Down the Hidden Path (6 page)

“Great. Maybe full time, maybe part time. But days only. No nights, no weekends. I know that’s important to you.” She placed her hand over the receiver and lowered it from her ear. “She sounds very enthusiastic. Even mumbled the word
miracle
.”

Nurse Jamille went back to the conversation. “No, honey. I haven’t given him any of your information. Hospital policy. But he needs you to come see if his home is ready to receive the patient. That might be a good time for the two of you to meet and have a little interview.”

Jeremiah’s heart was beating harder than it should, and most of it . . .
most
of it was because he’d have a qualified caregiver available for Caleb. Part of it was the fact that the caregiver was Gray. Then a thought struck him. What if it wasn’t Gray? What if it was someone else working PRN?

The nurse laughed. “Okay, Mary Grace. I’ll let him know. I’ll text you the address. He said tomorrow at ten a.m. would work if that’s okay for you.” A pause. “You’re welcome. Oh, his name is McKinley. Jeremiah McKinley.”

Gray’s hands were sweaty as she pulled to a stop at the end of Miah’s long driveway. She stared at her phone as if, magically, it would answer all her questions about this potentially disastrous situation. The phone was silent, giving her no answers since yesterday when Jamille had called and let her know about the job. Her stomach was as twisted as towels in a locker room and just like those terry weapons, she was about to snap.

Breakfast threatened to revisit as two thoughts fought for dominance in her head. Number one, she couldn’t take this job. And number two, was it possible it was for Caleb?

The second thought wrenched her gut because she’d heard around town that Caleb had been injured on the battlefield. And her heart had wanted to know the details but her mind forced her thoughts and questions away whenever the subject came up. She’d also become a master ninja avoiding anyone and everyone connected to the McKinleys, even hiding behind the door three times when Charlee had dropped by for that promised cup of coffee. Incognito was not too easy in River Rock.

Now, here she sat in Miah’s driveway. Gray closed her eyes, drew a deep breath of courage, and stepped out of her car.

By the time she had the door shut, she knew he was watching her. His gaze crawled over her skin like a hot breeze and she hadn’t even looked up at the house to see him yet. But she knew he was there, standing in a window and looking out at her. Growing up, she’d always known when Miah’s eyes were on her. They’d given her strength, courage, stability. Then later, as the two of them had gotten older, those eyes had given her hot flashes that ran from her spine into the deepest part of her stomach; they’d given her sleepless nights and the kinds of dreams teenage girls lived for. But now, they only gave her fear.

The click of his front door caused her steps to falter.
Get a grip. You can do this.

He stepped out of the house. Gray painted on her best practiced smile and reached a hand out to shake his as she neared.

He took two steps down off the front porch and still towered over her, golden eyes dancing in the morning light. He was dressed in jeans that fit him far too well and a pair of scuffed work boots. A red T-shirt stretched over his chest, and, oh Lord, it was hard not to trace the muscles beneath.

His gaze narrowed playfully as he inspected the outstretched hand. Then he reached for her hand and even that somehow had a sensual sensation as his fingers slid over hers and interlocked.

“Gray.” His voice was velvet. Did he have to say her name? It was too intimate, too personal.

“Jeremiah—” She had a plan. A plan to explain that she could certainly check out the lodge to see if it was set up in a manner suitable for the patient. She’d brought booklets and paperwork and would explain how an occupational therapist worked and what could be expected. As she opened her mouth to dive in, his hand tightened on hers. A tremor passed from him to her and when Gray’s eyes again met his, she found him fighting tears.

And suddenly the world had no oxygen. Her own throat closed. “Is it Caleb?”

Massive shoulders quaked once, then again. His strong chin quivered, eyes filling with so many tears they seemed as if they’d float away. He swallowed and she knew he was battling to keep his composure. Everything in Gray’s mind about keeping things professional began to drain from her. He didn’t need to answer her question. Of course it was Caleb. And apparently, things were a lot worse than she’d anticipated.

When he pressed his lips together in an attempt to regain control, she squeezed his hand.

Miah sniffed, blinked, tried to smile.

And she saw the boy she’d loved. All those years ago. She’d seen him do this very thing when his mom died. Trying to be strong, but Miah’s love ran deeper than most. He brushed his free hand over his face. “I’m sorry. I’ve been really committed to not doing that.”

