Reverend?”
Daniel cleared the lump from his throat. “That’s right.”
The old woman reached out and gave the minister’s hand a little squeeze. “God bless you, Reverend Cooper.”
“He already has, ma’am,” Daniel responded quietly.
After everyone else had left, Molly, Kevin, and Dylan took Daniel back to his room. Alex was there when they arrived.
“How’d everything go?” she asked, though she didn’t have to. The expression on the minister’s face told her all she needed to know.
“Wonderful,” he replied, smiling broadly.
“It was a great service,” Molly said. “There were a lot of people there. I think the patients and hospital staff are going to miss Daniel when he leaves. So, what are your plans for today?”
“Going outside,” Daniel replied immediately. The day had dawned clear and sunny, calling to the minister to go outdoors.
Everyone smiled at the eagerness in the minister’s voice. As before, a male nurse wheeled Daniel outside as everyone else followed them. This time, however, they went to a large grassy area. As Dylan went off to explore, Alex, Molly, and Kevin sat on the grass and chatted with Daniel.
“Your parents are arriving tomorrow, aren’t they?” Molly asked.
“Yeah. They’ll be here around eleven o’clock. Dad’s going to talk to my doctor and see if we can get a firmer idea on when I’ll be released.”
“Good. Be sure to let us know when you’re coming home. We’ll want to make sure you get a proper greeting at the ferry.”
“Molly, don’t get any ideas of having some kind of Welcome Home party,” the minister said firmly.
“Who, me? Now, would I do something like that?”
“Yes, you would, especially if you and a certain red-haired person I know put your heads together.”
The two women looked at him innocently.
“Are you going home then coming back later to pick up Dylan?” Alex asked Molly and Kevin.
“No, we’re going to spend the day in town,” the cop replied. “There’s an exhibit at the museum that Molly wants to see, then we’re going to do some shopping.”
“Yeah. In fact, we really should get going,” Molly said. The couple stood up. “We’ll be back this afternoon, okay?”
“Sure. Have fun, you two,” Alex said. She and Daniel watched the couple walk off hand in hand. “They make such a great couple, don’t they?” There was a wistful note in Alex’s voice.
Daniel reached down and took her hand. “Yeah, they do,” he replied, looking straight into her eyes.
Alex returned his smile, keeping his hand in hers.
They spent the rest of the morning outside, going back in when it was time for lunch. Alex and Dylan bought their meals at the cafeteria and took them up to Daniel’s room. When it was time for the minister’s therapy, Dylan promised to stay in the room and work on his model.
The day passed far too quickly for Daniel, and, before he knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Dylan.
“How much longer are you going to be in the hospital, Daniel?” Dylan asked sadly.
“I’m not sure. I really hope that I’ll be getting out this week, but I won’t know until we talk to the doctor.” Daniel smiled. “Maybe by next weekend, I’ll be home and will be able to see this model when it’s all finished.” He pointed to the creation in Kevin’s hands. The minister held out his arms. “Can I get a hug goodbye?”
Without hesitation, Dylan went into his arms. Daniel held him close for a moment. The boy then got a tight hug from his mother. She and the minister watched Dylan and the couple leave.
“If it wasn’t for school, I’d let him stay here,” Alex said. “When he’s not here, I feel pretty lonely at night in that huge suite.”
“Yeah, I know how you feel. Well, you’ll have Mom and Dad there starting tomorrow. But I wish Dylan could stay too. I’ve been missing him. I miss our times together, riding our bikes and working in the garden. It’s about the season when we’d start planting for the summer.” Daniel sighed. “I guess I’m not going to have a garden this year.”
“Why not?”
“I probably won’t be mobile enough to be doing stuff like that, and I don’t think I could get a wheelchair down there.”
“We might be able to figure something out.”
Daniel nodded. “I wonder how long it will be before I can ride a bike again,” he murmured.
