Imperfect Love (Heart of Hope 4)

“Is it?” Her sharp green eyes caught mine in the reflection.

“Of course.” Did she really think I didn’t care about her?

“Sometimes I think your obsession with making sure you have money is more important than me or the kids.”

I shifted, leaning against the vanity and pulling her in front of me so I could look directly at her. “My obsession for security is for you and the kids. I want to make sure that you and the kids have everything you need.”

“What we need is you, Brayden.” She pulled away, going into our bedroom.

I wanted to defend myself, but she had a big day tomorrow starting her treatment, so I let it go.

The next morning, I was up early to get the kids ready for school. Arrangements had been made for Emma to take them and pick them up today.

As they ate breakfast, Terra joined us. She looked pale and nervous but hid it well as she sat at the table.

“Mom and I have something we need to tell you,” I said as I handed her some toast.

“What?” Lanie said, scooping eggs into her mouth.

I looked at Terra feeling like this was something she needed to share.

“I’m going to the doctor today—”

“Are you sick?” Noah asked, looking up from a book on fish.

“Yes, but I’m going to get medicine today. The medicine might make me feel bad though and I just wanted to let you know in case I’m different when I get home.”

“Medicine is supposed to make you feel better,” Lanie said.

“It will make my sickness better, but it might have side effects,” Terra explained.

“Why will you be different?” Noah asked.

“It will probably make me too tired to play. I might even feel sick,” she explained.

“That means we all need to help mom.” I stood behind Terra and put my hands on her shoulders. “Emma is going to take you to school today and bring you home.”

“Are you going in the hospital?” Noah’s eyes showed distress.

“I’ll go for my treatment, but then be home later today.” Terra reached over and took his hand.

Noah looked at Lanie as if he was trying to figure out if he should be worried or not, wanting to use Lanie’s reaction as a gauge.

“I can help,” Lanie said.

There was a knock on the door.

“That must be Emma,” I said. “I’ll let her in.”

An hour later, we were walking into the treatment center. I was a nervous wreck, but Terra was stoic and strong. We met with the doctor who gave us a shit load of information. I made sure to put the phone number for questions or concerns in a place I could find it because I couldn’t retain everything he said.

Not long after that, Terra was in an infusion room with an IV in her arm. She’d come prepared with her e-reader and a few other items to entertain her for the several hour treatment.

“If you have something to do, you can do it,” she said as she settled in.

I knew she meant work, and while I was feeling a little anxious at not knowing what was going on, I shook

my head. “I’m one-hundred percent here with you.”