He hadn’t allowed himself to crumble yet. Probably staying strong for Charlee and the other brothers while not allowing himself to cope with his own emotions about Caleb’s injury. “Jeremiah, you have to do this. Allow yourself to process.”

He sniffed again, drawing strength from the world around. “Can’t. He’ll be here in a few days. Too much work to do.”

She squeezed tighter. He was like a ticking time bomb. If he didn’t deal with this, at least to some degree, it’d fester and eventually he’d explode. “Miah.” She released him long enough to drop her stack of papers and brochures on the porch floor.

He started to turn, but with both hands free, Gray gripped his arm, turned him to face her. “Look at me,” she whispered. He’d closed his eyes and she knew it was because Miah couldn’t ever look at her and not tell the truth.

Haunted eyes opened slowly and such a hard war was being waged there, it made her want to turn away. But she held him firmly. He had to break. He’d need to if he was going to be able to do any good for his brother. “How bad is it?”

A sound that was neither a cry nor a groan caught in his throat.

“How bad, Miah?”

“It’s bad, Gray.” And then he broke, silent sobs racking his shoulders. Face contorted, body curled forward.

She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to. Gray had once known Jeremiah better than anyone in the world. And though he’d gone away to be a strong soldier, she knew instinctively what he needed. She pulled him into her arms, wrapping herself around him as much as she possibly could. Gray held him so tightly it made her muscles ache, and there, standing on his front porch, Jeremiah cried.

CHAPTER 4

Of everything he’d planned to do to convince Gray to take the job, his display on the front porch hadn’t been part of the equation. But when he’d seen her there, all of his emotions surged up from that place where he’d put them. This was Gray. She’d been with him when his mom died. She’d known everything there was to know about him and had loved him anyway. That’s what best friends did. And when she’d stepped out of her car and headed toward him, she was no longer the occupational therapist he needed to hire. She was his best friend, and the years had melted away. She was there for him, just like she’d always promised she would be.

After giving her the folder on Caleb’s injury and the recovery plan, he brought her a cup of hot chocolate because she was a terrible chocoholic and no one made cocoa like he did. He’d purchased real whipped cream for the top. She cradled the mug in her hands and sat down on his couch. “Tell me about it.”

He knew she wanted to know the information that wasn’t in Caleb’s chart. But not just that, she wanted to know Miah’s plans where his brother was concerned. He sat his own cup down on the coffee table and looked out over the mountains beyond the picture window. Gray’d made no mention of the lodge or the amazing view. None of that mattered to her. Gray was all about people. Not creature comforts.

“He suffered the traumatic brain injury in a Humvee accident. They were traveling along a ridge and hit an IED. The Humvee went off an embankment. He was trapped. They got him out, but there was a lot of damage.”

“Tampa has one of the best TBI facilities in the country.” She took a sip of the hot cocoa.

“Good?” He nodded to the mug.

Her silver eyes dropped to it. “Incredible. I’d forgotten you’re a hot-cocoa master.”

He had become one. Because of her. In all the time they’d spent together, it seemed she was always the one helping him. He’d wanted to give back. Cocoa was her favorite. “I still remembered my recipe.”

“You should patent it.”

It was good to see her smile. Finally, she almost seemed relaxed.

“So, with the extent of his injuries, he’ll need to relearn certain
things.” She watched Miah over her mug. “How long has Caleb been in
Tampa?”

“Three months. They have a step-down program where he could stay another three, but he just wants to come home.”

She placed the mug on the table in front of them. “Are you sure he’s ready? That last three months would help give him the skill set he needs for living life. I’ve read up on their program. It’s done amazing things for our soldiers returning home with traumatic brain injuries. You need to understand, certain parts of his brain aren’t functioning normally. Things could get very challenging for him as well as you.”

Miah threaded his fingers together on his lap. “I know, I know. I tried to encourage him to stay, but . . .” He shrugged. “You know Caleb.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes. McKinley stubborn.”

“He’s made great progress already.”

“Will they even let you bring him home this soon?” Gray’s brow furrowed.

“Yes. He’s completed the necessary rehabilitation. They’d like him to stay, of course, but—”

She waved a hand through the air. “I know. McKinley stubbornness.”

“I need a professional to sign off on the lodge. The paperwork states that it will be a safe environment for him. I’ve leveled all the floors down here, have got a bathroom working on this level, and made a ramp outside in case the few stairs to the front porch are an issue.”

