Evan: Anything you want. I could get you the happy meal toy, too. I think it’s My Little Pony. ;)
Me: Very funny. Thanks, babe. I love you.
Evan: I love you, too.
“Hey, can I come in?”
I put my phone on the nightstand and smiled at my uncle in the doorway.
“Sure, Uncle John.”
He came over to the bed and kissed my forehead. “So, I hear you’re getting out soon.”
I nodded. “Dr. Stephens wants the results of a few more tests. I’ve already been here for over a month. I want my own bed, my own shower. I don’t even remember what condition I left my apartment in. My life has been on hold for so long. I just want it back.”
“I think you already have some of it back. You’re a pretty tough cookie.”
I shrugged. “Amazing what you can do when you have no other choice. I keep thinking about that dream I had of Jack. I miss him. Especially now.”
Uncle John shook his head. “I don’t think that was a dream. I think Jack really came to see you.”
I pursed my lips. “You believe in that stuff, Uncle John?” He chuckled and squeezed my hand.
“It’s not a question of believing. I just know my son. After we had Jack, we found out we couldn’t have any more children. Then, just after you turned a year old, your father . . . well we may not have set out to only have one child but that’s what God had planned for all of us.” Uncle John gave me a sad smile. “It was our greatest joy to see the two of you grow up to be so close, closer than any brother and sister I knew. It was a blessing I will always be grateful for. Even when you fought, you loved each other fiercely. Love doesn’t end in death. It stays with you. And Jack’s number one priority since you were babies was to look out for you. You needed him, and he came. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I nodded. I chuckled and thought it would be just like my cousin to find a way to come down from heaven just to call me an idiot.
“How’s Jack Junior? I’m the worst godmother ever. He’s probably gotten so big.” My uncle dug his phone out of his pocket and showed me his latest picture. He looked just like Jack, the same blue eyes, dirty blond hair, and up-to-no-good smirk.
“Somebody wanted McDonald’s?” Evan strolled into my room with a big smile and a happy meal box. I laughed and turned to my uncle.
“He spoils me, Uncle John.” My uncle rose from his seat and squeezed Evan’s shoulder.
“He better.” He gave me a wink and kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Thanks for coming, Uncle John. I love you.”
“I love you, too. You just keep it up.” He shook Evan’s hand on his way out.
I grabbed the box from Evan and tore into it.
“You even remembered the sweet and sour! You’re the best, babe.” I grabbed his face and kissed his lips.
“I’ve never thought seeing you eat would make me so happy. I’ll buy you McDonald’s every day if you want.” He sat on the edge of the bed and stole a fry.
“Nah, once I’m out it’s back to dieting. I keep seeing visions of myself as the Stay Puft marshmallow girl.” I cringed.
“Stop trying to turn me on; we’re in a hospital.” I shoved his shoulder and took a slurp of my apple juice. “I figured I’ll stay with you for a while after you come home.” He raised his hand to stop me from saying anything. “It would make me feel better. So, please don’t fight me. Provided I get my key back. . .” Evan raised his eyebrows at me.
I nodded. “I was actually thinking about that.”
Evan narrowed his eyes. “You were?”
I shrugged. “Maybe you could stay, you know, for good. Just to make you feel better, of course.” I smirked at him as I dipped my fries in ketchup.
Evan moved closer and leaned in to give me a soft kiss. He leaned his forehead against mine and gave me a big smile. “Thanks for being so considerate. I think I’ll take you up on that.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and attacked his lips. It was the first real kiss we’d had since I was admitted in the hospital. It was probably wrong to want Evan to feel me up under my hospital gown.
