Book Series: Keane Family Saga
Publishing Date: 2006
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Alex and Jane
Chapter Count: 23
Page Count: 408
To my first
grandchild, William Charles Stansfield, who came into the world while this book
was being written.
Chapter 1
Salt Lake City, UT
Dr. Alexander Keane is right in the middle of a scene from the hit TV show ER as the young man on the ER operating table is flatlining. They bring him back and Alex silently exhales another prayer of gratitude and relief. He loves his job.
It is after midnight when Alex enters his dark and silent home. He checks on his two sleeping children: four-year-old Barrett is smart as a whip and eager to embrace life while three-year-old Katharine is already going-on-thirteen; her only interests lie in trying on Mom's shoes, clothes, makeup and perfume. In the master bedroom, he finds his wife, Jane, still awake, nine months pregnant, too exhausted to sleep after chasing kids and keeping house all day while Alex brings home the bacon but they have the gospel and their lives are rich and full. No reason in the world why Alex shouldn't be feeling perfect peace and contentment with the current status of his life. But Alex just can't shake this terrible feeling of foreboding that something VERY BAD is going to happen. Soon. Jane just keeps reminding him to say a prayer when he feels this way and all will be well.
Chapter 2
Not many days later, Jane is browning hamburger at the stove for dinner when she hears Katharine start to wail from upstairs. Not bothering to turn down the heat, Jane is busy cleaning up the spilled perfume and broken bottle in her bedroom when she smells the smoke and rushes downstairs to find her kitchen on fire.
The home is not a total loss but Alex and his family will need a place to stay until the repairs are complete. Jane is still in shock when Alex's distant cousin, Susan, (introduced in the last book as the owner of the historical home built by Alex's namesake-his great, great grandfather) graciously offers to let the family move in with her and her husband, Donald. Ward members and neighbors also arrive to aid in the disaster cleanup. Jane phones Alex to warn him dinner will be a little late tonight.
That's when the baby decides this would be the perfect time to come into the world. Someone drives Jane to the hospital ER where Alex has the honor of delivering his new son. They will name him Preston Alexander.
Despite this latest "trial by fire" (pun intended) Alex and Jane breathe a sigh of relief how richly blessed they are and that Alex's terrible premonition wasn't so bad after all.
That's when Alex notices mysterious bruises on Barrett's legs as he's bathing him several nights later. Next morning, Barrett doesn't feel good and has no appetite for the breakfast Susan is serving them. Jane and Alex realize Barrett has been sick quite a lot this past year. Not wanting to take any chances, Alex takes his son to Primary Children's Medical Center located in the building next door to the main hospital where he works for a more specific examination. The test results are not good. Barrett's white blood cell count is abnormally high.
He has cancer.
Chapter 3
With a sinking heart, Alex goes to Jane's hospital room in the building next door to inform her their son has leukemia. The next few years are not going to be easy at all. In fact, from what Alex observed during his residency and internship years, battling this disease is nothing short of a trip through hell. Both cry in each other's arms, yet, with family coming to town to see the new baby, perhaps God's timing is playing an important part in this too. They will need lots of prayers and support during this dark season in their lives.
Chapter 4
Alex spends the night with Barrett in his hospital room. Barrett whimpers in pain but his father comforts him, answering his son's questions about this strange illness as best he can. With the perfect faith of a little child, Barrett reminds Alex he hasn't given him a priesthood blessing yet.
Next day, Alex calls his formerly estranged father, Neil. We met Neil in the last book. It was a real struggle for Alex to reconcile with his father after he committed adultery, left the church, but later came back as a happily remarried man. Thank goodness that's all over now.
Grandpa Neil is more than happy to come to the hospital to assist in giving Barrett a blessing. Then Barrett has to undergo more tests which he refers to as "taking out my bones." Alex and Jane try and hide their emotion when they learn their brave little boy will have to wear a central IV line for the next three years. Chemotherapy is started and, one week later, Barrett is released. But this ordeal is far from over. With his immune system pretty much nonexistent, everything must be kept meticulously clean and no play dates unless the guest has first undergone a complete health screening.
Despite the excellent health insurance with his job, the medical bills are still piling up. Jane and Alex fast and pray and finally decide to just sell the house (the one that caught fire) since empty nesters, Donald and Susan, have no problem with having more company under their roof. It's practically Alex's house anyway, since he is a direct descendant of the original owner. Alex and Jane continue to strengthen each other, spending many nights simply snuggling in bed and counting their blessings. Their entire ward, family, neighbors, everyone has been more than supportive in stepping up with their incredible acts of kindness and compassionate service.
