I don’t want to consider the thought but know I should. My stomach turns, thinking of what could have happened. If I’d come home to see them on the floor I might not be able to survive a loss likethat.
“Have you thought about moving back home?” she askscautiously.
“We haven’t talked about it, but I’ve been considering it. Especially after today…” I don’t finish that thought; I’ve dealt with enough paintoday.
She looks at Mackenzie and then at Mia. “We’d love to be able to be there every day for you guys. I think it might betime.”
I nod, reaching out to hold Mackenzie’s hand. “I think you’reright.”
30
Dear Mia,
You aremy guiding force through life. I’m determined to spend every moment I can with you, because my time is limited. Every day you surprise me, and I don’t want to miss athing.
Today we were lying on the floor, and you crawled to me. I held out my arms and with the biggest smile you turned to your hands and knees and crawled. I wanted nothing more than to pick you up and hold you high in the air to celebrate your success, but my arms are just too weak, so I laid down next to you instead. You wiped away any sadness I felt when you climbed up on my chest and gave me the wettest, most slobbery kiss. I will treasure that memoryforever.
Yours truly,
Mom
Connor
Iknockon my boss’s door. “Do you have aminute?”
“Sure. What can I do for you,Connor?”
I take a seat at his desk. We’ve been busy on a big case, but I’ve come to the realization that Mackenzie and Mia must comefirst.
I haven’t told anyone at work about Mackenzie’s illness. I understood her wanting to be treated like she wasn’t sick, so not many people outside of close family know what’s going on. But it’stime.
I fight the sting behind my eyes when I say, “Mackenzie’ssick.”
He drops what he’s doing, giving me his full attention. “How sick?” he asks, his voice laced withsympathy.
After the hospital trip a few months ago, along with doctors’ appointments I left early for multiple times, then with us moving back home, I’m sure they’ve wondered what was going on, but they never pried, which I was thankfulfor.
“She has a brain tumor and”—I pause, searching for the words—“let’s just say things aren’t looking good. I hate to have to dothis—”
“Say no more. You take care of your family. I’ll call HR and put you on family leave. If you need more time than that, we’ll figure something out. You will always have a place here but you need to take care of yourfamily.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “I can’t tell you what that means tome.”
“You’re a good man and a great lawyer, but family comes first. Call me if you need anything, you hearme?”
“Yes, thankyou.”
I leave, unsure where my future leads or if I’ll even see this placeagain.
* * *
“What areyou doing home so early?” Mackenzieasks.
We’ve been staying with her parents since we moved back. I’ve had my eye on a place down the road, and after I left work, I went to a real estate office and put my place in San Francisco up for sale, then put an offer on the househere.
I don’t want to think about what the future holds, but I need to start planning. There is no way I’m going to raise Mia in San Francisco, away from my parents and Mackenzie’s. I want her to grow up knowing her grandparents and surrounded by every person who loves her on a dailybasis.
The property I found is perfect. It’s a block away from her parents’ house, giving me just enough of my own space, but they’re close if I need them. Both my parents still work, and her mom has always been a housewife, so it made sense being closer tothem.
