Page 66 of The Cannon
I come to her side and pull a chair up so I can be at her eye level.
“Tell her the best part, Sawyer.”
“I know how much you’re missing being around your daughter. If you decide to go home, she could be with you. I asked Maria not to mention it to Kelly yet, but I’m thinking it’ll make her happy too.”
Anne writes while Sawyer wipes her runny nose.
House small. Nurse sleep?
“The nurses will be on two twelve-hour shifts. They won’t need a bedroom. Kelly will have her same room and you’ll have yours. A housekeeper will cook for you and take care of the house. Maria says she knows a woman who would love to have the work. She’ll even grocery shop for you.
If you can think of anything else that would help you, let me know. I’m just a phone call away. I’ll get or do whatever it takes to make things work. You’re my family. Please let me do this for you, Anne. I know if I was hurt, you’d be there for me.”
She looks at Sawyer with such love and gratitude it almost takes my breath away. Pen to paper she writes and holds up for him to read.
Baby boy.
Most days are spent on the minutiae of life. The details that seem inconsequential. Even big moments pass by before there’s time to take them in. But once in awhile something magical happens. You’re aware of the grace in the moment. This is one of those times.
The heartfelt longing has evaporated. In its place comes a natural ease with each other. It doesn’t matter that she can’t speak or hardly move. The fact they haven’t been in each other’s company in twenty-six years doesn’t faze either one. They are back together.
It’s one of my life’s greatest privileges to witness their joy.
Chapter 17
Sawyer
September snuck up on me. Probably because I’m so damn busy every minute. Not that there’s a thing to complain about. My life is sweet as sin. Sleeping at Bristol’s most evenings kicks my days off right. The nights spent under her down quilt speak for themselves.
Team Anne is working smoothly. Better than anticipated. There’s lots of moving parts to her care. God bless Maria, who oversees the schedules, nurses, housekeeper, and Kelly’s needs. It’s only been three weeks but I’m hopeful it’s all going to work out.
This last game of the season was today, and it felt like it couldn’t come quicker. Especially knowing what Atticus and I had become. I’m itching to see what my second season brings. With the new power hitter and third baseman joining the lineup we could go all the way.
There’s been an excitement building. The fans have accepted our fate this year and are already thinking ahead. They see what’s coming. Just hope we can fulfill their dreams.
It was fun having my favorite young friend Jude watching from the suite. He’s begun to relax and have actual conversations with the other people. That kid is special. I’ve grown attached.
Now we’re all enjoying an end of the season impromptu party at the Swifts. It’s a madhouse of players and family, kids and coaches.
“Sawyer! Over here!” someone calls.
Before I can answer or make eye contact with anyone, my cell sounds. Anne. Which means Maria.
“I’m going to get this,” I say to Bristol. “I’ll be back.”
I return to the relative quiet of the hall outside the dining room.
“Hi, Maria.”
“It’s your sister.”
I’m shocked into an excited state. Is this real?
“Anne?”
“Yes,” she says softly. “They removed the wires this morning. But I just couldn’t wait any longer to at least say hello and thank you.”
Oh. She has a delicate voice and not just because she’s speaking softly. It’s sweet like a young girl’s.
