Chapters (103)
“We’ll send the samples to the lab,” Dr. Tanaka said. “We’ll have the results after three days.”
Lisa wrestled with a million fears while they waited.
She had insisted they get rid of their bed and replace it with a new one. Jeff agreed, no question.
Then Lisa insisted they had to sell their home and move back to Cleveland. “How can we stay here?”
“Lisa, we have to give this time,” Jeff said. “We don’t have all the information we need yet to decide anything. Remember?”
Jeff then showed her an article posted on the website for Palm Mirage Creek community news. The story said that the community association was pressing local and state officials to take ownership of the Dillards’ home, tear it down and replace it with a park.
“See?” Jeff said. “We can’t let this defeat us. You’re a fighter, I’m a fighter, and a lot of people here are in our corner.”
“I don’t know, Jeff,” she said. “I just don’t know.”
Jeff had a plan.
On the third day, while they were still awaiting results, he suggested they rise early and drive to Key West.
“We need to get away, to think of what’s ahead.”
The drive along the Keys was calming. They dropped the windows and welcomed the warm breezes. As they drove over Seven Mile Bridge, the sun was glorious on the crystalline turquoise water. While Lisa was anxious about what was coming, the trip was soothing.
They had lunch in Key West, took a walking tour and browsed some of the shops. They grew increasingly nervous as the day passed into late afternoon without word from Lisa’s doctor.
As the sun dropped, they made their way to Mallory Square to watch it set on the Gulf of Mexico, fortunate to find a secluded spot away from the celebration. As the blazing sun sank and began kissing the horizon, Lisa’s phone rang.
The display showed that it was Dr. Tanaka.
Lisa froze, swallowed, then answered.
“Hi, Lisa. Niki Tanaka. I have the results.”
“Wait. I’m going to put you on speaker so Jeff can hear, okay?” Lisa pressed the key.
“I’m really sorry…” Dr. Tanaka began.
Lisa’s heart stopped.
“…that it took so long for me to get back to you. Jeff, are you there?”
“I’m here.”
“Congratulations, Dad!”
Lisa’s hands were shaking, and she fumbled her phone but Jeff caught it.
“Seriously?” he said.
“Absolutely, one hundred percent, you are the father.”
Tears streamed down Lisa’s face, gleaming in the amber light.
“Do you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Tanaka asked.
Lisa was shaking her head.
“We’ll wait,” Jeff said, his voice breaking. “Thank you, Doctor!”
Jeff took Lisa in his arms as the sun slipped farther below the horizon.
“You were right,” Lisa said.
“I was?”
“We’re going to survive.”