Page 1 of Winter Frost

Chapter One

Evan

“I don’t need a nurse, John,” I tell my doctor and close friend.

“Yes, you do,” he grumbles, running his hand through his gray hair. He was two years younger than me, but he looked ten years older. However, apparently looks didn’t matter. I’ve got the physique of a man in his thirties, but I’m the one who had a heart attack.

“You are pushing yourself too hard and you set yourself back. If you’re not careful, you could have another heart attack. Unfortunately, your genetic makeup is what it is.” When he mentions my genetics, I think about the girls. At least they didn’t inherit that from me. That shit made my chest hurt.

He grips my shoulder, giving me a sympathetic squeeze. Only he and I were aware of the truth about my daughters. Of course, their bitch of a mother knows even if she didn’t bother to come clean about it. “We can only do so much here. You got lucky the first time, and you were already almost healed when you had a relapse. Just give the nurse a chance. Hey, like they say, the third time’s a charm.”

“I’m feeling great.” It’s not exactly the truth, but I can’t tell him that because he’s going to drive me nuts about getting help.

“Are you really?” His furry brows lift up. “I can see it in your face and in your gait. Your tests don’t lie either. We have a nurse ready to work with you. You only need to see her for a short time. If you can improve your situation before your next visit with me, I’d say you’re going to be okay.”

“That’s only what? Six weeks away?” I questioned, checking the calendar on my phone, the week of Thanksgiving. I’m scheduled to see him that Wednesday before the holiday.

“Exactly, Evan. You’re not in a terrible spot, you just need control and patience to regain your stamina without going over the edge. Remember that you’re retired now, so there’s no need to work too hard.” I consider what he says. John’s a smart guy and I’ve never been opposed to his advice. Although I should have listened to him when he told me not to marry Gloria even though she was pregnant. Big damn mistake.

“Learning to rebuild your stamina is key.” Yes, I’d needed to get stronger, both physically and emotionally. I think about what happened last week.

“What do you mean, the girls aren’t mine? How can you tell me that my children aren’t my daughters?”

“I’m sorry Evan. I know this is hard to hear after everything that you’ve been through.”

My chest hurt again, and things were looking down. After all these years, after everything that I’ve been through with their bitch of an ex-wife, used me. I knew we didn’t love each other, but I gave up my life for a family, thinking I was creating a future for the orchard. I put up with that woman so that I could have those girls. My heart aches knowing it was a lie. All this time and they’re not even my blood. Some other man created them, got away with not having to pay for their future. I wonder if the fucker knew and was laughing at me. “Evan, take a deep breath and calm down. You’re turning red.”

“Sorry John. I just need some air.” I stand up from his office chair and I don’t even make it to the door before I collapse.

An hour later, I’m sitting in the hospital bed with Noelle and Autumn by my side with tears in their beautiful eyes. “Daddy, you’re awake.” I stare at the little girls that I helped raise and care for their entire lives. They are sweet and good and now beautiful women. I look at their faces and I know that I’ll always love them, but I can’t tell them the truth.

“We talked to the doctor, and they believe that you need to take better care of yourself,” Noelle scolds me.

“I promise I will, girls.”

“I hope so; we don’t want to lose you.” Tears streamed down their cheeks as they hugged me. They are the sweetest things in the world.

Noelle sits back and says, “I’ve already called around and found a good place and they can even send someone to the house, so you don’t have to travel and risk getting hurt.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I’d like to speak to Uncle John alone.”

“Okay, girls?”

“Okay, Daddy. We will be right outside the door.” I nodded.

John says, “Actually, if you girls could get me a coffee with one cream and two sugars. It’s been a long day.”

“Sure, Uncle John. We’ll be back in a moment.”

“Thank you.”

“Tell me you didn’t tell them, did you?”

“No, I figured that wasn’t a discussion you needed to have right now. Besides, they thought you were here for your check-up and not the test results. I told them they weren’t in yet. It’s up to you if you divulge it.”

“Thank you.”

Dusting off my pants, I look at John and agree with his request. “Fine, I’ll meet with this nurse.”

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