DECISIONS
OF THE HEART
BY: ANNIEO
Chapter Four-B
Birthday Wish
Conrad left the room after Jarred had fallen into a sound sleep, glancing around the waiting room, he noticed that Shana was not there. “Patrick, where did Shana go?”
“She went home to get some of Jarred’s things for him.” He answered “Although I’m not sure why, there sending him home first thing in the morning.”
“Thanks Patrick,,” He dashed out of the hospital and caught a cab over to Shana’s house. He quietly entered the house and heard movement back in Jarred’s room. “Shana?”
She turned at the sound of her name, her face composed in a blank expression. “Conrad, how is Jarred?” She asked in an unemotional voice.
“He was sleeping when I left, Shana, what are you doing?” He gestured to the boxes scattered around the room.
“Packing,” She replied flatly.
“I can see that. Why are you packing?”
“Because Jarred is going home with you.” She answered matter-of-factly
He grabbed her hand and stopped her from placing more clothes into a box. “What are you talking about?”
She pulled her hand out of his “He wants to go with you, he deserves to be with you.” She piled more cloths into the box.
“Shana, stop.” He grabbed the box away from her, his temper flaring. “Just listen to me for one second.” She motioned for him to speak, “I don’t want to take Jarred from you, he needs his mother.”
“He needs a father.” She interrupted, “He needs to know you, more then he needs me.” She finished the last in a whisper.
“I will not do this Shana, no matter how much you want me to. I will not take him away from everything he knows. It’s not fair to him or you.”
“What about you? What’s fair for you?” She slowly sat on the bed, her expression changing to one of sadness., “I heard what Jarred asked you at the hospital, I know what he wants.”
“Shana, I don’t want to tear apart what you have here. “ He sat beside her on the bed. “I would also like to get to know Jarred, but not like this. He is you’re son first and foremost, nothing will ever change that..”
She leaned into him, “How do you want to solve this then? He wants to be with you.”
“I know, and I can think of one way to do it, Jarred can come with me, but only if his mother does to.”
“Conrad?” She looked at him confused
“I’ve been doing some thinking, since I got your letter and I don’t want to loose you again Shana, you or Jarred.” He reached into his jacket pocket. “This was my Grandmother’s.” He handed her a small box
Shana slowly opened the box and let out a small gasp at the ring it held. “Conrad, I don’t….”
“Wait,” he stood up from the bed and got down on one knee. “Shana O’Hara I would be honored if you would consent to be my wife.”
She was speechless, all she could do was let the tears fall and nod her head in acceptance. “That is if Dad and Jarred will consent.” She said when she finally found her voice.
“No worry there.” They jumped at the voice behind them. “What are you waiting for kiss the girl” Patrick teased from the doorway, and Conrad was all to willing to comply.
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“You ready to go home?” Shana asked Jarred as she reentered the hospital room the next morning..
“Yes, it is so boring here Mom.”
Shana chuckled at her son, “Before we go Conrad and I need to ask you something.”
“Ok,”
“Well, first how would you like to go live in New York State?” Conrad asked
“You mean leave Grandpa, and everyone else?”
“We’ll come and visit on holidays and they can come up any time they want.” Shana said as she sat down next to Jarred on the bed.
“We’ll?” Jarred looked at his mother, “You’re coming to?”
“Well, we thought that is if it’s ok with you. That maybe you would like to have a real family.”
“You mean a Mom and Dad? Like the other kids at school?”
“Yes, Conrad asked me to marry him, but that’s only if…..” She never got to finish
“Do I!” He jumped off the bed and grabbed his Mother in a hug, “This is the best birthday present I ever had.” He ran over and hugged Conrad pulling his mother with him.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.” She said as she smiled at Conrad. “Come on let’s go home.”
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To Be Continued
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