Chapter 5
Donald and Susan sit Jane and Alex down one night with an inspired idea: for years they've been planning to serve a mission, travel, visit all the children and grandchildren, take full advantage of their golden years, ect. But how can they do that when none of their grown children are interested in house sitting? Someone has to look after things around here. After Barrett has made a full recovery, would Jane and Alex like the job? Donald and Susan's only condition is that as soon as they are ready to be put in a retirement home and die, Jane and Alex will agree to buy this house from them. They will of course be giving them a great deal on the sale.
Who would turn down such a generous offer?
A few nights later, the phone rings. Walter, Jane's father who lives in California, passed away unexpectedly. Jane does not take it well. Alex makes all the arrangements making sure the children, Barrett especially, are cared for before they both board a plane to California. They are back just as fast and life goes on.
After the new year, the doctors have bad news. Barrett is going to need a bone marrow transplant. Alex is especially upset by this. Jane is also in shock as, so far, they don't even have a matching donor yet for their little son.
Chapter 6
Seeing how upset her husband is, his knowledge of all the medical terms nobody will explain to her, Jane insists Alex tell her everything. He does:
Unlike other simple medical procedures, kidney or liver, a bone marrow transplant is not only extremely painful for the patient but life threatening as well. The drugs Barrett will be injected with will produce side effects similar to what victims in the WWII Nazi human experimentation camps suffered. Death would be a much easier path for Barrett, yet, how can they stand by and watch him die?
Their nightmare is only just beginning, Alex tells Jane, who weeps hearing this. And let's not even think about the cost of such a procedure. Alex is tested and declared the best match for Barrett. Word gets out. The Salt Lake Tribune (Boo! Team Deseret News!) even calls offering to do a big human interest story on their special medical case. It's not every day an ER doctor father has the opportunity to give life to his terminally ill son. Donations come pouring in. Neil (who has been very well off financially since his divorce from Alex's mom) also insists on helping to pay some of the expenses.
Intense chemotherapy is started. Family, friends and ward members along with Jane and Alex all take turns staying with Barrett at Primary Children's, where angels are known to regularly walk the halls. With the risk of outside infection, Barrett is pretty much sentenced to solitary confinement in his special hospital room where no outside items of any kind are allowed unless they've been thoroughly broken down and every single part sterilized which limits most toys. Stuffed animals quickly become a favorite gift which is lucky for Barrett because he loves animals. The first thing he's going to do when he gets better is visit Hogle Zoo. Alex and Jane quickly get to know the other parents of children in the cancer ward, finding another source of comfort and support.
Alex continues to work his usual graveyard shifts in the ER until, one day, in the middle of summer, just as he's getting off work in the early morning hours, he has a strong prompting to go visit his father.
Chapter 7
Alex doesn't hesitate but drives straight to the house. He calls first on his cell phone and panics when he gets no answer from either Neil or his step mom, Roxanne's, phones. Running inside he finds them both in the backyard working in their garden. Both are perfectly fine. Still feeling the prompting to stay, Alex makes himself at home and is happy to enjoy the big breakfast Roxanne fixes for him and Neil. She leaves to run some errands.
Neil and Alex are visiting pleasantly in the living room when the doorbell rings. Alex answers to find a young man, middle twenties, looking a LOT like a younger version of Neil Keane, standing on the front porch. He asks to speak to Neil Keane. He won't give his name. Alex invites him in and calls for Neil.
Turns out that little tryst with a married woman, Marilyn Morrison, from his family ward all those years ago Neil thought would never hurt anybody produced a son who holds out his hand to Neil, as casually as if they were at party, introducing himself as Wade Morrison.
Since Neil looks like he's going to be sick, Alex steps up suggesting he and Wade go for a little drive to give Neil some time alone to absorb the shock. They have a good talk but Wade is pretty bitter about being left in the dark all these years before he made the ironic discovery his mom's husband was not his biological father (which explains why he never quite looked or seemed to fit in with his other siblings).
Alex is just thrilled (think Kevin Costner from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) to learn he has a brother! He did grow up with just two older sisters, you know. He tells Wade about Barrett which softens him a little but he's still in shock over how he came to learn his paternity. It was after he enrolled at the U of U to study genetics (he wants to be a doctor too!). His professor gave the class an assignment to collect blood samples from their immediate family members. Imagine the surprise Wade got after he ran the tests in the lab, confronted his parents privately and the truth came out. The news has torn the family apart. None of Wade's children are speaking to their parents and they can barely look at Wade.
No one but Alex could truly understand how Wade is feeling right now. A bond is already forming between them. Alex is so glad he followed the prompting to come over today so he could help soften the blow of another Anita Stansfield soap opera plot complication.
