Read Online Whispered Confessions (Touched By You) by Emily Jane Trent - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Emily Jane Trent
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I’m now married to a rich man. I’m a target. I should wear a huge bull’s-eye on my shirt.”
“Let’s think. He hasn’t done anything yet that you know of, correct?”
“Not yet. And by the time I find the guy that snapped those pictures, if I find that guy, it will be too late. All it takes is a click of the finger and they go live on the internet.”
“Take a breath. Whoever sent those hasn’t asked for money yet. He is just scaring you. We have time—a little time, anyway. Let me call Tanner. If I know one thing for sure, he knows how to investigate, or has a team that does anyway. He will help us.”
“Okay. I’m not ready to call Dani yet. I have to get myself together.”
Natalie pushed Cheryl’s wine glass closer to her, indicating she should drink. Picking up her cell phone, she dialed Tanner at work.
*****
Before one crisis abated, another rose for Natalie to face. Doctor Gene called to advise her that Emma’s condition had declined. The progression was slow, but expected. Cirrhosis of the liver was incurable, but treatments could minimize the damage and reduce complications. He’d been working with the specialist to that end.
Emma had edema, swollen ankles and legs, and was bruising more easily. The doctor reassured Natalie that these symptoms were common with the disease, and treatable. The good news was that her mother’s disease had not progressed into more severe symptoms, and Natalie breathed a sigh of relief that it was still uncertain if her mother would need a liver transplant. That was the last resort when treatment was no longer effective.
But with the type of treatment she’d received and the appropriate diet her live-in cooked for her, Emma was better than would normally be expected—although symptoms would appear as time went by. The doctor had ordered a change of medication and a diuretic, plus a low salt regimen. As a result, he expected Emma to show improvement.
Natalie thanked the doctor, and the next day went to visit her mother. She tried to get over to see her whenever she could, but having to travel kept her away more than was ideal. Plus her career was demanding. Somehow, she’d see Emma more often.
Martha let her in, and Natalie expressed her gratitude for the good care she provided to her mother. Blushing at the acknowledgement, she ushered Natalie to the kitchen, where Emma was having tea. “Hey, honey, good to see you.” Emma smiled.
Natalie gave her a big hug and joined her for tea. They chatted for hours. Despite Emma’s condition, she continued to sew. It gave her pleasure to help the children. And at church she’d met some other women interested in helping. She was going to set up a sewing group, with the purpose of providing more clothing at the care facilities.
Jazzy had been to see Emma recently too, and her mother talked excitedly about Asher. The prospect of adoption made her eyes sparkle, and Natalie realized what great pleasure it would give her to be a grandmother. “I remember him from that day we all went together. He’s such a sweet boy, and so lucky to have Jazzy and Ellis.”
That was certainly true, Natalie thought. She loved seeing her mother animated and looking forward to life. But Emma had always been like that. Raising her daughters alone, she’d never considered it a burden. Though she’d had to work hard, Emma had only expressed joy toward her family and love for her children. Now, any physical distress was cast aside as she focused on helping others, and on her family, as she always had.
Andre drove her home, and Natalie shooed Sara out of the kitchen. “You go with Andre. We are eating out tonight. Don’t worry about us.”
Wrapping his arm around his sweetheart, Andre said, “I’m taking her for a late dinner. Thanks, Natalie.”
Natalie beamed. She felt like a matchmaker, when all she was doing was giving them some time to be together. Both of them worked hard. Now was their time. She watched them leave then went
“Let’s think. He hasn’t done anything yet that you know of, correct?”
“Not yet. And by the time I find the guy that snapped those pictures, if I find that guy, it will be too late. All it takes is a click of the finger and they go live on the internet.”
“Take a breath. Whoever sent those hasn’t asked for money yet. He is just scaring you. We have time—a little time, anyway. Let me call Tanner. If I know one thing for sure, he knows how to investigate, or has a team that does anyway. He will help us.”
“Okay. I’m not ready to call Dani yet. I have to get myself together.”
Natalie pushed Cheryl’s wine glass closer to her, indicating she should drink. Picking up her cell phone, she dialed Tanner at work.
*****
Before one crisis abated, another rose for Natalie to face. Doctor Gene called to advise her that Emma’s condition had declined. The progression was slow, but expected. Cirrhosis of the liver was incurable, but treatments could minimize the damage and reduce complications. He’d been working with the specialist to that end.
Emma had edema, swollen ankles and legs, and was bruising more easily. The doctor reassured Natalie that these symptoms were common with the disease, and treatable. The good news was that her mother’s disease had not progressed into more severe symptoms, and Natalie breathed a sigh of relief that it was still uncertain if her mother would need a liver transplant. That was the last resort when treatment was no longer effective.
But with the type of treatment she’d received and the appropriate diet her live-in cooked for her, Emma was better than would normally be expected—although symptoms would appear as time went by. The doctor had ordered a change of medication and a diuretic, plus a low salt regimen. As a result, he expected Emma to show improvement.
Natalie thanked the doctor, and the next day went to visit her mother. She tried to get over to see her whenever she could, but having to travel kept her away more than was ideal. Plus her career was demanding. Somehow, she’d see Emma more often.
Martha let her in, and Natalie expressed her gratitude for the good care she provided to her mother. Blushing at the acknowledgement, she ushered Natalie to the kitchen, where Emma was having tea. “Hey, honey, good to see you.” Emma smiled.
Natalie gave her a big hug and joined her for tea. They chatted for hours. Despite Emma’s condition, she continued to sew. It gave her pleasure to help the children. And at church she’d met some other women interested in helping. She was going to set up a sewing group, with the purpose of providing more clothing at the care facilities.
Jazzy had been to see Emma recently too, and her mother talked excitedly about Asher. The prospect of adoption made her eyes sparkle, and Natalie realized what great pleasure it would give her to be a grandmother. “I remember him from that day we all went together. He’s such a sweet boy, and so lucky to have Jazzy and Ellis.”
That was certainly true, Natalie thought. She loved seeing her mother animated and looking forward to life. But Emma had always been like that. Raising her daughters alone, she’d never considered it a burden. Though she’d had to work hard, Emma had only expressed joy toward her family and love for her children. Now, any physical distress was cast aside as she focused on helping others, and on her family, as she always had.
Andre drove her home, and Natalie shooed Sara out of the kitchen. “You go with Andre. We are eating out tonight. Don’t worry about us.”
Wrapping his arm around his sweetheart, Andre said, “I’m taking her for a late dinner. Thanks, Natalie.”
Natalie beamed. She felt like a matchmaker, when all she was doing was giving them some time to be together. Both of them worked hard. Now was their time. She watched them leave then went
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