Finding Hayes: A Small Town, Marriage of Convenience Romance (Magnolia Falls Series Book 5)

I’d arrived in Dallas and Ubered to the hospital where my father would be receiving treatment for the next few months. He and Nadia had already settled into the apartment, which was attached to the hospital. My father would stay at the hospital, and Nadia and I would stay in the apartment.

I’d paid the deposit for him to start treatment, and I was damn proud to be able to do this for him.

It was the first time in many years that I felt hopeful about my father’s future.

There had been this dark cloud over us for many years.

I’d researched and educated myself every chance I had.

And it had led me here.

Nadia pulled me into her arms and hugged me. “Thanks for making this happen, sweetheart.”

I smiled, trying hard not to cry, because that would just make my father worry.

But it was emotional being here.

Hope was a dangerous thing. It allowed you to believe, to imagine that things could be better—all while knowing there were no guarantees.

I said a silent thank-you to Abe and Lily for making this possible. For giving my father the chance, something he wouldn’t have had without this money.

“Of course. I’m so happy they got you settled in the apartment already.”

“Well, they wanted to start first thing this morning, so coming last night was a good decision,” she said. “I’ve taken a leave from work, and we’ve got enough saved to cover rent on the apartment back home for a couple of months.”

“And I have this money set aside to help with all the expenses while he’s here. So whatever you need, I’ve got you, okay?” I sure as hell hoped I was right. I knew this could go up into the seven-figure price range, so I was afraid to make promises that I couldn’t keep. But I also had time, because everything did not have to be paid upfront, and we could make payments when all was said and done if needed.

“Thank you, my love. Come meet Dr. Dorsey and see your dad.”

I’d had several Zoom meetings with Dr. Dorsey, but I was looking forward to meeting him in person.

“There’s my girl,” my father said, and I startled a bit at how thin he looked. He’d hidden it well on our FaceTime calls. I straightened my face and gave him a hug.

“Hey, Daddy-O. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me, too,” he said, his voice definitely making it clear how exhausted he was.

“It’s nice to meet you in person, Savannah. I’m Grant Dorsey.” He extended a hand, and I hugged him instead. This man had helped make this happen, and I’d be forever grateful. He chuckled and patted my shoulder.

I guessed he was in his late forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes.

“Thank you for making this happen,” I said.

“Don’t thank me. You did all the hard work. He’s a perfect candidate, and you went through all the hoops necessary to be here.” He’d agreed to keep the financial situation discreet, as my father would never be okay with me using all of Abe’s inheritance to cover the cost of the treatment. Nadia, Dr. Dorsey, and I had agreed to keep the details to ourselves. Insurance would pay a small portion, the pharmaceutical company had agreed to cover some expenses, and I’d cover the rest.

There was nothing I wouldn’t do to save my father’s life.

At the end of the day, what else was there?

The people you loved were all that mattered.

So, we got down to business. They took endless amounts of blood and ran a ton of tests over the next few days.

They wanted every single number to be current so we’d know exactly where he was starting.

Where his baseline was.

We’d been warned that things would get worse before they got better.

Dad would be here at the hospital, while Nadia and I spent our days here and our evenings at the apartment.

Nadia would stay here full-time with my father, and I’d be going back and forth to Magnolia Falls. Hayes wanted to come here, and eventually, we’d figure out a schedule, but right now, he was needed at home, and I was needed here.

I was going to roll with whatever we needed to do.

The next few days had been grueling on my father. I’d fallen into a routine, and I appreciated that I could be here to see how all of this worked. That I could ask questions and take notes and be present when my father needed me most.

I couldn’t believe that it was already dark again. The days were blurring together. I hadn’t eaten much today, as my focus had been on my father.

Nadia went to the cafeteria to get us a couple of sandwiches, and Dr. Dorsey pulled me outside of the room to tell me the plan for the next several days.

There were a few more tests to do, and then they’d start his treatment slowly to see how he responded, and then amp it up if all went well.

“I’m going to have the nurse draw your blood this week, as well,” he said as he jotted something down on his chart.

“My blood?”

He looked up, surprised by the question. “You’re his only child. It’s not common that children of parents with the disease have it, but as a safety precaution, I’d like to rule it out.”

A heaviness settled on my chest at his words, because the thought of both of us having this disease was terrifying. My life had finally just started. I needed to be strong for my father. Be there for Hayes. Start my business.

Live my life.

But I nodded, because what choice did I have? “Okay, sure.”

Nadia and I ate as my father started to doze off. She wanted to stay late and read her book beside him, so she gave me the keys to the apartment, as I wanted to call Hayes and speak to him. I’d missed several calls from him today, and we were used to speaking throughout the day.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, as he answered the phone. “How did today go?”

“It went pretty well. He’s almost done with all the tests, and they may start treatment tomorrow or the next day. He looks really thin, and he’s definitely tired,” I said, as I walked across the enclosed bridgeway to the small apartments where family members stayed.

“Well, that’s why he’s there. He needs the treatment, and they can help him. Don’t let the way he looks now scare you. It’s just proof that he’s where he needs to be.”

