Rosa
By the time I’m done reading the letter, my face is soaked with tears. Ihadnoticed that she seemed to be in pain, but I thought it was because of the accident she had two months ago where someone rear-ended her. Guilt swamps me when I realize that she’s been silently dealing with terminal cancer. Then, I realize that the anger I felt over her actions has dissipated, to be replaced with understanding and grace.
“Now to find Cami’s father,” I murmur as I look at the second page and see she’s thoroughly outlined every aspect of her life,down to her funeral. I make a mental note to advise Dr. Patel of the cancer diagnosis because I don’t think she’ll be able to be an organ donor, but I truly have no clue.
Setting that aside, I open the manilla envelope and see a page with my name on it. Scanning it quickly, I realize that I have Cami’s father’s information so I can find him and get her life sorted out. I’ll definitely need to reach out to her attorney to find out how to get Cami’s policy switched to her father since he’ll need it to help raise his little girl.
Opening my phone, I create a master to-do list for my day off. Looks like I’m going to be a busy woman when all is said and done. Getting out of bed, I head to the laundry room to start a load, since that was something I was going to do tomorrow. May as well get a head start now since there’s no way I’ll be able to sleep after reading Rosa’s letter.
Once I have that going, I clean out the fridge, then place a grocery order to deliver first thing in the morning. I typically food prep my meals for the week, but since I’ll be running errands or making phone calls most of the day, I opt to get some of the store’s pre-made meals that I can heat up for my lunch.
Four hours later, as exhaustion weighs me down, I look around and snort. “Well, the house is clean, the laundry is caught up for twenty minutes, and Cami’s still sleeping.” I can get a solid six hours of sleep before she wakes up and the day starts so I double check that the house is locked up for the night, then head to bed.
Tomorrow’s soon enough to worry about everything currently circling in my head.
“I don’t claim to understand what you did, Rosa, and I wish you had talked to me first. We probably could’ve found another way, but I promise that I’ll find Cami’s father. You can rest easy,” I murmur as the nurse goes through the procedure to shut down the machines that are currently keeping Rosa alive.
The latest tests showed that the minimal activity had declined to the point that she was only alive because of the machines. Because of the cancer that had metastasized, the doctor who handles organ transplants didn’t feel she would be a good candidate for donation. I’ve already put the funeral home on notice, and as soon as I call, they’ll come and pick her up. She paid for a cremation, and already bought her urn, as well as paid for the package.
I clasp her hand in mine as I watch the last monitor, noting that the respirations are slowing, her blood pressure is dropping, and her heartbeat is almost non-existent. It’s not long before the doctor comes in and checks her vitals before he shakes his head.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Dr. Patel says. “If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”
“I just need to call the funeral home. She apparently made all the arrangements when she got her initial diagnosis,” I manage to say. “Can I… can I stay until they come and get her?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll send in a nurse to get her cleaned up if you want,” he advises.
“No, I think… I think I’d like to do this one last thing for her,” I murmur as I stand to my feet.
“Then I’ll get one in here with the supplies you’ll need,” he says.
“Thank you.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Prophet
“Thank fuck that’s done and over with,” Data says as we sit off to the side and enjoy the reception.
I grin because most of my brothers have changed out of the pink dress shirts, but since Becca has made it a point several times to tell me she’s glad we match, I decided to keep mine on.
“You look so handsome, Prophet,” Becca says, coming up to me once again.
“Thank you, Becca,” I reply. “You look like a fairy princess,” I tell her, taking in the poofy gown she’s wearing.
It doesn’t escape my notice that her braids have the same color ribbon as my shirt in them, nor do I miss the bow on the back of her dress that’s almost as big as her. “Mama Marnie says because it’s Valentine’s Day, we have to wear pink!” she exclaims.
Personally, I’d have gone with red myself, but nobody asked me for my opinion. Then again, ever since last year when Rosa andI broke up the way we did, I’ve been a bit… surly. Except where this little girl is concerned, that is. There’s something about her that reminds me of the countless foster kids my grandmother helped raise. Most of them went on to have extremely successful lives thanks to Granny’s unwavering love, including me. She raised me and my younger brother when our parents died, and I developed my love for all things artistic, as well as working out because of her. I do miss my brother, Elijah, but he made choices as an adult and as a result, he paid the ultimate price.
I know I’m a bit of an anomaly to my brothers. I’m a licensed tattoo artist, but I also used to be an MMA—mixed martial arts—champion. I’m honestly glad that we’ve got the tattoo shop opened now, and Data has narrowed down a few buildings to start the combat sports gym. Things are definitely looking up in my professional life, even though personally, I’m a grumpy asshole. Well, to everyone except the three little girls who have charmed every one of my brothers.
“Well, I think you’re beautiful in pink. Me, not so much because I’m a guy,” I reply.
I hear a voice clearing and turn, startled to find a curvy blonde standing there, a baby in her arms. I don’t recognize her at all, but I’m shocked into silence when she asks, “Are you… are you Eli Benson?”
“I am,” I reluctantly reply. “Who are you?”
“Phoebe Carter,” she says. “Here, she’s yours,” she states as she thrusts the baby into my hands. “I can’t… no, that’s not right, Iwon’tcontinue to keep you in the dark like Rosa wanted. Since she’s not here anymore, I don’t have to. Everything you need to know is in the papers that are tucked in the diaper bag. I’m sorryI interrupted your day since it looks like you’re about to have a party or something.”