Elijah watched Jazmine enter the house. Had he really thought the Daniels would allow him to meet Jazmine and Rosemarie without interference? Anger flared up, but he knew expressing it wouldn’t do any good, no matter how righteous.
Mrs. Daniels smiled at Jazmine. “Larry settled your dad in the family room. I need to make sure he is in bed after his outing. This is not a good time for visitors.”
“Mom, you agreed to give us two hours.”
Arms around Rosemarie, Azalea glanced at Elijah, then moved on, like he wasn’t even worth her time. She had made it clear he was not welcome. “This is our home. Your father needs rest.”
Choices he made had created this mess, so he was just going to have to suck it up and smile.
Given time they would trust him. He’d been sober for five years now, but Jazz had reminded him that to them it was just yesterday.
He gave her his best smile. Being nice to difficult people was a gift that worked well for him in business, and he would use it now. There would be no pride getting in his way. His daughter was worth it.
“Mrs. Daniels, it’s a pleasure. Thank you for letting me in your house.”
“Daddy.” Rosemarie jumped from the bar stool she sat on and darted over to a credenza. “Look!” She pulled out a realistic toy horse. “I want a horse just like Misty.”
It was a prancing golden palomino with pink ribbon woven through the flaxen mane and tail. “That’s a pretty pony. I might—”
Mrs. Daniels made a great show of clearing her throat. He sighed. Looking at the women, he knew he was on shaky ground.
She moved to stand in front of Rosemarie. Going down to eye level, she placed one hand on the small shoulder and gently took the horse with the other. “We’ve talked about this. Your mother doesn’t have the room or time for a real horse. They need a great deal of care, and you haven’t even had a dog yet.”
“Mother.” Jazmine’s voice sounded tired or resigned. “I’ve already said no to a dog.” She glanced at Elijah with a frown. He needed to be careful and not mess this up. There was so much he didn’t know.
Tears started welling up in the little girl’s big eyes. How did anyone say “No” to that? He sat on a chair next to his daughter and her grandmother. “We have dogs at the ranch. My sister’s Australian shepherd had puppies. You could visit and play with them.”
“Really?” The joy was back. Turning from her grandmother, she hugged him. He brought his hands around the tiny body. Her hair smelled like oranges. Closing his eyes, he made sure to take in everything about this moment.
He’d do anything for this little being that was a part of him and Jazmine.
She stepped back. The huge smile and sparkling eyes were about the sweetest thing he’d ever seen. He glanced up to Jazmine.
There was no sparkle there, and her full lips were thinned by tension.
“An Australian shepherd? Are they aggressive?” His ex-mother-in-law crossed her arms.
“They’re one of the best breeds around kids.” He leaned forward. “A couple of years ago when my niece was about three, she had figured out that she could open the door if she used a chair. Belle, my sister, was working in the kitchen and had no clue that Lucy had escaped the house.”
Both women gasped.
“Frog followed her out and barked until my sister came.” He chuckled. “Belle said it was the craziest thing to see. Little Lucy was trying her best to get to the barn. She wanted to go riding. Frog kept herding her back, cutting her off every time she tried to go through the yard gate. She didn’t stop barking until she saw Belle.”
He patted Rosemarie’s shoulder. “So, once you belong to a shepherd, they’re yours for life. She is the mother of the new pups.”
“I want one. I want one of Frog’s puppies.”
Mrs. Daniels frowned. If looks had energy, he’d be burned to a crisp. She looked at her daughter, silently telling her to do something about this interloper. Elijah rested his elbow on the glass tabletop. He stared straight at her, making sure she understood that he was not going anywhere.
Jazmine sighed. “This will be a family discussion tonight after dinner. Okay?”
“But Momma, I want a dog. If I can’t have a horse, can I get a dog?”
Jazz gave him a look that promised they would be talking later and he might not enjoy the conversation. He doubted there would be any conversation going on, more like a full-on lecture. He wanted to defend himself and point out he had not offered to give her a dog, just the time to play with one.
A kettle started whistling. Mrs. Daniels went to the stove top and poured the hot water into a tall thermal mug. “Come here, sweetheart, your papa needs his green tea.”
