Crazy Nights (The Barrington Billionaires Book 3) (18 page)

“
Y
ou have to go
,” Evie finally chimed in, unable to gracefully bite her tongue any longer. “Emmitt did everything he could to get you that meeting with Asher. It was what he wanted.” The small private waiting room was overrun now with coats and hospital blankets. Empty Styrofoam cups sat on the beige end tables that punctuated the two rows of chairs.

“We need to be here,” Mathew argued. “Or at least I do. Emmitt has been in a medical induced coma for three days. The surgery was a success, and he could wake up any time now. Mom had to leave, this was too much for her. He needs me here.”

Evie paced by the door as she considered how hard to push her point. “Emmitt wanted to do something for you. It was important to him that you go.”

“James, you can handle the meeting yourself,” Mathew continued as though Evie hadn’t spoken at all.

“We should postpone,” James suggested. “I can’t do the numbers justice. If we get one shot in front of Asher Barrington, I’m not going to screw us over.”

“We do get one shot,” Mathew agreed. “Which means postponing isn’t an option.”

“You’re going,” Evie shouted as she slammed her fist into her palm. Mathew and James snapped their mouths shut and stared at Evie. She knew she looked wild right now. Her hair had been spun up into a messy bun that had mostly fallen back down. Her shirt was splotched with coffee stains and her nails and were bitten down painfully low. She could practically feel the crazy spark glittering in her eyes. Anger, exhaustion, and worry had built up inside her like a simmering pot ready to boil. “Go, take a shower, put on one of those far too expensive suits, and go to the meeting because it’s what Emmitt wanted. It was his way of finally doing something for you. Don’t take that from him. If he wakes up and finds out you cancelled the meeting, he won’t forgive you.”

“She’s right,” James agreed, cracking his knuckles. “I’ve seen Emmitt do plenty of selfish shit, but coming up to Boston, getting in with Asher, he did that for you.”

“I’ll call you if anything changes here. You’ll be twenty minutes away. I think Asher will understand cutting the meeting short under the circumstances.”

“Harlan will be back soon,” Jessica reminded them. “She was just checking on the girls and your mother. If Emmitt wakes up he’ll have plenty of familiar faces. Libby is bringing us lunch. Everything will be all right.” Jessica leaned in, held Mathew’s cheek firmly in her hand, and kissed him, lingering for a moment to ground him.

When they left, the room had a void. Evie and Jessica sank into the chairs and huffed in unison. “This is pretty screwed up,” Jessica said, closing her eyes tightly. “A few months ago we were sitting around, busting on each other and joking around. I can’t believe Emmitt is in there, just fighting, fighting to wake up.”

“Hello?” Dr. Myers said with a light tap on the door. Both Jessica and Evie hopped to their feet as though they’d been pulled up by strings at exactly the same time. “Emmitt is waking up. The meds have been reduced for some time now, but he’s finally starting to show signs of responding to stimuli. I think now would be a good time to come in.”

“Everyone just scattered,” Jessica said in a panic. “I’ll start calling them. You go, Evie. He’ll want to see you when he wakes up.”

“I don’t expect him to be alert right away,” the doctor cautioned. “Don’t have anyone rush back. You’ll only be allowed in a couple at time anyway.”

“Give Mathew and James a little more time,” Evie said as she tried to settle her wild hair and wipe away any stray mascara under her eyes. Emmitt wouldn’t care what she looked like, he’d surely be a mess himself, but she still didn’t want him to worry about how tired she looked.

“Follow me,” Dr. Myers said, already halfway down the hall walking at a pace that must get him quickly around the hospital on a busy day.

“He’s still intubated,” Dr. Myers explained. “When he wakes up it’ll be natural for him to fight against it. You’ll be there to keep him calm. Just talk to him and let him know where he is and that everything is all right. The nurses and I will be in the room as well, trying to get an indication of any cognitive deficiencies or physical reactions that could be impaired. We’ll be doing our work; you just keep talking to him.”

“What do you mean he might fight the intubation?” Evie asked, thinking of the wide shouldered, large handed Emmitt she’d known, and picturing him fighting everyone in the room.

“He’ll be coming out of sedation, and he’ll be weak, but we’ll work to keep him still. The surgery he’s had on his brain will require him to be calm and still. You’ll do fine.”

Evie felt as though she’d just been ordered to fly a plane. As though she’d be placed in the cockpit and told to get the thing off the ground, having no idea what buttons to push.

