“Delilah.” Parkers voice was filled with warning, “I know there was something else.” He yawned, fighting through the drug haze.
“Parker, it can wait. Get some rest. We will have all the time in the world to talk. OK? Let me talk with Hank, make plans to get you home. I promise, I’ll make time and we will have a much-needed conversation.”
“Fine…” he slurred, the pain medication kicking in and sending him to sleepy town.
Delilah couldn’t stop looking at him. Her heart filled and expanded with so much emotion. This man had shattered the barrier she’d erected around her heart after John destroyed her and the loss of her grandmother nearly broke her.
She stepped from the room to call Hank. She needed his help to get the house in order and prepare for his arrival. Delilah would also need Hank’s help getting him there. After she made the arrangements she slipped back into the room and began getting his things together. She wanted to be ready to go when they gave the all clear. As she was gathering some items on his nightstand, she noticed the last of the letters. She picked it up and slipped it into her pocket. While she was eager to read it, she wanted to get some air first.
Chapter 29
Delilah found herself outside the hospital sitting on a bench staring into the sky. The cool breeze blew through her ponytail, sending tendrils across her cheek. They say everything happens for a reason. She had to believe that her failed engagement, the death of her grandmother, and Parker’s accident, were all leading to something bigger. Slipping the last letter from her pocket, she tore the white seal open. Taking a deep breath, she folded the single sheet.
Dear Delilah,
This will be my last letter to you. I can feel it in my bones that my end is near – that’s life right? The only regret I have is not coming to get you… not making you hear me or getting that douche of a fiancé to let you know I need you. I am pretty sure he knew I had been trying to reach you. Anyway, I’ve given a lot of thought about what I want to say. So much has happened in your life, and in mine. Your mother dying, you leaving home, and me meeting Parker. This all means something. There must be a purpose or life would be for naught. I want you to open your eyes and see what is in front of you. John is not the man for you. I know… you probably think I am just being picky – but I know I am right. And when you see I am, know there is a perfect man here, waiting for you.
Parker.
When you come home, and you will, because all of this is for you baby girl. I want you to find yourself. Live free, live like you want to, but find the love you deserve.
I have shared so much of your life with Parker, he knows you as intimately as me. It is only going to take him seeing you to know you’re the one for him. I see it in his eyes, you know. The love he has just from knowing you through me. And when this man meets you, it is going to take him a minute to catch up – but when he does, don’t run. He will love you the way you deserve. I feel this deep in my bones. Parker is the man you deserve, and you are the woman he deserves. Don’t let fear keep you from knowing what a full heart means.
Go, make your life with someone who you deserve. Someone who will love you with all that he has. Parker is that man. I asked him to give you time to come to terms with everything, but to be there when you were ready. I knew he was in love with you. It was in his eyes every time we talked about you. He wanted to drive to New York and bring you home, but I wouldn’t let him. I knew you needed to come to terms with all this on your own. You’ve always been stubborn like that. Give him time. Give him love. Give him you, baby. And when you are ready, ask him to read the letter I left him. It will all make sense.
I love you, baby girl. You were my greatest gift in life. I will always be looking down on you. Know I am with you always. Go. Love. He’s waiting on you.
Love always,
Momma Belle
Delilah wiped at the wetness running down her cheeks. The letter burned deep in her heart, the words, the emotions, all of it, tugged deep in her soul. Her grandmother was right. John nearly ruined her life. She only wished Momma Belle’s death hadn’t been the thing to make her realize he was wrong for her. Delilah chuckled. She could only picture what would have happened if Parker had come to New York to drag her back. She’d have probably cussed him out and fought him tooth and nail. Standing, she shoved the letter into her pocket. Turning she stared at the hospital. Inside the building was her future. After reading the letter, she knew now more than ever she deserved the man inside waiting on her. She loved him – with everything she was inside and more.
Delilah found herself back in Parker’s room. He was sleeping, the light from the window kissing his skin. He looked almost angelic. She watched as he smiled, “I see you staring at me, it’s creepy.”
“It’s not creepy. I like looking at you.”
“Delilah,” Parker beckoned her towards the bed, “Come here.”
She walked to the edge of the bed and took his hand in hers, “Hank send’s his love. Says he will help get you home tomorrow.”
“Ok. Sit with me?”
Delilah scooted onto the mattress next to him, “This all right? You have enough room?”
“Yes.” Parker brushed the loose strands from her face, “You’re beautiful.”
“That’s the drugs talking.” Delilah laughed.
“No. It’s not. Delilah, I know you probably don’t want to hear this… but I love you. I do.”
“I know. But, lets table this discussion for a day. There is so much I want to tell you, but not here. Alright?”
“Fine. I won’t push. Will you lay with me?”
Delilah shifted, laying her head in the crook of his arm, “Is this ok? I’m not hurting you, am I?”
“No. This is perfect.” Parker pressed a kiss to her head and tugged her closer. He relished in her touch, his own body craved to be close to her.
Delilah could hear the steady sound of his breathing, his touch feather like as he twined his fingers into her hair. They laid like that, Parker giving into his drug induced haze and Delilah’s eyes drooping as she fell asleep to the beat of his heart. She prayed this was something she could hold onto forever. She loved him.
Chapter 30
The next few days were a whirl of organized chaos. The doctor was true to his word and released Parker. Hank had helped Delilah set up the house to accommodate his needs, setting a bed up in the spare room that had sat empty. He would have access to a bathroom downstairs so he wouldn’t have to navigate the steps.
“Delilah,” Parker called out to her from the bedroom, “Can you come in here a minute?”
Delilah found him propped up on the bed, he looked frustrated, “What’s wrong?” She asked him.
“I wondered if you could help me shower. I really feel icky and it’s been a couple of days. Pretty sure this cast and my balls smell.”
Delilah barked out a laugh, “Sure. Give me a minute to grab your walker.” She disappeared into the living room and grabbed the metal contraption. He wasn’t thrilled about using the thing, saying it made him feel like an old man, but there was no way Delilah could lug his big ass around.
“Alright,” she pushed the walker against the bed, “You ready?”