Page 20 of Never Leave Me
“We’re doing another thing on the ‘Always Wanted To Do List.’”
“And what might that be?”
She smiled at him over her shoulder. “You’ll see.”
The excitement in his eyes warmed her blood, making her steps feel lighter and her heart full. She led him to the old tower, a part of the original structure of the manor. They raced up the narrow steps and made their way out onto the open roof. With her hair streaming behind her and the cool morning air hitting her face, she marveled at the vitality pulsing through her body in a way she couldn’t remember feeling in a long time—if ever.
Was this how Harrison had felt when he’d been healed?
She hadn’t released his hand during the climb to the top of the tower, and he hadn’t made a move to do so either. And even though she guessed she ought to let go now, she couldn’t make herself, couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather experience this with than him.
They crossed to the battlement so they could see over the decorative edge to the sprawling yard below. The brilliant colors of the tulip bed formed a crescent adjacent to the winding driveway, and the dew-kissed grass sparkled like it was studded with diamonds.
She drew in a breath that was laced with the soft honey-musk aroma of all the many flowers growing in the gardens surrounding the manor. Then she tilted her head to observe the sky as an invisible painter brushed brighter strokes of color across the canvas.
Harrison lifted his face to the sky too and watched it wordlessly, the awe in his expression confirming that he appreciated the beauty every bit as much as she did. After a moment, his fingers shifted, slipping through hers more intimately. The caress was gentle but sent a powerful tremor through her.
She not only loved the handsome angular lines of his profile but the maturity and wisdom etched into his features, maturity and wisdom many men never gained. Perhaps the years of having a disability had been filled with many hardships and deprivation, but those difficulties had shaped Harrison into the man he wasnow, a man chiseled with a depth of strength and character that few others possessed.
He slanted a look at her before returning his gaze heavenward. “Penny for your thoughts.”
She shifted her sights to the sky. Ugh. He’d caught her staring, admiring him. What was wrong with her? And what could she say about these new and confusing feelings that wouldn’t jeopardize the closeness they had?
Her thoughts pinged all over the place and landed on the first safe thing. “You’re a good friend, Harrison.”
He didn’t respond, only continued to look at the colors swirl in the sky.
Good friend?Why had she said that? It was a completely inadequate way to define their relationship. In fact, it didn’t even come close to putting into words what he really meant to her. But how could she describe their relationship to him when she couldn’t begin to explain it to herself?
She rested her head against his arm. “I think you’re my best friend. The best friend I’ve ever had.”
The description still wasn’t adequate, but it seemed to be good enough for him. He leaned his head against hers. “You’re my best friend too.”
She released a breath and focused again on the sky and the sunrise. She’d never forget this moment together, no matter what the future brought.
Kneeling, Ellen hugged Josie and pressed a kiss against the little girl’s blond curls. “I won’t be gone long.”
Josie’s frail arms tightened around her. “Do you promise?”
“I promise.” Ellen glanced to Mr. and Mrs. Ansley standing behind Josie in the hallway of Serenity House, both of their facesetched with gratitude. And a restfulness that hadn’t been there when they’d arrived last week, frazzled and exhausted. Even though Josie was a precious, beautiful girl, the caregiving was exhausting for the couple, as it was for many parents who had children with terminal illnesses.
Not only had Batten disease weakened Josie’s eyesight, but it also wracked her with spasms. With upward of thirty seizures a day, Josie needed constant supervision. In addition to the seizures, Josie’s legs gave out when she walked, causing numerous falls and bruises.
All it had taken was one week of pampering and help watching Josie for her parents to look like a new couple. With a full-time cook, health aides, nurse, and activity coordinator, Serenity House was the perfect getaway for overwhelmed families. Josie, too, seemed happier and more rested. Though the little girl’s memory resembled that of someone with dementia, she’d taken a quick liking to Ellen and became excited every day when Ellen visited.
Ellen attempted to release the little girl, but Josie clung to her. “Will you read me another story before you go?”
“I’ve run out of time, sweetheart.” Harrison had texted her to let her know he was waiting outside in the car after running errands with Drake. Since she still had a closetful of clothing at Serenity House, she’d used the visit to pack as well as spend a few moments with Josie. Harrison instructed her to bring fancy clothing along with everything she’d need for warm weather, including her swimsuit. She suspected he was taking her to the south of France or even Italy or Greece for a long weekend, but he’d remained silent about where they were headed.
She’d hesitated in going, not wanting to leave Serenity House or Josie. But Harrison had promised her the trip was only a few days. With how excited he was, she couldn’t deny him the experienceof a lifetime. Besides, maybe by the time they returned, Dr. Li, who was heading up Josie’s clinical trials, would finally have permission to administer the promising gene therapy, a onetime shot, into the spinal fluid. Dr. Li offered no guarantees the drug would work, but the Ansleys were willing to try something rather than nothing at all.
Ellen pulled back from the petite girl, running her fingers through the delicate curls and smoothing a hand over the child’s cheek. Josie’s cloudy blue eyes attempted to focus on Ellen.
“You’re going to do all kinds of fun things while I’m gone.” Ellen stood. “And when I return, I’ll want to hear all about it.”
“Will you bring me another strawberry shake?”
“Absolutely.” The strawberry shake was one of the few things the little girl would eat without coercing.
