29. Buster

TWENTY-NINE

Buster

Monday, October 7

UAB Hospital

9:46 am

I'm sitting in my clinic, reviewing the latest lab results, when the door opens, and James Harrison walks in. He looks remarkably better than the last time I saw him. His second surgery was a success, and seeing him like this brings a sense of satisfaction that's hard to describe.

"James, come on in," I say, standing up to greet him. "How are you feeling?"

James grins a broad smile that lights up his face. "Better than ever, Dr. Hankel. I haven't felt this good in a decade."

We sit down, and I pull up his latest blood work and test results on the computer. "Well, your blood work confirms it. Everything looks excellent. Your recovery is going better than we could have hoped."

James nods, looking relieved. "That's great to hear. I was worried after the first surgery didn't quite do the trick, but I'm glad we went through with the second one."

"You've been a trooper through it all," I reply, feeling a genuine warmth. "It's good to see you doing so well."

James leans forward, his expression turning more serious. "Patty told me about what you did for Maddie. That you saved her with the bone marrow transfusion."

I feel a lump form in my throat. The memory of those intense weeks comes rushing back. "It was a team effort, James. Maddie is a fighter."

James shakes his head, his eyes filled with gratitude. "No, Dr. Hankel. I've been around many doctors and surgeons in my time, but I've never met anyone like you. You didn't just save me; you saved that little girl's life, too. You go above and beyond."

I'm humbled by his words, unsure how to respond. "I just do what I can to help my patients. Maddie is special to me, and I'm glad I could be there for her."

James reaches out and shakes my hand firmly. His eyes are wet, and there are unshed tears in the bottom rim. His genuine appreciation touches me. I never did what I did for any accolades, but I am grateful to hear him say this.

The sincerity in his voice is like a warm hug. "Thank you, James. That means a lot."

As he leaves, I sit back in my chair, reflecting on the journey of the past few months. There have been challenges and tough moments, but I do it to see patients like James and Maddie recover.

James is my father. I saved him. I righted a wrong I perceived as a young man. Nothing I could do then or now could bring my father back. But, somehow, helping James, saving him, makes the pain surrounding his loss a little less.

Unfortunately, I can't save everyone, but the big ones stay with me. James Harrison is a big one. His successful surgery goes much further than one man and one case.

11:17 am

I sneak out of the clinic during a brief lull between patients. The hospital corridors are bustling with activity, but I manage to slip away unnoticed. The short walk to Brewed Awakening is refreshing, a welcome breath of outside air.

It's a beautiful fall day. The crisp air nips at my cheeks, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice from nearby cafes.

As I walk, I appreciate the vibrant reds and golds of the trees lining the street, a stark contrast to the white walls and blue scrubs I'm used to seeing all day. Days like this remind me why I love living in Birmingham, even with its hectic hospital schedule.

The familiar bell chimes as I push open the cafe door. Nelson looks up from behind the counter, his face grinning.

"Dr. Hankel! Good to see you. The usual?"

I nod, smiling back. "Double espresso for me. I should probably know what it is, but please make whatever Cole loves and something for Maddie."

"I got you." As Nelson prepares the drinks, we chat about the cafe. Being here without Cole is strange, but I'm glad to see her hard work paying off even in her absence.

Drinks in hand, I go to Cole and Maddie's condo. The familiar path feels different now, charged with a new significance.

I knock gently on the door, hearing Maddie's laughter from inside. Cole opens it, surprise flickering across her face.

"Buster! What are you doing here?"

I hold up the drinks with a grin. "Thought you could use a pick-me-up. You doing okay?"

"I'm doing great now," she smiles and then caps it off with a tender kiss on my cheek.

"How's our girl doing?"

Cole's eyes soften as she takes her drink. "She's doing great. Come in. She'll be thrilled to see you."

As I step inside, I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest.

I step into the living room, and Maddie's face lights up when she sees me. She's sitting on the floor, surrounded by coloring books and crayons.

"Buster!" she squeals, jumping up and running to me. I kneel to her level, setting the drinks on a nearby table.

"Hey, kiddo! How are you feeling today?" I ask, giving her a gentle hug.

"I'm good! Look what I made!" She grabs my hand and pulls me towards her artwork.

As I admire her colorful creations, I can't help but notice how much stronger she seems. Her cheeks have a healthy flush, and her eyes sparkle with energy. It's a far cry from the pale, tired little girl I saw in the hospital just weeks ago.

"Wow, Maddie! These are amazing. You're quite the artist," I say, genuinely impressed by her drawings.