Tucking her horse under her arm, Rosemarie skipped to her grandmother. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You also need to give him his afternoon healing kiss.” After putting the lid on the silver cup, she handed it to her granddaughter.
Rosemarie carefully carried the tea with both hands and disappeared into the front family room.
Elijah checked his watch. “It looks like a good time for me to leave.” He spoke directly to Jazmine, making a point to ignore Azalea Daniels. “Maybe we can pick a neutral place tomorrow.”
Jazmine’s mother stared straight at him. “I’m not sure there is a place for you in Rosemarie’s life.”
“Mother.” Jazmine’s voice had a new edge.
He shook his head. “It’s okay, Jazmine.”
Turning to Azalea, he held eye contact. “I hurt your daughter. I get it. But I’m not the man I was.”
He needed to be up front and clear. “I know firsthand what it’s like to grow up without a father. Thank you for taking care of my daughter when I couldn’t. But I’m here. I’m sober and I’m not going anywhere. I know it’ll take time to build trust. But I will.”
Azalea’s mouth went tighter. She didn’t believe a word he said, but that was fine.
“The people in my life who didn’t believe in me have outnumbered the ones who did. I proved them wrong, and I’ll do the same with you.”
He turned to his ex-wife. Right now, she was the only one who mattered. Her parents had interfered with their marriage, and he had used drinking to hide from the problems instead of dealing with them head-on. This time had to be different. He was a father, and he had to be strong enough to claim that right.
Jazz was guiding his relationship with his daughter, and he wasn’t going to let his past insecurities stop him from being the kind of father his daughter deserved. “I’ll go for now.” He hoped he looked a lot calmer than he felt. “Call me so we can make arrangements.”
“Okay.” Jazmine rubbed her head. She knew that her mother was only trying to help, but she was making it worse.
A crash from the family room shattered the tense silence. It was followed by her father yelling. Rosemarie ran to the door looking scared. “Papa fell.”
Azalea rushed out of the kitchen. Jazmine stopped at the door and hugged her frightened daughter. Elijah stood right behind her.
“It’ll be okay, baby.” She took the small hand into hers.
Next to the hospital bed, her father lay on the floor, his tea running across the tile. He was pushing her mother away.
“I’m not an invalid, Lea. I can get up,” he snarled at his wife.
Azalea ignored him. She had her hands under his arms, trying to lift him off the floor. “You almost died. You banged up your whole body, and you broke a couple of bones. So yes, for now you are an invalid. Deal with it. Where’s Larry?”
“Woman, I can walk myself into the house.” In the process of trying to free himself, he caused her mother to lose her balance, and she ended up on the floor beside him.
“Ugh. Stubborn man. What is your problem?” She sat up, shaking the liquid off her hands. “At this rate you’re going to end up back in the hospital. Is that what you want?” She slipped off her heels, then stood over him with her hands on her hips, watching him as he struggled to sit up.
He leaned against the bed, looking defeated.
“Daddy, what are you doing? You scared Rosemarie. Why didn’t you call for help and wait for one of us?” Going to the cabinet, Jazmine pulled out a roll of paper towels and cleaned up the mess. Her mother straightened the rumpled blankets. Elijah remained next to Rosie, his hand on her shoulder.
“I just wanted to watch the fishing show sitting in a chair. Is it too much to want to sit in a chair? I should be able to walk across the room and sit in a stupid chair.”
“The doctor said that rest is the most important thing you could do. Do you want to die?”
“If I can’t even sit in a chair? Maybe,” he grumbled.
Her mother gasped. “Nelson James Daniels. Don’t you say that!” Tears hovered on the edge of Azalea’s dark eyes.
Rosemarie stepped away from Elijah. “Papa, why do you want to die?”
“Oh, no, sweetheart.” He held his hand out to his granddaughter. “I’m just being a grumpy old man.”
Elijah followed her and crouched so that he was shoulder to shoulder with Rosemarie. “I don’t think the issue is sitting in the chair, but you might need to let them help you get to the chair.”
Azalea took Rosemarie’s hand and led her to the living room door. “Elijah, this is a family matter. You were leaving.”
