have my back.
It’s been a long time since I haven’t felt like someone I cared about could up and abandon me at a moment’s notice.
Isla is different.
Isla stays.
41
Chapter Forty-one
Isla
Things were a little strained for a few days after Garrin’s confession, but we seem to be back on track. I don’t hold him responsible for what went down with that girl on prom night. I believe he didn’t know. In fact, I feel terrible that he has the kind of father who actively seeks out leverage over him.
We have plans to meet for an early dinner tonight. The election is in three weeks, and things are looking good for Ford. We’re working harder than ever, but Ford said it wouldn’t be an issue for me to have a quick dinner with Garrin and then whip home to see my dad. I had no choice but to tell Ford because I want to spend more time at home with him. Ford said he’d keep my secret, and Garrin said I don’t have to worry—Ford’s word is good. I’ll be returning to the office afterward, but I get to see my two favorite guys, so I’m not bummed about it.
Midafternoon, my phone rings and my mom’s name lights up on the screen. I stifle the eyeroll I want to give. She’s been calling me so often lately, asking me this or that about the wedding. She’s talked to the wedding coordinator more than I have at this point.
I’m happy to let her be this involved in the plans. I have enough on my plate with the campaign, and it’s been a nice distraction for her from my dad’s illness.
Clicking the green circle, I bring the phone up to my ear. “I made sure to email you my guest list last night before I went to bed,” I say with a smile. The wedding is slated to happen two weeks after the election. Neither Garrin nor I wanted to wait too long, and since I didn’t want a huge wedding, a decision had to be made about who to invite.
“Isla.”
Something about the way my mom says my name has me reaching behind me aimlessly to find my chair to sit in.
“What’s wrong?” I whisper.
“You need to come home.”
I sit there in silence, a million thoughts racing through my head. Finally, I find my voice. “What’s going on?”
“Your dad has developed some complications.”
“I’m leaving now.” I hit end on the call, throw my phone into my purse, shut my laptop, grab my spring coat off the hanger, and bolt out the door, heading straight to Ford’s office.
He’s on the phone when I step inside, and he gives me the just-a-second gesture with his finger up, but I ignore his request. “It’s my dad. I have to go.”
He drops the phone from his ear and covers the receiver. “Okay, yeah. Keep me in the loop.”
I nod and race out of the office, taking the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator, and into the parking lot. I’m lucky I don’t pass any cops on the way home because I’m speeding like a madman. I slam my car into park, run into the house and toss my purse aside as soon as I get inside. My mom meets me when I’m halfway to their room.
“Honey.” She pulls me into a hug, but it’s clear she’s been crying.
“Mom, what’s going on with Dad?” I murmur into her hair.
She pulls away and holds me at arm’s length. “He’s developed pneumonia. He was at the hospital today to have some tests done because he was complaining that it was becoming harder to breathe.”
“But he was doing so well. I don’t understand.” I shake my head. “He seemed fine last night.”
Her eyes tear up. “His doctor said these things can change quickly with his type of cancer, and especially after you’ve gone through chemotherapy and your immune system is so compromised.”
“I need to see him.” I move to step around her, but she stops me, gripping my wrist.
“Isla, you need to understand that this may not end well. He’s on medication and he’s receiving oxygen, but your father’s wishes at the start of this were very clear—he does not want to be put on a ventilator.”
I rear back like she’s smacked me. “What? Why the hell not?”
She shakes her head, tears running down her face. “He knows the odds of coming off one are slim. He didn’t want a machine keeping him alive. You know what a proud man your father