Alex saw the minister’s expression turn melancholy. She sat on the bed beside him. “Hey. You’ll ride a bike again, Daniel. And you’ll play ball, and go jogging, and all the other things you did before. It might take some time, but you’ll do them.”
“I hope so.”
“Well, I don’t just hope so, I know so. I know you, Daniel, and you won’t stop until you are completely well again.”
Daniel looked up at her and gave her a warm smile. “Have I ever told you how good you are for me?” he asked softly.
“No, but the feeling’s mutual,” Alex replied, returning the smile.
The evening was spent more quietly than the previous ones, neither of them feeling like playing any games. After Alex had left, Daniel went right to bed, tired from the activities of the weekend and wanting to be well-rested for his parents’ arrival in the morning.
Daniel and Alex were in an animated conversation about some items in the news when the door opened and Cliff and Bonnie walked in.
“Mom! Dad!” Daniel said with a huge smile. He was immediately engulfed in an embrace from his mother, then his father.
“Oh, we’ve missed you so much, Daniel,” Bonnie said. She stepped back and examined him. “But look at you! You are looking so much better. You’ve got more color in your face, and I think you’ve put back on a little weight.”
“I feel a lot better,” Daniel confirmed. “Though putting weight on with what they feed me here would be nearly impossible.”
“Well, when you get out of here, we’re going to have to make sure you get plenty of home-cooked meals.”
“Believe me, Mom. I will be looking forward to it.”
“So, how has the therapy been going?” Cliff asked, please at how well Daniel was looking compared to a week ago.
“Good. I’m doing better. I still have a long way to go, but at least I’m seeing an improvement.”
“Actually, he’s doing very well,” Alex pipped in. “The therapist says that Daniel’s progress rate is above normal.”
“How wonderful!” Bonnie exclaimed.
“When’s your therapy today?” Cliff asked.
“One o’clock. That’s the usual time now.”
“While you’re gone, I’ll see if I can talk to your doctor about your release date.”
“Good. I’m going nuts not knowing how much longer I’ll be here.”
When the time came for Daniel’s therapy, both Alex and Bonnie went with him. Watching her son go through the exercises, Bonnie saw right off how much he had improved in just the four days since she’d last seen him in therapy. He was definitely stronger, and there were significant improvements in his coordination and balance. It gave her hope that, in time, Daniel would be back to the way he was before the accident.
Though exhausted by the session, Daniel fought to remain alert as he was settled back in his bed. Cliff came in a couple of minutes later.
“I spoke with the doctor, and he agreed to come speak with us after he consulted with your therapist and Doctor Harding,” he told them.
The four of them spent the time waiting for the doctor talking about what had gone on during the past week.
“Daniel told us that Hope Gardens was approved,” Cliff said. “They’re going to start breaking ground in June?”
“Uh huh,” Alex replied. “The land is going to be drained of the water on it starting this week. A local is going to be doing the job.” Jacob Markson had jumped at the offer of a job and had gotten started right away on fixing up the truck and making the necessary modifications. Joseph Mann had wired him enough money to cover all the expenses, plus an advance on the job itself.
“That whole thing is going to be a massive undertaking,” the televangelist remarked.
“You’re telling me. There are going to be dozens of people on the work crew.”
“My, I should imagine that means you’re going to be pretty busy,” Bonnie said.
“Very, very busy,” Alex confirmed. “It’s going to be an interesting year. Of course, when the weather gets really bad, they’ll be shutting down construction, so we’ll have at least a couple of months of peace.”
The door opened and Doctor Franklin, Daniel’s attending physician, came in.
“Good afternoon,” he said.
“Hello. I hope you have some good news for us,” Daniel responded.
“Well, I think I do. I’ve spoken to your therapist, Daniel, and he says that you are doing extremely well, that you are much further along than he would have anticipated. I also talked with Doctor Harding, and he consulted your charts. He wants to talk with you and run some tests himself first, but he and I both agree that, unless he detects something abnormal, we should be able to release you before the end of the week, perhaps Thursday.”