I pushed inside the apartment, dropping to sit on the small pull-out couch. I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I know.”

The words sounded like more of a squeak than actual words.

My phone rang while I was holding it to my ear, and I saw the FaceTime call from Hayes and answered it.

“Hey,” I whispered, swiping at the tears.

“Hey, Sav.” He smiled, and I didn’t miss the concern in his eyes. “I wanted to see your face. You’re not alone, okay? I’m here.”

“I know you are. I’m fine. I just—he looks bad. And I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. He’s going to be okay. He’s fighting the fight. That’s all you can ask for.”

Something about seeing his face calmed me. “Yeah. You’re right. It was just a long day.”

“I can come there tomorrow if you want me to.”

“No. Don’t be silly. You’re back at the firehouse tomorrow. I’m fine. This is going to go on for months, and I’ll come home once he finds his rhythm with the treatment. You can come back with me soon. But right now, there’s not much to do.” I didn’t mention that they’d run my blood work, as well, because I knew Hayes well enough to know that he’d freak out and worry. “Tell me how Roddy’s doing.”

I wasn’t worried.

I felt fine.

It wasn’t a disease that was passed on genetically.

It was rare and highly unlikely that two family members would get it.

“All right. You just let me know. If you need me, I’m there.” He leaned back on the couch and pulled our pup up so I could see him through the phone. “This guy chewed up my work boot a little bit, but otherwise, he’s doing well. He misses his mama.”

“Awww… how does he look bigger when I’ve only been gone a few days?”

“Maybe because he eats like a goddamn horse. He devours his food. And then he begs for more.” Hayes laughed, and I finally felt relaxed for the first time today. “Tell me how your last shift went as captain. It’s been so busy here; I feel like you haven’t gotten to fill me in on everything.” I leaned back on the couch as he told me about the calls they’d gone on and how proud he was of his guys.

“Have you heard anything from Lenny?” I asked.

“Nope. But I got a call from a firehouse in Thomas Creek asking about him. So obviously, he’s got his feelers out.” Hayes ran a hand down his face. “I get it. I’d have done the same thing.”

“What did you tell the guy inquiring about him?”

“I said he was a hell of firefighter, because he can be when he wants to be. He’s an asshole, but I’m not going to stand in the way of him getting a job.”

“You’re a good man, Hayes Woodson.”

“Thank you, baby. I miss your face. I miss your body. I miss your laugh.”

I chuckled. “I miss you, too. So much it hurts. Does Roddy like playing with Dandelion?”

“Yeah, we stopped by there today. He definitely likes playing with Dandelion. Winnie was over there, too, and the three of them ran wild in the yard.” Dandelion was King and Saylor’s dog, and Winnie was Emerson and Nash’s dog.

“That sounds fun.”

“You’re exhausted, baby. Get some sleep,” he said, and I could see the concern on his face.

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you, too. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I’m good, I promise. Get some sleep.”

“All right. If you need me, just call.”

“Always,” I said.

I ended the call and made my way to the shower. I let the water run down my head. I felt better already after talking to Hayes. He was right. My dad was exactly where he needed to be. And even though I missed my husband, I was exactly where I needed to be, too.

Before I climbed into bed, I went to my suitcase and pulled out another letter. I’d brought a few with me, because for whatever reason, they made me feel close to my husband. The pile of unread letters was getting smaller. It was almost like reading a favorite book where you didn’t want to finish too soon, but you couldn’t wait to read more.

Hey Sav,

Seven fucking months and no word from you. Saylor and I have been back home for a couple of weeks now, and, of course, Barry is here. My mother is acting like we’re one big happy family. It’s completely crazy. This dude hurt Saylor, and now we have to fucking live here.

I could handle it if you were living next door, Sav. Or even if you just replied to one letter. One fucking letter. I’m losing my mind. I miss you. So much has happened, and I can’t wrap my head around it.

All these firsts that I realized I’d never done without you. My first birthday without you has come and gone. I was sure you’d call. Kate threw a party for me at her parents’ house, and she didn’t invite the guys. So none of the people there were my friends. I hated every minute. I snuck out early and met the guys at Romeo’s dad’s gym, and we drank a beer in the alley. Kate didn’t talk to me for three days, and I can’t say I minded it.

But she’s back now. She just shows up, you know? Maybe she’s one of the few people who can actually tolerate me.

Anyway, I had my first football game. I realized it was the first time I’ve ever played a game where you weren’t there. I’ve got my guys there, cheering for me. Kate’s a cheerleader, so she’s out there shouting her ass off for me. Yet I feel completely alone because you aren’t here.

Fuck. I’m probably just tired. Tired of writing letters that you’ll never read. I had some scouts out at the game, but I don’t know if college is even an option anymore. We’d always planned to go together. Do you remember that, Sav? That plan that we had?

Truth is, I can’t leave Saylor in this house alone. I’m going to need to figure something out if I want to leave Magnolia Falls to go to school.

The one person I usually talk this shit over with is you. The only person I trust when it comes to these types of decisions. Kate thinks college is stupid, so there you go.

Maybe college is stupid. I just don’t know that I care about much anymore.

