Page 82 of King of Desire

“I’ll make you a coffee to go.”

That sounds amazing and I hum to myself as I dry my hair. I’d love to curl it too. First, I can honestly admit that I want to be pretty for Triston. But also, going to Dr. Lawrence always makes me nervous and looking good is somehow my armor.

Triston hands me a coffee when I make it down to the kitchen, Darius munching on a piece of toast. I sigh with relief as we sail out the door and into Triston’s car.

We make it to Dr. Lawrence’s office in plenty of time. Darius doesn’t ask about the ring, and I don’t tell him right away about the engagement.

I want to focus on him first.

As the three of us shuffle into the exam room, Darius sits on the exam table, Triston and I move into the chairs for attending family.

I’ve been in this room a hundred times, but it feels much smaller with Triston here. And way less scary.

Dr. Lawrence comes in a minute later, his eyes widening as they land on Triston with his fitted dress shirt and slacks.

“Dr. Lawrence?” Triston rises, holding out his hand. “Triston Smith.”

“I know who you are,” Dr. Lawrence clears his throat. “I’m a property investor myself and you and the Kincaids…” he shakes his head. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Hi Dr. Lawrence,” I wave my hand, the sapphire winking on my finger, his gaze following the sparkling stone.

He sits down on the stool. “The necessary documentation was completed for me to speak in front of Mr. Smith?”

“Yes,” I nod, leaning forward. “He asked me about other medications or treatments available and I’d mentioned we hadn’t pursued them for financial reasons. He’s here to discuss them today.”

Dr. Lawrence waves his hand. “I can certainly go over them with you, but…” He shifts, his eyes sweeping over us. “The potential donor, that I thought had recovered, is having certain setbacks?—”

“Donor?” Darius asks, scowling at me. I know that look. I’m about to get a lecture on how he’s too old to protect like that.

I frown. “It wasn’t a for sure thing.”

“But—”

“Let’s let Dr. Lawrence finish,” Triston interrupts. Darius nods, quieting right down. I give my brother a quick sideways glance. I might not be the only one who’s been missing a strong man in our lives.

Dr. Lawrence nods to Triston. “It’s a distinct possibility that we’ll have a liver for Darius in the next few days.”

I blink my eyes, tears misting them. Because this time, there is no worry of the money, just the hope of a long life with my brother.

My hand raises to my mouth as Triston’s fingers slide into my other hand. He gives my hand a comforting squeeze. “How possible?”

Dr. Lawrence grimaces. “Seventy to eighty percent.”

Emotion clogs my throat as I look at Triston. This might be the best day ever. Dr. Lawrence keeps talking, Triston asks several questions, Darius asks a few. But all I can do is sit and breathe.

Because I finally got here…

To the place where my life is getting better.

And I know that letting Triston into my heart has made it all possible.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Triston

When we get backto the house, I do something I haven’t done in actual years. I take the rest of the day off.

I send out a blanket email that I’m not available. Then, after we eat a big lunch—even Darius has found his appetite—we head out to the pool.

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