Rosemarie shook her head. “Not yet. Please don’t go.”
He glanced at Jazz, then her. He didn’t say anything, waiting for them. Azalea sighed. “We’ll go make you some more green tea. Maybe your papa will find his way into the bed where he should be resting.” She lowered her chin and stared at her husband. “I guess you could do that in the chair just as well. When we get back, I expect you to be in the chair, so you can have tea with your granddaughter. Then you can say goodbye to...your father.” Back straight, barefooted, she left the room.
After cleaning up the spilled tea, Jazmine went to the small sink that sat in the wood bar and made herself busy. He needed privacy and space to recover his pride, then she would offer to help him up before her mother returned.
She grunted. At this rate, if her mom didn’t let up, her parents were going to kill each other.
From the corner of her eye she noticed Elijah sit on the floor next to her father. She turned to intervene. This was the last thing her father needed. He glared at the wall across the room, his eyes hard and cold. Elijah’s voice was so low she couldn’t hear him.
She moved closer, not sure if it was her father or her ex-husband she needed to protect. Before she could interrupt, Elijah spoke again, his voice steady and calm. “I know you don’t like me but let me help you up. I’ve been in a worse place, and I wouldn’t have made it if there weren’t people who picked me up. No shame in needing a hand to get back on your feet.”
The Judge’s lip went tight, and he narrowed his eyes, still refusing to look at the man beside him. This was not going to end well. She stepped closer, intending to send Elijah on his way.
But then the hard jaw wobbled and her father’s eyes watered. She froze.
One hand rubbed his face. Her father gave Elijah one quick glance before putting the stern judge expression back in place. “I know you have every right to be here.” Each word sounded as if it had to climb over gravel to reach the air. “To see your daughter. I might be weak, but I’m keeping an eye on you. I won’t let you hurt them again.” He winced as he tried to pull himself up.
She turned away, unsure what to do. Judge Daniels had always been the strongest man she knew. Seeing her father like this made her feel lost.
Hand out, Elijah continued. “I know, and I completely understand. I’m the last person you’d ever take advice from, but don’t let pride stop you from asking for the help you need. The consequences aren’t worth it. When you have time, I would like to speak with you. I owe you an apology, but the debt I owe your daughter is more than I can pay, so I’ve turned it over to God. Now, are you going to let me help you up, or will we still be on the floor when your wife and granddaughter return?”
Her father lowered his head.
Elijah went on in a low voice. “Asking for help doesn’t take anything away from you. A man who loves his family will let them help. They need to help.”
Okay, that turned her lump into a boulder. Turning away from them, she cleaned the counter and checked the mini refrigerator for water.
Her father leaned his head back, eyes closed like he hadn’t heard a word Elijah had said.
“Judge Daniels, I’m sure with just a little help you can be in the chair by the time they come back. And then I’ll leave. That should make your wife happy.”
Jazmine could hear the weary smile in Elijah’s voice. Holding her breath, she heard the rustling of movement, followed by slow, heavy footsteps. Her father’s recliner popped up and the TV came on.
“So, what are we watching?” Elijah asked. His question was followed by a long period of silence.
“The MLF Championship Cup. Major League Fishing. It’s the first round,” her father replied in a gruff voice.
Elijah gave a good-natured chuckle. “Yes, I’m aware of that. I know a couple of the guys from Texas. We’ve been working with the league to get a qualifying event here in Port Del Mar.”
“We? Are you back on your family’s ranch?”
“My partner, Miguel, and I own the Saltwater Cowboys. We charter fishing trips and tours of the Gulf. Now that my uncle is gone, I’ve been working with the ranch to expand our reach.”
Her father studied his former son-in-law for a bit before asking, “What kind of boats do you have?”
Elijah went into details about his boats and the fishing in the area. Then the men fell silent, watching a high action scene on the TV.
Her father had always been obsessed with sport fishing, a passion she and her mother didn’t share. It was one of the reasons he loved the beach house. She quietly made her way to the kitchen and met her mother and daughter heading to the living room.
“Mom, he’s watching a fishing show with Elijah. Maybe we should just let him be for now.”