I hope you read this. I still look at my stupid green pea on my wrist and wonder if you remember what it means?

Because I’m starting to think you’ll never come back, and I’ll never hear from you again.

I’ll keep trying for a while more.

You’ve got to give me something, Sav. I’m losing faith in us. Maybe I’m fucking crazy, and we never were as close as I thought we were.

Hayes

My heart ached as two tears dripped down onto the inked paper, making it bleed. I couldn’t wait to wrap my arms around my husband and tell him that there hadn’t been one day after I left Magnolia Falls that I hadn’t thought of him.

Because it was the truth.

The next few days were intense. We’d been here for ten days, and my father had started treatment. He was dealing with all the side effects that we were familiar with when it came to chemo. This was a more intensive type of chemo, and he was vomiting and nauseous and feeling horrible.

Nadia and I took turns sitting with him, and I went for walks outside when I needed to get out of the hospital. Emotionally, it was taxing watching someone you love suffer in this way.

I’d prepared for it, but it was definitely taking a toll.

I had just finished reading another chapter of my father’s novel. He would sleep while I would read, and then we’d discuss it. It was a beautiful story, and I’d been emotional from the first page when I realized that he’d written a book about a young girl that fit me in every single description but that he called fiction. Her relationship with her father mimicked ours, and it was about the young girl’s journey to finding her own happiness. I set the book down and rubbed my eyes as he woke briefly and growled at me for water. He was moody and angry at the world, and that was fair. They’d prepared us for everything, which was why Nadia and I took shifts and breaks.

I missed Hayes. I missed my life in Magnolia Falls.

My phone rang, and it was my husband. He always knew when I was thinking of him.

We’d fallen asleep with our phones beside us the last few nights, because I’d had a hard time sleeping lately.

“Hey, baby,” he said, his voice sounding tired.

“Are you feeling okay?” I held the phone up so I could see his handsome face. Three of the guys had gotten the stomach flu, and he’d had to pick up extra shifts to cover for them.

He was handling his new position as captain like a rock star. I hated that I wasn’t there to bring him soup and support him right now.

“Yeah. Just tired. We had a bunch of calls today, and it’s been busy.”

“I wish I was there to bring you dinner.”

“I wish I was there to sleep next to you. I don’t sleep well without you,” he said, his voice strained and exhausted.

We were both struggling being apart, and I knew I was here for at least another week.

He wasn’t sleeping well.

And neither was I.

It was amazing that we’d lived for a decade apart, and now we couldn’t handle being apart for a week or two.

I hated how much I needed him now.

“Me either.”

“Even when I’m away at the firehouse, I just like knowing you’re in our bed.”

“Me, too.”

“Tell me how your dad is doing today.”

I spent the next twenty minutes filling him in on everything, and then I heard the siren go off in the background.

“I’ve got a call, baby. I’ll phone you later or in the morning if it’s too late.”

“Okay. Be safe. I love you.”

“I love you.”

I ended the call and made my way back to my father’s room just as Dr. Dorsey was coming out after his evening rounds.

“How’s he doing?”

“He’s miserable, but that’s to be expected, and it’s a good sign because it’s doing what it’s supposed to.” He cleared his throat. “Do you have a minute to come to my office?”

My stomach dipped. Why would he need me to come to his office?

Was there more going on than I knew?

Was the cost of treatment more than we’d expected?

My mind raced as I followed him down the hallway to his office.

He closed the door and motioned for me to take the chair across from his desk as he made his way to the other side and sat down.

He typed something on his keyboard and woke up his monitor, and I folded my hands together nervously.

“Is it bad?”

“Well, I guess that depends on if you were expecting this.”

“Expecting this? Does he have complications?” I rubbed my temples with my fingers because I just didn’t know how much more I could handle.

“He doesn’t have any complications, Savannah. At least not more than we’d prepared for, and I’ve already shared all of that with you.”

“Okay. Then what is this about?” I asked, leaning forward, unable to hide the concern from my voice.

“This is about you.” He turned his computer screen toward me. “You’re pregnant.”

You’re pregnant?

“Pregnant? That’s impossible. I’m on the pill. I can’t be pregnant.” Panic erupted beneath my skin. My heart raced. My palms were suddenly ridiculously sweaty.

“Well, one can get pregnant while taking birth control. Do you ever miss a day here and there? That increases your chances.”

I hadn’t been great about it with all that had been going on.

“I’ve probably missed a day or two. Or three,” I winced.

Oh, my god. What had I done?

“Well, I’m not a gynecologist, but I can read the blood work. Your HCG levels are unusually high.”

“What does that mean?”

“I can’t say for certain, but it typically means that there’s a chance you’re having twins.”

“Twins?” I could barely get the word out.

More than one baby.

Two babies.

There was a chance I was pregnant with two babies.

By a man who didn’t want children.

My head was spinning. I couldn’t process this.

I’d made a mess of everything.

Dr. Dorsey came around the desk and bent down to look at me. “The good news is that your blood work was perfect otherwise.”

Somehow that doesn’t feel like a relief.

Because I may have just lost the love of my life.

And I didn’t know how to do life without him anymore.