Page 64 of Coveting Catherine

He nodded as he led Melody out the door and helped her buckle into her seat. He turned and gave her a slight wave as he walked to the driver’s side and started the vehicle. Catherine closed the door and let out the breath she held.

She finally received any parents’ fondest dream, a weekend to herself. She climbed the stairs for a long shower and a weekend of loneliness.

Catherine cleaned the kitchen, dusted the living room, and baked a batch of banana bread. Yep, she officially ran out of things to do, and she already missed Melody’s childish chatter. Sighing she grabbed her book and lay on the couch. She started to doze off when the doorbell rang.

She rose and walked to the door. Peeking through the window, she spied Chase on the other side. She opened the door and let him in.

“Hi Chase. I didn’t expect to see you until Monday.”

Chase smirked. “Leo called; he asked me to check on you. He’s under the impression you have the flu. Since I know you and Kassie worked late on getting everything ready for the opening, I thought I’d pop in and check on you.”

Catherne shook her head. “I don’t have the flu, I already told the stubborn man, I’m fine.”

“Would you mind if I chatted with you for a bit?” Chase waited for Catherine to agree before making his way toward the oversized chair next to the sofa.

Catherine sat down.

“Catherine, I’m a bit concerned about you. You’re my wife’s best friend. You seem pale. Are you upset with the results of the DNA test? I know you have known Leo longer than I have, but I feel compelled to assure you, he’s ecstatic about the results. He’ll make a great dad.”

“I’m not upset. I’m stumped quite honestly on the how. I didn’t keep it from him,” her voice became defensive.

Chase smiled, shook his head, and raised his hands in front of him. “It’s the furthest from my mind. I’d be happy to look over your records from a doctors’ perspective. I’m not asking because of Leo. I’m offering as your friend. I want to impart a little advice.” Chase scooted to the edge of the seat and took Catherine’s hand.

“The day we rescued you, Leo went out of his mind. He was worried sick and pissed at Ash for everything he confessed. What Leo probably left out when he told you about us performing CPR on you, is his involvement. When the cigarette rolled into the gas, the room instantly went up in flames. Shadow ran to grab wet towels and Taco beat the flames back from you and Leo. Saint dragged Rahimi out of the house before coming back to help. Leo didn’t hesitate, he ran through the flames to get to you. He threw the towels over you and refused to let you go. His jacket caught fire and Shadow tackled him to put out the flames and Taco grabbed you. I’m a doctor. You aren’t my first patient who suffered a fire catastrophe. Catherine, you died.”

Catherine’s startled gaze met Chase’s.

“I worked on you. I listened and prayed. By all clinical signs, you died, and I didn’t have a chance in hell on bringing you back to us. I tried longer, knowing how much you mean to my wife, to my best friend. Leo refused to accept it. He yelled at you and demanded you come back. He and Kassie worked on you and as a doctor I knew you died. Then you drew a breath. Catherine, you came back for him. There’s no doubt in mind I did everything I could. Yet here you are. You played a significant part in my wife’s life, and I want to return the favor. Think about it. If you love the man enough, you fought death for him, do you think anything would keep Leo from loving you? I assure you, he swore he’d drag you back and I believe he’s the man to try. He literally walked through fire for you. I’m asking you to trust him and his love for you. It will set you free.”

Chase rose from the chair and let himself out. Catherine sat stunned. Leo demanded she come back from the dead. When she gave it some thought, telling him about Ash seemed insignificant compared to death. The only problem now seemed she lost the opportunity. Leo dated someone else.

Catherine pulled her knees to her chest and braced her head on them. Leo didn’t want her anymore. Sentenced for the next thirteen years of shared holidays, weekends, and school functions, she wondered how she’d manage sharing her daughter with another woman. She swallowed as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She couldn’t change the past, but Ash ruined her future with Leo by his confession. He’d never believe her now. Catherine cried for Leo's time lost with her daughter, for her colossal mistakes, and most of all, for lost chances.

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

Chase stood proudly by Kassie. His arm wrapped around her as he addressed the crowd. “None of this would be possible without my wife, Kassie. She turned my father's and my dream into a reality. May this hospital be a place for refuge for anyone seeking shelter, and may they always find serenity on the mountain.”

The crowd applauded as Chase clasped Kassie's hand, and they cut the ribbon together. Chase gathered her in his arms and placed a resounding kiss on his wife, bringing cheers from the crowd. Kassie's laughter rang in the air. Catherine smiled at her friend, truly grateful Kassie found her happiness and love.

She smiled on cue as she moved through the crowd and stopped occasionally to answer questions or direct someone to a restroom. When the crowd gathered in the kitchen for the feast Ty provided, Catherine walked back to her office and grabbed a couple of folders. Nausea threatened as her thoughts drifted to her situation with Leo and Melody. Tears pricked her eyes at the pain she caused all of them. She grabbed her water and sipped it as she attempted to concentrate on her work.

“Hello, Catherine,” Leo's deep voice caught her off guard. She didn't see him in the crowd at the ceremony.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Catherine cringed when her voice came out, sounding like a telemarketer.

“I called Doc to ask him about you since you avoided my texts and calls. I seem to recall asking if you caught the flu, and you texted yes. I didn't expect to see you today. You look beautiful, I love you in green.”

His compliment threw her off guard. She didn’t expect him to remain civil. When he returned with Melody, she hid upstairs and let her mom greet him as he dropped her off. He texted daily asking about her. She silenced her phone or turned it over to keep from seeing his name pop up. It constantly reminded her of what she missed because of Ash’s deceit and her own stupidity. The only time she answered was when he inquired about their daughter. “I'm sorry. Did you need something?”

Leo’s eyes assessed her slowly, making her feel anxious and antsy. She abruptly stood to put the files away. Dizziness overcame her and she grasped the side of her desk and attempted to reach for her chair.

“Kit Kat?—”

Catherine weaved as her body betrayed her. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, and her empty stomach heaved. Leo swiftly caught her before she hit the floor.

“Catherine, hold on, I’m calling Doc.” His worried face appeared above her.

“No. Today’s his and Kassie’s day, I’ll be okay. I forgot to eat.” Because food lodged in her throat or made her sick when she imagined her life without him and only seeing him when he came for their daughter.

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