One Night Stand With My Husband’s Brother

When Mackenzie’s eyes opened, a familiar pair of overt hazel eyes were staring down at her, audible sounds of remorse escaping his lips. The sight, although blurry, she could note the familiar lines of wrinkles around his eyes.

With a strangled breath, she uttered, “Pops?”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Although she wasn’t certain if that possibility was correct, who among her in-laws had bushy gray hair and deep wrinkles on their face with a generous amount of white hair around their mustache and jawline? Not only that, this man smelt a lot like natural strawberries and grapes, something only a fruit farmer like her father would smell like.

The sob of the man halted on hearing her voice, and when he stared down at her face, he broke down into another round of sobs.

“Mackenzie! My daughter!” The next thing she knew, he leaned in, hugging her gently, his tears dropping onto her face.

Mackenzie was surprised.

The voice really sounded like her father. She’d recognize that gruff voice anywhere.

But…

The last thing she remembered was her heart rate going down. Why was she alive? And why was her old man here?

“Do you know how shocked I was?!” Her father yelled after parting from the hug.

“Pops, is it really you?” Mackenzie said hesitantly, touching her head that was wrapped in white silky smooth but firm clothing.

Why was it there?

Why did her head hurt?

What if seeing her father right now was just a dream?

After all, it was impossible for her father to be here. She didn’t even call him; how could he be here?!

“Why shouldn’t I be here?! Every month you send me money and assure me not to worry about you. So, why are you here in the hospital? Why do your eyes look so sorrowful, and why did you think it was a good idea to face this alone?”

“Dad…”

Mackenzie now recognized the rugged face before her; indeed, this was her father, standing right here.

“If it wasn’t for your husband’s call, I wouldn’t even know you were sick and struggling at the hospital! Honestly, Mackenzie, has the city turned you into an ungrateful child? Since when did you think it was acceptable to keep such significant secrets from me?”

“Father!”

His familiar presence brought waves of relief and comfort. Mackenzie couldn’t resist sitting up on the bed, extending her arms to embrace her father tightly, wrapping him in a heartfelt hug.

“Pops! It’s really you!” she exclaimed as her voice wavered, tears streaming down her face. She held onto him tightly, as though fearing he might vanish in an instant.

“Of course, my child,” he replied, his tone softer as he tenderly patted her back.

“I’ve missed you so much, dad,” she sobbed. “I was terrified I might never see you again.”

“That’s my sentiment, Mackenzie,” he responded with a tinge of sadness. “When your husband phoned, he wasn’t sure you’d pull through. You truly gave us a terrible fright.”

“I’m sorry, dad,” Mackenzie expressed regretfully as she released him from the embrace.

“Don’t dwell on it. I’m just incredibly relieved that you’re alright, my dear.”

The door swung open, interrupting the father-daughter reunion.

“Oh my goodness, Mackenzie!” Eleanor exclaimed with enthusiasm as she entered, accompanied by Doctor Paul and Jeffrey.

“You’re awake! Thank goodness you’re alright. You had us all so worried,” Jeffrey added with a subdued tone.

Mackenzie looked over at her mother-in-law and then at Jeffrey who was staring back at her, his face devoid of any meaningful expression. The last person to enter the room was Richard, her father-in-law. On seeing her, he let out a sigh of relief.

Mackenzie felt glad to see him. He’d always been nice to her.

“Let’s take a look,” Doctor Paul approached Mackenzie and listened to her heartbeat through his Stethoscope.

“Your heart rate and pulse seems stable now,” Doctor Paul said, keeping his back straight to scan the report he’d just brought back with him from the lab. “Your vitals are also functioning well but we will need to keep you at the hospital for at least a week to monitor how you do.”

“Please do everything you can to make sure my daughter is well,” Mackenzie’s father said to the doctor.

“Don’t worry sir, I believe your daughter will recover. She has you, her father here, and her inlaws, to offer her all the moral support she needs.”

There was a pleasant nod from Mackenzie’s father.

“But Mackenzie, you gave us quite the scare you know.” Doctor Paul said humorously.

“Sorry to worry you all,” Mackenzie said with a smile.

“Well, I’m glad you’re fine now. I should take my leave now, please excuse me,” Doctor Paul said before walking out the door.

“Mr. Axford,” Mackenzie’s father suddenly said, his tone serious yet polite. “I have something to tell you,”

Mackenzie was curious. She’d never heard her father sound so urgent.

“What is that?” Richard asked kindly.

“After my daughter receives her aftercare here as the doctor recommended, I’m taking her back home with me to North Dakota.”

There was a full moment of silence before Eleanor let out a scream of disbelief.

“WHAT?!”