Gray smiled over at him. “You’re a good big brother.”

There was a catch in his throat. No, if he’d been a good big brother, he’d have talked Caleb into leaving the military before this happened.

“Reading over his limitations, I think you’ve covered the basics here. He can get to the kitchen, restroom, bedroom; you’ve removed tripping hazards and have dedicated spaces for furniture. That will all make an easier transition for him, but, Miah, there’s so much more to brain injuries than the physical things.”

He knew that. Had already been warned about it. But where some of the soldiers were embracing the next level of therapy, for Caleb it was beginning to take a toll. A soldier was only as strong as his mental state.

“Caleb has some behavioral issues, am I right?”

“Frustration, mostly.”

Gray leaned forward. “For you it may seem like frustration, but for him it feels like the world is falling apart. Throwing him into society before he’s ready could pose a huge threat to his progress. Plus, what are your goals? Caleb needs goals. Something he’s working toward.”

“Getting well.”

She pressed her hand firmly against the folder. “Getting well for what? A goal, Miah. Not just a destination. Didn’t they walk you through all of this? I seem to remember them offering classes to family members. Caregiving classes.”

“Yes. They did. I got through the first few hours, then got a call that my pipes had busted. I had to leave.”

He watched her closely as she weighed his words against what she’d read in the file. His hold on the situation was slipping. In another moment, Gray would stand and tell him she wouldn’t sign off. He had to make her understand.

“Gray, that’s why I need you. Obviously, Caleb needs daily therapy. That’s what he’d get if he stayed in Tampa.”

“That’s right. They simulate living in society, but it’s in a controlled environment. So much safer for the soldiers.” She sat the folder on the coffee table by her cocoa.

“Caleb has had about all of the
controlled environment
he can handle.” Miah reached over, placed his hand on hers. “Please, Gray. I need you to sign off on the paper. Then, I need to hire you to help rehabilitate him.”

She pulled a deep breath. “Do you have any contact with your grandfather? Grandfather Havinger? You know I see him in Laver now and then.”

Miah blinked, trying to catch up to the change of subject. “Uh, no. None of us have spoken to him.”

She tugged her bottom lip into her mouth and bit down. “The kind of care you’re talking about will be expensive, Miah. Your grandfather could—”

Miah stood. “No. He couldn’t. He wanted to take our mom away from us, Gray. When she was dying, he wanted to send her off to Europe. Or have you forgotten?”

“For an experimental treatment.” There was a pleading tone to her voice.

“A treatment that had shown zero results.” His own voice rose in frustration, so Miah corralled it as best he could. “Listen, Mom set up trusts for each of us. The money isn’t an issue.”

He could plainly see her doubt. Of course, Gray didn’t know how much money they had, just that the treatment and care could be exhaustive.

“Tell me about the building alongside the lodge.”

Another quick change. Somehow this all fit together, even if it was only Gray who knew how. “It’s an indoor pool. Drained. So, I guess it’s a giant hole in the ground. Why?”

“Does Caleb still love the water?”

“Yes.”

“How expensive would it be to fix? It could be a really great form of therapy for him.”

Miah rubbed a hand over his face. “More than I want to spend right now, but if it’s necessary . . .”

“It’s not. We’re near the lake. When summer rolls around, it will be useful. Caleb can fish, swim. All of that just seems like normal activities, but for him, everything is now therapy. Do you understand?”

“Yeah.” He could run the numbers. See if the pool could be worked into the budget. He’d just been bragging that the money wasn’t an issue. And now here he was, counting dollars to see if he could rebuild an indoor pool. Of course, the lodge had taken a hefty chunk, and he’d done his homework on what therapy could cost.

“I really appreciate you coming, Gray. Jamille told me the going rate for an OT. I’m willing to pay that and more if that’s what it takes. I could use you full-time to start, then maybe after a few months, part-time. Can I count on you?” He just wanted to close the deal so they could move on to making a rehab plan for Caleb.

“I’d be happy to sign off on your paper, Miah. I already have, in fact. But I’m afraid you’ll have to find another therapist. I have to turn down the job. I’m really sorry.”

And she stood up and strode to the front door, leaving him with his
mouth hanging open. The click of the latch snapped his attention. “Wait.”

She paused, standing in the doorway with the sun slipping in around her.

“Why?” His heart was sinking.

