Edible Delectables

  “Don’t you dare! I’m going with you, and we’ll pick out something reasonable, no three months salary crap. I’m not even sure I want a diamond. You know they torture people in Africa for those.”

  Jason just sighed and shook his head as he got up to get another cup of coffee. Pausing, he placed his hand on her shoulder, “Whatever you want, Kara, but don’t worry about the cost. Please.”

  They let the subject drop as the group finished eating and made their way back to Paul’s room. Kara had decided to hold off telling him their news for a couple of days, wanting her father to get stronger first. Kara knew he would be happy for her. He might not show it at first, but he’d be happy.

  Paul was still sleeping when they entered his room, so Kara turned the television on, with the volume low, and everyone took a seat. She sat closest to her father’s bed, resuming her position from the night before, holding his hand. He woke up intermittently throughout the day, each time more coherent, and the doctor came by later that afternoon to tell them Paul’s prognosis was excellent. They expected him to be released in a few days and would even be removing his chest tube in the morning.

  All things considered, he’d been extremely lucky, and Kara couldn’t be more grateful.

  Chapter Twenty

  The following day the doctors were able to remove Paul’s chest tube, and his prognosis was looking good. With his life out of imminent danger and his health returning, Eric and Evalyn discussed heading back to Austin. After talking with Jason, who had looked over Paul’s chart and taken it upon himself to speak with Paul’s doctor, they decided to leave that evening. Before heading out they assured Kara they would check in on things at the bakery; Jaime, the life-saver that she was, had taken the day off to rearrange the bakery’s schedule and deal with Kara’s clients, some of whom had pressing, orders.

  In Houston, Kara met with Paul’s doctor in order to discuss the extended care her father would need once he was released from the hospital. The doctor felt Paul’s care would be moderate, not intensive, and that there would be no need for him to be admitted into an after care facility; he could recover at home with adequate in-home care. For the most part he would need general support such as getting up into a standing position when he was seated, and getting back down into a chair again. His ribs and lung, having suffered the most damage, would make it difficult to lift anything for awhile, but his personal care shouldn’t be a problem - and of course moving around and getting adequate exercise was always recommended in any recovery.

  Re-entering her father’s room after her discussion with his doctor, Kara discovered him on the phone. He looked up at her entry, startled at the interruption, and his cheeks colored slightly.

  “Kara’s here, can I call you later?” he asked, keeping his voice low, a small smile playing across his face, piquing Kara’s curiosity at the identity of the caller..

  “Who was that?” she asked, eyeing Paul’s cell phone suspiciously as he placed it on the bedside table.

  “Anna,” Paul answered simply, his blush returning. Kara smirked at her father. She could not recall him ever looking so awkward “I was talking to Doctor Stanton,” Kara motioned toward the door to Paul’s hospital room, inadvertently changing the subject, “and he says he doesn’t think we’ll need to hire home health care. I should be able to handle everything, and he wants you up and around as much as possible.” Paul grimaced. “Within reason, Dad.” She patted his hand and giggled.

  Paul smiled and grasped her hand, quiet for a moment as he held it, looking deep in thought. “You know, Kara, you don’t have to stay and take care of me.” Kara waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t.

  “Dad, Doctor Stanton said hhc was unnecessary, but you’ll still need help. You’ll need somebody to cook and keep house, not to mention helping you get around for at least a week or so...”

  “That’s not what I meant, Kara,” Paul interrupted. “I know I’ll need somebody staying with me, but you don’t have to do it. You’ve got responsibilities in Austin.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous! Of course I’m going to stay here and help you!” There was no other option, how could he even consider not having her stay with him?

  “Kara, Anna’s offered to stay with me and help me around the house.” Paul admitted, as he glanced up at his daughter sideways.

  “Oh.”

  Kara felt dazed, and her father looked as though if he could have laughed without being in incredible pain, he would have.

  “I, uh, didn’t…” Kara trailed off, unsure what she was saying. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she tried again, “I didn’t know you guys were, um, that close.”

  Paul smirked. “We’ve been,” he paused in thought, as though searching for the right word, and finally he settled on, “dating.”

  Kara once again stared at her father, dumbfounded. And then his enunciation of ‘dating’ hit her and her face distorted with her horror. Oh, God, my dad just alluded to sex. Run away! Run away! She quickly tried to recover and maintain her composure.

  There was an awkward pause and Kara cleared her throat. “Well, that’s…great Dad. So, uh, okay, Anna will…” She rolled her hand in the air toward her dad, “help you out,” she finished nodding her head, as she affirmed her own words. Paul chuckled, which forced a grimace as he took a shallow breath. Kara leaned forward, concerned, and Paul reached over to pat her hand, letting her know he was alright.

  “She’s going to come out today,” Paul stated. “I’d like for you guys to spend some time together. Anna’s…important.”

  Kara felt a rush of excitement to see her father so happy talking about a woman. It had been so long, and she often wondered if he’d ever gotten over her mother. “I’ll be here,” she declared.

  “You okay, Kara?” her father asked, and Kara wondered if he could tell she was keeping something from him..