The worst over, they pull up to the house where Alex knows, somehow, everything is going to be all right as they both get out of the car and go inside to see how Neil is doing.
Chapter 8
Not good. Neil is still in shock. He honestly had no idea his boys could swim. Still unable to handle the truth that he is the result of the only sin in the church that is next to murder in its seriousness, Wade leaves almost immediately. Alex and Neil call after him they hope Wade will keep in touch but Wade exits without making any kind of commitment.
Roxanne returns and they tell her everything.
Jane is equally shocked and surprised when Alex tells her. That evening the phone rings. Neil is having an emotional breakdown. Alex tells Roxanne to call a trusted friend, specifically one who holds the priesthood, and he'll be right over to give his father a priesthood blessing. Neil calms down enough to agree to attend the temple tonight, just as he and Roxanne had planned. Alex will join them.
Jane is glad Alex got to go to the temple today. All they can do now is take it one day at a time with both Barrett and Wade and just wait on the Lord.
Chapter 9
One of Barrett's little cancer friends from the hospital dies. Jane sobs as if she had been her own child. The following evening Alex is at the hospital reading aloud to Barrett from one of his favorite books, Hop on Pop (disassembled, laminated, and spiral bound so it can be thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis) they have to stop when Barrett starts throwing up again but not before they reached the part that reads, "This one is my other brother," which gets Alex thinking. Wade is his "other brother." Maybe he can use this to help Wade.
Alex and Jane attend the funeral for Barrett's little friend and have a nice talk with the girl's (LDS) parents who are at peace with their daughter's death. Wade stops by the hospital a few days later, just in time for Alex's lunch break. With all that just happened, Wade was fired from his job for attendance. Now he has bills, including school, rent on his one bedroom and nothing to pay it with, He's not looking for any handouts, he's been too depressed this last week to really care about life. He admits to Alex he's been contemplating suicide, being around his family has grown too awkward. He's been avoiding all contact with them since the last chapter. Wade asks Alex to make a few phone calls in his behalf. Alex lets Neil know Wade got back in touch with them, is sitting right here and is okay. Next Wade makes Alex call Marilyn; worried sick, no word from her son since this whole ordeal began. She is also very glad to meet Alex over the phone. Alex promises he will call her if Wade does anything idiotic.
Chapter 10
Unlike Alex, Wade served a mission and has stayed fairly active in the church. Now that he's learned the truth about his parents, he's doubting everything. Alex assures him he felt the same way after his father committed adultery. It took many years, and his fiancée being in a coma, before he was finally able to come to terms with it all and forgive Neil. Alex encourages Wade to do the same, he doesn't want to end up like him.
That evening, Wade returns so Alex can take him next door to meet Barrett and Jane. For Wade (and the reader) it is a humbling experience as Alex explains to Wade how the high doses of chemo and radiation are why their little Superman can only smile weakly at Wade in greeting. Due to the ulcers in his mouth, Barrett has a tube in his nose. He can neither talk nor eat.. Upon seeing his father, Barrett wants nothing more than to rest his head against daddy's chest and fall asleep. Wade points out how God probably felt seeing his Son crucified. Alex appreciates the reference and agrees watching his son endure all of this has been the hardest thing he's ever had to go through.
They join Jane and Katharine in the hospital playroom. Neil, Roxanne, and both of Alex's sisters, Charlotte and Becca who just flew in, also arrive to surprise the family. Alex is quick to introduce Wade to his sisters as "a dear friend" while Wade is quick to excuse himself. Alex and Neil follow so they can talk. Learning about his son's financial situation, Neil insists he will be bailing Wade out of everything he currently owes. He paid for Alex's education, he'll do the same for Wade. Good thing he can afford it. Wade accepts Neil's offer, gets in his car and leaves.
Neil takes everyone out for dinner, Jane returns to the hospital to spend the night with Barrett while Alex takes his sisters home to set them up for the night. All three siblings visit in the living room where Alex tells them the truth about Wade's relation to them all. The sisters can't believe it. They agree Wade should be invited to the house this Sunday for a family dinner so they can all talk about these unusual family circumstances.
Chapter 11
Alex finds Wade on the U campus; enjoying the look on his face being tracked down like this. He pulls out a copy of this page from Hop on Pop
Wade is amused by the gift. He takes it and Alex gives him the Sunday dinner invite which Wade also accepts.
