Page 62 of Feels Like the First Time
“I won’t come over.”
Bridget paused, spoon in her mouth. “Are you serious?”
“Sure, I’ll come by to check on the groceries and his meds, but I’ll leave the rest of the day to you two. You can help him wash down the deck, or polish the handrails, whatever sounds fun,” Ali said, wondering why sharing always ended up with her left out. “I know he’s really enjoyed these last few weeks. And he’s looking forward to spending time with you at the wedding.”
“Thanks,” Bridget said with a smile. “It means a lot. And you don’t have to worry about the groceries and meds, I can handle that.” Ali went to argue and Bridget held up a hand. “I’m already there, it’s silly for you to come out. Plus, don’t you have the project you’re working on for the Galleon Orchard?”
Yes, she did, and it was due for delivery next week. With hours still left to go on it, Ali could use some quality focused time with the piece. But she wasn’t willing to risk everything they’d done in Marty’s rehab for a few extra hours. “He can be a handful, and it’s important that he sticks to the doctor’s plans.”
“I did it for two days, I can finish out the week.” Bridget went quiet, and looked down at her pie. “Plus, it would be good practice for when he comes and visits us.”
Appetite lost, and regretting the few bites of pie that were turning in her stomach, Ali set her spoon down. “He wants to come visit? When?”
“Jamie and I have been talking to Dad about him coming to our place maybe one week a month,” Bridget said, and Ali felt sweat bead on her forehead. “It might be nice for him to get a change of scenery.”
“Have you talked to Dad about this?” Ali asked, a strange panicky sensation working its way up her throat. “I mean, does he like the idea?”
“Of course he likes it. He said the sail would do him good, especially to get him ready for when grandkids come along.”
Ali was going to be sick. Sure, this was exactly the kind of help she’d been hoping for. The kind of relationship Marty had dreamed of. But instead of one big happy family, Bridget was asking him to come into her shiny new world. Alone.
Not only wouldn’t she be a part of it, she wouldn’t be there to make sure her dad was taking care of himself.
“Are you okay?” Bridget asked.
No, she was one Kodak moment away from a complete meltdown. Surely, everyone could hear her heart thrashing against her chest, because really? Bridget thought that Marty was in any condition tosailto Seattle? Alone?
“The doctor said it might be a while before he’s ready to go far on the boat alone.”
“I know, Ali. I’m not a complete idiot,” Bridget said, crestfallen.
Ali felt like a jerk. “I don’t think you’re an idiot, it’s just been a while since you’ve spent a lot of time with him. Two days is nothing, a whole week? He’s…” Ali searched for the right words to explain the situation, and settled on, “He’s different now.”
“Which is why I want to spend more time with him,” she admitted. “Plus, Jamie will be gone a lot for work, and it gets lonely in that big house. Dad can have his own room. On the bottom floor so he doesn’t have to do the stair thing.”
Marty would like that, and his doctor would like the idea of Marty relaxing. And Bridget had every right to want some time with her dad. Even if it did make Ali nervous. “I could drive him one way, at least until he’s cleared to drive the distance by himself.”
“We’ll work it out,” Bridget assured her, repeating what their dad had said the other week, and Ali found herself smiling. Believing that maybe Marty was right, and this wedding was exactly what the family needed to come together.
To finally work together.
“We always do,” Ali said.
They both settled into comfortable silence, nibbling on the pie, when Bridget’s phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and smiled. “It’s Jamie.” She answered and put the phone to her ear. “Hey, baby.”
Ali heard Jamie’s muffled voice, and Bridget looked up at Ali. “Hanging with my sis, and eating pie…No, she found the dress here and will bring it with her, but tell your mom she’ll make it to the brunch…The family brunch.” Bridget’s face fell. “No, it’s on Thursday morning…But it’s atyourparents’ house.”
Bridget held up a finger, then turned her back for privacy and whispered, “I understand, but you promised that you wouldn’t leave me alone with your momandmy mom.” She hovered further into the phone. “I know it’s important, but I worked really hard on this party, and your mom is so excited.”
Ali could tell by her sister’s tone that she was excited as well.
“No, I get it. I know, it’s what you do…yeah. I love you, too.”
Bridget hung up and turned back to Ali, her eyes big and her smile bigger. “Jamie got a call from Nolan today. I guess he’s willing to meet and wants to do it after the shoot, thank you for the introduction.”
Ali paused. “So while I’m flying out to Florida, the groom will be flying back to Washington?”
“Ironic, huh?”
