Nova tilts her head. “Maybe take a few days for yourself so you can try to process the shock, Rach. You don’t have to tell her today or tomorrow. Right?”
Rachel sits up a bit straighter. “Maybe I can hold off on telling her until the symptoms get worse, and I can’t hide it any longer.”
I nod. “That sounds good.”
“Lainey noticed you cried this morning,” Nova informs us. “I told her you’re happy because Easton and I are here.”
“Shit,” Rachel murmurs. “I’ll have to hide things better around her.” She thinks for a moment, then continues, “I need to get everything in order.” Her gaze flicks between Nova and me. “You’re both Lainey’s godparents. You’ll have to do for her what I can’t once I’m gone.”
Nova nods while I struggle through a wave of heartache that’s making my eyes burn with unshed tears.
I suck in a deep breath, and when I let it out slowly, I know I’ll have to put up the best performance of my life where Rachel is concerned. I have to be stronger than ever so I can one hundred percent be there for her until the end.
Rachel gives me a pleading look. “I don’t want Lainey’s life to change. You’re the only father figure she knows.”
I don’t hesitate to vow, “I’ll continue to raise Lainey as my own, Rach.”
“Even when you one day have kids of your own,” she pleads.
I brush my palm over the area where the tumor is growing. “I promise to give Lainey the best life possible and to love her for both of us.”
She nods before she turns her attention to Nova, who says, “I’ll be there for Lainey the same way you’ve always been there for me. I promise.”
Rachel lets out a sigh that sounds like it was dragged from the depths of her soul. “Thanks, guys.”
A strained smile forms on Nova’s face. “And you can write letters and make videos, which we can give to Lainey so you’re always a part of her life.”
Rachel nods again. “I’ll definitely do that. I’ll start tomorrow and get the letters and videos done as soon as possible.” She lets out an empty-sounding chuckle. “While I still look good.”
“You’ll always be beautiful,” Nova says.
Silence falls around us for a little while, then Rachel climbs to her feet. “The pain meds are making me tired. I’m going to bed.”
Nova also gets up and hugs Rachel. “Good night, Rach. Is it okay if I check in on you during the night? Just to make sure you’re okay.”
“That’s a good idea,” I agree. When it looks like Rachel’s going to argue, I add, “You could start having seizures or experience other symptoms at any time, so Nova and I are going to keep a close eye on you.”
Her shoulders sag, but at least she nods before she heads toward the stairs.
Nova wraps her arms around her middle, staring after Rachel until she’s out of sight before she glances at me and asks, “Can we talk about how we’re going to handle things going forward?” When I nod, she takes a seat on the other couch across from me. “We need to bringRachel’s medication down to the kitchen so it’s in a spot where we can easily get to it.”
“Okay,” I reply. “I’ll take care of it in the morning.”
Even though I’m tired as fuck, I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to sleep, so I think about everything that needs to be done.
“Rachel has a will, but I’ll have my lawyer check it again,” I mention. “I’ll ask Sylvia to find the best nurse out there who can assist Rachel during her final ...” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat.
“We should do as many fun things as possible while Rachel is still able to be active,” Nova mentions.
Shaking my head, I let out a humorless chuckle. “My mind went straight to the end. You’re right, we should make the time we still have with her special.”
“If you want to spend time alone with Rachel, just let me know, and I’ll take Lainey out.” An uncomfortable expression flits over her face. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to have some time with Rachel as well.”
“Of course,” I agree.
“Thank you. I really don’t want to intrude on your time with her, and I know you’re more important, but it would mean the world to me.”
I may be Rachel’s brother, but I know how close she and Nova are. “Rachel loves you very much, Nova. You’re important to her too.”
