Page 26 of Bridge to Home

“Yes. Please.” Harlow waited for the doctor to exit the examination room. “I didn’t ask, but is it okay if someone comes to the house for my therapy?”

“One hundred percent all right,” David said. “In fact, I think it would be better for everyone concerned if it can be arranged.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Tears welled up in Harlow’s eyes. She made a silent vow to make it up to him for all the extra work and trouble she was creating.

If only her mother was still around. Lingering questions over the suspicious fire and her mother’s death suddenly bubbled to the surface. Her parents’ contentious relationship. Overdue taxes. Being audited by the IRS. Not long after the audit notice, the lodge caught fire with her mother trapped inside.

Coincidentally, her father’s files burned with it. Files the IRS had requested. Of course, they could have…should have been kept online, but according to David, the paper copies were in the office and went up in flames.

The last straw, at least for Harlow, was when the insurance company denied the claim. When pressed, her father had pushed back, refusing to discuss it.

She still remembered her final night on the island, still mourning her mother’s death and confronting her father. Hot, angry words. Hurling accusations out of heartache and heartbreak. Excuses. Blame. He’d even had the nerve to insinuate Ginger might have been behind it.

Who in their right mind would believe the woman had caused her own death? She wasn’t depressed, wasn’t upset. In fact, in the days leading up to the fire, things seemed to be back on the right track. Her parents were no longer arguing and even getting along.

Unless…it was all an act.

David’s expression softened. “Are you okay? Are you in pain?”

“Everything kind of hurts. I was thinking about Mom.” Harlow stared at her hands, folded in her lap. “I still miss her.”

He grew silent for a long moment. “I don’t know if you believe it, but I miss her, too.”

The conversation ended when the door opened. Doctor Maddox reappeared. A young woman Harlow guessed to be in her late twenties followed her into the room.

“Harlow, Mr. Wynn, I would like to introduce you to Kennedy Jameson. She’s a colleague of mine who is available for in-home therapy. She’s willing to fit you into her schedule.”

The women shook hands. “Harlow Wynn. I’m a huge fan of yours. I heard about your accident.”

“Thank you. It’s been a little rough. I’m hoping my visit here means I’ll soon be on the road to recovery.”

“Doctor Maddox briefly filled me in. I would be happy to add you to my schedule. We do charge extra for travel time, expenses, etc.,” Kennedy explained.

“And I’m willing to pay the extra charges,” Harlow said. “How soon can you fit me in?”

“The bad news is I’m booked solid for the next twelve weeks.”

Her heart plummeted. She should’ve known the process wouldn’t be easy breezy.

“Having said that, if you’re not opposed, I can schedule your appointments after work hours, at the end of my day, early mornings, during my lunch break or if I have a cancellation,” Kennedy said. “In other words, if you’re flexible, I think we can make it work.”

“Seriously?” Harlow pressed her hand to her chest. “That would be wonderful. Thank you so much. Yes. Please sign me up.”

“I’ll let you take it from here.” Doctor Maddox backed toward the door. “I look forward to seeing you again soon, Harlow, waltzing through the front door as if you’re strolling down the runway.”

“I can promise you I will.”

After the doctor left, Kennedy outlined Harlow’s rehabilitation plan. She handed her a stack of papers. It included websites with information for patients who had suffered muscle contusions.

“I would like to assess your condition and feel confident we’ll have a clear idea and work out a game plan after my first visit.” Kennedy wrote out a prescription for a heavy duty pain reliever. “You might not need this. The number one priority is to give your muscles time to heal, meaning don’t overdo it.”

“When…can you fit me in?”

“Tomorrow won’t work.” Kennedy pulled a notepad from her pocket. “How does Thursday at 5:30 sound?”

“Perfect.” Harlow rattled off her father’s address. “Thanks again for making house calls.”

“You’re welcome. You’ll have to pre-pay for the first appointment,” Kennedy explained. “All in-home visits are pre-paid.”

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