Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
* * *
Winter lay in the hospital bed, with Nikki and Derek in her room trying to keep her entertained. Harrison told her that his parents had driven up early this morning and would come to visit when she was up to it. She was grateful they cared enough to drive two hours or more because she’d been injured.
When her brother and sister walked in, she tried not to break down in tears. Not just because of the pain but because they were here, and they obviously loved her, and she was so glad to have them in her life. Despite the short time she’d known them, they looked wrecked by her injuries. Nikki’s eyes were red from crying, and Derek had been pacing since he arrived.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Winter said, her voice still a deliberate whisper in deference to the throbbing in her skull.
Derek spun to face her and narrowed his gaze. “You’re family. We wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
“He means that more sweetly than it came out. He’s stressed and upset too,” Nikki said, sitting by Winter’s bedside. She tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear.
“I know,” Winter murmured.
Derek walked over to the bed and squeezed her covered foot. “So, Harrison asked me to let our father know you’re here. I called, and he was upset. He said he’d be here as soon as he could.”
Winter’s gaze rested on Nikki’s. “Please don’t be angry. I spent time with Harrison’s family and they’re so close. I’ve never had that, and I hoped maybe I could start by seeing if our father is really trying to do better.”
“Oh, Winter. I could never be angry or upset with you for wanting a relationship with him. I… I miss what I didn’t have. A father, a mother who cared.”
Derek’s hand came down on Nikki’s shoulder, and she covered it with her own.
“He’s been calling and texting. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to get back to him. I’m scared that he’ll hurt me again. I only answered my mother’s call because I forgot to check who it was first.”
She gave a little shrug, but Winter understood. Tears pooled in her eyes, and Nikki also sniffed and swiped at her damp cheeks.
“I swear to you all, I want to do better.” The former senator stood in the doorway, obviously having overheard at least some of their conversation.
Derek turned. “Dad. You have impeccable timing. And as usual, I see the rules don’t apply to you. They said two visitors. Even Harrison is abiding by them.”
“My child is in here. Nobody was going to keep me away. And I’m glad you’re all here together.” He paused. “I’m pleased to have my children in one place.”
Nikki stiffened.
Winter wanted to hug her, but she couldn’t move without pain.
“I’m glad too,” Winter said. “For the next few minutes, can we just be here together? We have enough issues to work out for years to come. Cut the injured one some slack, okay?” Winter knew she was asking a lot of Nikki and she’d have to make it up to her.
Nikki clasped her hand and squeezed. “Of course.”
The senator pulled up an empty chair and sat down. “So… you and Harrison are still together. Is it serious?”
Clearly he had no issue prying, Winter thought. “Umm…”
“He hasn’t left her side and he slept here last night. I’d say he’s serious,” Derek said, chuckling.
Nikki elbowed him in the ribs and Winter did her best not to laugh. Her head didn’t need the pain.
The words I love you floated through her brain in Harrison’s deep voice, but Winter couldn’t be certain if he’d said them, she’d dreamed them, or was making it up completely. Her chest squeezed at the thought.
“I see your expression,” the man she wasn’t quite ready to call dad said. “You’re serious about him.”
Her eyes filled because he was right. She was very serious about Harrison. “He’s been good to me, and he wants to be there for the baby.” And she was still being cautious.
Given the dynamic in this room, the distrust, how could she throw herself into a relationship headfirst without watching her heart?
“I’m going to give you one piece of fatherly advice and then I’ll back off. I’d give it to all three of you, but Nikki and Derek have already learned this particular lesson.”
Winter waited as he appeared to gather his thoughts.
“If you love Harrison, don’t let him go without being honest about your feelings or you’ll spend the rest of your life filled with regrets. Like I have.” He paused, then turned to face his other children. “I can’t say I regret my marriage to Collette because I wouldn’t have the two of you, and despite my behavior, I do love you both.” He held up his hands as if to say he was finished.