Page 58 of Judge Me Not

We spend the rest of the night talking, laughing, and unable to keep our hands off each other.

I'm almost asleep when Colton murmurs, "Let's have a big Christmas."

I open my eyes and tilt my head up. "What do you mean?"

"It'll be a week after Abby's first treatment. Let's have a really big, outrageous Christmas."

My heart beats faster. "What does that mean?"

He grins. "Family, food, and lots of presents. And I get to keep you in my bed."

I smile.

"I know you don't like extravagance, but—"

"No. It's perfect. Let's do it."

He kisses me and pulls me tighter to him. He murmurs, "And I thought I was going to have to convince you."

I snort. "How would you do that?"

He flips me onto my back. His eyes smolder into mine. "Do you want to sleep, or should I show you?"

"Ummm...you can show me if you insist…"

Epilogue

Colton

One Year Later

"All of Abby'stests are clear, just like the last time," Dr. Plax informs us.

Jasmine lets out a big breath of relief. No matter how many times we get the good news, she's still always nervous about getting test results.

I pull her tighter to me and peck her on the lips. "Great news."

"She's doing great. We'll do her next checkup in three months. Then we'll move to six-month intervals." Dr. Plax shuts the folder and smiles.

"Thank you again. For everything," Jasmine says.

Dr. Plax points to me. "Thank Colton. Getting the board to change the start date may have saved other children as well. And the additional threat your mother made if they didn't increase the number of children who could receive it this past year made a huge impact. Every one of the children who have had this treatment is doing well."

I rise and pick up Jasmine's coat and hold it out. "I'm happy to hear it."

Jasmine slides into her jacket, and I shake Dr. Plax's hand. Jasmine hugs him, and we leave the hospital.

"I'm so relieved," Jasmine admits when we get into the car.

I pull her onto my lap. "We have another reason to celebrate, too."

"Oh?" She arches an eyebrow.

"Janelle texted confirmation. He signed off. The papers arrived before she left."

She opens her mouth and then shuts it. I wait for her to process it, and she says, "How much did he demand?"

"Ten thousand."

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