Whatever Love Means Read online

  “Shit.” Travis stripped out of his clothes like they were on fire and pulled her down beside him on the blanket. “I love you, Maggie. I want to do this right. Make it special for us.”

  “Let’s make it a life changing night we’ll never forget.”

  No words could’ve been more true.

  Chapter 7

  By the time Maggie had finished the G-rated version, Carly had dozed off in the chair. She was surprised she had never told her daughter their love story. Maybe because it had always hurt so much to think about what had gone wrong. But tonight, the retelling had brought Maggie a few minutes of happiness.

  Travis had been in surgery for over two hours. What could be taking so long? Growing impatient, she popped to her feet and dragged her train over the carpet as she paced around the waiting room. Her dress had to be filthy from all the foot traffic this carpet had seen. Hopefully the cleaner could get out the stains and restore it to its creamy white color.

  “Maggie!”

  Penny rushed across the room and pulled her into a suffocating hug.

  “I got her here as fast as I could. I stopped by your house to get a change of clothes for you and Carly.”

  “Thanks.”

  Her sister released her and held her at arm’s length. “You look terrible. Your up-do has fallen and your makeup is smeared.”

  “You’re doing a great job of cheering me up.”

  “Sorry. Where’s Carly?”

  “She’s asleep.” When Maggie turned and pointed to her dozing daughter, she found the chair empty. Somehow she had slipped away unseen. “She must’ve gone outside to take a walk. Maybe needed some time alone.”

  “How’s Travis?”

  “I don’t know. He’s in surgery right now.”

  “What a day.” Penny tossed the plastic bag of clothes in a chair and plopped down beside it. “Brody and Tucker wanted to come, but I asked them to stay at the reception.”

  “The reception? What do you mean?”

  “Well, when Riley made the announcement at the front of the church, she told everyone to go home. But I figured since the food was already paid for, they might as well eat.”

  “I guess that makes sense.”

  “But I real quick grabbed up the booze and took it back to the bar.”

  “Penny!”

  “Hey, this isn’t a time for celebration. No point in wasting good liquor.”

  “Whatever. It doesn’t matter anyway.”

  Dropping into the chair beside Penny, Maggie buried her face in her hands. Her friends and family had been so generous in preparing for the wedding reception, and she would make sure to thank them later. Right now, all she could think about was Travis and what was happening in that surgical suite. Shouldn’t someone have updated them by now?

  “You want to change out of your dress?”

  “Not until Travis is out of surgery.”

  “That could be a while. How about you go change and I’ll wait here? I’ll come get you if I hear anything.”

  Of course that made sense, but her body felt glued to this waiting room. She had to be nearby if anything happened. She glanced down at the lace of her dress and decided to change.

  As quick as she could, Maggie rushed to the nearest restroom, and stripped off her dress, letting it puddle at her feet. She couldn’t worry about what might be lurking on the tile floor. Instead she focused on pulling a T-shirt dress over her head and slipping her bare feet into a pair of sandals. She felt free and unrestrained for the first time today in the soft cotton dress. Draping the wedding gown over her arm, she scurried back to the waiting room and skidded to a stop. Buddy had arrived.

  She slipped behind a pillar and watched as he spoke with Penny. His brows were furrowed and his face strained. He was swinging his arms like a symphony conductor. Understandably, he was upset. She had walked out on his wedding day. She should rush over to him and curl into his arms, drink in his comfort while reassuring him that everything was okay between them. But was it? All she cared about right now was that Travis was fighting for his life.

  “Maggie, darlin’.”

  He had spotted her.

  She slinked from behind the pillar and put on a surprised face. “Buddy, you’re here?”

  “Well, of course I’m here. Honey, are you okay?”

  “I was just changing out of my dress.”

  “I see that.” He took the dress, tenderly folded it into a square, and held it against his chest. His anger from a minute ago faded to concern. “What’s going on? You ran out of the church without talking to me.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  His sad, pleading eyes were too much. She brushed past his outstretched hand and returned to the set of chairs she’d claimed as her own. Buddy deserved an explanation, but she wasn’t up to it. Couldn’t this wait until Travis was out of surgery?

  “Darlin’ . . .” Buddy’s sickening sweet tone grated on Maggie’s nerves as he took the seat beside her. His kindness had never bothered her before. “Tell me what happened.”

  “Didn’t Riley tell you?”

  “She just said you were taking Carly to the hospital because her dad had been injured.”

  “That’s right.” She drew in a deep breath and turned to face him. “Travis was hit by a car this morning along Dry Lick Road. They medivacked him here. Carly was distraught as you can imagine, so I came with her to the hospital.”

  “Where is she now?”

  “She’s outside somewhere. She’s worried sick.”

  “What can I get you? Some coffee or tea?” He ran his clammy hand down the length of her arm as if he were stroking a cat.

  “Nothing, thanks.”

  “Have you eaten anything?”

  “I don’t want anything.”

  “Let me do something for you.”

  She should be grateful for his coddling, but she just wanted him to leave. Her mind was on one thing—Travis—and she wanted to be left alone to worry and pace and cry until she knew he was okay.

