Page 12 of Hometown Harbor 3
“He was free ranging it this summer, and I hardly saw him. He’s so responsible and independent that I stopped worrying about him. I should have supervised him closer,” Allison said while the doctor was looking at the leg and making sure there were no internal injuries.
“No, you were giving Dalton the freedom he earned. We can’t force them to live in a bubble. I’ll call Marcus for you if you want,” Tabitha said. She hadn’t spoken to him since he left, and she wasn’t going to call him, but this was an exception.
“That’s nice of you, but I already called him. He asked that I keep him updated, but it’s difficult for him to get away. He’s hosting an open house for a five-million-dollar property. If things take a turn for the worse, then he’ll find a way to get here.”
April walked their way after having a look at his chart. “Hi, Allison. I’m April Dixon, a doctor who worked in an emergency department for twelve years. Would you mind if I talked with the doctor on your behalf? I’d recommend an orthopedic trauma surgeon be brought in because they’re excellent doctors here, but Dalton’s leg is in bad shape. They may determine that it can’t be saved, and I think otherwise, but it’s only my opinion. The biggest concern will be the cost because we may have to fly someone up from Miami.”
“Marcus said not to worry about the money. My brother would do anything for Dalton, and he’d want to do anything possible to save his leg. Make the recommendation to the doctor,” Allison said.
The nurse came out and told Allison that Dalton had been sedated so he could better deal with the pain. Deenie asked Allison if she could sit with Dalton even if he didn’t realize she was there. Allison joined her, and each took a hand. They said silent prayers.
Tabitha went with April as she spoke with the doctor in charge of Dalton’s case. “Excuse me, Doctor Flager. I’m Doctor April Dixon and Dalton’s mother permitted me to speak on her behalf.”
“I was expecting you. Mrs. Wycraft just walked by, and she mentioned that you have twelve years under your belt at the City Hospital in Tampa. I’m impressed that you’re still standing after that long tenure at that hospital,” he said.
“I changed direction after becoming woefully burned out. I’m concerned about Dalton’s leg, and I get that his chances of keeping the limb are slim. Have you considered Dr. Santorini in Miami? He’s at Presbyterian, I think unless he’s moved in the last few weeks. We had a pro football player who knew he’d never play again but wanted badly to walk. Dr. Santorini saved his leg, and now he’s a premier college coach. The family is willing to get him here if it can be arranged.”
He looked skeptical. “Getting the likes of Dr. Santorini to come all this way is not good. An NFL player and a kid who had a Jet Ski accident are entirely different.”
“A human life is a human life,” Tabitha spoke up. April nudged her.
“I get that, and it does matter. Doctors are humans, and they aren’t completely blind to extenuating circumstances. With that in mind, I’m sure I can get him to come. His daughter was in a car accident in Tampa, and I took excellent care of her. He owes me a favor,” April said. “I saw him a few months ago in Miami, and we greeted each other like old friends, so I’m pretty sure this will work.”
Dr. Flager’s look of skepticism changed to one of approval. “Be my guest and give the doctor a call. If Dalton has a chance to walk again on that leg, then let’s give it to him.”
April made the call, and Dr. Santorini was on a private jet to Melbourne Beach. The nine-hour surgery was successful, and after a tough rehabilitation schedule, he’d walk on his left leg. The doctor indicated that he would have a limp, but corrective surgeries in the future could lessen that.
Dalton came out of surgery the next day, and after family visits, Deenie was allowed in with Tabitha. He put out his hand for Deenie to grasp. He lifted it to his lips and kissed her.
“Honey, you gave us quite a scare. I got used to you sleeping on our couch, and I expect you back there soon. I’m going to leave Deenie with you. I just want you to know that you have a lot of people praying for you,” Tabitha said.
“You can count on that. I want to be anywhere this sweet daughter of yours is. Will you allow me to sleep in her room now that I’m hurt?” Dalton asked.
“In your dreams,” Tabitha said jokingly.
Tabitha was going to ask if he had spoken to Marcus, but she was sure he did. Apparently, he had not even said to pass her a hello. She took a deep breath and thought about all of the work she had done on herself as a result of her broken heart. He was a cloud over her summer, but her friend Winston helped her find a silver lining.
9
Tabitha and Winston were having a final dinner together on the deck. She was cooking Italian in celebration of his upcoming trip to Florence. Tabitha made prawns in a spicy tomato sauce, also known as Gamberi alla Busara. It would be served with a baguette and a green salad. Winston was bringing the wine, and for dessert, they were having crème brûlée.
The other girls were out with their significant others, or at least April and Deb were. Mel had to go to D.C. for a couple of days on business and was expected back that night. Kylen was working out, and Deenie was at rehab with Dalton. Her phone rang, and she hoped it wasn’t Winston canceling. She picked up her phone to see Maxim was calling. Tabitha hoped he was calling to tell her that he was getting married.
“Hey, Maxim. What’s up?” Tabitha asked. “You’re well, I hope.”
“Yes, I am. I was just calling to see what was going on. How’s the realtor you’re dating?” Maxim asked.
“How’d you know about that?” she asked.
“I heard it through the grapevine. How else does one get information around here?”
“That was Marcus, and he moved to California. Tonight, I’m dining with Winston, who’s a painter. I’ve been having such fun with him, and he’s helped bring creativity back into my life,” Tabitha said. He didn’t need to know that there was no romance between her and Winston.
“Darn it. You move too fast. I can’t even sneak in between men,” Maxim said jokingly. “Seriously, I was just testing the waters, but you seem otherwise engaged. I guess I’ll just wait patiently while you have fun.”
“Maxim, we’ve been down this road. We aren’t right for each other because we’re at opposite ends of the spectrum. I’m looking towards sending my daughter to college, and you haven’t had your first child yet. I thought you were going to date. Get on the apps and see what’s out there,” Tabitha said. She was expecting Winston at any moment and didn’t want to deal with this anymore.
“I have a blind date next week, and we’ll see how that goes. I really just wanted to hear your voice. I wasn’t expecting you to take me back, but a man can hope,” Maxim said.