“I’m just not the person for the job. Run an ad in the Laver Community Hospital’s employee newsletter. I bet you’ll have five therapists fighting for the position.” She smiled. But it was that same detached grin she’d offered at the taco stand.

“I’d always thought you were really fond of Caleb.”

Her chin rose a degree and that’s when he saw the truth. There was a big part of her that wanted to take the job. It just wasn’t the part that was in control. “I always thought of him as the little brother I never had. Caleb was really special to me, Miah. More than I could ever say.”

“Just not now that he needs you.” He hadn’t meant to say that and he hadn’t meant for all the bitterness to accompany his words, but this didn’t make any sense. When she hadn’t known it was being offered by Miah, she’d mumbled the word
miracle
in reference to the job. She needed a job. He had a job perfect for her.

Gray swallowed and he watched as a carefully placed veil slipped over her features. “I’m sure it’s difficult to understand.”

His gaze narrowed on her. What was that? That cool, collected attitude? As if she’d spent the last several years covering her real feelings. Fear, quick and sharp, shot into his heart. “Gray? Are you in some kind of trouble?”

Her eyes fluttered. She tried to hide it. But he’d seen the crack in the marble shell. “No.” She smiled and it was almost convincing. It
would
be convincing to someone who didn’t know her so well. “Quite the opposite, Jeremiah. Thanks for thinking of me. Give Caleb my love.”

The door clicked closed behind her.

Gray scrutinized her reflection after changing her clothes yet again and traipsing to the living room, where the ancient full-length mirror clung to a wall by the front door. “Other than you, David, guys are a great big pain in the butt.”

He’d been reading a manga book, sitting cross-legged on the couch when she passed him. Nana’s house was warm with the fire blazing in the cute little square fireplace. Cozy. But inside, Gray was all ice chips and frozen organs. Winter had settled into River Rock with all its chilly glory and for the first time, her town felt cold outside and internally. It made no sense whatsoever, things were the same as they’d always been, but knowing more and more McKinleys were in town made the space feel small. And frigid.

David dropped the book on his lap and pivoted to watch her inspect the angles of her reflection.

“I hate this one,” she said.

“It’s a nice dress, Gray.”

She turned to face him, arms outstretched. “Even the bat wings part?”

He bit his cheeks when she fluttered her arms, causing the material to dance. He laughed. “Maybe not that part. Can you tuck them in somewhere?” His face scrunched.

“What was I thinking?”

David went back to his manga book. “It’s just a date, Gray. No big deal.”

Oh, it was a big deal. Too big. Which made it even worse. She was a thirty-one-year-old woman who typically didn’t date. “It’s been a while.”

“I know. You’re like a dinosaur. Date-less-a-saurus.”

She reached over the couch, grabbed his sides, and trickled her fingers over his ribs. He jumped, laughed, wriggled free, then grabbed her wrists and held her away from him.

“You’re really getting strong, David.”

His honey eyes glistened. “Stronger than you.” The front of his button-down shirt was wrinkled from lying on the floor in front of the fire. He’d stoked up the blaze earlier and now had a soot smear on his cheek.

“That’s not saying much; after all, I’m practically extinct. Now, since I don’t have time to sew up these stupid bat wings, please tell me what to wear on this cursed date.” She snapped her fingers. “And be quick about it. I want to be changed before your mom gets here to pick you up.”

“She’s coming in this time, you know. You can’t keep her on the front porch forever.”

Oh Lord. That was all she needed. “I just wanted to have more of the interior done before she saw it. Your house is so nice, pristine, pretty.”

“Like a museum.”

Gray sighed. “Yeah.” When Angie had started volunteering at the senior center, she agreed to let Gray pick David up at school three days a week and drive to River Rock, where they’d work on algebra and other subjects Angie referred to as “above her own pay grade.” That suited Gray fine. She loved being the first one to hear about his day.

David stood and strode into her bedroom, where the closet door hung open and outfits littered the bed. “This is a nice place, Gray. Feels warm and homey. Plus, I can ride my skateboard in the kitchen down the slope in the floor.”

Gray covered her face with her hands.

David stood at the closet inspecting the choices. He spun to face her and shrugged. “I got nothing.” Then his eyes landed on her jeans and sweater in the corner. She’d discarded them after throwing them on earlier in the day to run to the store. He pointed to them. “Wear those.”