Love Comes Silently(Senses 1) (17 page)

K
ENarrived at Dr. Pierson’s office with Hanna. After getting her out of the car, he held her hand as they walked into the medical office building near the hospital in Marquette. Patrick had offered to come along, but Ken had explained that this was just a checkup and that Hanna wasn’t having a treatment this week, which Ken was grateful for. For the last three weeks or so, Patrick had done a lot of the cooking for them and had sort of stepped into their lives. Hanna was eating again, and she seemed to be getting a little stronger. Ken had no illusions that once treatments started again, she’d become weaker, but hope seemed to be lifting for them.

“Will Patrick be there when we get home?” Hanna asked as they walked into the elevator.

“He’ll probably be over to see you shortly after you get home,” Ken told her, hoping that he’d be over, not just for Hanna but for him, as well. They’d been spending time together, just the two of them, and Ken found he relished those times, even if they were often short and farther apart than he would have liked.

“Are they going to poke me?” Hanna asked, pulling Ken out of his thoughts.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, they probably are,” Ken answered. With each appointment, they usually took blood so they could measure her progress.

Hanna patted his hand lightly. “It’s okay, Daddy. I’m used to it.” Hanna turned as the door opened, and Ken felt an almost debilitating sense of anger wash over him. No child should ever get used to having needles poked into them. Ken wanted to scream at how unfair it all was. Hanna had been through hell and there was still more to go. “Daddy,” Hanna said, tugging him toward the open elevator doors.

Ken cleared his mind and followed Hanna through the familiar hallways to the doctor’s office. By the time they pushed open the door to Dr. Pierson’s waiting room, Ken had let go of most of his anger. He knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was just that whenever Hanna hurt, he hurt too. “Morning, Hanna,” the receptionist said from behind the counter. “Dr. Pierson will be with you in just a minute.”

“Thank you,” Hanna said and sat down in one of the chairs, picking up one of the books. They’d been here so many times that they both had a routine. Hanna looked at the pictures in the books, and Ken sat next to her, thumbing nervously through a magazine without actually seeing the pages. A few minutes later, the nurse, Shirley, called them back, and they walked down the now-familiar hallway to the examination room, stopping at the scale along the way.

“I need a blood sample,” Shirley said, and Hanna held up her arm, the way she did for every appointment now. Ken’s heart lurched at the resigned look on Hanna’s face.

No six-year-old should ever look like that
, Ken thought as Shirley talked to Hanna all through the process.

“You’re one of my best patients ever,” Shirley said when she was done, and she reached into her pocket, then handed Hanna a red lollipop. Hanna took it with a small smile before giving the nurse a hug and telling her thank you. “The doctor should be just a minute,” Shirley said before patting Ken on the shoulder and then leaving the room.

Hanna sat on the edge of the examination table, her feet swinging slowly back and forth. Ken knew he was a lot more nervous and upset than Hanna was.

The door opened a few minutes later, and Dr. Pierson came in. Hanna slid off the table and walked to Dr. Pierson, giving her a hug that was returned carefully, but caringly, by the doctor. “You seem better,” Dr. Pierson said as she lifted Hanna up onto the examination table. “Let’s have a look at you.”

Ken helped Hanna lift off her shirt, and then he held it for her while the doctor examined Hanna’s chest, listened to her lungs, and then carefully examined her arms, legs, and the port. She looked in Hanna’s ears, eyes, throat, and nose. “Does anything hurt?” she asked as she had Hanna lie back so she could thump things.

“Sometimes my head,” Hanna told her, and Dr. Pierson nodded.

 

“You appear to have a little more energy.”

“She’s also eating more,” Ken supplied. He knew that was largely due to Patrick making Hanna’s favorite foods every chance he got.

“Mr. Patrick makes the best mac -cheese and chicken nuggets. Daddy burns ’em,” Hanna supplied with a giggle. She knew she was tattling.

“Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. She’s gained a pound or so, and that’s very good,” the doctor said as she finished up. Hanna sat back up, and Ken helped her put her shirt back on. “You’re doing well, and depending on the results of your blood work, I’d like to perform another treatment next week.”

Ken lifted Hanna down, setting her on her feet. “So soon? She’s been doing so well.”

“I know. But if we wait too long, we’ll be back where we started.” The doctor looked as concerned as Ken felt. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can discuss what we need to do.” Ken nodded and lifted Hanna into his arms. He knew this was what had to be done, but he hated the thought of Hanna losing what little energy she had all over again. “I know this is hard, but it’s the best choice for getting her better,” the doctor added.