A wide grin spread across Daniel’s face. “That is fantastic news.”
The doctor chuckled. “I thought you might think so. Of course, you do realize that this does not mean you can attempt to go out and run a marathon or some other foolish thing.”
Daniel laughed. “I doubt I could run the length of my living room, let alone a marathon, Doctor.”
“When is Doctor Harding going to stop by?” Alex asked, absolutely thrilled that it looked like Daniel was going to be getting out of the hospital in a few days.
“A little later this afternoon, I believe,” Doctor Franklin replied. He returned his attention to Daniel. “Have you made arrangements for your therapy once you’ve been released?”
“No, not yet. We were waiting until we found out when I was going to get out.”
“Well, there are some very good physical therapy facilities here in Seattle that take both inpatients and outpatients. There are also some therapists who will come to people’s homes. I can arrange for you to get a list of names.”
“Thanks, Doctor Franklin.”
“I need to get back on my rounds. I have to say, though, that, in one way, we’ll be sorry to see you leave. You have been a very pleasant patient, Daniel. We don’t have many who never complain to us about anything. It’s been a refreshing change.”
Embarrassed, Daniel thanked the doctor again.
“Oh, Daniel, I am so happy for you,” Alex said after the doctor had left.
“It is wonderful news,” Bonnie agreed.
“Yeah.” Daniel grinned. “We’re going to have to call everyone back home and let them know, though I guess we’d better wait until after Doctor Harding makes it official. So, I guess it’s time now to discuss what we’re going to do about my therapy and such. I have been giving some thought to it. I could stay at home, but someone would have to help me throughout the day, and I don’t know what I’d do about the equipment for my therapy. It’s certainly not going to fit there. It would be rather awkward to go to the mainland every day for the therapy, but that may be what I’ll have to do.”
Alex shook her head. “You don’t have to do that, Daniel. You could stay at the Widow’s Walk. There’s plenty of people who’d be happy to help you during the day, and I can bring all your meals to you. As for the equipment, I guess we could clear one of the other rooms and put it in there.”
“But then you’d have two rooms taken up by me, and the tourist’s will be starting to show up within a few weeks. Not only that, but if I’m still there in June, you’ll have those people from Mann and Tate’s company coming in. I don’t want you to have two rooms unavailable for guests,” Daniel said, his heart warmed by Alex’s gesture but not wanting her to hurt her business by making accommodations for him.
“You’re more important than having rooms for guests, Daniel,” Alex said softly.
Daniel took hold of Alex’s hand, clasping it between both of his, looking deeply into her eyes. “Thank you,” he murmured. But then, he sighed. “But I’m afraid that there’s another problem with staying at the Widow’s Walk: the stairs. It’s going to be a while before I could make it up and down a full flight of stairs by myself.”
“Boris would be there to help,” Alex assured him.
“Daniel?” Cliff said quietly. His son turned to him. “I would pay Alex for the use of those two rooms, so she wouldn’t be out any money, and I would hire someone to take care of you at the Widow’s Walk, but I . . . we’d like you to come home instead.”
Surprised, Daniel just looked at his father for a few seconds, then, “Dad, we talked about this before when you came and asked me to join Cooper Ministries. My home is on Hope now.”
“I know, Son. Even if I hadn’t known that before, it would have been made clear to me when I saw how much the islanders care about you. I’m not talking about permanently; I mean just until you’re well enough to take care of yourself. There’s plenty enough room in my personal gym to set up the equipment you need, and there wouldn’t be any problem having someone help you get around. I’d hire a full-time nurse for you.”
Daniel gazed at his father, seeing the hope in the man’s eyes. He knew that Cliff wanted very much to help in any way that he could, and that thought made Daniel feel good. But then, another thought came to him.
“But what about my church? If I went home to Irvine, it could be two or three months before I’d be able to come back to Hope. I know that my parishioners can go to the mainland for church, but I hate the thought of not being able to perform my services for that long. I just don’t think I could do it.” Daniel’s gaze dropped to the bedcovers.