“I understand that this may be hard on you because you’ve all been treating my daughter as your own and I appreciate you for all that, but I think the city noise of Greensville has taken a toll on her. I need to bring her back home to her roots where she can relax and not worry about anything.”

“Father…” Mackenzie sniffled, wiping the tears that had just rolled down her cheeks.

“Our home in North Dakota is peaceful. The neighbors are kind and the food is fresh. I have a farm of my own where I grow fruits and vegetables as well… I’m very certain that I can take adequate care of my daughter. She doesn’t have to work, I’ll provide for her and give her anything she wants. No one is more important to me than my daughter and I love her so much.”

Richard sighed and nodded, “Although I love Mackenzie very much as I would my own daughter, I think she would do better if she’s with you in North Dakota. So yes, I agree with you, Mr. Frank.”

Mackenzie’s father wiped the single tear that’d trailed down his cheek and with a bowed neck, he said, “Thank you very much, Mr. Axford.”

***A WEEK LATER

“Congratulations, Mrs. Mackenzie Axford. You appear as vibrant as ever,” Doctor Paul exclaimed, a wide grin lighting up his face, and Mackenzie couldn’t help but return the smile.

“Thank you so much, Doctor Paul, for everything you’ve done.”

“I was simply fulfilling my duty, Mrs. Axford,”

“Mrs. Axford, has the nurse administered the prescribed medication?”

“Yes, doctor,” Mackenzie replied. A nurse had already provided her with a set of pills along with the prescription.

“That’s excellent. If you experience any discomfort, be sure to use the medication as directed. In two months, I recommend a follow-up check-up. Please return to the hospital at that time for your examination.”

“Of course, doctor,” Mackenzie agreed.

“Yes, doctor, I’ll make sure to bring her back for the follow-up in two months,” Mackenzie’s father chimed in, joining the conversation with a bundle of her belongings in hand.

“Pops!” She greeted with a delighted smile, pleasantly surprised by his presence.

“I’ll take my leave now.” With a nod, Doctor Paul departed.

“Dad, are you sure you can manage my luggage?” Mackenzie inquired, attempting to assist, but her father brushed off her offer.

“Don’t underestimate me! All the years I spent plowing on the farm aren’t for nothing! You just be a good girl and listen to me. And besides, these bags are super easy to carry.”

“But pops-”

“-Don’t argue with me, just do as I say.”

“Alright pops,” She said obediently. Since when did her father become so insistent?

They walked down the hallway and Mackenzie was checked out of the hospital.

Mackenzie for the first time, felt free and happy like she never had in a long time.

Just being with her father was god-damn refreshing.

As they walked, hand in hand, a nurse called out Mackenzie’s name while rushing toward her and her father.

“What now?” Her father asked as they halted, waiting for the nurse to catch up to them.

The nurse caught up to the father and daughter who both gave her a judging stare for having interrupted their daughter-father moment.

With an awkward chuckle, the nurse lifted the bouquet of pink Camilla flowers in her hand and gave it to Mackenzie.

“Here, this is for you.”

Stunned, Mackenzie glanced between her father and the nurse, her curiosity piqued. “Who sent this?”

“The gentleman didn’t leave his name, but he wanted you to have these beautiful flowers.”

“But… I can’t just accept them without knowing who they’re from-”

“-Oh, you’re overthinking it, Mackenzie.” Her father set down the bags he was carrying, took the flowers from the nurse, and gently placed them in Mackenzie’s hands.

“Thank you,” he nodded to the nurse, who reciprocated the gesture with a polite bow before returning to her duties.

“Dad,” Mackenzie turned to him, her brows furrowing as she inspected the bouquet, “I can’t find any note or tag. These flowers are exquisite, but I’m puzzled about their origin.”

“They are Camellia flowers, my dear,” her father explained, “They symbolize love and affection.”

“But who would send me such an extravagant gift? They must have cost a fortune,” Mackenzie pondered, her fingers brushing against the velvety petals.

“Any sensible man would, Mackenzie. You’re beautiful and kind-hearted. Anyone would be fortunate to have you as an admirer.”

“Dad, I’m married!” Mackenzie protested, her expression faltering as she recalled recent events involving her husband.

Her father sensed her unease and enveloped her in a comforting embrace. “Don’t worry, Mackenzie. I’m here now, and I won’t let anything or anyone harm you. I promise.”

“Pops,” Mackenzie’s voice quivered with emotion.

He pulled back from the hug with a grin and announced loudly, “At this rate, we won’t make it to North Dakota on time. Let’s go!”

“Absolutely, father!” Mackenzie replied eagerly, watching as he grabbed her bags and hastened toward the hospital exit.

“I’ll beat you there, Dad!” She shouted, racing after him with enthusiasm.