“Let him be? The doctor said he needed to rest. How can watching TV with—” she glanced down at Rosemarie “—with your ex-husband be good for him?”
“They’re talking boats and watching some deep-water fishing show. He’s relaxed. Give him room. If you go in all bossy, you’ll only upset him.”
Her mother lifted her chin and scoffed. “Please forgive me for wanting him to live.”
“Mother.”
“I’m going to the office to plan our meals for the week. I found a new list with a better variety of approved foods for heart patients. Rosemarie, would you take this fresh tea to your grandfather?”
“Come on, sweetheart.” Jazmine put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Let’s take your papa his tea.”
“I don’t think he likes tea.” The little girl frowned.
“It’ll be fine. He loves you, and we’ll drink tea all together.”
“What about Daddy? Will he want some tea? I can give him GiGi’s cup.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I don’t think GiGi likes him.”
“GiGi is very protective of you. She just wants to make sure you’re not hurt.”
“She thinks he’s going to hurt me?”
Ugh. She was making this worse. “No. With Papa being sick, she’s just on edge. It’ll be okay.”
Rosemarie gave a solemn nod.
“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.” Together they entered the man cave.
She paused in the doorway. Her father was laying back in his recliner.
“Daddy, Mom went to organize menus.”
Her father grumbled something she couldn’t make out.
Jazmine decided to ignore him and placed the tea set on the small table between the chairs. Rosie stood next to him.
Elijah stood. “Time for me to go.”
“No. You can stay and have tea with us. Please. I have a cup for you too.”
His tall frame relaxed back into the large chair, but his nervous gaze locked with hers. “I’m not sure.”
She nodded. “Rosemarie helped make the tea. You should try it.”
He nodded.
“I want coffee,” her father protested.
Rosemarie took a cup from Jazmine and hesitated. Elijah leaned forward and took the cup from her. “Thank you.” The smile he gave Rosemarie just about melted her. He took a sip. “Judge Daniels, this is really good.”
“Papa, do you want a cup? GiGi says it’s good for your heart.”
He smiled at his granddaughter. “Then I should drink every drop, right?”
She smiled. “Yes!”
Her father’s hand reached out for the cup she held. “Thank you, sweetheart. Oh, look at that big boy.” With his good arm, he pulled Rosemarie up into his chair, and she laid her head on his shoulder.
“That’s a big fish. What kind is it?” she asked.
Over the last week, she seemed to have acquired her grandfather’s love of fishing. Jazmine glanced at Elijah. She’d forgotten how obsessed he had been with the sport. Maybe her daughter had gotten that gene from both.
The three kept their eyes focused on the screen as her father explained everything to her daughter. Jazmine started stripping his sheets and cleaning the area, hoping they would keep him distracted and calm.
Who would have thought that having her ex-husband in the house would have this side benefit? Gathering the sheets to wash and the dirty dishes, she glanced over at the three sitting in front of the big-screen TV.
Her father chuckled at something and Rosemarie giggled. It was the first time she had heard her father laugh in the last three weeks. “Hey, guys.” All three pairs of eyes turned to her. “I’m going to take this up and get clean sheets. Do you need anything from the kitchen?”
“Coffee.” Her father was quick to reply.
It was best to just ignore the request so she left the room. In the upstairs office, her mother was tapping away on her laptop. She turned away from Jazmine and wiped her face.
Setting everything down, Jazmine went to her mother and wrapped her arms around her. Azalea had always been a tower of strength. Always in control, never showing any weakness.
Her strong mother crying terrified Jazmine more than anything else since she’d returned home. “Mom? How did the doctor appointment go? Was there bad news?”
“No. No, everything’s fine.” She slipped out of Jazmine’s arms. “Well, the doctor made the mistake of telling him his recovery was going amazingly well.”
“Mom, that’s great.”
“Your father took it as to mean he can do whatever he wants. He is so stubborn. It’s like he won’t acknowledge he is human and could die. This is the worst time for your ex to worm his way back into our lives.”
“Mother, it was time. And you should see them right now. All three are watching some fishing show. Daddy was smiling. He didn’t look upset at all.”