The dinner goes well with only a few awkward moments in the conversation when Wade makes sarcastic remarks about his parentage. Then Becca makes it worse by asking Wade if he's dating anyone? Wade responds he has no time for such interests and conversation goes back to helping Wade deal with his anger and bitterness over his parents betrayal of everything he learned in primary about the ideal eternal family. All help clean up, eat dessert and Wade leaves. Alex walks him out. Wade admits it was a good family get-together and they'll have to do it again sometime.
The dinner goes well with only a few awkward moments in the conversation when Wade makes sarcastic remarks about his parentage. Then Becca makes it worse by asking Wade if he's dating anyone? Wade responds he has no time for such interests and conversation goes back to helping Wade deal with his anger and bitterness over his parents betrayal of everything he learned in primary about the ideal eternal family. All help clean up, eat dessert and Wade leaves. Alex walks him out. Wade admits it was a good family get-together and they'll have to do it again sometime.
Next day, unbeknownst to all, one of Wade's younger teenage brothers is brought into the ER to be treated for a serious head injury as the result of a car accident. The boy's mother enters the exam room which will give Alex and Marilyn the opportunity to meet in person...
Chapter 12
Noticing the name on the badge, Marilyn sends her son outside to the waiting room so she can talk to Alex privately. She introduces herself, desperate for any news about Wade who still refuses to return her phone calls. After getting the address, Alex promises to stop by Wade's one bedroom walk-up where he lives alone and tell him to call his mother.
Alex notes the Hop on Pop picture taped to the wall. Wade seems a little down (he quit school and got fired again-he just can't handle all this drama!) but since he's not suicidal (yet) all Alex can do is urge Wade to call him if he needs to talk.
Barrett has to be rushed to PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) a few days later. They stabilize him but Alex has never seen Jane so shaken. Neil helps Alex give Barrett another blessing. Alex stays with Jane at the hospital until the urge to go for a drive becomes to hard to ignore. Wearing the hands free (bluetooth?) device that came with his (2006) cell phone means Alex can take a call and still drive responsibly. It's Marilyn, her mother's intuition is tingling like mad. Would Alex mind stopping by Wade's and checking on him? Alex wouldn't mind at all.
Alex discovers Wade sobbing, sitting on the bathroom floor with a box cutter and a bloody wrist. He's doing it all wrong, of course, but Dr. Alex Keane doesn't tell him that. Instead, he wraps the wrist, calls Marilyn (who can't believe it!) and makes Wade get in the car so he can drive him to the ER. Wade will be spending the night at Alex's house tonight. Alex can't help but feel a little annoyed at his "other brother" for doing such a stupid thing as attempting to take his own life for no good reason.
Chapter 13
At the ER, Alex personally stitches up his little brother along with a good talking to. Wade promises he'll never try anything like this again, but he's glad for the sleepover as he's scared to be left alone and is already dreading going back to his apartment. Driving over to the house, Wade inquires about Barrett and Alex nearly crashes the car as a huge emotional surge takes him by surprise. Through his sobs, Alex tells Wade about Barrett's breathing issue that landed him in PICU and that his little boy may not make it. Wade is very sorry.
They enter the house where Preston (now two) and Katharine are so glad daddy's come home. They return to their toys while the four adults congregate in the kitchen. Seeing her husband is just a little aggravated, Jane pauses dishing up some of Susan's specialty homemade soup to ask, what's happened? Alex explodes. His son is dying. As a doctor and especially as a father, there's nothing he can do to save him while he got stuck today saving the life of this idiot brother over here who doesn't even care about life!
And with that, Alex storms out. Jane is wise enough not to ask for any details but instead makes some small talk with Wade, retrieves her stubborn husband and, later, while she's bathing Preston, Alex fills her in on what happened today-Wade got low and decided to end it all. Good thing he followed that prompting. Which reminds him, he'd better call Neil and tell him the latest "Wade issue." Jane is supportive and sympathetic.
Neil is a little shaken but agrees with Alex they'll just have to take it one day at a time. Alex and Wade have another talk. Wade has a good question. Who is he sealed to? Alex reminds him, despite the circumstances of his birth, because both his parents repented and came back to the church, he was still born under the covenant. Let God take care of the technicality of who Wade is actually sealed to.
Before they can get any further, Donald and Susan return from the temple. Jane calls from the hospital where it is her turn tonight to sit with Barrett. Donald and Alex give Wade a blessing. Then they all congregate to the kitchen where Susan serves the men some cake.
Chapter 14
Over cake and milk, Susan naively inquires how Wade cut his wrist like that?
On a box cutter, they answer.
Well, accidents will happen, she says.
Um, it wasn't by accident.
Oh.
(You poor thing!)
