“I think I’d rather stay down there. The beach ... it’s peaceful, and it’s Quinn’s happy place. It would be a good spot to die, I think.” Silence hung between us for a few moments before I spoke again. “You said you talked to Carrie. Was she okay with all this?”
“Yeah.” Dad cleared his throat. “She’s been worried about Quinn, and I think she was relieved that I suggested this move.” With one more long exhale, he stood up. “I’ll tell your mom and Quinn our plans, and we’ll aim to get you set up down there this week. How does that sound?”
“Perfect.” I nodded. “Thanks, Dad. For everything.”
“Wake up, lazy bones.”
My eyes were heavy, but I forced them open, my lips curving into a smile at the same time. There was no way I could be grumpy when the sweetest girl in the world was rousing me.
“What time is it?” Old habits die hard. Schedules didn’t mean anything to me anymore, not when there was nowhere I had to be, but still, I felt that letting go of the idea of time was relinquishing one more hold on life.
“Nine-thirty. Why, do you have a hot date?” Quinn’s voice was teasing, making me glad, and I reached out to catch hold of her hand where it rested next to my leg as she perched on the side of the bed.
“The hottest around.” I lifted her fingers to my lips and brushed a kiss over her knuckles. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thanks. And it seems like you did, too.” She scanned my face carefully, and I knew she was watching for any tell-tale signs that I was in pain.
“Yeah. Since Dr. Randall adjusted that medicine, I’ve been getting better sleep. Only problem is, I end up getting too much of it.” I leaned a little and reached back to adjust my pillow, trying to sit up.
“Here. Let me fix it.” Quinn stood up and deftly folded the pillow in half before she grabbed another from the chair and tucked it behind me. “Is that better?”
“Perfect.” I settled back, sighing, watching her move to lean against the chair as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’re so beautiful. I could look at you forever.”
Pink stained her cheeks. “Well, aren’t you the flatterer this morning? You must want something.” She winked at me, teasing, but I could tell what I’d said had made her happy.
“No, not a thing. Just more time with you.”
Pain flashed in her eyes. I could’ve kicked myself for that; as much as I could, I tried to keep things light and positive around Quinn. I was greedy, and I wanted every minute we spent together to be filled with only happiness and laughter. I tried to explain what I meant, to take away her hurt.
“That’s why I hate that I’m sleeping more. Every second I’m asleep is one I’m missing with you. Seeing your face is the best part of every day, even when you’re scolding me.”
The worry on her face eased, and she rolled her eyes. “I only scold when you’re a grouch about taking your meds or doing what the doctors say. And sleep is good. It lets your body recharge.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to quote my grandmother and say I’d sleep when I was dead, but I didn’t want to bring up anything else that would dim the light in my wife’s gorgeous eyes. So I only nodded. “Yes, dear.”
“Brat.” She stood up, stretching her shoulders. “I’m going to get your breakfast ready. Your mom already left to go back up to Eatonboro for the day, but I have a surprise for you.”
“Really? What?” I cocked my head, curious.
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise now, would it?” She flashed me a saucy glance. “Now, do you need help to the bathroom before I get your tray?”
I shook my head. “I think I can manage by myself. And I’ll eat breakfast in the other room. I want a change of scenery today.”
Quinn raised her eyebrows. “Feeling feisty now, are we?”
“I’m feeling pretty good, actually, and I don’t want to waste that on staying in bed. Maybe I could even go out onto the deck for a little bit, if it’s not too hot.”
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s pretty dang warm today, and muggy, too. But if you still feel okay, we could sit out there tonight after dinner and watch the sunset. How does that sound?”
“Sounds romantic. I’ll take it easy this afternoon so I’ll be able to make it out there tonight.”
“That’s a good plan.” She paused in the doorway. “Be careful getting up. Yell for me if you need me.”
“I will.” I waited until I couldn’t hear her footsteps anymore before I threw off the sheet and blanket that covered my lower body. Although Quinn was one of the very few people who’d seen my legs lately, I still wasn’t comfortable parading them around in front of her. All of the muscle tone I’d worked so hard to build up during high school was long since gone, and my shins and calves were discolored and bruised as my circulation got worse. It wasn’t pretty, and if I could protect her from that, I would.
Once I’d acclimated to sitting straight up right, I slid down until my feet hit the cool tile floor. The first time each day that I put any weight on my feet was painful, and I gave myself a few minutes until the spasms passed. Only then did I carefully stand and shuffle toward the bathroom, leaning on furniture and the wall as much as I could.
After I’d taken care of the most pressing needs in the bathroom, I lurched back into the hallway and made my way slowly to the living room. There was already a pillow and blanket on the couch, and I sighed in relief and fatigue as I sat down and covered myself from hip to toes.
