Page 3 of Edge of Heaven

This can’t be happening.

My mother is a teacher, so her salary isn’t that much. She owns the house she lives in now because my dad died and left her some life insurance. Otherwise, she never would have been able to afford to buy a house in a decent part of Los Angeles.

I help because she’s raising my son, but I haven’t worked in months, and my bank account is dwindling quickly. Callum keeps a roof over my head and feeds me, but he never gives me spending money or anything.

“I’m going to figure this out,” I promise. “Okay? I don’t know how, but I’ll find work. I’ll get a job waiting tables or whatever it takes. Just get him into the program. I won’t let them take your house.”

“Are you sure, honey?” Mom sounds terrified.

I am too.

“What’s the alternative?” I whisper, my voice breaking. “We can’t let him die!”

Mom starts to cry, and tears fill my eyes too.

Fuck-fuck-fuck.

I don’t know what to do and don’t have anyone to turn to.

“I’ll be home tonight,” I tell her. “And we’ll figure this out. I’ll find a way to make the money—I promise. No matter what I have to do.”

“I have to sign the papers today or they’ll give his spot to someone else.”

“Do it.”

“You’re sure?”

“Mom!” My voice rises a little. “I’m not going to let my son die, so sign the fucking papers and I’ll figure it out.”

I hear her sigh, but she knows I’m not upset with her.

I’ll do anything to help Toby get better.

I had him when I was sixteen, and his father—my high school boyfriend—went and got himself killed in a car accident when I was four months pregnant. So Mom took custody because I had no way to take care of him—and my parents felt strongly about me having a backup plan.

I had to finish high school.

Go to college.

In addition to starting my modeling career.

It’s just been harder than I anticipated.

Then Dad died.

And when Toby got sick, we didn’t think about the financial aspect because Mom has great insurance through the school.

This is different, though.

A clinical trial on an experimental treatment that’s had astounding results.

So I’ll sell my soul to the devil to make sure Toby gets it.

I swipe at my tears as I disconnect, digging in my purse for a tissue.

“Taryn?” I know the voice and though I want to walk away, I’m too upset to fight with him right now.

“Callum, I can’t…” My voice breaks, and I start to sob.

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