As Dr. Myers swiped his badge, the double doors electronically opened, and Evie considered running. This must be what Emmitt felt like every time he was on the threshold of someone desperately needing his help, or looking at him to stay, to fix, to help. She finally understood what fight or flight felt like and found it far easier to forgive Emmitt’s urge to run.

Dr. Myers gave her a quick nod as he moved in close to Emmitt’s bedside. “Emmitt, Mr. Kalling, can you hear me?” Dr. Myers asked loudly as he lifted one of Emmitt’s eyelids and flashed a tiny bright light in his eye. There was a low groan that rumbled from him, and Evie felt her heart flutter. The groan changed to a long low moan as Emmitt’s hand, weighed down by tape and wires moved toward his mouth.

“There is a tube in your throat, Emmitt,” Dr. Myer explained calmly as he waved Evie over. “We’re going to take it out in a moment. We just want to make sure your vitals are stable. Evie is here with you. She’s going to hold your hand.”

Evie moved in tentatively, embarrassingly slow, considering how fast everyone around her was moving with intent and confidence.

“Talk to him, dear,” Dr. Myers said, and though his voice was low it was more of an order than a suggestion.

“I’m here, Emmitt,” Evie said softly as she laced her fingers into his hand. “You’re in the hospital, and you’re going to be all right, but you need to lie still.” His hand closed tightly around hers as his back arched up, and his moan turned into a primal noise of pain. “It’s all right,” she encouraged, but he couldn’t seem to hear her. Though his eyes were open, they were not fixed on anything, as they darted around the room, frantic and filled with terror.

“Cough for me, Emmitt,” Dr. Myers said in a singsong positive voice. A moment later the tube was out and Emmitt gasped for air and swallowed hard. “Lie back and be still,” Dr. Myers ordered.

“Evie,” Emmitt whispered in a raspy voice.

“I’m here,” Evie said through tears. “I’m right here with you, and I’m not going anywhere. I love you.”

He nodded his head, just up once and down again and then closed his eyes. “You can rest a bit,” Dr. Myers said, patting Emmitt’s shoulder. “You’re in good hands; I can see that.” He shot a knowing smile at Evie. “I’ll be close by if you need anything, and we’ll be in to evaluate you shortly.”

“Your whole family is on the way,” Evie assured him, leaning in and kissing his stubbled cheek. The bandages over his head kept her from running her hand over his hair. “They’ll all be here soon.”

“Unover,” he said in a gravelly garbled slur.

“What?” Evie asked, leaning in closer.

“Evie,” he said again, “Unover.”

“Doctor,” she called out toward the hallway, “he’s trying to say something, but I don’t think it’s coming out right. He’s not making sense.”

“All right,” Dr. Myers said calmly, though the speed in his step said otherwise. “Step back just a bit, Evie.”

She tried to pull away from his hand, but he held firm. His laced fingers crushed down on hers. “He won’t let go,” Evie said, trying to step back. Dr. Myers only smiled. “Grip is good. Positive sign. Can you say something for me, Emmitt? Repeat after me.”

Evie felt the world spinning below her feet. A runaway carnival ride she couldn’t escape. Emmitt couldn’t repeat after Dr. Myers. The only clear word he could say was her name.

“Rest a bit more,” Dr. Myers instructed, but there was a furrow to his overgrown brows that sent Evie’s heart to her throat.

“Is he all right?” Evie asked in a panic.

“Let’s wait for some more of his family to arrive,” Dr. Myers said, clearing his throat. “I’ll go check the waiting room to see if they’ve come in.”

Dr. Myers was gone before Evie could beg him to stay, to fix this. To fix the man she loved. “It’s all right, Emmitt,” she assured him shakily as she placed a cool hand on his warm cheek. “Just think of that night,” she whispered, leaning in close to him. “Think of that night we had out on the water. Remember the way you laughed when I almost fell in? Just think of those crazy nights we had.”

“Evie,” he said with a delirious kind of smile. His eyes were closed now and she took it as gift. He couldn’t see the fear in her eyes, the tears streaking her cheeks of the shake in her hands.

“Just think of those nights.”

S
ix months
later

“
I
still can’t believe
you wanted to come back here,” Evie said, yawning as the jetlag kicked her butt. But at least she was in good company. The only one of their group who seemed unfazed by the long traveling and time difference was Mathew, who traveled frequently for work. Harlan, her daughters, and her mother, even Jessica looked exhausted.

“It’s not just the trip,” Emmitt explained as he tried for what seemed like the millionth time to walk and barely rely on his cane. His leg and brain surgery had been a success, but rehab was slow going and Emmitt hated slow. They were anticipating a full and complete recovery over time, as long as he was willing to work hard.