Wade again admits he's grateful to have a place to sleep tonight other than his lonely, one bedroom. Alex shows Wade to his room. Next day, he makes some calls to arrange for Wade to stay a few days at a suicide treatment facility. Wade has no objection to this, agrees seeking help including counseling might be a good idea.
On a box cutter, they answer.
Well, accidents will happen, she says.
Um, it wasn't by accident.
Oh.
(You poor thing!)
Wade again admits he's grateful to have a place to sleep tonight other than his lonely, one bedroom. Alex shows Wade to his room. Next day, he makes some calls to arrange for Wade to stay a few days at a suicide treatment facility. Wade has no objection to this, agrees seeking help including counseling might be a good idea.
Neil will, of course, be covering all the expenses.
Alex and Wade drive back over to Wade's apartment so Alex can help him clean the place up while Wade packs a bag with everything he'll need during his stay at the facility. A day or two later, Alex stops by to visit. He meets first with the doctor who is treating Wade. The male doctor suggests it might be a good idea to have Wade's parents...ALL of them...come in for a big group therapy session with Wade. Alex goes to Wade's room who agrees while this should be a very interesting, if not awkward, meeting, he has no objections. It's a start. They will do it tomorrow, Alex tells him.
Chapter 15
Wade is pacing the floor when Alex finds him the next day in the conference room. He suggests they say a prayer and Wade is able to relax enough to ask after Barrett. Neil and Roxanne then Brad (so THAT's his name!) and Marilyn are shown in. Everyone stands around trying very hard not to make eye contact. Now that everyone's all here, the doctor invites everyone to sit down and they begin the discussion.
Neil repeats his old speech about mistakes and regrets, ending with how grateful he was to learn he had another son. Brad adds he feels partly responsible for driving his wife into the arms of another man. Roxanne vouches for Neil-he's come a long way. Marilyn has nothing to say except how sorry she is for not making more of an effort to inform Neil of the baby and that she's ready to take full responsibility for her poor choices, including Wade's suicide attempt.
Then the doctor (who is also an LDS stake president) poses an interesting question: if Marilyn had contracted a fatal STD-like AIDS-passing it on to Wade who was now fighting to stay alive, how would she be feeling now? Marilyn says she'd rather God took her than Wade.
Suddenly she gasps and everyone stares as Marilyn remembers. After she found out she was pregnant, she tried to take her own life by slitting her wrist. She pulls back her sleeve. Wade is so shocked by the irony, he has to leave the room with Alex so they can discuss this new development privately. They return where Wade has a valid question for his mother. When she met with the church court to discuss her sin and possible excommunication, did they know about the baby? They did. And all, including Marilyn (and later Brad) agreed that Wade should not be told until later. Everyone felt peace over the decision. That all would be revealed in God's own timetable. Marilyn was excommunicated but she later repented, she and Brad got counseling and their children-ALL of them-grew up never knowing the story of the prodigal parents.
Marilyn did make every effort to find Neil but all her letters were returned, unopened. She even called Ruth, who was sympathetic but still bitter over her deadbeat husband who never left a forwarding address and she didn't really care. Marilyn couldn't really blame her. She had Wade and decided if the opportunity ever came to tell Neil, she would. Meanwhile, it was her deepest desire that this terrible truth remain hidden forever.
Neil fills in the blanks. After Marilyn left him to go back to Brad and try again, he moved out of state to stay with a male friend, find himself, but spiraled down into his own attempted suicide. Checked himself into a psych ward and lost track of time. He emerged a changed man, got his old job back which took off, continued counseling, met with his bishop, met Roxanne and, with the money from his job rolling in, began a new life; never looking back. That's why no one could find him. (And why he never bothered to contact Marilyn?)
Wade is first to excuse himself, apologizing again for all the grief his existence has brought to everyone in this room and leaves. Everyone thanks Alex, who promises to continue his watchful lookout for Wade.
Chapter 16
Back at the hospital, Barrett is not getting any better. Another bone marrow transplant is needed but there's no matching donor at present. The doctor tells Alex and Jane to prepare themselves for the worst. Jane does NOT take this news well. After ranting, raving and cursing God, while Alex can only cower in the corner in disbelief at this stranger screaming she's now an atheist who wants nothing more to do with the church, Jane grabs her purse and leaves the room. Alex prays harder than he's ever prayed in his life before the spirit knocks him upside the head. The place Alex needs to be right now is not here at the hospital with his unconscious son in the next room, but with his WIFE.
Jane locked herself in the master bedroom. Alex pounds at the door until she admits him. They hold each other and cry. Alex returns to spend the night with Barrett. He's just settling in when a doctor pops into the room to announce they've found another bone marrow transplant donor. A perfect match. Would Alex like to meet him?
