Wow! Thanks for all the reviewing and following and favorites! It was so awesome logging in this morning and seeing all the reviews! One reviewer said don't add the Hardys, one said please do. What do you think? P.S. A box of tissues is necessary for this somewhat angsty, rather long, very sad, flashback chapter.
~Fifteen Years Ago ~
"'Night, baby. I love you." Carson paused just outside of the darkened doorway and smiled when he heard his little girl's response. "You're the bestest Daddy in the world, and Mommy's the goodest mommy." Chuckling to himself about Nancy's grammar, he made his was downstairs to his study, deciding to get his work finished before Elizabeth arrived home. He began scribbling away an opening statement for a defense case. So involved was he in his work an hour slipped by without him noticing. Realizing it was nearly midnight, he suddenly felt fear grip him. Elizabeth was supposed to be home at ten.
He tried to calm himself. Maybe she and sister had got to talking, and she had gotten a late start. Yes, that must be it. He tried to focus on his work, but was nearly impossible. Suddenly, the phone rang. Frantically snatching it, he listened to the voice on the other end say words that would haunt him for the rest of his life. "Mr. Drew? This is Lisa McNealy at River Heights General Hospital. Your wife was in a bad car accident. She's alive, but... the doctor said you and your family had better get here quickly. She's in ICU room 207." Carson nodded numbly, then realizing the woman couldn't see, said "Yes, I'll be right there." He rushed upstairs, gently carrying Nancy from her bed to the car seat. Remarkably,she remained asleep as he sped through the dark and quiet streets of River Heights. He hadn't realized he was crying until a tear dropped off his cheek and onto the steering wheel. Angrily he brushed it away. Pull yourself together, Carson, he silently berated himself.
He really was quite young, having graduated early at seventeen, and finishing the eight years of law school quickly by going to summer college as well, marrying Elizabeth and having Nancy in the middle of all those years. At 25, he had already won two important cases, and was hoping to add a third to that list. Pulling into the hospital parking lot, he leaped out of the car, carrying the still- sleeping Nancy, who woke and began to whimper as he inquired how to get to ICU. "I'm sorry, sir, but your little girl can't come in ICU," the nurse working the ICU entrance told him. "Please, her mother -", he began, his voice breaking. Don't lose it, Carson! The elderly nurse, realizing the gravity of the situation,waved her hand as if dismissing a fly."All right, go on back." "Thank you!", he called sincerely as he raced towards room 207. What was he going to find there?
By the next morning, all the ICU nurses we gossiping about the handsome young lawyer, fresh out of law school, who refused to leave his wife's side. His wife had been very badly injured in a hit and run accident. And such an adorable little girl! It was like something out of a soap opera - the beautiful, badly injured woman, the good - looking, distraught man...
Carson stretched stiffly, sore from sleeping in the hard hospital chair next to Elizabeth's bed. Nancy, still asleep, lay beside Elizabeth, small enough to share the hospital bed. Elizabeth was asleep also. After a few hurried words last night, he hadn't been able to talk to her much. The doctor entered then. He was at least 65, and had taken an instant liking to the young attorney,who reminded him of his own boy. Carson looked at him, worried. The doctor sighed. He hated having to give news like this. "I'm sorry, son. She has several broken ribs, and one of them punctured her lungs. The best we can do is make her comfortable until..." As he looked into the young man's eyes, the doctor reflected that he had never before seen such depths of pain and sorrow as he saw now in the young man's face. Shortly after the doctor left, Elizabeth stirred and awoke. Her pretty face was contorted with pain, yet she smiled at Carson. "I love you." "I love you, too, Elizabeth," he said, squeezing her hand and trying not to show his emotions caused by seeing her like this. "Tell Nancy I love her, Carson. When she gets older, tell her I loved her...", she gasped for breath suddenly, and soon the room filled with panicked nurses. With her husband holding her hand and with Nancy beside her, Elizabeth Drew died.
~ present times~
Carson was home in his study. He'd forgotten that night until he received the phone call from David Lob, but now, with Nancy off with friends and Hannah at a Garden Club meeting, he remembered. And,for maybe the first time in the years since Elizabeth's death, he let himself cry.