We part ways with a hug, and as I climb into my mom’s car, her scent overtakes the happiness vibrating through me.
I hate what has been forced upon her, upon us.
The tears I didn't spill with Livvie come out now.
Chapter 27
Owen
"Faith?"I push open her door a little further and stick my head in. When I'd first cracked the door, I saw her eyes flutter open, but they're closed again.
"I'm awake," she says, her voice so low I barely hear her.
"How are you feeling?" I stride to her bedside. The fluffy duvet shrinks her, making her look even smaller than she is.
"Just keep the drugs coming," she says, cracking a tiny smile.
I check my watch to see if we're close to her next dose. Nope. Still an hour away, but if she wants it, I'll give it to her now. It's not like it will hurt anything, and the goal right now is to keep her free of physical pain. There's nothing I can do for mental and emotional pain, but Faith seems as steady as always. I wonder if she ever breaks down when she's alone?
"What are you and Autumn up to today?" Faith asks, struggling to sit up. I lean over her bed, pulling together pillows that have spread out, creating a soft wall for her to lean against.
"Autumn's making you a smoothie right now, and—"
Faith grimaces.
"Nothing green, I promise. Strawberry mango banana. Your favorite." I'm almost positive Autumn's adding a little protein powder, but I don't need to tell Faith. Taking a seat on the edge of bed, I lean my elbows on my knees, tucking steepled hands under my chin. "I think we're doing a pretty good job at managing your pain, but where are you emotionally?"
She sighs and her head rolls from side to side against the pillows. "I'm ready to go. I'm so tired and I've been fighting for so long, and … I'm done." The blender starts up in the kitchen and I feel like my heart is inside of it, being torn to bits. "She's going to need you, Owen,” Faith finishes with labored breath.
An ache starts in my chest. "I know, and I’ll be there for her."
She nods. "Are you going to make an honest woman out of her?" She attempts a smile, obviously making a joke.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that." I tap the bulge in my right pocket. The ring I’ve been carrying around all week feels heavier every day. I just can’t find the right time to ask Autumn to marry me. But I want Faith to know she’ll be taken care of. If she says yes…
Her smile burns a little brighter. "Is that right?"
"I wanted to officially ask your blessing for me to ask Autumn to be my wife."
The pallor in Faith's skin turns into a dull glow. "You know my answer, Owen Miller. You've been like a son to me since the day Autumn brought you home when you were skinny and had the appetite of a horse. I'd always hoped the two of you would find your way back to one another." She pauses to run a palm over the duvet. "Of course, it would've been preferable if it wasn't my condition that brought you together again."
I nod.I wish that too.
Her eyes shimmer. “Let me see the ring.”
I pull it out and let her hold it, spinning it left and right. “Owen, it’s lovely.”
Autumn really isn’t into flashy things, but I got an expensive ring anyway. I want to spend the rest of my life spoiling her.
She hands it back to me after a moment and I open my mouth to tell her something when the doorbell cuts me off. "The nurse is two hours early," I frown, looking at my watch even though I know the time.
"It's not the nurse. I asked the pastor at my church to come by. I haven't been able to get to church, and the pastor volunteered to bring last Sunday's sermon to me."
"Mom?" Autumn appears at the bedroom door, a confused “V” pulling between her eyebrows. "Pastor Greg is here to see you."
Faith smiles at Autumn. She sits up a little straighter and looks down at herself, probably to make sure she's decent. "Send him in please, hon."
Pastor Greg, who I've met a handful of times when I've attended services with Faith, steps around Autumn and into Faith's room. His casual look of khakis and a short-sleeved collared button-up throw me off. The only times I've seen him he's been in a suit.
