Until the Last Breath

“So why don’t you?”

I frown up at him. “Are you serious? What kind of question is that?”

“Having Onyx Pleura doesn’t mean you can’t travel. It’s a risk, yeah, but your legs still work, and treatment can go with you. There are ways around it. I’ve done my research.”

“I have maybe three months or less to do that very thing called living, Max. Traveling would most likely shorten my days. Plus, my doctor would never approve.”

“Never say never, Shakes.” Max steps back, pointing his thumb at the door. “I’ll get out of here before the hound shows back up, but I’ll be expecting a call from you soon.”

“How long will you be in town?” I ask.

“For as long as you need me to be.”

He starts to walk out, but I call after him and he stops, peering over his shoulder at me. “What made you come today?”

He shrugs, a smirk on his lips. “I couldn’t go another day without seeing you.”

I fight a smile, looking down at my lap instead. I missed him too, but I won’t admit it. I can’t lead him on or have him sticking around more than he needs to. It’ll just be leading him into a dark oblivion.

Several seconds later and Max is near the bed again, standing right above me. Fastening my face in his hands, he tilts my head, planting a warm kiss on my forehead and then my cheek. Warmth courses through my veins, bringing back feelings I haven’t felt in years. Looking into my eyes, he asks, “I’ll see you soon?”

I nod. “Yes. Soon.”

And then he pulls away and walks out of the door, smiling over his shoulder at me before disappearing around the corner.

FOURTEEN

I never thought I’d miss the sun. I’m more of a cool nights, fall weather kind of girl, but as I ride in the car, absorbing the warmth of the sun on my skin, I’m almost certain I can get used to the Spring. I bathe my face in the rays, pointing it up at the sky as a song by Laura Welsh flows through the speakers. For the first time in months, I don’t desire darkness. I finally have light.

John created a playlist for me last night for our ride home. All last night, I kept thinking about walking through the house, wondering if John changed the paint in the dining room like I’d asked. Swept the deck every week like I used to? Watered the plants? Changed the pillows on the bed and covered the patio furniture?

A few minutes later and John finally takes the turn I’ve been waiting for, pulling into the stone driveway of our home. As I shift in my seat, I smile, and John looks over and picks my hand up to squeeze it. When he’s at the top of the driveway, I release his hand and grab the door handle.

“Babe,” he calls before I can get out.

“Yeah?” I look back at him before I can climb out.

“Let me get that,” he says, getting out of the car. I sigh, sitting back against the leather seat and watching him round the front of the car. He pulls my door open and smiles down at me. Helping me out, he wraps his arm around my waist and I wrap mine around his. “I know you’re eager to be home but you have to take it easy. No strenuous activity, remember?”

“It’s hard to be calm when my big comfy bed is waiting for me upstairs. Plus, I get to touch my house again, all the little trinkets and stuff.”

“Well, now you can do all the touching you want…as long as your doctor says it’s alright for you to be up.”

“Oh, please, John,” I mutter as we take the stone steps up to the front door. “I’m a rebel. You know this.” I grin up at him.

He laughs, taking out his keys and unlocking the door. Once it’s open, he guides me down the hallway, his arm still tightly wound around me.

We step around the corner, John flips a light switch, and as soon as the light is on, a loud, “WELCOME HOME, SHANNON!” fills the room.

I gasp and place a hand to my chest, smiling wide as confetti is tossed in the air and kazoos are blown. Everyone I know and love is here, most of them sporting silly, colorful cone hats.

“Oh my God!” I gasp as John releases me. I look up at him but there is a solid frown on his face. It catches me by total surprise and my smile fades a bit. I thought this was all his idea but as he looks across the room at Tessa, his frown deepening, I realize this was not his idea at all. This was hers.

Instead of causing a scene, he puts on a forced smile and greets our guests as they approach us.