“I want your advice on something, so I don’t feel like I’m insane for even thinkingit.”
They both say, “Okay,” inunison.
I take a deep breath before spilling my heart. “I’m in love withMackenzie.”
“Oh,” Mom cries. “I knew it. Honey, I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say that again. And she’s such a sweetheart. I’m so excited you are seeing each other. It’s perfect, it’s— wait, are you planning to propose?” Her voice raises an octave. “Is that what this phone call isabout?”
“Well, yeah, it is. Am Icrazy?”
“My baby!” she yells. “I’m so happy right now. I’d love to call Mackenzie my daughter-in-law. She’s been such a big part of our lives. You couldn’t have chosen a better woman to be yourwife.”
I feel exactly the same way. “I know, Mom. She’s perfect, you know? We get along so well, and I love every second I’m withher.”
“But—” Tracy blurts, surprisingme.
“Oh Tracy, calm down. It’s not that weird for him to marry your best friend. You should be happy,” Momchastises.
My parents don’t know about Mackenzie’s cancer. She still wants to keep it a secret from people, but from the sound it, I think that secret is about to beblown.
“Connor….” Tracy’s voice contains awarning.
“I don’t care, Tracy. It doesn’t matter to me,” Irespond.
“But is that the only reason you’re doingthis?”
“I can’t believe you would askthat.”
“You know I love you both, but I don’t want to see either one of youhurt.”
“It’s too late for that,” I blurt. “It’s going to happen eitherway.”
“Connor, I just don’t want to see you go throughthat.”
“Am I missing something?” Mom finally butts in toask.
Tracy and I stay quiet, seeing if the other will talkfirst.
“Okay then, that’s a definite yes. Connor, what’s going on?” sheasks.
“Mom, you seeMackenzie—”
“She’s sick, Mom,” Tracy interrupts me, obviously choking backtears.
“Oh dear, she is? What’s goingon?”
“She has a brain tumor.” I hate saying those words. They burn my tongue every damntime.
Tracy quickly tells her the rest—projected time to live and how there’s nocure.
“No….” Mom is in shock. “How is this possible, and how did we notknow?”
“She doesn’t want anyone to know,” I respond. “She doesn’t want to be treated anydifferently.”
“Connor…” Mom says breathlessly, “Sweetheart. I’m sosorry.”
“We’re trying to live life to the fullest while she’s here, and that’s why I want to ask her to marry me. And no, Tracy, it has nothing to do with the fact that she’s dying. I truly love her, and I want her to spend her last days as my wife.” They both sniffle into the phone. “I want your help. That’s why I’m calling you. Will you helpme?”
“Of course I will, baby,” Momsays.
