Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Daddy was sitting up in bed, stabbing a thumb into the remote to turn off the TV in disgust. “A hundred channels and not a damn thing on.” Then he caught sight of her and Haisley. His scowl morphed into a huge grin. “Baby girl, you’re here!” He winked at Haisley. “And I see you brought trouble with you.”
She laughed and rushed to hug her father. “Daddy! It’s so, so good to see you.”
He gripped her in return, his embrace surprisingly robust. In fact, he looked really good, not gaunt or pale or exhausted. Seeing him so much like his old self was a huge weight off her shoulders.
“Hi, Mr. Archer.” Haisley walked into his open arms next, and they shared a quick squeeze.
Madison smiled. Daddy had said more than once that Haisley was like the second daughter he was glad he’d never had because she was always into mischief. He wasn’t wrong…
“You doing good, trouble?”
She flashed him a grin. “Always. You look fab, even if your wardrobe leaves something to be desired.”
“I hate hospital gowns,” he grumbled.
Madison eased into the chair closest to the bed, grateful when Haisley sat beside her and took her hand, offering comfort. Knowing this would be the last time for three months she’d see Daddy was killing her.
“How has everything been?” she asked. “When I called the nurses yesterday, they said you were sleeping and that you haven’t been eating much since your last treatment. Did it make you queasy?”
He scowled. “Some. But the treatments aren’t as bad as the food. I swear, I’ve seen dog chow with more appeal than their morning oatmeal.”
That was her father. A little cantankerous and set in his ways…but he had a heart of gold. “If I had known, I would have sneaked you some donuts from Meche’s.”
He groaned. “You’re trying to torment me. I raised you better than that.”
“Sorry. Other than bad oatmeal, how are they treating you? What are they saying about your progress? Is your doctor coming to talk to me?”
“She said she’d stop by in about thirty minutes. Can you stay that long?”
“Absolutely.” Madison squeezed her father’s hand, her heart aching. She’d missed her father so much in the last few years. She had no one to blame except herself for exercising such shitty judgment and marrying Todd. She hated even more that she had to go back and play the bastard’s game rather than coming home for good and taking care of Daddy.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Then…you’re moving back to Lafayette?”
“It’s not quite that simple. Todd and I have talked. He’ll give me a divorce, but only after the midterms.”
Daddy cursed. “I should have known those vipers wouldn’t let you go when it might tarnish their precious public image.”
“It’s fine,” she lied. “I’ve waited more than two years. I can wait another few months. Then I’ll be free forever.”
“I’m sure making you wait was their plan all along. After all, there’s a reason I was admitted into this joint instead of getting periodic treatments and resting at home, like everyone else with my condition.” Her father sent her an acerbic glance.
She tried not to wince. She’d strong-armed the Pershings into paying for her father’s stay here since they’d refused to let her come home and take care of him. She hadn’t wanted Daddy alone while undergoing treatments that left him somewhere between drained and sick. “Even if you hate the food, you’re better off here. Now, tell me everything I’ve missed lately.”
They chatted about who had been visiting him, how he’d been passing the time, and how the treatments had been affecting him. The doctor made an appearance and assured her they’d caught the cancer fairly early. After this round of treatments, they would do another scan and determine whether to engage in a second round or attempt surgery or both. But all indications were that Daddy would eventually make a full recovery.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Madison thanked the doctor for her time, then glanced at the clock and held in a grimace. She had to leave in the next thirty minutes. Tonight, she would receive some sort of briefing before she had to be on the jet the Pershings had chartered for her, Matt, and Ethan tomorrow, departing at noon.
“You’re looking pale, baby.” Her dad frowned. “You’ve got circles under your eyes.”
Maybe she’d needed more makeup after all…
“I’m fine,” she promised. “I probably shouldn’t have skipped breakfast.” Her stomach had been too unsettled. But once all the upheaval was over and she wasn’t so stressed, she’d bounce back. “I guess I’m not used to the Louisiana summers anymore. It’s hard to do more than pick at your food when the heat is stifling.”
He cupped her face. “Make sure you take care of you, since I can’t be there to do it.”