Unmistakeable (12 page)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Alaska

I tried to be brave for my grandmother but it was difficult. I was nervous and scared. The pressure was too much. I couldn’t lose her. She was all I had left.

My grandmother held my hand. “Everything will be fine, dear.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

Ash stood beside me, his hand on my back. He was always touching me, trying to support me.

“Ash, can I have a moment alone with my girls?” she asked.

“Of course.” He headed to the door. “I’m going to get some coffee.”

When he was gone, the silence descended. Payton came to the bed, her buoyant and talkative personality dimmed. She was serious for the first time in her life.

“Just in case the surgery doesn’t go well…I wanted you to know a few things.”

I couldn’t have this conversation. It was too hard. I was already welling up.

“You two have given me so much joy since I took you in. There’s not a day that I regret. And you know how much your grandfather loved you. My time with you has been the best in my life. I’m sorry your parents were good for nothing, but I hoped I made up for everything you missed.”

“Of course you did, Nana.” Payton held her hand. “You’re the best mom a girl could ask for.”

I nodded. “And grandpa was amazing too.”

She stayed strong, not getting emotional. “I did my best. And it’s a miracle you two didn’t get fat from my cooking.”

Payton smirked. “We got grandpa’s metabolism, thankfully.”

I wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

Nana squeezed my hand. “If something happens to me, a lawyer will approach you both. I’ve given you equal share of my possessions. You’ll have more than enough to last you a lifetime.”

“I don’t want your money.” I tried to hold back my tears. “Why are you talking like this?”

Her eyes softened. “It’s just a precaution.” She stroked the top of my knuckles. “And I know I raised the both of you to have good heads on your shoulders. You are both smart, talented, and beautiful. You’re so independent that you don’t need me anymore.”

“We’ll always need you,” Payton whispered.

“I know. But I feel better knowing the two of you will be okay.”

We were quiet for several minutes, thinking about what was about to happen. This was hard for me and I knew it was hard for Payton. My grandmother was the only one who seemed to be at ease.

She released our hands then rested them in her lap. “It’s time.”

Payton kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. “I love you, Nana. You’re going to be okay.”

She hugged her back, holding her for a long time. “I know, dear.” Then she turned to me and extended her arms.

This felt like a good bye and I hated that. I sniffed then came into her arms. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She squeezed me hard. “Look after your sister.”

“You’re coming back.”

“And Alaska?” She lowered her voice.

“Yeah?”

“Marry Ash.”

My heart convulsed in my chest. “It hasn’t been very long…”

“It doesn’t matter. When you know, you know.” She pulled away and gave me a firm look. “Don’t push him away…”

“I won’t.”

Ash came back into the room, his coffee absent. “They are outside the door.”

“Okay.” She looked at us one more time. “I’ll see you soon. And if not, I’ll be seeing your grandfather. Either one gives me comfort.”

Ash came to my side then rubbed my back. He kissed a falling tear.

My grandmother opened her arms to him. “I can’t forget you.”

He leaned over and hugged her tightly. They shared a few whispers, too low for my and Payton to hear. Then he pulled away and kissed her on the forehead. “You’ve been my favorite patient.”

“You’ve been my favorite doctor.” She patted his cheek then let him step away.

The medical team came into the room and grabbed her bed. They undid the locks on the wheels and rolled her away.

The surgeon shook my hand. My grip was weak because I was in a daze. “I’ll give you updates when I can.”

“Thanks…” I dropped my hand.

They rolled my grandmother out of the room.

And then she was gone.

Ash stayed at my side while we sat in the waiting room.  His hand was either on my thigh or touching me in some way. The surgery would last a few hours so there was nothing to do but sit and think.

Payton kept to herself, crossing her arms over her chest and staring at nothing in particular.

Ash pressed a kiss to the shell of my ear. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Something to eat?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“How about a book? Something to distract your mind.”

“I can’t read right now.” I was being rude to Ash but I couldn’t help it.

His hand moved into my hair and he stroked it gently.

A man came to Ash’s side, and I glanced at him to see whom it was. It was Sage, one of Ash’s close friends.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “I thought you could use some support.”

“Thanks, man.” Ash shook his hand.

I nodded to him but said nothing.

Sage looked at Payton a few feet away. “How’s she doing?”

“I can’t tell,” Ash whispered. “She’s been pretty quiet.”

Sage cleared his throat then walked over to her. Then he sat beside her, engaging her in quiet conversation.

“Is he seriously hitting on my sister right now?” I couldn’t hold back the anger.

“No.” He grabbed my hand and squeezed. “He’s just trying to make the situation better. If Payton wants him to go away, she’ll tell him. You know her.”

I knew her too well. She didn’t have a problem kicking men in the balls. I’d seen her do it hundreds of times. One time a guy grabbed her ass when he walked by in a bar, and she pressed the heel of her stiletto directly into his groin. He fell to the floor, gasping.

Payton could definitely handle her own.

Ash put his arm over my shoulder and held me close. “Darling, I’m here. Don’t forget that.”

“I know…I’m sorry I’m being rude.”

“You’re not being rude. Don’t apologize.”

A couple approached us but I didn’t look up to see who it was.

“Hey,” Ash said. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course.” Livia gave him a weak smile. Then she rubbed my shoulder. “I hope everything will be okay.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Scotty clapped my shoulder then took a seat beside Livia.