And Wade steps into the room.
Jane starts hyperventilating after Alex tells her. Alex calls Marilyn who is so glad Alex told her this. The operation is done. Alex visits Wade in his hospital room. Wade is tired but feeling much better about everything. Just think, if Wade had actually succeeded in taking his own life, he would've missed this miraculous opportunity to give life.
Chapter 17
Exiting Wade's room, Alex runs into Marilyn and they have a nice chat about Wade's progress. Alex truly believes one day Wade will find peace over this issue. She comes with him next door to Primary Children's to meet Jane and Barrett, who is being given Wade's bone marrow as they speak. They watch anxiously as the bag is hooked up to Barrett's IV line. All they can do now is wait and pray.
Returning to Wade's room. Alex finds him reading the Bible, New Testament, the story of the woman taken in adultery. They have another long conversation about accountability and choices and forgiveness. Both agree, while Brad and Marilyn made some poor choices, they still turned out to be good people; worthy of respect, even admiration.
Wade gasps, suddenly recalling an incident from his youth. He'd forgotten all about it until now! He couldn't have been more than thirteen when he ventured out of his room late one night after everyone else had gone to bed. He'd been doing his own personal scripture study and had come across a passage he wanted to share with his parents; that's the kind of relationship they had. He stopped short when he heard them talking in the front room-about him! What a good son he was. How blessed they felt, having Wade in their family and that bringing him into their home, Brad's acceptance of them both, meant so much to Marilyn. Smiling to beat the band, young Wade returned to his room-rejoicing.
All of the subtleness of this conversation had gone right over young Wade's head at the time, but now-he understands! Both men marvel over how blessed Wade was to have such goodly parents. Wade exits and Alex knows he's just been witness to another incredible Anita Stansfield miracle.
Feeling very weary, Jane returns to the house one evening, ready to call it a day when the phone rings. It's Sister Lamb from the stake activities committee who just realized while this book is called A Time to Dance, we're on page 306 and, so far, there's been NO DANCING! Well, Sister Lamb is planning a stake activity of dinner and dancing (just for married couples, mind you, singles need not apply) and wanted to include some kind of classy floor show. She heard Jane and Alex used to tear it up on the dance floor in their younger years and is calling to remedy that.
Swallowing her fury, Jane tactfully tells Sister Lamb just what she can do with her wholesome evening of fun and dancing while children are dying in hospital beds. This really isn't a good time for her. Sister Lamb understands. Jane hangs up, goes to her room, and cries herself to sleep.
Chapter 18
One night, Wade stops by the house where Alex is alone with the sleeping kids. Wade happily informs him he's spent the past week or so becoming a new man-he met with his bishop to renew his temple recommend and they had a good talk, then he went to see his parents and they reconciled. Now he's here to request Alex come with him to see Neil. Alex calls Neil instead who comes right over.
Father and son embrace, weeping on each other's necks. At last! Wade has finally found peace. Wade ends up spending the night at the house. Next day, he and Alex go to the hospital both to check on Barrett's progress and to give Jane a blessing. She's been so melancholy and despondent everyone's been worried about her. Jane agrees to the blessing. Wade is the mouthpiece. Jane is blessed with peace and hope that everything will work out. Jane is also counseled on the importance to take some time, during this busy and stressful period of her life, for herself (meaning she really should accept that invite to participate in that stake dinner floor show). Alex totally gets this as it was only a few nights ago he also received a phone call from Sister Lamb, prompted by the spirit to ask again. Alex promised to talk to Jane first before agreeing to anything.
When Alex confesses this information, Jane is furious-why is everyone ganging up on her like this?! Her son could die any minute and they expect her to put on her dancing shoes and put on a show!? Alex calms her down and talks her into agreeing. Jane is still reluctant and for the next few days is quiet but her anger seems to have left her. Alex thinks this is a good sign.
Chapter 19
Because this is supposed to be an LDS romance novel, Alex surprises Jane with a romantic "date night" rehearsal at the church where they'll have the gym all to themselves to first share an indoor picnic on the stage before changing their shoes and getting down to Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" (good choice) and "Stones" by Neil Diamond (not so good choice). Don't worry, they won't be using these selections in their actual performance, this is just for warming up.
The next CD plays more non-traditional music-African and Indian. Alex encourages Jane to freestyle, just "go for it," like their old dance instructor used to have them do during practice. Jane starts to get into it and Alex can tell she's affected by the atmosphere. They twirl, tango, step together as if they were one. How can Jane not notice the intensity in Alex's eyes as he looks at her. He reminds her how beautiful she is, that he's never been more deeply in love with her than right now at this time in their lives.