  “Yeah, I’m good,” Kara reassured him. “But since we’re on the topic of important people, I need to tell you something.” Kara chewed on her lower lip gently; she had never intended to have this conversation with her dad while he was still in the hospital. In fact, she’d much prefer to have Jason by her side when they told him of their engagement, but somehow, the moment just felt right.

  Taking a deep breath she squared her shoulders, and looked Paul in the eyes. “Jason asked me to marry him.” She held her breath and awaited her father’s response. Much to her surprise, he remained calm, even quiet.

  As though coming to terms with her news, Paul nodded his head after a minute in acceptance. “I’m happy for you, Kara.” He reached out and grasped her hand, squeezing it. “I really am. I have to ask though, as your father, are you sure? You guys, well, you had that rough patch and all.”

  “I know, we’ve talked it through, and I am sure. I really am,” she assured him, and paused before continuing, “But there’s more. I’m moving to Seattle with him.”

  Paul looked surprised. “When?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “We haven’t really gotten everything settled, but as soon as I’m back in Austin I’ll look for somebody to run Edible Delectables for me while I’m gone.” Kara rubbed her father’s arm soothingly. “I didn’t want to bring all this up while you were in here, but it felt wrong not telling you.”

  “Where is Jason?” Paul asked, seeming to notice for the first time Jason was not at the hospital.

  “He had to go back to Austin for the day, but is determined to come back this evening for the night. Of course, then he’ll turn back around, drive back to Austin with me, and fly out from there.” She chuckled to herself, remembering the conversation where she pointed out to Jason all the driving he’d be doing. He’d insisted the time with her was worth the hardship all the driving would entail.

  “I have no plans on being away from you any time soon,” he had said, as Kara snuggled into his chest with a smile of satisfaction.

  “He’s a good guy,” Paul stated.

  “He is,” Kara agreed softly. br />
  ~*~

  When Jason booked his flight to Houston, he had no intentions of spending even one minute away from Kara’s side. Of course once back in Texas, he realized there were some loose ends he really should tie up from his job at Mercy in Austin. Feeling confident that Paul’s condition was much improved, Jason saw the benefit of dealing with these things during the day, while Kara visited with her dad. During their discussion Kara had tried to insist he not drive all the way back to Houston; however, Jason quickly shut that train of thought down. There was no way he was going to spend the night in Austin, with Kara still in Houston, when they had only one night left to be together before he was on a plane to Seattle - alone. He was overwhelmingly thankful this next stint of solitude wouldn’t last forever, and Kara would follow him as soon as she could.

  He’d wasted no time telling his entire family their news, and it pleased him to find them supportive. Nobody tried to persuade him to think things over, or tell him it was too soon to make such a commitment. In fact, upon hearing the news, his sister immediately launched into wedding planner mode, leading Jason to quickly hang up the phone.

  After dealing with things at Mercy Hospital, Jason was shocked to find his sister at Kara’s bakery, looking relaxed as she met with customers and interviewed possible shop managers for Kara’s impending leave of absence. He smirked at his twin as he stood in front of the counter, watching her escort the latest interviewee from the shop, while thanking the man and letting him know she would be in touch.

  “You look at home here,” he noted.

  Jaime grinned in return. “If only I could bake something that didn’t taste like cardboard.”

  Jason laughed, agreeing with her.

  “Thank you for doing this, Jaime,” he said, suddenly serious. Jaime looked at him in surprise.

  “You don’t have to thank me Jason; I want you guys to be happy.”

  “We are,” Jason assured his sister. “Very happy,” he continued, eyes sparkling.

  “See, now you’re just making me nauseous,” she said dryly, “but I really am happy for you.” She reached over and pulled her brother into a hug.

  “Thanks.” He pulled back, but didn’t release her from his embrace as he grew sober. “Seriously Jaime, thank you. I don’t know what I was thinking letting her go. I need her like I need air.”

  “You were thinking like a typical guy, doing what you thought was best for everyone. One of these days your gender will learn.” Jason smirked, releasing his sister with a slight shove. Jaime stumbled, giggling, and began to walk away, gathering her things to close up the bakery for the day.

  “Hey,” Jason called after her.

  “Yeah?” She looked back over her shoulder, standing in the doorway to the shop.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too, little brother.” He rolled his eyes and pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

  “I’m hitting the road. Heading back to Houston.” The phone rang just then and Jaime waved goodbye as she reached over to answer it.

  ~*~

  Jason’s drive back to Houston felt twice as long as his drive to Austin. The anticipation of returning to Kara left him anxious, and the thought of leaving her the following day was causing his stomach to twist. Just as he reached the city limits, Kara sent him a text informing him she was back at the hotel, and asking him to meet her there. Upon arrival he found Kara sitting on the small loveseat, in the corner of their room, reading a book. He settled down next to her, draped his arm across her shoulders, and leaned his head against hers. Kara turned her face to kiss his cheek and set her book down, then situated herself to snuggle into his side.

  After sitting quietly and enjoying the moment just being together, Kara spoke up, “I missed this. When we were apart.” She reached across his lap and took his hand, the one not around her shoulders, between hers, playing with his fingertips.

  “I missed you,” he said solemnly. Kara looked up at him through her lashes and gave him a soft smile.