Bonnie covered his hand with hers. “We understand how you feel, sweetheart. We know how much you love your church and your congregation.”
Cliff studied his son. “I envy you, Daniel.”
Daniel’s head rose in surprise. “You do?”
Cliff nodded. “I wish I had that much of a connection to the people I preach to. Funny. It never really bothered me until I saw what a blessing it was for you to preach to that small group of people, people that you really knew and could call friends. I’m only a part of the lives of the people I preach to during those hours that they’re watching me on television. You’re a part of the lives of your parishioners every day. And they love you for it. That is truly a blessing.”
Cliff stood and moved over to the window. He stared out of it for a few second, then turned back to his son. “Daniel, you told me that you didn’t want to do your preaching to a camera. At the time, I didn’t really understand how you could feel that way, but I do now. But . . . how would you feel about it on a temporary basis?”
“What do you mean?” Daniel asked.
“We could set up a two-way video and audio feed in your church. You could give your sermons right from home and even be able to see your congregation. I know it wouldn’t be the same as being there, but at least you could give your sermons and have verbal contact with your parishioners.” He stepped forward, his expression now pleading. “Daniel, please. I want you to come home. I’ve wasted all these years since you were born. I want to get to know my son. I want to spend time with you, be a real father. Please.”
A tight lump grew in Daniel’s throat, tears filling his eyes as he realized that he wanted the same thing. For so many years, he’d ached to spend real time with his father, and, now, he could finally have the chance. The minister looked over at Alex. Her expression showed both happiness and sadness.
“Alex?” he inquired gently.
The redhead gave him a small smile. “We’d all miss you like crazy, Daniel, especially Dylan and I, but I think that this is the right thing to do. You should spend time with your family, and I think that things would work out better there in regards to your therapy.” She laid her hand over his. “We’ll all be here to welcome you when you come home.”
Daniel clasped her hand, thinking how lucky he was to have her in his life. He then turned to his father and nodded, smiling. The biggest smile he’d ever seen on his father’s face spread across it. Bonnie was smiling happily as well.
“I’ll call James and have him start setting everything up right away,” Cliff said. “By the time we get you home Thursday, everything will be prepared for your therapy and there will be a nurse waiting for you.”
Daniel laid his head back on the pillow. He was going home to Irvine. When he left there a year ago, he’d had doubts that he would ever return. Now, not only was he going back, he was doing so knowing that his father truly wanted him there, not as a business partner but as a father. Daniel had a feeling that the house wasn’t going to feel so empty anymore.
Doctor Harding arrived at four o’clock. He asked Daniel a lot of pointed questions and ran a few physical and mental tests.
“Well, Daniel, by what I’ve seen here and by what your therapist and Doctor Franklin have said, I’d say that you’re just about ready to leave this place,” he announced.
“So, I can go home on Thursday?”
“I don’t see any reason why not.”
Daniel shook the man’s hand enthusiastically. “Thanks you so much.”
“Don’t thank me, Daniel. I had very little to do with it. You’re the one who’s made the exceptional recovery.”
A few minutes after the doctor left, Daniel’s happiness dimmed a little. “I guess we need to call home and tell everyone about the plans, huh.”
“I can do that, Daniel,” Alex told him, though she wasn’t looking forward to breaking the news to everybody that Daniel wouldn’t be coming home for at least two or three months, especially to Dylan.
“You don’t have to, Alex. It’s my responsibility.”
“Well, we really only have to tell a couple of people. The news will get around the island fast enough.”
Daniel and Alex decided that Molly and Callie would be the best ones to tell. Alex would tell Molly and the minister would break the news to the journalist. Alex also knew that she needed to tell Dylan herself.
“Why don’t we give you two some privacy so that you can make those calls,” Cliff suggested. “We’ll go somewhere and pick up some dinner.”
Daniel placed the first call. Callie was delighted to hear his voice on the phone.
“Hey, Daniel. So, are you calling to give us news on your release from the hospital?”