Jane shatters.
Alex catches her before she can collapse to the painted gym floor where Jane cries so hard, Alex has to instruct her in Lamaze breathing so she won't hyperventilate. Alex kisses her. Since the music is still playing, he urges her up into one last dance. The light is back in Jane's eyes. Looks like the date was a success.
Wade stops by again a few nights later. He got a job. School and classes will be starting up again and he won't be quitting this time. Life is good. Later that evening at the hospital, Alex and Jane enjoy this rare time to themselves and turn on the TV while Barrett continues to sleep. They find a non-LDS Christian movie playing about the life of Jesus as told through Mary's perspective. Jane sniffles as she gets the connection between Mary, mother of the Savior who also had to endure watching her Son suffer and her own trial. Alex reminds her Jesus will carry her through this and leaves the room, feeling God led them to watch this TV movie tonight in order to help Jane find peace. God truly works in mysterious ways. (While they move in "Mysterious Ways?" Seriously, when this book came out in 2006 U2's lead guitarist, The Edge, had to cancel a few shows during the recent tour after his seven-year-old daughter was diagnosed with...wait for it...leukemia! Coincidence? I think not.)
Chapter 20
Alex and Jane have another rehearsal "date" at the church before going to the hospital. They talk in the car about this trial and how important it is, as parents, to remember to put themselves and their marriage first while relying on God to heal their son, putting their faith in Him that Barrett will be allowed to live a full life.
A few days later, Alex uses his lunch break to meet Wade outside in his car where he drives them both to an LDS bookstore. Wade wants to buy a special gift of artwork for Marilyn but wants Alex's input. They listen to Collective Soul's (finally a decent group!) "Reunion" while they chat.
(Really? A sleepy b-side song when they could be rocking out to "Precious Declaration." How lame can you get?)
The purchase is some framed art of the woman taken in adultery. Wade hopes it won't offend Marilyn if he gives it to her. On the contrary. Alex thinks it the perfect way to show acceptance and forgiveness. Wade wants to do this with all his family present, specifically, the first Sunday of next month as they've started a tradition of gathering for a big family dinner and special FHE. Wade is going to volunteer to give the lesson, then he can present the gift. He hopes Alex will come too, if only for the moral support. Alex wouldn't miss it.
The painting probably looks something like this:
(screen shot courtesy www.art.com featuring a huge gallery of lovely religious artwork)
Back at the hospital, Barrett is still somewhere far away, among the unconscious. All he does is sleep and when he is awake it's like he's not even there. Again, all they can do is watch and pray.
Fast Sunday arrives. Alex and Wade meet up so they can drive to Marilyn and Brad's together for the big FHE get-together.
Chapter 21
Wade's family consists of-Mom and Dad, Sadie and her husband Ted (they left the kids at home), David and his wife (they also left their kids at home), Lance (his wife is expecting), and Robin is home for the weekend visiting from BYU. We already know Wade. Brian still lives at home (he's the one who got in a car accident and is currently rebelling against everything).
They eat roast beef and mashed potatoes. Brian makes a snide remark about Alex "the doctor" being invited here for no good reason. Is this some kind of intervention for him? Jeez, people! Wade corrects him, explaining Alex's connection to the family which shuts Brian up.
Marilyn tries to ease the awkwardness by asking Alex how his sick little son is doing? Everyone's attitude immediately changes, especially when Wade's important role is revealed by Alex. Everyone helps with clearing the table, doing the dishes and cleaning up before going into the living room area for the lesson.
There's lots of emotional hugging, crying and frequent pauses to vent during Wade's long monologue about Marilyn's BIG SIN (unhappy as the event must be...we may draw from it this useful lesson: that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable;..that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful) and the resulting peace that can be found by all if they study the scriptures and examine their own hearts. Just like in the New Testament story of the woman taken in adultery.
Then Wade pulls out the wrapped package and all are moved after she opens it. More hugs and tears as all the children apologize for casting stones when they were the real sinners. Marilyn's betrayal to the family can finally be put in the past. Never fear, gentle reader, all is forgiven.
Alex notes the mood over dessert is much lighter than it was during dinner. Alex and Wade can't wait to tell Neil what a fantastic success this evening was and the progress that was made tonight at the Morrison home.
