Page 57 of Truly, Madly, Deeply
She laughed, but the sound was weaker than before. “Please don’t ask.”
“I like this.” He put his hand alongside her cheek. “Hearing you laugh. Especially today.”
“It’s going to be good news.” She almost forgot where she was, with Tommy so near. His presence made her dizzy—in the best possible way.
“I believe you.” He sat back in his chair. “Did I tell you what Officer Raul said to my mom? At dinner last night?”
“You… said it was fun.” She leaned her head backagainst the wall. “I wish I could’ve been there.” The talking was making her tired. “Did… he say something else?”
“Yes.” Tommy’s expression looked more serious. “Something from the Bible. He told her God knows the number of our days.”
“Mmm.” She let the words work their way into her heart. “I love that.”
“So I’m not going to worry, Annalee Miller.” He held her hand a little more tightly. “This scan is going to bring us good news. But no matter what happens today… God holds you.” He exhaled. “What could be better than that?”
“That sounds more like the Tommy I know.” She looked at him. “You’re not mad at God anymore?”
“I don’t understand Him.” Tommy shifted so he could see her better. “But the world makes no sense without Him.”
A female tech walked in and hesitated. “Uh… I think you’re supposed to be outside, sir.”
“Actually”—Tommy winked at Annalee—“I have permission this time. Annalee… she’s a special one.”
Kindness filled the woman’s eyes. “Very well.” She motioned to the door. “But you really do have to leave.”
Tommy nodded. “Thank you.” Then he looked at Annalee again. “Good news, love. Only good news.”
And like that he was gone.
Once she was inside the tube, the tech gave the usual instructions. She’d hear a series of orders. The machinewould be loud and if she needed help she could push the button. Annalee barely listened. Her dad had reminded her again last night, “Go someplace wonderful, Annalee. Don’t stay in the scan tomorrow. Take wing.”
Today she knew exactly where she wanted to go. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep. Her stomach hurt, but not for long.
Not where she was going.
Once, six years ago, she and her family had traveled to Atlantis in the Bahamas. Paradise Island, the place was called. Annalee had been only twelve, but the memory remained as clear as if they’d gone last week. That summer a millionaire donor for Each One International had provided airfare and lodging for Annalee’s entire family to spend a week at the resort.
And while Karon Beach was magical with its recent memories of her time with Tommy, Annalee knew one thing. If she and Tommy ever really did get married, she wouldn’t want to spend their honeymoon anywhere but Atlantis.
Since pretending was free, that’s exactly where she was headed.
First, Annalee put herself in a packed church opposite Tommy. She was wearing the most beautiful gown—white lace and cap sleeves, a fitted bodice and a train that spread out behind her. Tommy looked more handsome than ever. Black tux, white shirt and a white bow tie.
Her uncle was an ordained minister, so he was officiating the ceremony, of course.
“Take a deep breath. Hold it,” the machine barked at her.
Annalee obeyed, but she wasn’t in the tube any longer. She was looking into Tommy’s eyes and he was telling her how he’d never imagined he could love anyone as much as he loved her.
For all my life—whatever comes our way—I will love you, Annalee Miller. His vows landed deep in her heart, every word finding its place.I will hold you when you cannot stand, and laugh with you till we cry. And when you’re sad… I will catch your tears and take them as my own.
Then it was her turn and she felt the crowd fade away.I love you, Thomas Luke Baxter. When I look at you, I see myself. The best parts of me. And when you look at me I feel your very heart. I will believe in you whatever you do, and cheer for you when you win. And you will always win, Tommy. We both will. Because we have each other.
The wedding played out before her eyes. Tommy slipped a ring on her finger and she could feel the cool gold, see the brilliant diamond. And she was slipping a ring on his finger, too, and they were kissing. Not the kiss from their walk along the canal before her treatment began. A different kiss. Longer, deeper.
A kiss that told all the world they would forever belong to each other.
And like that they were married and walking up the aisle, grinning so big they were laughing. Annalee blinked and they were at a reception, and people were talking and cheering and looking at them while they danced.