“Yeah, they’re letting me out on Thursday.”
“Wow, that great! Everybody is going to be so happy.” She paused. “But why don’t you sound completely delighted about it?”
“Um, I’ve made a decision about my therapy, Callie. I’m . . . I’m going home to California.” He explained the reasons behind the decision, telling her how much his parents wanted him to go home. There was a moment of silence afterwards.
“I don’t think I have to tell you how much we’re going to miss you around here, Daniel, but I think you’ve made the right decision. The most important thing is for you to get well as quickly as you can. But what about church services? I guess we’ll be attending on the mainland again while you’re gone.”
Daniel smiled. “Nope, I’ll still be giving my sermons to you every Sunday.”
“Huh? But how?”
The minister told her about his father’s idea. “So, for a little while, I’ll be a televangelist like Dad, only my audience will be a few million smaller,” he finished.
“Well, that will be something to see.” Callie chuckled. “You do know that the camera adds at least twenty pounds, don’t you. Of course, even with those extra pounds, you’ll probably still look thin as a rail.”
“Gee, thanks, Callie,” Daniel said sarcastically, then laughed. “I guess I can rely on you to get the news around, right?”
“Yes, I will pass it along.”
“Good. Alex is going to tell Molly and Dylan.”
“Okay. I won’t tell anyone until after that. Um . . . I was wondering about the interview.”
“Yeah, that’s right. I forgot about that. Could you make a trip over here before Thursday?”
“Yeah, I could probably come over Wednesday.”
“All right, then we’ll just do it here.”
“Okay, I’ll see you Wednesday then.”
Daniel bid goodbye to Callie, then handed the phone to Alex, who dialed the number for the Widow’s Walk.
“Hey, Molly. It’s Alex.”
“Hi, Alex. What’s up?” her friend asked.
“I’ve got some good news. Daniel’s getting out of the hospital on Thursday.”
“Wow, that’s great news. I bet he’s thrilled about that.”
“Yeah, he’s anxious to get out of this place. Um, I’ve got some other news too. Today, we all talked about Daniel’s therapy and what would be the best thing to do, and . . . well, Daniel’s mom and dad really want him to go home to California, and we all decided that it would be the best thing for him.”
There was a long pause before Molly answered. “Alex, you don’t mean permanently, do you?”
“No, no! Just until he’s well enough to take care of himself, maybe two or three months or so.”
“Wow, that’s a long time. How do you feel about that?”
Alex met Daniel’s eyes. The minister was watching her closely. “I’ll miss him. I’ll miss him a lot,” she replied, not breaking the minister’s gaze. “Dylan will too. But this really is the best thing. He can get the best care there and lots of rest.”
“Everyone on the island is going to be disappointed. They all keep asking when Daniel’s coming home. But him getting well is the most important thing. And I think it’s wonderful that he’ll be able to spend time with his family, especially his father, considering their history.”
“Yeah, it will, Mol. I think they all need this.” Alex smiled. “But you’ll still be able to see him every Sunday.”
“What? I don’t understand what you mean.”
Alex’s smile broadened. “Daniel’s going to be on TV,” she announced, ignoring the look the minister gave her.
“On TV? You mean he’s going to join his father’s ministry while he’s there?” Molly’s voice reflected her shock.
“In a way.” Alex was trying not to laugh, but her voice betrayed her.
“Okay, Alex, what’s going on?”
Laughing, Alex explained to her friend the plan for the two-way video feed.
“Wow, I can’t wait to see that. It’ll certainly be a unique way of going to church. But it will be nice to be able to see and talk to Daniel, even if it is through a TV camera. So, are you going to let others know about all these plans or do you want me to pass it along?”
“Daniel told Callie, but we’ll leave it up to you and her to tell everyone else,” Alex replied.
“What about Dylan, Alex?”
“I need to tell him myself. I’m not looking forward to it, though.” Alex sighed. “Is he around?”
“I think he’s in his room with Nub, working on that model.”
