Page 73 of Doubting Hearts

I wiped away the tears flooding my cheeks with tissue from the box. Vincent smiled at me, a ghost of a smile, but it was there. “I believe you have a boyfriend out there waiting for you?”

His words sent a shock through my body. “Boyfriend? Why would you say that?”

He chuckled tiredly. “Toby, the young nurse that was in here earlier told me all about my good-looking son and his very loving boyfriend who was all over him. I know the way the world turns, son. I’ve been in prison most of my life. So, go tell him to come in so I can see the man who’s taking care of my son.” His head leaned back on the pillow, and he closed his eyes. He looked even more exhausted than before.

My head was spinning, but I did what I was told. I moved out to the corridor and waved to Rain, who was pacing up and down the hallway. He was over like a shot.

“Toby? Is everything okay?” He wiped a tear off my cheek with his thumb, his face anxious.

I nodded. “He wants to meet you. Apparently one of the nurses spilled the beans about us anyway.” I pulled him into the ward to face my father. Rain came over and stood beside the bed, compassion for him etched all over his face.

“Sir, I’m sorry we had to meet under these circumstances.”

Vincent gestured feebly with his hand. “That’s life. You’re the man looking after my son? What’s your name?”

“Rain, sir. It’s short for something else. And yes, I love your son. I like to think we take care of each other.” He reached out and took my hand, holding it tight. I stood there, feeling pride in the man at my side and his quiet confidence, and grief that the man in the bed would never get to know either of us properly.

Vincent nodded. “You look like a good man, and if Toby loves you, then that’s good enough for me.” His eyes were closing now, and he was struggling to speak. I let go of Rain’s hand and reached out to gently touch my father’s forehead. It was warm and feverish. His eyes snapped open at my touch.

“You take care of each other, you hear me? Don’t be a fool like me.” His voice trailed off, and his eyes glazed over as he fell asleep. Spittle ran down the corner of his mouth, and I wiped it away gently with a tissue. We stood watching him for a while, but it was evident he wasn’t waking up soon. Rain took my hand, leading me out of the room into the brightly lit hallway. He pulled me close, and I buried my face in his neck, smelling his scent as I sobbed in full view of everyone walking past for what seemed like minutes. I could see the nurses and doctor watching me in sympathy. When I was done, Rain pulled me over into the bathroom.

“I don’t think I’m in the mood, really,” I tried to joke as he bundled me inside.

My lover laughed. “Don’t get too full of yourself. I want you to wash that face of yours.” One eyebrow rose suggestively. “Does that mean I can maybe get you in the mood?”

Despite my inner turmoil, I smiled. Rain had this uncanny knack of making me feel better no matter what.

“No, you arsehole.” I splashed water onto my face to minimize the swollen eyes and tearstained cheeks. I patted my face dry and turned to face him. “More presentable?” I inquired.

He smiled, a dazzling sight that turned my knees to jelly. “Toby, you are always presentable, honey. Now come on. Let’s say cheerio to the doctors and staff and get back home. You need your bed, and me, in that order.”

He gave a wicked smile, disappearing into the corridor. I took one last look at the man in the mirror, fair hair, green eyes, with a straight jawline apparently like my father’s. Then I followed my boyfriend out into the hallway.