Page 94 of Trading Yesterday

Roma’s voice wavered. “I wish you would have come to us, darling. We would have helped you. When the little one got sick, you should have called us to help, too.”

“I didn’t know what to say or how to reach out, Roma. Jensen’s been so good to us, I didn’t want to hurt him, and I didn’t want to dig up the past. Chase seemed happy.”

“He was so heartbroken that he almost gave it all up anyway. He loved you, Teagan.”

Chase told me he was heartbroken, but he never mentioned that he almost gave up his professional career. “I know, but I was so confused. My father’s threats, and other stuff… I was a complete mess. Having Remi made life bearable. I concentrated on her, and that’s how I managed to get through it.”

Roma beamed at the mention of Remi. “I’m so anxious to meet her. Chase practically soars when he speaks of her. And the pictures! She’s so beautiful.”

“She’s the light of my life. I’m so grateful that Chase came back. Remi adores him.”

“Thank you for naming her after me, Teagan. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. It’s telling about your motives. We know you were thinking of Chase. Misguided,” she patted my hand with a wry glance, “But, pure in your intent.”

I was so grateful Roma was being so gracious and loving. She could have been accusing and judgmental, easy to think the worst. “I loved you like my own mother,” I admitted tearfully.

“Oh, Darling!” Roma exclaimed and enfolded me in her arms. “You precious girl! It’s going to be alright, now. You’ll see.”

We were both tearful; the moment was a mixture of joy, regret, and worry.

“Chase Forrester?” An orderly called from the door that separated the surgical suite from the waiting room.

“Oh,” I was startled by the abruptness because we’d been waiting so long.

Everyone stood and Chase lifted a hand. “That’s me.” In a second or two he was in front of me. “I guess this is it. I’d hoped to speak to Dr. Radar before I went in.”

“Are you going in with Chase, Teagan?” Jensen asked. Frank seemed surprised that Jensen would ask such a thing. There was still much to explain, but now wasn’t the time.

“I was, but I thought Dr. Radar would have been down to speak to us by now.”

“You don’t have to. It’s just a needle prick,” Chase murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting in the start of a teasing smile. “It’s more important to find out what’s going on with Remi.”

“Chase Forrester!” The man called again, clearly irritated by the delay.

“Better get going or that dickhead is going to lose his shorts halfway up his ass,” Jensen added wryly.

Chase burst out laughing and laid a hand hard on the top of Jensen’s shoulder giving it a squeeze. “No shit!”

“No. Definitely,shit.” Jensen grinned back.

I was elated by this little glimpse of camaraderie between Chase and Jensen. It was reminiscent of our college years, and it was a spark of hope that we’d all be okay. Chase’s parents joined us all in a chuckle.

Chase’s eyes locked with mine.

I moved in front of him not sure what I wanted, but needing something. “I’ll come back as soon as Dr. Radar shows. If they’ll let me through.”

“Don’t worry, Monkey” he said easily then cupped the side of my face with his big hand. He brushed across my cheekbone with his thumb. “Everything is going to be fine.”

I wrapped my hand around his wrist. His skin was warm and he was strong.

“Chase Forrester!” The orderly called again.

“Gotta go before this guy has a coronary,” he smirked boyishly.

“We’ll see you in recovery, Son,” Frank said as he started away, holding a hand behind him in a half-assed wave as he disappeared through the door and it shut behind him.

Jensen had a short haircut for his ESPN gig, but Chase’s hair was long enough to reach his nape and had a slight natural wave in the tawny strands. He had a healthy tan from his hours on the soccer field and he moved with an easy grace that had every woman in the room turning her head as he passed.

“Now we wait, I guess,” Roma said.

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