“Could you get him for me?”
As Alex waited, she felt Daniel take her hand. She turned back to him.
“Alex, are you sure you don’t want me to break the news to him?” he asked gently.
“No, I’ll do it.”
“Okay, but if you think he needs to talk to me, just give me the phone.”
A moment later, Dylan answered. “Hi, Mom. Is Daniel coming home?”
“Um, well, there have been some decisions about that. The doctors told him that he can leave the hospital on Thursday, but. . . .”
“But what?”
“You know how we’ve been worried about how Daniel was going to keep getting the therapy he needs and that he wouldn’t be able to take care of himself yet?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, Daniel’s mom and Dad both really want him to go home to California for a while, and we got to talking about it and decided that it would be best for Daniel to have his therapy there.”
“But why can’t he have it here?” Dylan asked, clearly getting upset.
“Because there are no facilities that have the right equipment on the island and because there’s no place Daniel could stay that would work out well for him. If he’s with his parents in California, he’ll have the very best care and all the help he needs. He’ll be able to get well as fast as he possibly can. And his mom and dad miss him a lot, Dylan, like you’ve been missing me. They want to spend time with him, and Daniel wants to spend time with them too. Can you understand that?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Would you like to talk to Daniel?”
“Uh huh.”
Alex gave the phone to the minister.
“Hey, buddy,” he said softly.
“You’re going back to California?”
“Yeah, but only for a while, just until I’m well enough that I can do things on my own without help. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“I wish Mom and me could go with you.”
“So do I, Dylan. That would be great. But you have school, and your mom has to take care of the Widow’s Walk. Hey, I’ll be back home before you know it. Then maybe we can go fishing together. Would you like that?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then that’s what we’ll do.” Daniel forced himself to sound cheerful. “And guess what else?”
“What?”
“You’ll be able to see me on TV.”
“I will?” Dylan said, his voice brightening with curiosity.
“Yeah, but only you and everyone else in church. My dad is going to have equipment set up at the church that will let me give my sermons to you from California. You’ll be able to see and hear me, and I’ll be able to see and hear you too, so we can even talk afterwards.”
“Wow, that’s cool. Then I can still light the candles?”
“You sure can.”
Silence fell between them.
“I’m going to miss you, buddy,” Daniel murmured at last.
“I’m going to miss you too,” the boy said, tears now in his voice.
Daniel swallowed the tightness in his throat. “I love you, Dylan.”
There was the sound of sniffling. “I love you too. Please hurry back.”
“I will, buddy. I promise. Bye bye.”
“Bye.”
Blinking back his tears, Daniel hung up the phone. He looked up at Alex, whose eyes were also moist.
“He’ll be all right, Daniel,” she told him. “He’s upset now, but he knows that you’re coming back, that you’re not like his father.”
“Yeah, but it’s still not easy.”
“No, it’s not. But that’s because you love him and he loves you.”
Daniel gave a deep sigh. “You know, up until now, I couldn’t wait until I got out of this place, but, now. . . . I’m happy that I’m getting out of the hospital, and I’m happy that I’ll be spending time with Mom and Dad, but I am going to miss everyone on Hope so much.” He looked up into Alex’s face. “But I promise that I’ll be back before they start working on Hope Gardens, no matter what it takes.”
“That’s only a little over two months away, Daniel. I don’t want you pushing yourself too hard or coming back here before you’re well enough. I want you to promise me that you won’t do that.”
Daniel studied the firm expression on the redhead’s face. “Okay, I promise that I won’t overdo it or come back too soon.”
Alex’s head gave a short nod. “Good.” She put on a smile, though, to Daniel’s eyes, it looked a little forced. “You know what? I think I’m in the mood for a game of Go Fish. Anybody wanna play?”
The minister smiled back at her. “Oh, I might be interested.”
As Alex got the cards, Daniel watched her, knowing that, from the moment he set foot in California, he’d be counting the days until he could come home to the family he’d found on Hope.