Cole watches us from the doorway, sipping her drink with a soft smile on her face. I catch her eye, and we share a moment of silent joy at Maddie's progress.

"Do you want to color with me?" Maddie asks, offering me a crayon.

"I'd love to," I reply, settling beside her on the floor.

As we color together, I'm struck by how natural this feels. Maddie chatters away, telling me about her day and favorite TV shows. I listen intently, marveling at her resilience and spirit.

It's hard to believe that we were all in a state of panic and uncertainty just a short time ago. Watching Maddie laugh and create, a sense of peace washes over me. This is what it's all about—these small, precious moments of normalcy and joy.

I think about how quickly my life has changed. It's been a whirlwind from a confirmed bachelor to potentially being a father. But sitting here with Maddie, I can't imagine my life any other way. The love I feel for this little girl is overwhelming, regardless of what any paternity test might say.

I look at Cole, reluctant to leave this cozy scene with her and Maddie. "I hate to go, but I've got a few more patients to see today," I say, getting to my feet.

Cole nods, understanding in her eyes. "Of course. Thank you for stopping by with the drinks. It brightens my day."

I hesitate for a moment, then decide to take the plunge. "Hey, I was thinking... Would you feel comfortable leaving Maddie with one of James and Patty Harrison's girls one night? I'd love to take you out to dinner."

Cole's face lights up, and I feel a flutter in my chest. "Really? That would be wonderful. I'd love a night out."

"Great!" I grin, feeling a surge of excitement. "I saw James this morning, and he mentioned their girls would be happy to help out."

"That's so thoughtful of you, Buster," Cole says, her smile warm and genuine. "I'll give them a call and set it up. It'll be nice to have a night on the town with my handsome knight in shining armor."

I feel my cheeks flush at her words. "Let me know what they say, and you decide. I'll make reservations. I've got a special place in mind."

As I head towards the door, I turn back to Maddie. "See you later, kiddo. Keep up the great coloring!"

Maddie waves enthusiastically. "Bye, Buster!"

I leave their apartment, my heart light and a spring in my step. The prospect of a proper date with Cole has me feeling like a teenager again. It's been a rollercoaster for a few weeks, but tonight, we'll have a chance just to be us—no hospitals, no health scares, just two people enjoying each other's company.

On my walk back to the hospital, I pull out my phone and dial Jake's number, realizing I've been neglecting this part of my life for weeks. As I wait for him to answer, I can't help but feel a sense of dread. The whole situation with Lara has been hanging over my head for so long.

"Buster, good to hear from you," Jake's voice comes through the line.

"Hey Jake, sorry I've been out of touch. It's been... a lot lately. I saw you emailed me last week. It's been busy, to say the least."

"No worries, I understand. I'm glad you called. I've got some news about Lara's response to our filing."

I brace myself, expecting the worst. My hand tightens around the phone, and my heart rate picks up.

After everything that's happened with Lara, I've learned to anticipate only bad news regarding her. It's become a reflex at this point, my body tensing up as if preparing for a physical blow.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself for whatever Jake's about to tell me. "Alright, hit me."

"It's not bad news. Lara's willing to accept your last offer—backing out the value of the lot after the sale and accepting half minus the mortgage, building, and lot cost."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Really? That's... unexpected."

Jake continues, "It's more than you initially wanted to give her, but it's a win. You don't have to drag this out over months or more. You don't have to go to court. We can finally put this behind you."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, processing this information. It's true; it's more than I wanted to give Lara, but the thought of being done with this mess is incredibly appealing. It is worth the cost to buy out the bitch and put her in my rearview mirror.

"You're right," I say. "It's worth it to be done. Let's do it."

"Great, I'll draw up the paperwork, and we can move forward. You'll be free of this in no time. Part of it will include listing the house and waiting for closing, but that can be tied up fairly quickly. Much quicker than the judicial system."

As I hang up, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders—one less complication in my life. Now, I can focus on what really matters—Maddie and Cole.

3:17 pm

As I wrap up with my last patient of the day, Mrs. Johansen, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Usually, I'd ignore it, but given everything that's happened lately, I keep it on me for emergencies.

"Excuse me for just a moment," I say to Mrs. Johansen, who nods understandingly.

I pull out my phone and see a text from Cole. My heart skips a beat, worried it might be about Maddie, but as I read it, I realize it's about our plans for tonight.

Liz Harrison coming at 6:30 to watch Maddie. We're good to go!

Shit! That's in just a few hours! I've been so caught up with patients and the good news about Lara that I completely forgot to make dinner reservations.

"Everything okay, Dr. Hankel?" Mrs. Johansen asks, concern in her voice.

