Emotion swam and churned, and I glanced down at my boy, who was still swaying at my side.
It was easy to find my strength in his bravery.
“I’m not sure there could have been anything to prepare me for learning that he had a severe heart defect. Nothing that could have been said to prepare me for the moment I was told my tiny newborn would need to be flown to another state to undergo emergency surgery to save his life. And there was absolutely nothing that could have equipped me for the devastating news just months later that if he were to live, he would need a heart transplant.”
Evan shifted at my side, and I glanced down at him to find him smiling this smile that was so full of love that it nearly bowled me over.
He’s the reason I dream.
I looked back to the crowd. “My son might have been born with a heart defect, but it most definitely didn’t change the size of it. He’s the most genuine, caring little boy I have ever known, and for all the years I can remember since he learned to sign, he’s said prayers at night, hoping that no more babies would be born with bad hearts.”
I cleared the lump from my throat, so in awe of my child.
For what he’d gone through.
For what he’d accomplished.
For the incredible person he’d become.
“From those prayers, A Lick of Hope was created. And we share that hope with every lollipop we make.”
A wobbly, grateful smile pulled to my mouth. “That hope is spread with every lollipop that is purchased and every donation that comes in. Because we will never give up hope that one day, no child will have to go through the pain and struggles my son has gone through. That no parent will ever have to hear the words that their child may not make it through the night. That, through research, congenital defects will be easily repaired, and maybe someday . . . someday . . .”
Someday.
The words stumbled on my tongue and my gaze fumbled to Kale at the very back.
The man just a silhouette.
The most profound thing I’d ever seen.
I finally managed to find my words again. “That maybe someday they won’t exist at all. We couldn’t do it without every five-dollar lollipop we sell or the amazing donations and contributions that come in every day. So, thank you . . . thank you for your support. And if you’re so inclined, we have some of those handmade lollipops available in the auction tonight. Each one is made with love and our gratitude to you.”
I stepped back, and applause broke through the room. But my sight was sealed on the man. On his slow, sad smile. The pride behind it.
Then he turned and disappeared out the door.
And I wanted to hate him and hold him. Scream and drop to my knees.
Instead, I fumbled back to my table.
Evan climbed onto his seat and turned to me, confusion and anger and hope billowing across his precious face. HE CAME BACK.
My mouth trembled because I had no idea what that meant. Why he’d done what he did.
But hope, it blistered and radiated and beat.
So intense, I kept shifting on my seat, struggling not to come out of my skin as I listened as the next charity head was introduced then the next and the next until finally the auction was opened. The guests filtered out into the next room to bid on vacations and diamonds and a donated car.
And our small offering.
A thousand lollipops.
As everyone filtered out, I looked to my son, who was clearly growing sleepy. I ran my fingers through his hair before I signed, ARE YOU READY TO GO HOME, SWEET BOY?
Yes, he mouthed before giving me a tired grin, and the smile I returned was adoring. Because I was so proud and happy, even though there was a huge part of me that was feeling brittle.
Those broken pieces moaning at the sight of Kale.
The man who’d changed everything.
Who gave me the greatest gift and then stole what could have been.
“Let’s go,” I said, offering my hand, Jenna at my side. We said our goodbyes to Dr. Krane and his wife before we headed up the aisle.
Jenna sidled up to me. “Oh, Harley Hope, you are in so much trouble, my friend.”
Trouble.
I’d always known he’d be.
“That man does know how to make an entrance, doesn’t he, standing up there looking that way. Mmm . . . all that deliciousness. Think that man sent every woman here into a swoon.”
She fanned herself. “He does not fight fair. One look, and he knew you’d be nothin’ but putty in those big ol’ hands.”
“Stop it,” I scolded her under my breath, stepping out into the courtyard that fronted the conference building. “He just wanted to be here to support A Lick of Hope. That’s all. He left me, Jenna. He left us. Let’s just leave it at that, okay?”