Page 16 of Reckless
“Just being here is enough. I’ve been working as a nurse long enough to know that. When people are sick, all they want is the people they love around them. Your mom will appreciate you taking this time out to be with her. Especially since your life is so demanding, she’ll know better than anyone how hard it is for you to stay.”
“It isn’t hard to be here for her.” He shook his head fervently. “It’s just difficult to see her like this. Nothing’s ever been too much of a challenge for her. She’s always sacrificed everything for me, happily, so this is the least I can do in return. I just wish I could do more.”
I got that, I always wanted to do more for my mom as well. The situation wasn’t the same, but the need to help was. Unfortunately, for both of us, there was only so much we could do.
“Listen to her. Knowing Babs, she’ll probably tell you what she wants. Loudly.”
He cracked a smile. “I suppose that’s true. She’s never been one to keep quiet.”
I huffed. “That’s an understatement.”
Our gazes caught again, and something like that old connection passed between us. I forced a smile to my lips. Gage’s eyes dropped to them, and his pupils flared.
The air between us heated until it nearly shimmered. Then he stood without a word, bent and placed a kiss on the top of my head, and headed back toward the hospital.
Hot tears came out of nowhere, spilling over and sliding down my cheeks. For Gage, for Babs. For my mom and all we’d lost. For the easy way Gage and I had been.
And wouldn’t be again.
