Chapter 106: Chapter 20

NATE

Blinking my eyes open, I find Mandy still in the land of dreams. After the events of last night, I wouldn’t be surprised if we sleep the entire day away. A smirk tugs at my lips as the sound of doors slamming open downstairs reaches my ears.

People are shouting my name, their voices filled with urgency. I have no idea why. I hastily pull on some shorts and dash into the hallway, just in time to see Jessie and Jace sprinting toward me.

“Why the hell didn’t you pick up your damn phone!”

“Maybe because it hasn’t rung, Jessie!”

Jessie brushes past me, storming into the room. He locates my phone, yanking it out of my discarded pants.

“It’s on silent, you idiot! Over thirty missed calls! You need to get to the hospital! Mandy, wake up and get dressed!”

He shoves past me again, thrusting my phone into my hands. I glance down and sure enough, there are thirty-seven missed calls. Mandy sits up, clutching the covers to her chest. I motion for us to get dressed quickly.

We rush downstairs and pile into the car, Jessie at the wheel and Jace riding shotgun. The car ride is silent, save for the tension that hangs heavy in the air. I hold Mandy’s hand, her head resting on my shoulder as she tries to stay calm.

As we pull into the hospital parking lot, Jessie turns to me, his face grave.

“Your dad had a complication last night! He had another heart episode or some medical jargon. They had to operate. He’s out of surgery now, but they can’t start the chemo because of it. They can do the radiation, though.”

“So, what does that mean?”

“If the radiation can’t keep it under control, it will spread quickly. In two weeks, it might be too late to start the chemo. They’ll reassess in two weeks to decide the next steps. He can come home, but he’ll have to return daily for radiation. The chemo treatments can be done at home. They’ve also ordered a hospital bed.”

“Why? He can still walk!”

“Like I said, Nate, a lot has happened overnight! He can walk, but he’s struggling! Your mom is barely holding it together! Now get your ass in the hospital and deal with this! And don’t be surprised if your mom gives you hell!”

I exit the car quickly, Mandy at my side. The moment my mom spots me, she storms over, grabbing my shirt.

“Nathaniel Caden Maxwell! I don’t care what you do in your personal life but next time you better have your damn phone on, do you understand me!”

I nod, wrapping my arms around her. She collapses against me, sobbing, reaching out for Mandy. I spot the doctor and motion for Jessie and Jace to follow me, while Mandy guides my mom to a seat.

“Give it to me straight. No sugarcoating.”

“All right. He had a heart attack, which led to another seizure. We’ve increased his seizure meds to try and prevent them. If the tumor progresses and spreads, no matter what we do, it won’t save him.”

“What’s the timeline?”

“We’ll know more in two weeks when we reassess. We could be looking at six months to a year. It could be less, it could be more. We don’t know yet. It will all depend on if the tumor reacts and shrinks or if it has no effect. He can go home, but his legs are getting weaker. We’ll rescan in two weeks. The comparison will tell us what happens next. I wish I had better news.”

I nod, glancing at Jessie and Jace. I rub the back of my neck, the reality of the situation sinking in.

“I want a room set up for him and my mom to share. A room with a view of the rolling hills and houses. I want the bed positioned so my dad can look outside. I want round-the-clock nurses and staff to attend to my parents. I don’t care what it takes, just make it happen. When the time comes, I want everyone at the estate. I want him to see the legacy he’s leaving behind. Make the calls.”

They nod, pulling out their phones as they walk away. I have a gut feeling that we don’t have much time. I ask the nurse if I can see my dad, and she directs me to his room.

He’s sitting there, staring blankly at the wall. I pull up a chair, sitting down next to him.

“It’s not good, is it, Nate? They won’t tell me anything, but I know! I feel it, that things aren’t right. My thoughts are fuzzy and clouded.”

“No, Dad, it’s not good. They’ll reassess in two weeks and let us know then.”

“Look, Nate, I’m okay with everything! I’ve raised you kids the best way I knew how! I have no doubt you’ll continue this legacy I’ve built. I never imagined I’d find my girl, but I did, and I got the best damn bonus with it. I couldn’t have asked for a better son! After this is over, take care of your mom! I don’t think I’ll make it the full two weeks, to be honest. We’ll see, though. Right now, I just want to rest. I’m sure you understand.”

I nod, standing up to leave. I glance back one last time at the man who gave me everything. The man who is not only a father but the best dad I could have asked for. He teaches us compassion and mercy, love and acceptance. He teaches us to stand our ground, to demand respect and earn it at the same time.

A small smile crosses my face as I exit the room, finding Jessie and Jace waiting.

“Everything is set up for him to come home tomorrow. We can bring him every day for the radiation, and the doctor said they can start the chemo in one week. We won’t have to wait two weeks.”

“Thanks, Jessie.”

I simply bob my head in agreement, dragging my feet as I head toward the waiting room. Once I sink into the chair, my mom comes over, perching herself on my knee and nestling into my chest. I wrap my arms around her, my tears quietly tracing a path down my cheeks.

The thought of a world without my dad is something I’ve never dared to entertain. He’s always been our family’s anchor, the thought of a day without him never crosses my mind.

Sure, I know it is inevitable. But I always picture it would be sudden—like a heart attack, or a bullet. Not this slow, agonizing dance with cancer.

But we’ll make the most of the time he has left. We’ll start brainstorming ideas right away. I glance at Jessie and Jace, a smile tugging at my lips as they exchange a look before turning back to me. Oh, we’re going to have a blast!