Nurse to Forever Mom

“They feel like they do after they’ve spent a few days with the girls. I understand you were the topic of conversation for most of the trip. You make an impression on people.” His voice dipped lower. “You sure have on me.”

Warmth poured over her. He had on her as well. “Okay, but I’m only staying for a few minutes. I’m just leaving Phoenix’s now.”

“Thanks for doing this.”

The pathetic thing was she wasn’t even fooling herself. Everything in her drew her to Cody.

When she pulled up to Cody’s house the porch light was on. What would it be like to come home all the time to someone who cared enough to leave a light burning for you? She tapped lightly on the door and it was immediately opened.

Jean and Lizzy said in unison, “Stacey!” They wrapped their arms around her waist for a hug. She returned their embraces. Her heart swelled. She could learn to love this type of reception.

“We watched the fishing boats come in, hiked to a waterfall and went to the national park,” Jean said, so fast Stacey almost missed some of it.

She smiled. “It sounds like you had a wonderful time.” Stacey glanced up to see Cody standing in the hall. Longing filled his eyes. Did he see it in hers as well?

“Girls, let Stacey come in,” he said gruffly.

They let go of her and scurried down the hall into the living room. Stacey closed the door behind her and followed them. As she passed him, Cody took her hand, raised it to his lips and placed a kiss in her palm. His gaze held hers. Stacey quaked. A hot response pooled at her center. Just as quickly he released her. They continued down the hall. His parents stood when she entered.

Mrs. Brennan said, “Hello again.”

“Hi. Did you have a good trip?”

She nodded, giving Stacey a studying look. “We did. Maine is beautiful.”

Did his mother see what was between her and Cody? “It is. I worked in a hospital there for a month. Hello, Mr. Brennan.”

He smiled at her. “Nice to see you again, Stacey.”

“We brought you something,” Jean announced, holding out a box.

Lizzy snatched it from her hand. “I wanted to give it to her!”

“Let’s be nice, Lizzy.” Stacey stopped herself and her eyes jerked to where Cody stood in the doorway. She’d just disciplined his child in front of him.

“Stacey’s right, that wasn’t very nice, Lizzy,” Cody said in a calm tone.

Jean said, “You can give it to her.”

“That’s nice of you, Jean,” Stacey praised her. “May I see what’s in the box?”

“It’s something so you will remember us,” Jean stated.

That wouldn’t be a problem for Stacey. The reverse, in fact. She took the box, removed the top and inside found a multicolored stone bracelet. “It’s beautiful.”

“Now wherever you go you’ll think of us.” Lizzy looked at her eagerly.

“Thank you so much.” Stacey slipped it on her wrist and placed the box on the coffee table. She then went down on one knee and opened her arms wide. The girls stepped into her embrace for a hug. “I love it. Thank you for thinking of me. You have my promise I’ll always think of you both when I wear it.” She looked over their heads at Cody and blinked to keep the moisture in her eyes from spilling over. This was just the type of emotional upheaval she’d been guarding herself against.

“Okay, girls, it’s time for you to get ready for bed. You have school tomorrow.” Cody placed a hand on each of the girls’ shoulders.

Stacey let them go. “Better do what your daddy says.”

The girls went first to one then the other of their grandparents and told them goodnight before they left the room.

“I’ll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in,” Cody called from behind them.

Stacey stood then shifted from one foot to the other, unsure what to do next. “Uh...it’s time for me to get going as well. I’ve had a long day. I understand you’re leaving tomorrow.” She spoke to Cody’s parents.

“We are. We’re taking the earliest ferry off the island,” Cody’s mother said.

“Then I’ll say goodbye now. It has been nice to meet you. I wish you a safe trip home.”

Mrs. Brennan gave her a thoughtful look. She acted as if she wanted to say more but stopped herself. “It’s been nice to meet you too.”

Mr. Brennan nodded and smiled.

“I’m going to walk Stacey out,” Cody said to no one in particular.

Stacey started toward the door with Cody close behind. She stepped outside and Cody came with her, flipping off the porch light and closing the door behind him. He pulled her into his arms. His lips joined hers in a sizzling kiss that slowed to a tender one. He continued to hold her close as he nuzzled her neck. “I’m going to miss you tonight.”