5

“I’m here.”

The man rubs his hand over his face, then presses his fingers in his eyes as he tries to push back the tears. “What’s happening? I don’t know what is happening?” His voice breaks, and at the same time, my heart cracks. “Where is she?”

“She’s not here, Dad.”

Mr. McKay shakes his head.

“I know, Dad. It’s okay,” Bodi whispers. “You’re okay.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” His weeps cut through me, and I gasp, pressing my hand against my mouth. The sight is heartbreaking, watching how this grown man seems to have completely lost touch with the world around him. The confusion in his words is tangible, and I wish there was something I could do.

“It’s okay, Dad. Don’t worry about it.” I hear how Bodi replies before a nurse moves in my line of sight. She gives me a small yet reprimanding smile.

“I’m sorry, miss. You’re going to have to wait outside.”

“Err,” I croak out, a little flabbergasted. “Yeah, of course.” I tilt my head to look past her. “Bodi? I’ll wait outside.”

He rears his head over his shoulder, and my heart cracks once more when I see how glossed his eyes are.

“No!” he barks, making the nurse’s eyebrows move to her hairline. “She stays.”

“But, sir, at this hour, only family is allowed.”

Clearly not in the mood for a discussion, Bodi’s gaze darkens and his upper lip moves up into a snarl that leaves no room for argument.

“I’m family. And she is with me.”

The nurse takes a step back, conceding by silently offering me to step farther into the room while Bodi turns his attention back to his crying dad. My feet carry me toward him, and without thought, I rest my palm on his shoulder to show him I’m here for him as I hear him sniffle while holding his dad’s hand. It feels completely natural to be there for him in any way I can, feeling special about how he is willing to share this with me. To show me the emotion he feels about his father’s condition.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’m here,” he repeats once more.

Unexpectedly, one of his hands falls over mine and when his gaze moves up to me, I offer him a comforting smile that is matched by one of his own. His father notices my presence, and when he looks up, he wipes his nose with the back of his hand before a grin splits his tear-stained cheeks.

“You brought her again.”

“Yeah, Dad.”

“She’s pretty.”

“You already told her,” Bodi titters, and I let out a chuckle.

As if his grief melts in front of our eyes like snow in the sun, he lifts his chin and gives his son a reprimanding look. “A girl like that? You need to tell she’s pretty every single day or they’ll find someone who will.”

Jokingly, I slap Bodi’s shoulder. “Listen to your father.”

Bodi narrows his eyes at me with a ghost of a smile before he turns his head back to his dad.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I already told her how gorgeous she looks tonight.”

His dad’s eyes move up to mine, asking for confirmation, and I nod with a beaming smile on my face.

“It’s true.”

“Good boy,” he praises.

We all chuckle, including the staff, before Bodi turns serious again.

“You okay now, Dad?”

There is still a lot of sadness in his eyes, but he plasters a smile on, probably for the sake of his son. “No, but I will be.”

“I’m going to talk to the doctor real quick, okay?” Bodi gets up and his green eyes trail to mine.

“Can she stay with me?” his dad asks, making me purse my lips in amusement.

“You want her to stay with you?” That same amusement is shown on Bodi’s lips, and when his dad nods in agreement, he lets out a short laugh. “Sure, she can stay here.”

Bodi’s hand moves up to cup my cheek, and my lips part from his touch.

“Are you okay with that?” It’s unexpected, making my heart swell, and I look into his forest eyes that show me nothing more than affection. I’m used to his craving and hungry looks, but the expression he’s giving me now means even more to me. Like he cares about me.

I drag my teeth over my lip, the scorching feeling of his touch making it hard to focus.

“Of course,” I finally push out while Bodi keeps his gaze on mine. “Go. I’ll entertain your dad.”

A trace of a smile graces his lips as his thumb strokes my cheek once more before he lets go.

“I’ll be right back.” Bodi and the rest of the staff leave the room, and I take a seat on the chair near Mr. McKay.

“Forgive me, darling,” he offers. “I forgot your name.”

“That’s okay. It’s Kayla.”

“Kayla.” He repeats my name as if it’s filled with redemption, and I can’t seem to wipe the grin off my face. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to meet me in my full glory.”

“What do you mean?” I huff. “You’re looking pretty glorious to me!”

“Oh, please, child. We both know my best times are far behind me.”

“Nonsense, you still look amazing!”

“You sound like my wife.” He laughs. “She was always adamant about everything.

“She sounds like fun.” I smirk.

“She was.”

I place my hand over his, offering him a soothing look. “You must really miss her.”

“More than anything.” He has the same green eyes as Bodi’s, but his are now laced with a sadness that seems to have a permanent position. The pain of losing his wife settled deep in his heart like an open wound.

”Is my boy treating you well?” he asks.