Ken knew she was right. “I know.”

“Make sure she gets plenty of rest, and let her spend as much time as she can outdoors. The fresh air will be good for her.”

“I will,” Ken said, walking toward the door. He thanked the doctor once again before checking out at the desk and then heading out to the car. Hanna was quiet most of the way home, but as they turned on their street, Ken heard her gasp. When he parked in front of the house, he saw pumpkins sitting on either side of the front door and paper ghosts hanging on the porch. Spiderwebs covered some of the bushes, and what looked like a small group of children wandered along the sidewalk between his house and Patrick’s in what looked like Halloween costumes. Ken got out and helped an excited Hanna out of her seat. She hurried to the front door to look at the decorations.

“Happy Halloween,” a woman in a witch costume told him, and Ken recognized her as Patrick’s cousin. “We’re having an early Halloween party. Would you and Hanna like to join us?” she asked, and Hanna hurried over. “I have a costume for you,” she said to Hanna, and Ken stared at her in surprise and disbelief. He knew his mouth was hanging open as he followed her down the street to Patrick’s. His house was even more decorated than theirs, with a table on the side lawn covered with a Halloween tablecloth and pumpkin party favors. Ken could feel Hanna’s excitement, and he watched her look all around. “Would you like to get into costume too?” Julianne asked as she knelt down in front of Hanna. She looked up at Ken, and he nodded. Hanna then let herself be led away into Patrick’s house, and Ken followed.

Inside, he found Patrick in the kitchen making up what looked like plates of cookies shaped like pumpkins and witches. Patrick smiled at him and handed him two trays. Figuring he’d been put to work, Ken carried them outside and placed them on the table beneath the huge trees that shaded Patrick’s yard. The kids were playing some sort of game, yelling and laughing. Adults, most in costume, sat in lawn chairs, watching and talking. Ken took a seat and introductions were made. Most of the people were friends of Julianne’s, and the children were friends of Todd’s, but they all seemed nice.

“Daddy, look!” Hanna cried as she walked across the grass, holding Patrick’s hand. The smile on her face rivaled the sun, and Ken couldn’t help noticing the proud look on Patrick’s face. “I’m Ballerina Barbie,” Hanna said as she did a slow spin.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Ken said, feeling a little choked up.

 

“Can I play with the kids?” Hanna asked as she longingly looked over at them.

“Yes, but take it easy and don’t get too tired.” Ken hated that he had to say that to a six-year-old. She should be able to run and play to her heart’s content.

“I promise,” she said, and she walked to where the other kids were playing. Ken couldn’t help thinking that she should be running and laughing, not worried about getting tired and falling down.

“It’s okay,” the woman sitting next to him, who’d introduced herself as Alice, told him. “We’re all here, and we’ll help watch out for her.” She looked back at the children, and Ken followed her gaze. Hanna held hands with one of the other little girls, also dressed as a Barbie, who carried a pink case, and they walked away to a spot under one of the trees. “That’s my daughter Mary,” Alice told Ken. “She and your Hanna will probably play dolls for hours.” Sure enough, the case was opened, and the two girls sat down together.

“It’s been awhile since she was able to do something normal like this,” Ken commented as he watched them for a while.

“I understand you’re a famous artist,” Alice said, and Ken nodded. He’d long ago stopped denying his success. “What are you working on now?”

Ken pulled his gaze away from Hanna. “A series of portraits. I haven’t been able to work much in the last year or so, but mostly I’ve been painting Hanna. Some are the way she looked before she was sick and some are pictures of the way she looks now.” He wasn’t about to tell anyone about the paintings he’d done of Patrick. Those were too personal, and he wasn’t ready to let them go. He wasn’t even sure he could let Patrick see them even, at least not yet. “But I don’t have much time to work, much to my agent’s complete dismay.” Ken shrugged. He had more than enough money, and Hanna needed him right now. That was all that really mattered.

“I’d love to see your work sometime,” Alice said a bit flirtatiously, and Ken smiled. He saw Patrick walking across the yard, carrying a few more trays. He looked amazingly happy, and he set down the trays before watching Hanna play. Then his gaze shifted to Ken, who felt it like a brand on his skin, and he shifted in his chair. Ken motioned Patrick over and stood up, kissing Patrick lightly.