“Oh. So, you’re saying I’m the one who’s bad for his heart?”
She sighed. “No. That’s not what I’m saying at all, and you know it. You love Daddy and you’re worried about him. I am too, but hovering and being overprotective isn’t going to help.”
She slipped her arms back around her mother. “I love you both so much. Let me help.”
Patting Jazmine’s hand, Azalea nodded. “I know, sweetheart. If I could, I’d wrap my family in a warm blanket of love and keep the world out. I just want you all to be happy and safe.” She twisted and kissed Jazmine’s arm. “Will you be okay if I go to the store?”
“Yes! Go. Maybe get your nails done. I’m here so you don’t have to do it alone. I know you like being in charge, but you have to take care of yourself if you’re going to take care of Daddy.”
A few more words and Jazmine left. She gathered up the soiled sheets and went to the laundry room at the end of the hall.
As she went back to the kitchen with the clean sheets, a slight snoring floated from the front room. Jazmine paused at the door. From this angle, she saw Rosemarie hanging on the arm of Elijah’s chair. He was leaning in. Their heads were close. She always thought her daughter looked like her other than her eye color, but profile to profile, her resemblance to Elijah startled her.
Jazmine’s father was fully reclined and sound asleep.
“Is his heart going to stop working? GiGi said if he didn’t listen to her, he was going to drop dead.”
Jazmine covered her mouth. Rosemarie had heard her mother’s rants.
“I think your GiGi gets mad when people don’t do what she says,” Elijah replied.
Her daughter nodded.
“It’s scary when people we love get sick. Do you know anyone who broke a bone, like an arm or leg?”
“My friend Clare’s sister broke her leg on her skateboard.”
“She had to wear a cast, right?”
Rosemarie agreed.
“While it was healing, she had to protect it. Then when she got the cast off, she had to rebuild muscles. It took time. That’s what your grandfather needs. His heart needs a little rest, a little exercise and a little time. My guess is you might be the best medicine for him.”
“But GiGi told me to stay away and not bother him.” She frowned and glanced over at her grandfather.
“When he’s sleeping let him sleep, but I would say that sitting quietly with him is better than any medicine. Do you do puzzles?”
“I’m good at puzzles. I’m almost six, but I can do some of the grown-up puzzles.”
“I remember your grandfather liking puzzles. He likes solving problems and keeping his brain busy. When I see you tomorrow, I’ll bring some puzzles that you can give him, and y’all can work on them together.”
Jazmine closed her eyes. She and her mother had been so worried about her father’s heart that they hadn’t thought about him being bored. Rosemarie leaned over the chair arm and whispered something. Elijah brought his head low. He smiled, and Jazmine’s heart melted.
She shook her head and went into the room. Going straight to the bed, she popped the new sheet over the mattress. “Sweetheart, it’s time for your nap.” She kept her voice low so as not to wake her father. Her baby was outgrowing naps, out growing too many things.
“But Momma, Daddy is visiting.”
Elijah stood, then knelt in front of Rosemarie. “I have to get back to work. But this has been a great afternoon. Thank you for everything.”
Rosemarie glanced at her mother, then lowered her eyes and faced her father again. “Thank you for the doll. I love her. Can I go see your horses? Momma said I couldn’t have one, but I could visit them, couldn’t I?”
“Rosemarie!” she warned through gritted teeth.
He chuckled. “Of course.” He raised his eyes to Jazmine and kept his voice low. “I’ll talk to your mom about a time.” He nodded and stood. “Okay. Well, this has been a great afternoon. I’ll see you soon.”
He looked as if he wanted to hug her but shifted uncomfortably. “I’ll call later to set up a time.”
Moving to stand behind her daughter, Jazmine took her small hands. “If you’re willing to wait just a little bit, I’ll tuck Rosemarie in with a few books and meet you on the porch.”
A moment away from him before they talked about the next visit was what she needed. Rosemarie’s interacting with Elijah was pulling at her heart in ways she hadn’t expected. He couldn’t hurt her more than he already had, but what if she had to watch their daughter go through the same agony?
She rubbed her head, attempting to ease the throbbing pain.