Page 11 of The Space He Left
It was a loaded question, and we both knew it. I thought we would spend our whole lives together - get married, have kids, eventually grandkids.
"We're whatever you need us to be to get through this," I said carefully, steering the conversation back to safer ground.
Madison's phone rang. Finally, her doctor returning her call. I watched as some of the tension left her face.
"Okay," she said finally. "Yes, I'll come in tomorrow morning. Thank you."
She hung up and turned to me with visible relief. "He says the blood count thing is normal. A reaction to the medication. He wants to adjust the dosage and try a different approach."
"See? I told you everything would be okay."
"You always know just what to say." She reached for my hand, and I let her take it. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you for all this."
"You don't need to repay me."
"When I get better, I want to do something special for Harper. She must be incredible to understand what you're doing for me."
The guilt twisted in my stomach again. "She is incredible."
My phone buzzed with a text from Sam:Where the hell are you? Thought you were coming to poker night.
Shit. I'd completely forgotten about poker night. It was a monthly tradition, something Sam and I had been doing for years. Tonight I was supposed to go to birthing class with Harper and then over to Sam's for poker night as usual.
I texted back:Can't make it. Something came up.
His response was immediate:Let me guess: starts with an M and ends with the dumbest idea you've had in years?
I frowned at the phone. There was an edge to that text I didn't like.She's sick, Sam.
Pregnancy isn't exactly a picnic.
His words hit me like a slap. Harper wasn't sick. She was pregnant, which was completely different.
"Everything okay?" Madison asked.
"Fine. Just work stuff."
She studied my face. "You look tired. You're doing too much, trying to take care of everyone."
"I'm fine."
"You keep saying that, but I can see the stress in your face. I hate that I'm adding to it."
"You're not adding to anything. You're fighting for your life."
Madison squeezed my hand. "You're a good man, Jackie. Harper is lucky to have you."
My phone rang and I saw Sam's name on the display. I almost didn't answer, but something made me pick up.
"Jack, we need to talk."
I stepped out into the hallway, not wanting Madison to hear this conversation. "What's your problem, Sam?"
"You're neglecting your pregnant wife to play nursemaid to your ex-girlfriend."
"She's not my ex-girlfriend. She's a friend who has cancer."
"She's your ex-girlfriend who has cancer. And Harper is your wife who's carrying your child."
