"This..." Mom picked up the small gift bag. "...is a gift for Damon." She handed it to him. "From Grace."
He stilled. Why would Grace give him a gift after the way he treated her?
He looked at the three sets of eyes watching him. Steven's were expectant. Matt's contemplative and observant. And Mom's held a challenge, as though daring him to reject Grace's gift.
He opened the bag to find two small boxes. The heaviest one contained a new cell phone with a sticky note attached to it.Figured you needed this to continue adding things to your bucket list. You have a new one for your Dumb Things I've Done list.
The sticky note on the second box—a heavy duty case for the phone—read:This was the most durable case I could find, but I doubt it can stand up to an IED, so stay out of trouble. P.S. Sorry if it's too soon for that joke.
Yep, Grace fits into the family perfectly.
Yesterday, he'd finally reached the point that he felt clear-headed enough to wish he had a phone. He wanted to thank everyone who had sent well wishes via his mom, and he needed the connection to family.
"Grace had to get a new sim card for it, but it has your old number. So most of your contacts should still be there, including all of the family."
He swallowed the lump in his throat as he gripped the box. He was touched that Grace had gone to so much effort and expense.
Matt must have noticed the tremble in his hand, because he perched on the edge of the bed and asked. "Would you like me to help you unbox it and get it into the case?"
"Thanks." He shoved it at his brother as his mom caught his eye, the challenge still on her face.
"I'll be sure to thank her." The words were quiet and wholly inadequate, but they seemed to pacify his mom.
The conversation quickly changed to Steven and Matt's kids which Damon was grateful for. Proud Daddy, Matt, showed him pictures of their baby who was now two months old. They laughed and talked, almost like old times, but a pall hung over the room, everyone aware that things were going to be different for Damon now.
The new phone buzzed on Damon's lap. Matt caught sight of the name on the screen and grinned as Damon picked it up.
Grace:I know you don't want me there (I refuse to believe you don't ever want anything to do with me again) but you were there for me when I needed you, so I'm going to be here for you. Whether you want me to be or not.
She's so stubborn.
He used to love that about her, but now...he found it annoying. How was he supposed to get her out of his head and heart if she refused to leave him alone?
"What did she text to make you frown like that?" Matt studied Damon's face again.
"Nothing."
The door swung open and a young attractive nurse walked in, saving Damon from having to answer further. "Time for your pain meds."
After she made her notes on the computer and walked out, Steven muttered, "Robust and forty-something my foot."
Matt chuckled.
Mom looked at them. "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing," they all said in unison.
She rolled her eyes and gave them a scolding look before pulling out her phone. "Did I show you the pictures of Daniel and Riley's baby?"
They continued to discuss the latest family news, and before long, Damon's eyelids drooped.
"His meds always make him so tired," Mom said, getting to her feet. "We should let him rest."
"Wait," Damon looked at his brothers. "How long are you guys staying?"
"Just until Sunday." Steven turned to their mom. "Have you decided whether you're going to fly home with us or not?"
"I don't know yet." She cast a worried glance at Damon. "I have some things I need to take care of at home, including finishing up my Christmas shopping and wrapping presents, but I hate to leave Damon."
