Page 92 of Unraveled

He sighed. “Kellan. I know you’re in the middle of a remodel on the Williamses’ house. If you need any help, it would absolutely be something I’d like to do for you.”

Two days ago, I would’ve said no way. No to having the competition take over one of my projects. No to trusting Brandon on my biggest opportunity to date. Funny how all of those feelings washed away in an instant. “If you have a painter who can get there today, I could use your help.”

“I do.”

“By the way, Carly is Mrs. Williams’s daughter.”

Silence, then a cleared throat. “Jesus. Okay. Doesn’t matter. Let me do this. I’ll head there now with two of my best painters.”

“I’ll text my foreman to let him know you’re on the way. I appreciate it.”

“You’d do the same for me. Now go concentrate on Layla.”

That I would do.

We each took turns sitting by her bed. Her mom read her a poem she’d always loved as a child. Her brother told her jokes. I talked about all the things on her list we’d yet to do. But as each minute ticked by, nothing improved.

Three hours later, the prognosis was worse.

When Patty came in to check on her with tears in her eyes, the dread really slammed home. She must’ve received the latest update, which gave Layla only a thirty percent chance of pulling through. It was hard to comprehend how quickly she’d slid downhill, to the point she was now hooked up to all kinds of pumps and machines.

“Hi. I’m so sorry,” she said, hugging Layla’s mother and then her father, before focusing on me and Russ.

“Can I talk you boys into getting a quick cup of coffee?”

I found her request curious, but like Russ, I got up and went outside the room with her.

She turned to me first. “You know this is not your fault, right?”

Silence was my only answer, causing her to sigh. But no one would be able to convince me I wasn’t responsible for this. It may not have been intentional, but that sort of rationalization didn’t get the love of my life up from her bed, did it?

“Here. I’m giving these to you for safekeeping.” She passed four envelopes to Russell.

I knew exactly what they were once I saw my name on one of them in Layla’s handwriting. “When?”

“When she started to lose her voice, she asked for pen and paper. I trust you’ll know if or when it’s time to read them. I’m sorry, boys. Incredibly sorry. But we will hold out hope. Okay?”

I had to bite my lip to keep my tears at bay. I was still convinced there was hope. I had to be. So I stuffed the letter in my back pocket. Once Patty gave us hugs and walked back in to speak with Layla’s parents, Russ turned to me.

“This is only just in case. We won’t have to read these. Do you understand?”

“I do.” I got what he was saying. Any moment Layla might open her eyes. The antibiotics would start to work. She’d be back home in a couple days’ time. She’d move in with me. I’d give her the ring I’d intended to buy. We’d make plans to build our house. Have kids. Love one another until the end of time.

Two hours later, it seemed fate had other plans.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Kellan

Dear Kellan,

Writing this letter has to be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I imagine it’s nothing compared to you having to read it. It’s my hope you never have to, but I couldn’t not write something to the people I love.

First, I know how you will blame yourself. Stop it. Stop right now. Everything happens for a reason. As much as I hate cancer, I recognize if it wasn’t for this horrible disease, I wouldn’t have met you. Strange to think that way, but it’s true. What was going to be the worst year of my life has also turned out to be the very best. Because I walked into that bar, sat on your lap, and became your fake girlfriend. Then your real one. That was the very best part.

I love you. With my entire heart. Beyond words. Beyond sickness, and yes, beyond death.

Someday I hope you can find someone else who is worthy enough to deserve your love. It’s hard to write those words and not feel jealous, by the way. But it’s important you continue to live your life. Unless it’s with your ex. Then I will fucking haunt you. Pick someone worthy. (Not her, did I mention that?) Honor me by never wasting a minute of your life. Don’t throw yourself into your job. Travel to Hawaii, Tahiti, and Iceland. Build or remodel a beautiful house for yourself. Think of me, but don’t grieve too long.