“But to come back to the place where you got in the accident,” Harlan said, wiping some sweat from her brow, “seems kind of morbid.”

“I have something to show all of you. That’s why we’re here.” Emmitt reached for his sister’s bag but Mathew snagged it first.

“I’ll get the bags; you just concentrate on staying upright.” Mathew was slinging the luggage on a wheeled cart and shooing his brother away.

“You like it, Mom?” Emmitt asked hopefully as he gestured toward the hotel. “It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it really is like nowhere else I’ve ever been.”

“It’s so wide open,” she replied, casting her arms out wide. “I’m nervous,” she admitted, then rubbed her son’s shoulder. “But I’m excited too.”

Emmitt walked them to the lobby and assured them the air conditioner would be working in each of their rooms. “You’ll be very comfortable. I promise.”

Harlan sent the girls forward with Jessica and tried to get her brother’s ear quietly. “We’ll see Dad, right? He’s still doing fine?”

“Dad’s doing exceptionally well,” Emmitt replied loudly and every head spun toward him. “I’m proud.”

“Sorry,” Mathew apologized, having to force his shocked eyes to return to their normal size. “We’re all still just getting used to this new cheery optimistic Emmitt. It’s a lot to take in.”

“Nearly dying can give you tons of perspective,” Emmitt said, slinging an arm over his brother’s shoulder. “But I don’t recommend it under normal circumstances.”

“You still haven’t told us exactly what we’re all doing here,” Evie chimed in as they walked straight through the lobby of the hotel toward the courtyard in the back.

Emmitt directed them all toward chairs that had been clearly laid out for them in a half circle. Charles was sitting in one, and though the greetings were tentative and reserved, everyone did say hello to him.

“The accident didn’t take anything away from me,” Emmitt started as everyone sat down. He paced in front of them looking mildly nervous and still aggravated with having to use the cane. “Botswana didn’t take anything from me. It actually gave me something. I’ve been in deserts, I’ve been in the rainforest, and I’ve been on beaches all over the world. But here, I discovered a type of quiet and serenity I’ve never found anywhere else. And with it I finally started to hear all the things that had been said to me. The things I wouldn’t allow myself to let in.”

“So you’re finally willing to take all my brilliant advice?” Mathew joked, but Jessica quieted him with a stern look.

“In a way,” Emmitt nodded. “But mostly I could hear the things Evie had told me. I could hear her explanation of hope, and with Dad here I finally started to understand it. It wasn’t about things being perfect, but it was about allowing some imperfections as we worked on things.”

“That’s great,” his mother sang proudly, as she fidgeted with a loose curl. This trip was so far outside her comfort zone, and Emmitt was so grateful she took on that enormous pressure just to support him. He asked, and she showed up.

“I want to start a retreat here in Botswana that focuses on hope. It will cater to all types of addiction and be staffed with the leading professionals in their respective fields.”

“Here?” Evie asked, still looking shell-shocked by the scenery around her. The vastness and unfamiliar way it both went on forever and closed in around them.

“Yes,” Emmitt smiled. “Well, about a mile from here, but I figured taking you to an empty plot of land I’ve bought wouldn’t really count. You’ll have to use your imaginations.”

Harlan, whose gaze kept falling on her father’s profile, nodded her agreement. “I think it’s a great idea. You could help so many people.”

Evie looked nervous but was forcing an encouraging smile on her face. “You’ll stay here?” she asked, waving at the air around her. “You’ll stay in Botswana?”

“For a while. I was hoping you and I both would,” he offered. “The retreat here has allowed me to set up a few spots to get things rolling until the center I want can be built down the road. That means people could be getting help right now.”

“I just moved my mom into the halfway house two months ago. I’m not sure I can pick up and move to Africa for any period of time. I need to be more accessible to her.” Evie’s eyes were glassy and nervous, and Emmitt felt awful for bringing any more uncertainty to her life. She’d been unwavering when it came to his recovery and healing. And as much as he hated the weakness that came from his accident, it had made his love for her stronger.

“The halfway house doesn’t focus on the addiction. She got no support there, mentally or physically. It’s just a place for her to live, not a place she can get better.”

“I understand that,” Evie countered, sounding a bit more aggravated now. “But it’s the best option I have right now, considering she doesn’t want to try any more rehab. At least in the housing I can know where she is most of the time.”

