Page 69 of Truly, Madly, Deeply
“Thank you.” Tommy’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I bet Grandpa Tom would’ve loved me being a cop.”
“Yes, Tommy. I think he would’ve.” Reagan stood andpulled Tommy to his feet. She hugged him and then stepped back. “And you know what? I think I like it, too.”
Tommy looked at her for a long beat. “What are you saying?”
“I’m telling you I’m in favor.” She lifted her face and smiled at him. “My son wants to be a police officer. What could make me more proud than that?”
“Mom?” Tommy shook his head. “Are you serious?”
“I am.” She put her hand on his face for a moment. “I can’t fathom losing you, Tommy. Four years from now when you put that badge on, I’ll pray for your safety every day.” She felt fresh tears. “But I won’t stop you. Not when being a policeman makes you a hero… just like your grandpa Tom.”
Tommy smiled, and they hugged again. Then for the next hour Tommy helped her hang ornaments on the tree. They sorted through the photo decorations and placed each one on just the right branch. The whole time, they talked about school and Annalee and Christmases past.
Reagan was sure she would remember this night forever.
And a thought occurred to her. Not only would her dad be proud of Tommy for wanting to be a police officer. He would be proud of her, too. For encouraging Tommy and affirming him. And for being brave enough to support him.
Brave… just like her daddy.
25
In the middle of the battle for her life, Annalee had looked forward to this day more than Christmas. It was the first Saturday in December and she and Tommy were going back to the zoo. Only they weren’t on a double date this time.
Rather, the whole Baxter family and several others were coming together for a surprise they’d all been waiting for.
Dawson Gage was going to propose to Maddie!
Annalee wore leggings under her jeans, a turtleneck to go with her favorite winter coat, and her blond ponytail wig. Her mom stepped into her room just as Annalee finished getting ready. She stood there, studying Annalee. “You’re so pretty, honey.”
Annalee tilted her head. “Do you mean it?”
In the past, Annalee never would’ve asked that. She had been confident in her looks, not because she thought she was the most beautiful girl at church or school. But because she knew who she was on the inside. And that inner faith and peace and strength always shone through when she looked in the mirror.
But since her cancer diagnosis her eyes had looked sunken and dark. The kind of sick no makeup could hide.
Her mom came to her. “Yes, darling.” She put her hand on Annalee’s shoulder. “You’re getting better. I can see it.”
They wouldn’t know until more than a month from now. After her final round of chemo and the scan that mattered most. For now, though, it was enough to know her mom thought she looked better.
They walked downstairs to the front room to wait for Tommy. Her mom sat across from her. “You’re not too tired?”
“No.” Annalee settled back into the sofa. She felt like she was floating. “I’m so happy for Maddie and Dawson. It’s going to be the best day.” She smiled. “Maddie has no idea.”
“She knows you’re all meeting up at the zoo, though, right?” Her mother raised her eyebrows.
“No.” Annalee laughed. And for an instant she remembered how at her worst she couldn’t even laugh without feeling tired. “Maddie thinks it’s just her and Dawson. She has no idea.”
The doorbell rang and Annalee looked over her shoulder. Tommy’s black Jeep was out front. Right on time. The group was supposed to meet at the zoo entrance at noon and then walk together to the lion exhibit at 12:30. Annalee saw the handle of her wheelchair sticking out from his back window. He still had it from their time together yesterday.
Another sun break in this stormy season.
“Time to go.” Annalee and her mother both stood.Annalee kissed her mom’s cheek and hugged her. It couldn’t be easy for her mother to watch Annalee go to the zoo again. Not quite two weeks after she had come down with pneumonia her last time there. “Thanks.” She smiled. “For always looking out for me.”
Her mother nodded toward the door. “Tommy does a pretty good job, too.”
“He does.” Annalee’s cheeks suddenly felt warmer than before. Because she adored Tommy. She couldn’t wait to spend the day with him. She grabbed her gloves and scarf and a knit winter beanie from the end table.
“Annalee…” Her mom walked with her to the door. “You got so sick last time.”