  Buddy reached out and tickled her earlobe. “You should’ve seen the church. It was full to the rafters. So many people there to see us get married.”

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “You just ran out. I wish you would’ve come to find me.”

  “I know.”

  “My mama and daddy, my brothers and their wives, everyone we know was waiting. Imagine what they must’ve thought when you took off because your ex-husband got a little banged up.”

  She’d had all she could stand of his pouty whining. He could take his annoying doting and leave before she blew a gasket.

  “Buddy, he’s more than banged up,” she said through gritted teeth. “He’s fighting for his life.”

  “But, darlin’, that’s not your concern.”

  “What are you talking about? He’s my daughter’s father.”

  “I know but, honey, isn’t there someone else who could wait with her? What about Penny?”

  Maggie jumped from the chair, fisting her hands by her side, and silently counted to ten. She understood that Buddy felt jilted by being left at the altar, but right now he was being a selfish prick, and she really didn’t want to make matters worse by telling him so. He really needed to shut up before she unloaded on him.

  “Sweet pea, listen to me.” He grabbed one of her hands and forced her to unclench it. He sandwiched it between his hands and gently rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. “I love you for being here for Carly. She needs someone with her at a time like this. I get it. Maybe Penny could stay with her now. Even though most of the food is gone, we saved the cake. The pastor said he could marry us tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Tomorrow?” She jerked her hand away. “Are you crazy? Travis is in there fighting for his life.”

  “Think of how long we’ve waited for this day.”

  “But, Buddy—”

  “Mama and Daddy drove all the way here from Florida.”

  “I’m sorry they wasted their ti
me. I’ll be happy to reimburse them for their gas.”

  “The pastor said he could perform the ceremony right after the last worship service tomorrow. The cake will still be good.”

  “What don’t you understand? My daughter’s father is in critical condition. Our wedding can wait.”

  “Oh, darlin’ . . .”

  Dammit. He was whining again. His precious wedding day was ruined—big deal. Travis was having major surgery, and all Buddy could think about was cutting the cake before it went stale. Was this the way he’d handle future crises in their life? Instead of sniveling over disappointment, why wasn’t he manning up and supporting her? Better yet, if he was so damned upset, why not pick a fight? That’s what Travis would do.

  “You know what, Buddy? You should just go.”

  “But, Maggie, darlin’.”

  “Seriously, I don’t need you here right now. Just go back to Highland Springs and spend time with your parents.”

  “What about our wedding?”

  “I can’t even think about it right now.”

  “Honey, don’t let this little thing ruin all our plans.”

  That was it. She couldn’t take another minute of his wimpy moaning. Travis’s accident wasn’t a little thing.

  “Get out!”

  “Honey bunch.”

  “Get out. Go home. Leave my sight before I say something I might regret.”

  “You’re distraught. It’s been a stressful day.”

  “Don’t tell me how I feel.” Maggie shoved her hands into his chest, forcing him to stumble. “Leave before I call security.”

  “Okay, sweetie. I’ll leave if that’s what you want. You’re hysterical and need time to yourself.”

  “Out!” Maggie screamed so loud her vocal cords strained.

  Buddy lumbered toward the revolving door, his shoulders slumped in defeat, and met up with Carly as she came back into the waiting area. Before she could pass, he pulled her into his arms, sweeping his hand over her long hair. Carly stood still and stiff until he finished his ministration. He then held her at arm’s length and spoke a few words that Maggie couldn’t hear. Once he released her, Carly walked toward Maggie, shaking her head as her eyes rolled toward the fluorescent lights.

  “What did he say?” Maggie pulled Carly into the chair beside her.

  “He said he was sorry about my dad and that he was in his prayers.”

  “That was nice.”

  “Yeah.” Carly gathered her long hair in her hands and draped it over one shoulder, blowing out a sigh. “Oh, I almost forgot, he told me he’d go over to the house and check on things, make sure it was locked up and stuff.”

  “Okay.”

  “He’d leave your wedding dress on the bed, but promised not to look too closely at it.”

  Maggie chuckled while pressing her palms against her closed eyes. “He’s so superstitious . . . and sentimental. He wants us to get married tomorrow while the cake is still fresh.”

  “You’re not going to, are you? Not with Dad the way he is.”

  “No, Car, I wouldn’t do that. I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks.” Carly curled into Maggie’s embrace and laid her head on her mom’s shoulder.

  “Penny brought you a change of clothes. How about you get out of that dress?”

  “In a few minutes.”

  “You’ll be more comfortable.”

  “Where is Aunt Penny?”

  “I think she went to get us something to eat.”

  “Okay, I’ll just stay like this for a few minutes if that’s okay with you.”

  It was better than okay. Years had gone by since Maggie had held her baby in her arms. Carly was all grown up and rarely needed her mom, and though this was the worst of circumstances, she still relished the chance to comfort her little girl.

  * * *

  Another hour went by, and Maggie and Carly were still in their corner oasis in the waiting room. Carly had changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt that Penny had brought, and they were choking down cold chicken nuggets, waffle fries, and iced tea. Any other time this take-out food would be quickly devoured, but it was all Maggie could do to swallow. She felt edgy and nauseous.

  “How much longer, Mom?”

