Molly's Man (Haven, Texas 4)

“What?”

She swallowed and straightened, staring at him. They were in the park outside the oncologist’s office. It was quiet and peaceful.

Jake sat beside her, sliding his arm around her, and suddenly she felt a lot calmer. He’d been her rock this past week. Organizing their flights back home. Settling her into his place. Arranging this appointment. He’d been there for her through everything. Would he be all right with this?

“Would you be okay if I told him I want them both gone? I want to make sure I have the best chance of making sure it never comes back.”

There was silence. “Jake? Have you got anything to say?”

“Thank fucking God.”

She stared over at him in shock. “What?”

“I don’t want to lose you, baby. If this gives us the best chance of getting rid of that shit in your body, then let’s do it. But you’ll need some sort of counseling. I want you to be sure.”

“All right, I will. I want to do whatever gives me the most chance of living a full life.”

“Don’t do this just for me.”

She smiled and patted his face. “I’m not. Or not just for you. Mostly, I’m doing it for me. I’ll have the counseling, but my mind won’t change. This is what I want.”

15

Molly smiled at her friends as they dug into the cupcakes Lila had brought with her.

“Oh, my God, these are so good,” Lila mumbled around a mouthful of crumbs.

“I hate you,” Laken told her. “Like seriously hate you.”

“What? Me? How could you hate me? I’m the sweet, lovable one of the group.”

“You are?” Savannah asked with a grin as Laken snorted. “What are the rest of us?”

Lila pointed at her. “You’re the slightly crazy, incredibly brave one.” She pointed at Laken. “She’s snarky and so amazingly creative.”

“And me?” Molly asked.

“You’re smart and the voice of reason. Anyone want the last cupcake?”

They all waved at her, and she dived in.

“The reason I hate you is because you can eat and eat and never gain a pound,” Laken complained.

“I’ve had this crazy appetite lately, and when I’m not eating I feel nauseous. It’s so weird.”

All three women stared at her.

“What?” Lila asked, licking a smudge of pink icing from her finger. “Have I got something on my face?”

Molly looked over at the other two. “She really has no clue?”

Laken grinned, and Savannah’s eyes danced.

“What?” Lila asked, her voice growing louder. “What is it? Tell me now.”

“And you’re the quiet, sweet one?” Laken asked dryly.

Lila pointed a finger at her. “I never said quiet. Tell me what I’m missing. Now.”