Page 82 of Wilde Abandon
He wanted her with him every day.
All he had to do was be patient and let it happen.But it was hard when he wanted something this much.
Chapter nineteen
Melodystirredthepotof pasta on the brand-new stove in Tanya’s amazingly updated kitchen.Fox hadn’t just sprung for a new freestanding stove-slash-oven combo.No, he’d replaced her refrigerator, toaster oven, and the washer and dryer.The salesperson at the local appliance center had to have been ecstatic to see Fox that day.
“The carpet will need to be replaced if you’re going to sell the house after I’m gone and you want to get anything out of it.”Tanya’s offhand remark in the other room came with a heavy sigh from Fox at the end.
“I’ll worry about the house later,” Fox said.“Right now, you’ve got everything you need and that’s all that’s important.”Fox meant those words.And he probably had no intention of keeping this place.It held too many bad memories for him.
“Hardwood floors would be nice.”
Of course she wanted new floors.Why not?She deserved better for her remaining few months, so long as Fox was paying for it.
He made a noncommittal noise, then changed the subject.“How are you feeling?”
“Same.I’ve lost a little weight.The doctor wants me to eat more.She said to eat smaller meals more often to keep my strength up.Protein and carbs.”
“Well, Melody’s got you covered.She made sure we stopped at the store on the way here to stock you up.Plus, she’s making a lasagna.That will last you a few days.If you can’t eat it all, or just want something different, put the rest in the freezer for down the road.”
“Not sure how much farther I’m going to get down the road.I’ve been stuck in this place a long time.Sad to think I’m just wasting days here now.”
Melody knew what was coming and wondered if she should step into the other room and help Fox out of this sticky situation.
“Tanya.”Fox sighed.“I know you want to travel.”
“A trip together is just the thing to make some memories.’Course I know you’re busy running that company of yours.You’re needed there.I could go it alone.Spread my wings.See something new.That’s all I’m asking.”
“And what if you get sick?What if you need a hospital?”
“They got doctors on those cruise ships.They’d take care of me, get me what I need.You could get me one of those medical planes to bring me back to the states.”
“I don’t think it’s wise for you to travel alone.”
“I ain’t got no one but you to go with me.Unless…”
Oh, Melody couldn’t wait to hear this.
“You could hire a nurse to go with me.Someone who can be there in case I need help.”
Silence.
Melody imagined Fox tallying up what that would cost him, deciding if it was worth his mom’s happiness, or if it would risk her health, and how that guilt would eat him alive if something happened and he let it.
“I’m not comfortable sending you off with a stranger.”
“A professional.Someone who can make sure I take my meds, check my vitals, make sure I eat enough and am resting…while I see something of this world.You saw the brochures for the cruises I want to take.I don’t have time to fuss with whether I’ll still be healthy enough to go in a month or two when you can get some time free.If you can…”
“Is this how you really want to spend your last days?Cruising around the Mediterranean?The Bahamas?South America?”
“Anywhere.Everywhere.”Tanya’s excitement couldn’t be denied.“Fancy meals.New experiences.Meeting interesting people.”Since Tanya didn’t seem particularly human-friendly, given her lack of friends, Melody thought that last bit was pouring it on a bit thick.
“You’re exhausted all the time.You probably won’t be able to even leave the ship.”
“This will breathe new life into me.I just know it.”
Fox didn’t look convinced.“If I’m even going to consider this, I’ll want to talk to your doctor.If she says you’re not up to a trip like this, then the answer is no.If you are capable, then I’ll look into getting a nurse to go with you.”