  “I wish I knew, Car.”

  As if on cue, a doctor came into the waiting room still covered from head to toe in surgical scrubs, and made a beeline for them. The chicken nugget Maggie had just swallowed almost came back up.

  “Ms. Timbrook? I’m Dr. Spaulding.” She reached out her hand, and Maggie shook it, her knees quivering as she stood.

  “How is he?”

  “He made it through surgery. We found the source of the internal bleeding. His spleen had ruptured and had to be removed. He has two broken ribs. There’s swelling on the brain due to his head injury, but we feel sure that will improve in a few days. Overall, I’d say he was very lucky.”

  “What about his leg? The emergency room doctor said it was broken.”

  “Fortunately it was a clean break. He’ll get a cast on it as soon as the swelling goes down.”

  “Can we see him?” Carly asked, clinging to Maggie.

  “He’s in recovery now and then we’ll move him to ICU.”

  “ICU?”

  “As a precaution. Once he’s settled you can see him, but I doubt he’ll be awake.”

  “That’s okay,” Maggie said. “We want to be with him when he wakes up.”

  “I’ll send someone for you when he’s in his room.”

  As soon as the doctor walked away, Carly fell into Maggie’s arms, and together they wept with relief. Her daughter would still have her dad, and Maggie silently vowed to be there every step of his recovery.

  He would do the same for her.

  Chapter 8

  The ICU corridor was tomblike. Clicks and beeps of medical equipment mixed with hushed voices. It was close to midnight, and Maggie and Carly were escorted through an open door where they found Travis asleep in a darkened room. Monitors, IVs, and other machines were clustered on one side of his bed, and his face was covered with an oxygen mask.

  Carly released a muffled groan, falling against Maggie and wrapping her arms tight around her waist. If it weren’t for the need to remain strong for her daughter, Maggie would have collapsed to the floor. Her body shook, and her eyes filmed over at the sight of Travis so weak and vulnerable. Still clinging to each other, they inched toward the bed.

  “Mom. His hair.” Carly slipped out of Maggie’s arms and tenderly reached out to him. They had cut off a clump of his hair where long dreadlocks had once hung. Blood matted around a row of black stitches behind his ear.

  “The doctor said he had a head injury,” Maggie said, resting her hand on Carly’s shoulder.

  “He’s so pale.”

  “He’s lost a lot of blood, honey, but he’ll be okay. The doctor seemed confident he’d get through this.”

  They stood like statues, rigid and silent, side-by-side, staring down at Travis in a deep sleep. His chest rose and fell slowly, aided by the oxygen machine. Dark red scrapes covered his arms and face like he’d been dragged across the asphalt. A cold shiver surged down Maggie’s spine at the horrible images swirling through her mind. It could’ve been different. They could be standing over his casket right now, but thank God, he was alive.

  “Ladies, why don’t I pull over another chair so you can both sit down?”

  Maggie hadn’t been aware a nurse had come into the room, startling at her voice.

  “You can talk to him. He may hear you. Maybe it will help him to know you’re here.”

  The nurse pushed an extra chair beside his bed and encouraged them to sit. “Take a seat. You can stay for as long as you like.”

  “Thanks.” Maggie dropped into the chair, suddenly too weak to stand. Carly sat beside her and clutched her hand.

  “Can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink?” the nurse asked.

  “No, thanks,” they both replied. She an
d Carly hadn’t eaten much, but right now, food was the last thing on Maggie’s mind. Her usually starving teenager was strictly focused on her dad.

  The nurse left the room, and Carly turned to Maggie. “Maybe we should talk to him, like the nurse said. He might wake up.”

  “You talk to him, Car. You’ll be the one to get through to him.”

  Carly stood up and stepped to the edge of his bed, gripping the metal restraint. “Daddy? Can you hear me? It’s Carly.”

  Travis didn’t flinch. His breath continued its slow, steady rhythm.

  “You’re in Morgantown at the hospital, but you’re going to be okay.”

  Still no sign of awareness from him.

  “We came as soon as we heard. We’ve been here the whole time and we won’t leave until you’re better.”

  The monitors didn’t register any reaction.

  “Mom’s here with me. Please open your eyes.”

  Nothing.

  “Come on, Car. Sit down.” Maggie plopped into a chair and patted the one beside her. “We’ll try again in a little while.”

  Carly curled into the chair and pulled her knees to her chest. “I hate seeing him like this.”

  “Me, too.” Maggie sighed and laid her head against the back of the chair. She stared up at the pebbled ceiling tiles as memories of another time came flooding back. “You know, the last time I saw your dad in a hospital was the day you were born.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, I’ll never forget it.”

  * * *

  “Push, Maggie. That’s it. Push,” Travis chanted in her ear, holding tight to her hand.

  “Grrrrr.” Inhuman sounds came from deep within Maggie, as if a wild animal had taken over her body. She pushed for the tenth time. This baby refused to come out.

  “You can do it.”

  “Shut the hell up, Travis.”

  “That’s it. Get mad.”

  Sweat stung her eyes as she fell back against the mattress. The damp sheets felt cool against her bare back. Somewhere along the way, her hospital gown had come untied.