The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

51 - Dad

Baxter awoke with his face against Ivy's neck. Thanks to a soft, warm body, he had slept. It was early, as he slid out of bed and into the shower. He planned to visit his father, knowing his mother never left the house early. Amelia had to look perfectly presentable before she even left her bedroom. Ivy was naturally beautiful without effort. Oddly, he didn't know if the same was true for his mother. Even as a child, he never saw her without makeup. Regardless, he would use her beauty routine to his advantage.

Not even Charles was at his post when Baxter left into the waiting car. He hired a car, not wanting to take the driver from his mother. The dark streets were quiet, and the ride didn't take long. He approached the elevator bank with purpose.

Because doctors had early rounds, he knew his father would be awake. As Baxter approached his room, he heard talking. He had arrived in time to see the doctor.

The physician looked up. "Early bird."

Baxter smiled. "Guilty. Dad, how are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling like I want to go home."

"Not so fast. We want to run some tests first."

Baxter frowned. "Has anything changed since yesterday?"

"Nothing specific, but call me thorough. I'll let you visit while I move on to other patients."

Baxter smiled. "I like him."

"I might too if I wasn't chained to this bed. It's degrading."

Baxter wondered how he relieved himself with all the wires attached. He would never ask. It was too personal for a Kane.

"About yesterday."

"Dad, it's okay."

"How did you know?"

Baxter sighed. "One day, I went looking for you when you were on a walk after five and saw you together. Ironically, for a while, I thought Ellie might have been Ivy's mother."

"Why would you?"

"Ellen had a first love who chose family obligations over her. She told Ivy she knew you a long time ago."

"I can't imagine how."

"Dad can't you understand. I love her as much as you love Eleanor."

He stared at his son. "Who have you told?"

"Ivy knows. You can trust us both. She cares about Eleanor."

"It's mutual. She..." He frowned.

"Why did you hurt her?"

"Isn't it the right thing to do?"

"Yes. No. As unfair it is to Mother, I understand love. Blame it on the cross, but I will always love Ivy."

"Your mother is punishing you for my actions."

"Why would she want history to repeat itself? Did she make you stop seeing Ellie?"

"No, Ellie did. She wants me to support you."

His words lay heavy on Baxter's chest. Eleanor gave up the man she loved for his and Ivy's happiness."

"Have you? Have you always seen her? Even when we were young?"

He shook his head. "Not at first, but towards the end of her unhappy marriage. It started slowly, once a quarter."

"Like a board meeting?" Baxter tried to joke. He suspected his father needed to unburden himself.

"Not quite. It stayed like that for years. Everything changed after my heart attack. Life suddenly looked shorter."