Chapter 22
Barrett grows worse, if that's even possible, but this time, Jane remembers her scriptures and the priesthood blessings she's received, the counsel from the doctors about being prepared to accept the worst, to just let it go and trust in God. Blood tests show the graft is taking. Then, that same day, a dramatic turnaround. Alex and Jane realize Barrett's eyes are not only open but he is AWAKE! Responsive! He knows them and his eyes sparkle as they ask him how he's feeling today? Barrett's weak smile give them hope enough to ask, what would Barrett like to do first when he's feeling well enough to leave the hospital? To their utter astonishment, in a raspy voice, Barrett requests a trip to the zoo. Alex and Jane weep tears of joy. Their son is on the mend!
Later, Barrett is cuddling in Alex's lap when he reveals some important information he received from Grandma and Grandpa. No, not Neil and Roxanne his OTHER grandparents: Ruth (Barrett's "angel grandma") and Jane's father (the grandpa from California, Walter). It would appear their special little boy was allowed a brief visit to the spirit world where those who had gone before him told him he needed to stay on earth so he could grow up, get baptized and serve a mission. Just then, Wade comes rushing in. He heard the news but not the full details. Relieved his nephew is no longer at death's door he is very pleased to finally meet Barrett who thanks him for his lifesaving bone marrow. An instant bond forms between the two.
Wade observes one of Jane and Alex's rehearsals at the church. The two numbers they will be performing are coming together well. Barrett is released from the hospital and comes home to resume daily life while regaining his strength. His feeding tube is removed, his hair is growing back and he is feeling well enough to join the rest of the family for the big night at the stake dinner, floor show and couples slow dance.
In their rented costumes of evening wear (tux and tails for Alex, two gorgeous, sequined, gowns for Jane) Jane and Alex bring down the house with their waltz number. A clogging group performs while they change for the rumba but before they perform, Alex takes the microphone to say a few words: while preparing for this special evening their personal lives have been wrought with stress. Alex takes this opportunity to thank their ward and stake family for all the support during Barrett's illness. Alex is holding Barrett while he speaks so all can see the recovery he's made and the miracle their family has experienced during this time of mourning, however, tonight is truly, as the scripture says, "a time to dance."
And dance they do.
Along with the kids, the entire family is here, too-Neil and Roxanne, Susan and Donald. Even Wade came and (since it would be pretty awkward) he brought a girlfriend nobody knew about! They've only been dating for ten days. Her name is Elena and the two are clearly in love. While all the happily married couples at this event slow dance, Alex and Jane speculate an announcement from Wade very soon and that these two young fools will probably end up just like them.
Chapter 23
The entire family enjoys a trip to the zoo. Uncle Wade pulls his favorite nephew in a rented wagon. A perfect day to celebrate life.
Just as Alex and Jane predicted, Wade calls one day to announce the wedding date. He and Elena will be married in the Salt Lake Temple before Wade is scheduled to start medical school back East.
Not long after that, Alex is summoned to one of the ER exam rooms by a smirking nurse who reports this particular patient specifically requested Dr. Alex Keane.
It's Jane, of course. She had a little accident. Nothing fatal just needs a few stitches which gives them some time to be alone together, now that life has become even more busy and hectic than it was during Barrett's illness They reminisce about the first time they met before making out on the exam table; that's when a new nurse walks in on them. Alex is quick is explain and everyone has a good chuckle.
Wade and Elena are married in one of the sealing rooms which is attended by all. Neil sits next to Alex while Brad and Marilyn take their rightful places in the witness chairs as the parents of the groom.
Epilogue
It's Barrett's baptism day! As he is expected to make a full recovery, Alex and Jane rejoice in their son's health and happiness. They welcome all the family and friends who made this special trip to witness an equally special event.
A big backyard barbecue at the house is enjoyed by all afterwards. Alex mans the grill, kids run wild, while the grown-ups visit and eat. Wade and Elena are currently living here at the house and Elena is already expecting their first child. Jane is also expecting. The two woman pose for a humorous "baby bump" picture (the kind nobody wants to see on Facebook). Alex cuddles his son on his lap, marveling. God has been very good to them, indeed.
THE END
If you would like to donate to the treatment of childhood leukemia, donations may be sent to Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation...
Epilogue
It's Barrett's baptism day! As he is expected to make a full recovery, Alex and Jane rejoice in their son's health and happiness. They welcome all the family and friends who made this special trip to witness an equally special event.
A big backyard barbecue at the house is enjoyed by all afterwards. Alex mans the grill, kids run wild, while the grown-ups visit and eat. Wade and Elena are currently living here at the house and Elena is already expecting their first child. Jane is also expecting. The two woman pose for a humorous "baby bump" picture (the kind nobody wants to see on Facebook). Alex cuddles his son on his lap, marveling. God has been very good to them, indeed.
THE END
If you would like to donate to the treatment of childhood leukemia, donations may be sent to Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation...
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