Page 110 of Finding Hayes
She was mine, and I was hers.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
thirty
. . .
Savannah
I’d arrivedin Dallas and Ubered to the hospital where my father would be receiving treatment for the next few months. He and Nadia had already settled into the apartment, which was attached to the hospital. My father would stay at the hospital, and Nadia and I would stay in the apartment.
I’d paid the deposit for him to start treatment, and I was damn proud to be able to do this for him.
It was the first time in many years that I felt hopeful about my father’s future.
There had been this dark cloud over us for many years.
I’d researched and educated myself every chance I had.
And it had led me here.
Nadia pulled me into her arms and hugged me. “Thanks for making this happen, sweetheart.”
I smiled, trying hard not to cry, because that would just make my father worry.
But it was emotional being here.
Hope was a dangerous thing. It allowed you to believe, toimagine that things could be better—all while knowing there were no guarantees.
I said a silent thank-you to Abe and Lily for making this possible. For giving my father the chance, something he wouldn’t have had without this money.
“Of course. I’m so happy they got you settled in the apartment already.”
“Well, they wanted to start first thing this morning, so coming last night was a good decision,” she said. “I’ve taken a leave from work, and we’ve got enough saved to cover rent on the apartment back home for a couple of months.”
“And I have this money set aside to help with all the expenses while he’s here. So whatever you need, I’ve got you, okay?” I sure as hell hoped I was right. I knew this could go up into the seven-figure price range, so I was afraid to make promises that I couldn’t keep. But I also had time, because everything did not have to be paid upfront, and we could make payments when all was said and done if needed.
“Thank you, my love. Come meet Dr. Dorsey and see your dad.”
I’d had several Zoom meetings with Dr. Dorsey, but I was looking forward to meeting him in person.
“There’s my girl,” my father said, and I startled a bit at how thin he looked. He’d hidden it well on our FaceTime calls. I straightened my face and gave him a hug.
“Hey, Daddy-O. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” he said, his voice definitely making it clear how exhausted he was.
“It’s nice to meet you in person, Savannah. I’m Grant Dorsey.” He extended a hand, and I hugged him instead. This man had helped make this happen, and I’d be forever grateful. He chuckled and patted my shoulder.
I guessed he was in his late forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes.
“Thank you for making this happen,” I said.
“Don’t thank me. You did all the hard work. He’s a perfect candidate, and you went through all the hoops necessary to be here.” He’d agreed to keep the financial situation discreet, as my father would never be okay with me using all of Abe’s inheritance to cover the cost of the treatment. Nadia, Dr. Dorsey, and I had agreed to keep the details to ourselves. Insurance would pay a small portion, the pharmaceutical company had agreed to cover some expenses, and I’d cover the rest.
There was nothing I wouldn’t do to save my father’s life.
At the end of the day, what else was there?