“Thank you. This was just what Hanna needed,” Ken told him, and Patrick nodded before blushing bright red. Ken couldn’t help smiling as Patrick made a hasty retreat back toward the house.

Without turning around, Ken knew that every adult eye was on him at that moment. He schooled the devious smile off his face and turned around as everyone tried to look nonchalant. Ken had found out a long time ago that there was nothing like a little dose of reality to cool the thoughts of any woman with illusions that she had even the slightest chance to ever be Mrs. Brighton. Sitting back down, he turned to Alice. “I’m sorry for the interruption. I’d be happy to show you some of my work sometime.” Alice’s interest had definitely waned.

“Who wants to bob for apples?” Julianne called, and the kids gathered around a tub in the yard. Ken hurried home to get his camera, returning as Hanna took her turn. She didn’t get an apple, but Ken got great pictures of her trying. The next little boy dunked his head in the tub and came up with an apple, water running all down him. Everyone cheered, and the little show-off actually bowed.

The afternoon continued with more games for the kids, and then the dinner was brought out. Most of the kids sat at the table, with the adults on lawn chairs. After they ate, there was a scavenger hunt for the kids, which was a huge hit. As evening came on, each child was given a small bag and each adult a small bowl of candy. They positioned themselves all around the yard and the kids “trick-or-treated” the adults. By the time that was over, Hanna was leaning against Ken, and he lifted her onto his lap.

“Maybe she and Mary can get together to play sometime,” Alice offered from the chair next to him.

“I think Hanna would like that,” Ken answered. He wasn’t too sure how much playing Hanna would be up for once the treatments started again, but having a friend would be good for her. “I’ll give you our number before you leave.”

Hanna fell asleep in Ken’s arms, still clutching her bag of loot. As twilight approached, people began to head home, and Ken stood up, still holding a sleeping Hanna. “Is it time to take her home?” Julianne asked, now in regular clothes.

“Yes. She’s been asleep for some time now,” Ken said, and then his voice failed him. This had been just what both of them needed. “Thank you so much for including us in your fun.” A young boy careened into her legs, and she lifted him into her arms.

“You’re very welcome,” she said before turning to her son. “Say good night, Todd.”

“Night,” he cried with a grin, and Ken caught Patrick’s eye before walking the short distance home. The pumpkins on his porch, that he now knew were plastic, had been lit, and he wanted to wake Hanna so she could see them, but instead he carried her inside. Hanna barely woke up as Ken got her out of the costume. Once he had Hanna in bed, Ken kissed her forehead and quietly left the room. He took the costume with him, folding it carefully so he could return it. As he came downstairs, he heard footsteps on the porch and then a soft knock at the door.

Patrick opened the door, holdi ng a plate of cookies, and joined Ken on his porch. “Are these for Hanna?” Ken asked, and Patrick nodded. “She was so tired she barely woke up at all when I put her to bed.” Patrick stepped inside, and Ken took the plate of cookies. “She had the best time,” Ken told Patrick. “Your cousin is something else,” he added as he walked back toward the kitchen, with Patrick following behind him. “I set the costume aside so you could take it back to her.”

Patrick shook his head, motioning upward. “Are you saying that was for Hanna?” Ken asked, and Patrick nodded. “But it was handmade.” Patrick stepped closer. “Did you have that made for Hanna?” Ken asked, and Patrick nodded slowly and moved still closer. Ken set the plate on the counter. “You have to give me Julianne’s address so we can send her a thank-you note,” Ken added. He’d give anything to be able to unlock some of the mysteries that lurked within this generously giving man. But those thoughts zipped away as Patrick drew him close. Ken tilted his chin upward, and Patrick held him tight before kissing him hard as he pressed him back against the counter. Ken had been with Mark for two years, and he’d never made him so totally weak in the knees from just a kiss. Patrick pressed for entrance with his tongue, and Kenthrew his arms around Patrick’s neck and held on as his senses were overwhelmed by all things Patrick.

His scent drove Ken wild, and he gripped Patrick more tightly as the delicious attack on his lips continued to build. Ken thought for a few seconds thatPatrick’s intention was to press him onto the counter, but then the kiss softened and ended. Ken sucked in air quickly, locking his gaze with Patrick’s deep, almost hypnotic eyes. Ken parted his lips to say something, but Patrick kissed the words, and the thought, away.