  “I told my dad today, about the engagement,” she announced. Jason looked at her surprised. “We were making his after-care arrangements,” she explained, “and he confessed to being in a relationship with Anna Miller. I mean, I knew they were sort of dating, or were thinking of dating, around Christmas, but I hadn’t realized it had evolved into anything. She’s going to stay with him. So, I spent the afternoon getting to know her, and she seems really nice. It’s obvious she adores my dad.” Jason hugged Kara closer, and kissed the top of her head.

  “Are you okay with that?”

  “With my dad’s girlfriend taking care of him instead of me?” Kara thought it over for a minute, “Yeah, I am. I’m just glad he’s found somebody. It makes it easier for me to leave Texas to be with you.” She turned and kissed him softly, but quickly pulled back and studied him, and he knew she’d noticed the sad look in his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He shrugged his shoulders and sighed heavily. “I’m already getting depressed about having to be so far away from you again,” he answered, giving a half-hearted chuckle.

  Kara sat up straight and grabbed his face, forcing him to face her. “But this time, you know I’m following. I’m staying long enough to get things settled here, and then I’m coming to Seattle.”

  “I feel guilty about that,” Jason admitted hesitantly.

  “Why?”

  “You’re giving up everything for me.”

  “Stop. We’re not doing this again, Jason. I’m not giving anything up, I’m…delegating. I’m a small business owner, I can do that.” She nodded. punctuating her point. “Besides, I should at least live in the same state as my fiancé.”

  “I agree,” he stated, but he couldn’t deny he still felt doubt. “It’s just...this fellowship is two years, Kara. I want you to be sure.”

  “I am sure! I’m positive. I’ve thought this through. My bakery isn’t going anywhere. I have Jaime looking over the books, and she’s helping me hire a manager and possibly an extra employee, because I’m sure nobody will be stupid enough to accept a job where they try to do it all, like I did.” She spoke fervently and with conviction. “The truth is, I should have done this a long time ago. In the end I’ll probably be more successful taking a step back from it all.”

  “I want to marry you, Kara Baker,” he declared after speech.

  “That’s a good thing, since we’re engaged.”

  He stood up, pulling her with him. “No, I mean I want to marry you right now.” Kara’s mouth dropped open in astonishment.

  “Uh…” She couldn’t find the words and wasn’t sure how to reply to him.

  “Let’s do it. Let’s go to Vegas.” The light in his eyes was shining bright, and he looked to tremble with excitement. Kara stood motionless in front of him, still in his arms, stunned by his outburst and excitement.

  “You’re serious.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Absolutely.”

  “You want to fly to Vegas and elope.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “What about work? You’ve only been there a little over a month; you’re due back tomorrow from the emergency leave you took. I can’t imagine they’ll be throwing time off at you to run off and get married. Unless in the time we were apart you perfected some under the table suck up skills you haven’t told me about.”

  “I think I can finagle a few more days - without the need to perform any oral favors.”

  “A few days? You’re sweeping me off my feet here.”

  “I’m determined to get you legally bound to me as soon as possible.”

  “And there’s the romance I was looking for.”

  “Kara, I’m serious.” Her snarky reply died on her lips when she saw just how serious he really was.

  “Can we stay at the Bellagio?” she asked, instead of fighting it any longer.

  “We can stay anywhere you want,” he answered instantly, holding her gaze without blinking.

  “Then call your
boss. You’ve got a trip to plan.”

  “We’re doing this? I mean we’re really doing this?” Kara shrugged and smiled, then nodded her head.

  He pulled his cell phone from his pocket with what was practically an inhuman speed, while still staring into her eyes, and without looking away, hit the preset speed dial for his supervisor. As he spoke to whoever answered, he finally looked away from Kara. The conversation was quick and resulted in his getting the next four days off work. When he turned back to her, Kara was once again standing in a stunned stupor.

  The next four days. She had imagined it would be a month, maybe two or even longer, before he’d get any kind of extended leave, not that most people considered four days an extended leave. Although, to whoever was going to be covering his hospital shifts it might be, and they wouldn’t be too happy about his last minute request. Jason was going to end up owing a lot of favors.

  Shaking it off, Kara flopped back down on the sofa beside him as he fired up his laptop.. She watched him, amazed by his determination, and a slow smile spread across her face as he did a few quick searches to find the best Vegas package deal.

  “Should we call anyone? Invite them?” She worried their haste might piss off their friends and family. After all, Jason had described Jaime’s overwhelming enthusiasm for planning, and from what he’d said, his sister was ready to dive in. Then there was the issue of her father. While Paul was never one for big ceremonies, and Kara felt confident that he would be fine with her plan for a simple ceremony, she still felt guilty he wouldn’t be able to attend the wedding, let alone walk her down the aisle.

  Jason pondered her question for a minute before answering. “I say we call, inform them of our plans, and allow them to come if they want, but we don’t deviate from what we’re doing for anybody. I know my mom and Jaime will try to guilt us into waiting for a big wedding with all the major hoopla. I don’t want that; I just want you.” He gave her a quick kiss and turned back to the online trip registration and booking.