Page 121 of Forgotten Desires

“I didn’t want her to worry about anything. This made things . . . easier for her. The money came from a charity, instead of me.”

Only I gave the charity the money to do that.

I knew that when she found out, if she did, this would be a fight, but everything I’ve done has been to make her life easier. My wife shouldn’t have to worry about money when I have more than enough. I made the donation large enough because I want other people like Brynn to have the opportunity to help someone they love.

“She’ll forgive you, no matter how mad she gets.”

I laugh. “I know.”

“She can’t stay mad at anything for too long, just wait her out.”

“I can do that.”

Grady nods. “I know we have this strange relationship, you and Rowan too. You’re our brother-in-law, but also our boss. I’ve done what I could to keep things professional when we’re in that setting, and brotherly when we’re in Sugarloaf, but I want you to know that we all respect you, Carson. We see the way you treat our sister, and while I thought you guys were out of your damn minds to get married in a week, I also respect it. I think this surgery was partially why you rushed.”

“Partially,” I confess. Grady is a smart guy, way smarter than others give him credit for. He was the one I always suspected knew that things weren’t exactly how they seemed. “My feelings for her are real, Grady. I want to make that clear. I’ve loved her for ten years and there was an urgency that wasn’t solely financial.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation. My relationship with Addison was unconventional, to say the least. My point is that I respect you. In the time you’ve been in her life, you’ve given her more than she’s ever had. She’s the most unselfish human I know, and never asks for anything, so you just do it and I know she sees it and so do we.”

“All I want is to take care of her.”

He smiles and bobs his head. “You’re doing a great job so far.”

“Mr. Knight?” A nurse calls my attention.

“Yes?”

“You can come back now.”

“Thanks, Grady, I’ll call you guys back once I’m done,” I tell him and then follow the nurse back to see my wife.

* * *

Brynlee is recovering well. Dr. Carr says her age, healthy lifestyle, and desire to get back to her life are all playing a part.

We are now four days post-op and she’s already becoming the worst patient ever.

Exhibit A is that she’s arguing that she wants to do another walk.

“Brynn, you have to take it easy. You had major surgery.”

“I also don’t want to be laying around here. I feel better than yesterday.”

I sigh heavily. “You need to listen to the doctors. They said tomorrow you can do another short walk. Today, you need to sit in the damn chair and eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” she says with defiance.

This has been her biggest hurdle so far. She has no appetite. Everything she eats has no taste or makes her nauseous. The dietitian explained this was thanks to the pain meds and can be normal after a long surgical procedure.

I roll over the cart that has toast, eggs, and a fruit cup. “If you eat, I’ll have Kimberly bring Layla to visit and we can go visit your dad.”

Brynn’s eyes narrow. “That’s a low blow.”

I grin. “I’m using the bargaining chips I have.”

Her father is doing well post-surgery. Once a day, we bring Brynn in to see him, which always seems to brighten his mood. He had a few small complications coming out of anesthesia, but overall, he’s handling her liver well.

She grabs the toast, taking a small bite before making a face. “It tastes like cardboard.”

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