“She’s ready for treatment,” Emmitt said slyly. “She’s been here for nearly two weeks, and while she’s not ready to see everyone, she’s very happy you’re here. More importantly she’s happy she’s here.”

“My mother is here?” Evie asked incredulously. “How did you get her to come? She was adamant the last time I tried.”

“I listened to your advice,” Emmitt explained, gesturing excitedly, so glad to finally be able to share all this news. “Addicts don’t keep doing it for fun. Deep down your mom is tired. She was waiting for a way out, and this was worth the risk. When I explained what it was like out here, what she could expect and how you’d be here every step of the way, it seemed to hit her. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I wanted to give her some time to decide if she wanted to stay here and really give this a shot. So far so good. She’s under the care of a specialist, and they’re doing more than just rehab. It’s a whole body, mind, and soul approach to recovery.”

“It’s a lot to take in,” Charles spoke up, looking unsure anyone wanted to hear from him, but continuing anyway. “I was skeptical at first too. But Emmitt is right; when you come to Botswana it forces you to strip everything you have. You start to understand things you never did before. The clarity is surprising at first. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I’ve had everything I needed to be successful here.”

“She’s here?” Evie asked again, looking around like her mother might pop out from around any corner.

“Like I said, she’s not ready to see everyone,” Emmitt said, coming in close to her and rubbing from her shoulders down to her elbows, holding her up at the same time. “But she’s waiting for you.”

Bursting into tears, Evie flung herself into his arms. “It’s no guarantee. I just want to give her the best shot possible.” He braced her as her knees buckled, and she hugged his neck tightly. “But if she stays, I hope you’ll consider it too. I’m not sure I’ll be able to build this without you. I know without a doubt you have that one thing this place needs.”

“What’s that?” she asked, finally loosening her grip and using the back of her hands to dry off her cheeks.

“Blind, misplaced, unwavering, illogical hope in the face of any evidence that should make you stop believing. I have seen you keep the faith with even the most impossible situations,” he said, dropping suddenly down on one knee. “With the most impossible people.” He smiled and they both knew he was talking about himself. Pulling a ring box from his pocket, he flipped it open and took her hand. “Evie, I have no idea what the rest of my life will bring, but because of you I have hope that it will be worth sticking around for. And with any luck you’ll feel the same way. Will you marry me?”

An eruption of excitement rose up behind them and Evie used her free hand to cover her mouth. She had not seen this coming, which was his plan. All of it. She deserved joyful surprises for the rest of her life.

“Well?” Harlan asked when Evie tried to gather herself. “Don’t leave us hanging here. Are you going to marry him?”

Evie just nodded feverishly as she extended her hand for him to slip the ring on her finger. “Yes,” she gasped out.

Emmitt rose and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around until she begged through a frantic laugh for him to stop.

“Can we really live out here?” she asked, a small worry line forming on her forehead.

“We’ll have everything we need,” Emmitt promised. “As long as we’re together.”

“And there’s coffee,” Jessica cut in. “As long as we’re all together and there’s coffee.”

Everyone circled in around them, congratulating and taking turns complimenting the ring. They passed around champagne glasses and began to clank them together as hugs were exchanged.

Mathew raised his glass, ready to toast. “To hope,” he said, slapping his free hand to his brother’s back.

“You’ll need a better speech if you’re going to be my best man,” Emmitt joked, and Mathew accepted with a simple nod of his head, not seeming to find anything perfect to say.

“To hope,” everyone said in unison, raising their glasses.

“Now let’s go explore this place,” Emmitt said, filled with excitement. His future wife was by his side, his family rallied behind him. “I’ve got a job for all of you. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Evie had cleared the stinging tears off her cheek as she downed the champagne and giggled. “Watch out everyone, your new boss can be a real hard ass.”

“No,” Emmitt laughed. “Not your boss.” He shook his head as though she were being crazy. “You can call me your supreme leader of everything.”

They followed him down the courtyard to the open and sprawling land that lay before them. This was a fresh start. A new day. And Emmitt finally believed his life was worth living. It was time to pass that belief to anyone willing to follow him here. He could do anything with Evie by his side.

He whispered to her, “I’m always right. I told you if there was ever a chance I could be a good man, it would be with you.”

“You were always a good man, Emmitt. And I told you I’d believe it until you were ready to believe it yourself. You’re a slow learner, but I’m glad you finally caught up.” She rose to her toes and kissed him, and unlike their time leading up to this moment, he didn’t have to worry that kiss would be their last. He knew without a doubt he’d spend the rest of his life kissing her.