Page 179 of Ransom

"Promise me something?" Maggie pulls back, wiping her eyes. "Promise you won't let Max forget me if it doesn’t work.”

"Stop." I grab her hands. "First of all, we’re going to stop that. From this moment forward, we’re going to hope for the best. And second, how could he ever forget you? You're his mom. The best mom on the planet."

"I let him eat ice cream for breakfast this morning. Would a good mom do that?" she manages a watery laugh.

"A good mom, no. A totally unforgettable one? Absolutely."

"Thank you." Ransom's voice is rough with emotion. "For being willing to try."

"I haven't agreed to anything yet." Maggie dabs at her eyes with her sleeve. It's one last gasp of her resistance, and I watch as it falls. She's going to try. We all know it. Even if she can't bring herself to say it.

Even if she can't bring herself to hope. She might not believe. But that's okay. I'll do the hoping for both of us.

"Evie's ready to walk you through all of this." Ransom taps the manila folder. "She's on standby, actually. Said she'd drop everything to chat with you about the options."

"Evie? But she's got her hands full at the hospital.”

"She wants to take a leave of absence anyway. Said she'd stick with you through the whole thing."

"That's ridiculous, I can't let her drop her whole life for me.”

"Shut up." Ransom's words are gentle despite their bluntness. "Let people help you. That's what family does."

That stubborn glint comes into her eye. "You and I aren't family."

"Blair loves you. You're her sister in every way that matters. And Blair's mine. So yeah, you are family. And you're fucking stuck with me."

Maggie shakes her head, but there's a hint of a smile. "You two deserve each other. You're both impossible."

"Ha! Look who's talking. You're one of the most stubborn people I've ever met." I squeeze her hand.

Maggie scowls but doesn't deny it. She waves us toward the door. "I'll call Evie. You two go... do whatever it is people in love do."

“Mags,” I whisper, not ready to leave her.

"No, I mean it. Go enjoy the day. I need some time to process anyway." She stands, wobbling slightly. "And maybe take a nap."

"You sure?"

"Yes. Now get out of here before I change my mind about everything."

She heads for the couch, and Ransom takes the blanket off the back and tucks it around her once she's settled. "Call if you need anything. I mean it."

"I will. Now go away and let me rest."

I kiss her forehead. "Love you, Mags."

"Love you too. Even when you're being annoying and refusing to leave my house."

"We're going, we're going." I back toward the door, pulling Ransom with me.

We walk back toward town, my steps lighter than they've been in weeks. The morning sun warms my face, and for the first time since Maggie's diagnosis, I feel like I can breathe.

Ransom's fingers thread through mine. "You okay?"

"Better than okay." I lean into him. "I know it's not a guarantee, but just having her willing to try..." My voice catches.

"I see those wheels turning." He bumps my shoulder. "You've been carrying this weight for so long."

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