“Apparently.”
Denise’s expression sharpened.
“Don’t joke.”
Everett nodded.
“Sorry.”
She looked toward Caleb.
“Go wash up.”
When he disappeared, Denise folded her arms.
“Rachel’s been afraid you’d show up like a hurricane.”
Everett stared.
“What does that mean?”
“It means she knew sooner or later Caleb might find you.”
“She moved back here partly because of that.”
Everett’s pulse changed.
“She came back for me?”
“Not exactly.”
Of course not.
Denise continued.
“She came back because her specialists are here.”
“But she knew your club still met at Maple Creek.”
“She knew Caleb knew about the bear patch.”
“So the letter…”
“She put it in his backpack three months ago.”
Everett looked toward the hallway.
“Why?”
Denise sighed.
“Because she was afraid something would happen to her before she figured out how to call you herself.”
Everett went cold.
“How sick is she?”
Denise hesitated.
“Ask Rachel.”
“I’m asking you.”
“And I’m telling you that’s her story.”
The old Everett would have become angry.
The new one had existed only a few hours, but he tried.
He nodded.
“Fair.”
Denise’s expression softened slightly.
“You really are different.”
“Don’t know yet.”
“Neither does she.”
Everett returned to the hospital alone.
Rachel was awake.
Room dark except for one lamp.
He stopped at the doorway.
“Can I come in?”
She looked toward him.
“Yes.”
Everett sat.
Neither spoke at first.
Then Rachel said:
“Caleb okay?”
“With Denise.”
“Good.”
“He showed me the letter.”
Rachel closed her eyes.
“I figured.”
“I didn’t know you had a son.”
“No.”
“I didn’t know you got married.”
“No.”
“I didn’t know Thomas died.”
Rachel’s face tightened.
“Who told you?”
“Caleb said you were alone.”
“Denise filled enough gaps.”
She nodded.
“Thomas died four years ago.”
Everett looked down.
“I was wrong about him.”
Rachel stared.
That sentence might have been more difficult for Everett than any apology.
“He worked.”
Everett continued.
“He stayed?”
“Yes.”
“He loved you?”
“Yes.”
Everett nodded slowly.
“Then I was wrong.”
Rachel looked away, tears gathering.
“You hated him.”
“I did.”
“You told me he’d ruin my life.”
“I know.”
“He didn’t.”
“I know.”
“He held my hand when Caleb was born.”
“I know.”
“He sat beside our son through four surgeries.”
Everett’s eyes filled.
“I know now.”
“And then he died.”
Her voice broke.
Everett did not move closer without permission.
Rachel wiped her face angrily.
“I hated you for being right about one thing.”
Everett frowned.
“What?”
“That life would be hard.”
He stared.
Rachel continued.
“Not because of Thomas.”
“Because life is hard.”
“We were broke sometimes.”
“Caleb needed therapy.”