"Yes, yes, everything's fine," I assure her, pocketing my phone. "Now, where were we?"

I finish with Mrs. Johansen as quickly as possible without rushing her care. As soon as she leaves, I'm on my phone, scrolling through my contacts.

I find the number I'm looking for and hit dial. "Hey, Marcus? It's Buster Hankel. Listen, I know it's last minute, but I need a huge favor..."

Marcus owns Ovenbird, one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. We go way back - I removed his appendix a few years ago, and he's always told me to call if I need anything.

"I hate to ask, but are any tables available tonight? Around 7:00 or 7:30?"

There's a pause, and I can hear him checking something. "Man, we're packed solid. Wait... hold on. I might be able to squeeze you in at 8:15. That work?"

I breathe a sigh of relief. "That's perfect, Marcus. Thank you so much. I owe you one."

"Nah, I'll always make it work for you. See you tonight!"

As I hang up, I can't help but smile. Tonight's going to be perfect.

Ovenbird

264 S State Street

8:12 pm

I open the door for Cole as we enter the inviting, lively space. The restaurant's warm, rustic ambiance envelops us immediately. Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and soft, amber lighting create an intimate, sophisticated, and cozy atmosphere.

As we're led to our table, I can't take my eyes off Cole.

She's radiant tonight, wearing a deep blue wrap dress that accentuates her curves and brings out the sparkle in her eyes. Her hair falls in soft waves around her face, and there's a lightness to her step that I haven't seen in weeks. The cocktail we shared before coming here has given her cheeks a rosy glow, and she's practically glowing with happiness.

I feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the Old Fashioned I had earlier. Seeing Cole like this, carefree and joyful, after everything we've been through with Maddie, it's like seeing her for the first time all over again. I squeeze her hand as we sit down, and she flashes me a smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

"This place is amazing, Buster," she says, looking around in awe. "How did you manage to get a reservation on such short notice?"

I wink at her. "I have my ways."

As we peruse the menu, filled with locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, I can't help but marvel at how close I feel to Cole. The trials we've faced together and the vulnerability we've shared have created a bond between us that I've never experienced before. I realize, sitting here in this moment, that I'm falling hard for her.

I consult with Cole on her wine preferences before ordering a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As the waiter pours our glasses, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside me.

"Cole," I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I have some news. Something for us to celebrate."

She looks at me expectantly, her beautiful blue eyes bright with curiosity.

I take a deep breath. "The paternity test results came back this afternoon, just before I left the hospital."

Cole's grip on my hand tightens slightly, her slender fingers intertwining with mine. I can see a flicker of anticipation in her eyes. The candlelight dances across her face, highlighting the subtle tension in her jaw. I feel my pulse quicken, knowing that the next few moments could change everything between us.

"It's confirmed," I continue, my voice filled with emotion. "I am Maddie's father."

For a moment, Cole is silent, processing the information. Her eyes widen slightly, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she absorbs the weight of my words.

Then, a broad smile spreads across her face, lighting up her features in a way that takes my breath away. I see tears forming in the corners of her eyes, glistening in the soft candlelight. My heart races as I watch her reaction, relief and anticipation coursing through me. I've never seen her look quite like this, and it's beautiful and terrifying.

"Oh, Buster," she says softly, squeezing my hand. "I mean, we suspected, but to have it confirmed. I can't think of anything better than to know Maddie will have the best father in the world."

She stands and walks over to me, her eyes never leaving mine. In an instant, her lips crash against mine with an intensity that takes my breath away.

The kiss is full-throated, right in the middle of the room, and I feel my knees go weak. It's not just a kiss but a declaration, an outpouring of emotion that makes me dizzy.

As she pulls me closer, I can taste the salt of her happy tears on her lips. The passion between us ignites, and for a moment, the world fades away until there's nothing but Cole and me, locked in this incredible, life-changing embrace.

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know. It's overwhelming, but in the best possible way."

She takes her seat, wiping under her eyes, and we raise our glasses, clinking them together gently.

"To Maddie," Cole says.

"To our daughter," I add, the words feeling foreign and incredibly right on my tongue.

As we sip our wine, I can't help but marvel at how much my life has changed in such a short time. From a chance encounter at a theme park five years later to becoming a father and falling for an incredible woman—it's more than I ever could have imagined.

"You know," I say, setting down my glass, "I never thought I'd be ready for this. Fatherhood, I mean. But with you and Maddie... it just feels right."

Cole's eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "You've already been amazing with her, Buster. How you stepped up during her illness and have been there for both of us. You're already a wonderful father."