“Ash?”

Damn, how many people were coming?

I looked up to see his mom. She had a sad look on her face. Her eyes were squinted and her lips were pressed tight together.

What was she doing here?

Ash asked that question for me. “Why are you here? In case you didn’t notice, now is not a good time for me to deal with your bullshit.”

Wow, he cut right to the chase.

“No, no.” She held up her hand and gripped his shoulder. “Livia told us about Alaska’s grandmother. We just came in case you needed anything.”

That was the last thing I expected.

Ash was suspicious. “Really?”

His father nodded. “Livia made it clear you love this girl. And if you love her, then we love her. We’re sorry about that date we set you up on. We wouldn’t have done it if we’d known about Alaska.”

Ash kept his arm around me. “Thanks…I appreciate that.”

His mom handed me a thermos. “It isn’t much, but whenever Ash and Livia were upset, I made them hot cocoa. It usually made them feel better.”

I felt my stomach turn in a knot. I stared at the cup, understanding the gesture. “Thank you…” I took it from her hands and held it close.

Ash gave her a look of approval. “Thanks, Mom. We both appreciate it.”

She nodded then took a seat with her husband.

I held the mug in my hands, unable to believe that just happened. “That was nice of them.”

“It was.” He turned to Livia. “You talked some sense into them.”

“Not really,” she said. “I just reminded them how headstrong you were. If they don’t accept the woman you love, you’ll cut them out in a heartbeat. And I told them you’ve never loved a girl before, so she’s the one. They shouldn’t bother fighting it.”

He smiled at her. “Thanks, Liv.”

“Anytime.”

“But they still hate me.” Scotty had a joking look in his eye.

“It’s okay,” Livia said. “Since you don’t have their approval it makes me hotter for you.”

Scotty wiggled his eyebrows. “I like it. I’m the bad boy you can’t resist.”

Their banter made me giggle.

Ash caught the look and smiled. “I’m glad my slutty sister is entertaining.”

“She’s not slutty,” I argued.

“Thank you.” Livia gave me an appreciative glance.

“But she’s ugly as hell,” he said. “You can’t argue with me on that one.”

“I put a bag over her head,” Scotty said.

Ash laughed hard.

Livia glared at him then hit him on the arm.

I tried not to laugh because I was afraid I’d spill my hot chocolate.

“You know I’m kidding, babe.” He hooked his arm around her shoulders. “I’m madly in love with you.”

“Doesn’t hurt to say it once in a while…” She shot him a glare.

“How about I show you instead?” He gripped her thigh. “Tonight when we get home.”

“Don’t make Alaska throw up her hot cocoa,” Ash said.

“Leave them alone,” I said. “They’re cute.”

“Would you think it was cute if I talked about our sex lives to my sister?” he countered.

“Eww.” Livia cringed. “Please don’t.”

“And no, I don’t put a bag over her head,” Ash said.

“She probably puts one over yours,” Scotty argued.

Livia and Scotty laughed.

Ash glared at both of them then ignored them.

It was nice having something to distract my mind. Having people who cared about me made it easier. I looked over at Payton and noticed she was still talking to Sage. Everything seemed to be fine. He wasn’t laying on the floor gripping his testicles.

Ash leaned back in his chair then rubbed the back of my neck, silently comforting me. “Thanks for coming, guys. We appreciate it.”

“We’re family,” Livia said. “We’ll always be here.”

“The surgery should have been over by now.” I couldn’t help my anxiety. What was taking so long? I hadn’t gotten a single update.

Ash held me close. “Just be patient.”

“The Patelos are not known for their patience.”

“No. They are known for their cooking and beauty.”

I smirked slightly, glad he could cheer me up.

“I’ve never seen you be so sweet in my entire life,” Livia said.

“Because I can’t stand you,” Ash snapped.

“No. You aren’t sweet like that to anyone.” She gave him a glare.

“Because Alaska is the only one who can keep me in check. And I love her.”

Livia’s eyes softened. “Awe…my brother is in love.”

“Very much so.” He kissed my forehead.

The waiting seemed to stretch on forever. The surgery should have been done an hour ago. “Is something wrong?”

“Sometimes surgeries are longer than expected,” Ash said. “That’s normal.”

I sighed, unable to hide my irritation. When I glanced at Payton she was still sitting with Sage. They both had coffees in their hands. “Is Sage into my sister?”

Ash shrugged. “He claims he isn’t but I haven’t seen him comfort me once.”

“Is he a good guy?”

He smirked. “I don’t think we should worry about Sage hurting her. It’s the other way around.”

I knew that was true.

The doors finally opened and the surgeon came through. His cap was still over his head and he wore his white coat. He spotted me then came toward me. His face was unreadable.

Please be good news.

Ash stood up then helped me to my feet. Payton ditched Sage then joined me. We came to the doctor then stilled. My breathing was loud in my ears. My heart was pounding. Sweat came out of nowhere. Ash kept his hand on my back to steady me.

He didn’t give an introduction. He held his hands together in front of his stomach, keeping his back straight. His face didn’t give anyway. “Due to the complications with her heart, we were unable to revive her during the procedure. We lost her…I’m sorry.”

What…?

My heart dropped into my stomach.

No.

Wait. No.

This couldn’t be real.

Payton covered her mouth and her eyes bubbled up. She was speechless, unable to speak. She stepped back slightly, like she was drifting away.