“Thank you, Jonah. I really appreciate you talking to me.”
“Anytime. And I’ll pray for you. This is the season of miracles, so I think you might be lucky.”
The conversation withJonah ran through Drew’s mind all night. He slipped out of bed and sat in the living room, gazing out of the window to the street below. He hadn’t felt so helpless in years, not since Jordan’s fiancé Keith was killed. He and Jordan might’ve repaired the rift in their friendship, but in his heart Drew knew the part he played in Keith’s death. The guilt was something he lived with every day.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
Ash slid in behind him, and Drew leaned against his broad chest. Strong arms wrapped around him, and Ash laid his cheek against Drew’s.
“I’m just thinking.”
“It’s going to be okay. I spent all day reading up on it.”
Despite his nerves, Drew chuckled. “You did? What’s your prognosis, Doctor Davis?”
“You’re going to have a long life with your adoring husband who will be your willing sex slave and pleasure you from top to bottom.”
God, he loved this man. “I’m looking forward to it. And I think you’re right.”
“I like hearing that,” Ash’s deep voice rumbled through him. “But what am I right about? You already know I love you.”
Drew chuckled, amazed at how he could laugh despite the fear tingling through him. “The feeling’s mutual. But I mean, I think I have to tell everyone. You were right. I’m going to call my grandmother after tomorrow’s appointment.”
Ash squeezed him tight. “I’m glad. I think she’ll be ok with it once she realizes that you caught it early and you might not need any treatment other than the surgery and checkups.”
Still within the circle of Ash’s arms, he turned around to gaze into his husband’s glittering eyes. “You really did read up on it.”
Ash kissed him. “Of course I did. When it comes to the most important person in my life, I need to know everything.”
“So, Doctor Klein,I have very good news. As suspected, you have between stage zero and stage one testicular cancer. The tumor is one centimeter and has not spread to any lymph nodes or blood vessels in the testicle.” The urologist, Dr. Kim, stood by the end of the bed. Ash took Drew’s hand. “We’ll remove the affected testicle and monitor you every three months for the first three years.”
Feeling a bit light-headed with relief, Drew held on to Ash, and their cheeks touched. “I told you. It’s going to be okay.” Losing such an integral part of himself might’ve at one time shaken his self-confidence, but Ash’s unwavering support reassured him that their love was stronger than ever, no matter what.
“Thank you.” He drew in a stuttering breath.
“For what, baby?”
“Being here with me. Loving me. Giving me the strength and sense to believe.” Drew leaned against Ash. “Doctor Kim, when do you want to do the surgery?”
“Sooner rather than later. I know it’s the holiday season, but can we schedule it this week?”
It was already Wednesday, and his grandmother’s party was next weekend. “How long will I need to be in the hospital?”
“You might be able to go home the same day—or stay overnight at the most. Recovery is about two weeks, so if you had any plans for the holidays, it might put a damper on them.”
“He’ll do it as soon as possible, right?” Ash glared at him and Drew put his hands up.
“I know, I know. I guess I’m doing it this week if we can. I need to talk to my family.”
“Good.” Dr. Kim wasn’t a man of many words. “Schedule it with my nurse before you leave. I’ll see you then.” He shook both their hands and breezed out of the examination room. The door shut behind him and they were left alone.
“Well,” Drew said as he got dressed. “Time to make that call.”
“And Rachel. Don’t forget her.”
A knot of anxiety grew in his chest. “I feel so helpless and out of control.”
“I know.” Ash held him. “Illness, whether physical or mental, leaves you on the sidelines watching, while it takes over your body or mind. But you have to have the mindset that you’re taking charge. You’re having the surgery and getting it out of your body.”
