Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [130]
Fran’s eyes still closed, Bill began to speak again. “My wife Maureen and I had this uncanny discussion just before she … just before she left for Sanibel.” He shook his head, a look of wide-eyed disbelief on his face. Wiping at more escaping tears, he choked out, “We were talking about being alone. That being alone is different from being lonely. And that being left isn’t as frightening in the bridge of—”
“—God’s love,” they both finished in unison.
Their expressions exactly mirrored each other’s: mouths open in shock, eyes still glistening with tears. An aura of complete awe.
The nurse nearly flew into the room, an anxious Colleen following at her heels.
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Thomason? Head hurt still?”
Fran shook her head—partly in answer to the nurse’s question, but mostly to shake herself as if waking from a dream.
The nurse took Fran’s blood pressure and pulse, busying herself with the IV and monitors. “Little one still sleeping? Best to let her wake up on her own, I’m thinking.” She made a point of making eye contact with Bill. “The doctor will be in soon. He gave strict orders you weren’t to face the crowd outside until he’d seen you first.” She stood momentarily with hands on her hips, the only time she wasn’t a mass of frenetic energy. “Sit tight. He’ll be here in a jiffy.” And with that, she was gone, racing out as fast as she’d flown in.
“Crowd? What’s—?”
Bill coughed and then cleared his throat. “Reporters. Must be dozens.” The sudden switch back to reality felt jarring. He handed a tissue to Fran and then used one to wipe his own face. “They’ve been anxiously waiting to interview you and Miss McHenry for some time. Tried to bully their way in at one point, but the Coast Guard posted some men outside the wing. No one’s getting past those burly guys, that’s for sure.”
“Your eyes are just like my mom’s,” Colleen whispered.
Bill put his arm protectively around her. “This is Colleen, my older daughter.”
“I’m so sorry about your mom,” Fran said.
“I don’t know how we’ll ever thank you for taking such good care of Aubrey.” Bill reached out to lightly put his other hand on Aubrey’s back. He could feel her breathing slightly against his hand, the proof he needed that she was alive.
Fran shook her head. “Besides holding her head above water—the waves were frighteningly high—well, I don’t recall doing anything. Michal—I think that’s her name, but maybe I got it wrong—she was a big help too. She’s a strong swimmer.”
Colleen continued to stare at Fran as though mesmerized by her. “Michal is her name. I met her aunt outside,” Colleen said. “Did you, um … did you see my mom?”
“I’m so sorry, Colleen. No, I didn’t.”
Aubrey stirred. When her eyes fully opened and focused on Bill, she smiled. Let go of Fran. And stretched out her arms longingly to him.
Bill gathered her into his arms, where he rocked her back and forth, more silent tears falling down his cheeks. When Colleen put her arms around Bill’s waist, he leaned down so he could hug both girls tightly to his chest.
“Daddy … Daddy.” Aubrey put a hand on Bill’s cheek, demanding his attention.
“Yes, Lolly Pops?”
“The angel told me she would love me.” She pointed to Fran. “And she’d love you and Collie, too.”
Bill stared at her, momentarily speechless. “Aubrey, you shouldn’t—”
Someone rapped on the door and then a woman peered in. “I’m so sorry to interrupt. But could my niece and I please come in for a few moments? We need to face these reporters soon, and Michal’s just … well, she tells me she needs to speak with you all. Is that all right?”
Bill looked to Fran, who nodded. “Please. Come in and join us.”
After introductions, Bill motioned to chairs for Sarah and Michal. Sarah insisted she’d stand, so only Michal sat down, IV pole in tow. Michal turned to Fran, biting her lip. “I barely remember our rescue. The Coast Guard ship. The captain asking questions. Honestly, it’s all kind of fuzzy.