Cara turned towards Luke, and handed him the envelope that held his results. He quickly took the envelope, not procrastinating as Sam had. Jake stepped out from behind Cara.
“Wait.” He said, holding up one hand. “Before you guys open those envelopes there is something I need to say.” He stepped forward and looked between Sam and Luke. “I always knew I was lucky to have the two of you in my life. I know you both would do anything for me, and it means so much, so fucking much to me that you both are willing to do whatever it takes to save my life.” He bit the inside of his cheek and waited a beat before he smiled. “I’m pretty damn happy not to be an only child, and not just because I’d be shit out of luck, but because even if this transplant doesn’t work, I’ve had the best time growing up with the two of you.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “So thank you.”
Luke reached out to him and grabbed him into an embrace. “We’re the lucky ones.”
Sam stood watching her brothers. Other than her father, they were the most important men in her life. Tears fell from her bloodshot eyes and she wiped at them with the back of her hand. Jake reached for her hand as she brought it to her face and dragged her into the embrace as well. The three of them stood there hugging one another, and Sam wished she’d always remember this moment for as long as she lived. She closed her eyes and bawled against Jake’s chest as Luke petted her hair, soothingly.
When they pulled apart, Luke nudged Sam. “You go first.”
“No, let’s do it at the same time.” She said.
Jake stood beside Cara, he reached for her hand and held it tightly as they ripped at the envelopes.
Sam opened the letter, her eyes skimming the words, searching for the only ones that mattered. Her heart sank, as she stared at the paper. She looked up at Jake, and shook her head. “I’m sorry.” She moaned. He offered her a smile and wrapped his arms around her, swaying with her. “I’m not a match.” She wept and he kissed the top of her head.
“It’s okay.” He said sincerely and consoled her. It should be the other way around. She should be hugging him, whispering reassuring thoughts into his ear. That’s what she meant by the heart and soul of their family. She pulled back, remembering they had one last hope.
“Luke?” she asked, and she and Jake turned their gazes towards him.
He lifted his head from the paper and looked directly into Jake’s eyes. He smiled slightly.
“I’m your match.” He said sounding surprised.
Sam’s eyes turned back to Jake, and she watched as a tear found its way down his cheek. He looked at Luke, stunned. She reached up and wiped his tear with her thumb, and pressed her lips to his cheek.
Cara threw her arms around Luke, tears cascading down her face. “Oh, thank God!” She gasped as she hugged Luke. He wrapped one arm around her and smiled at his brother. Cara turned around and searched Jake’s face.
“Baby did you hear him? Luke’s your match. It’s going to be okay. You’re going to be okay.” She said as she cradled his face in her hands. Jake tore his gaze from Luke and his eyes met Cara’s. He leaned down and pressed his lips firmly against hers.
Sam smiled at them, before her eyes fell upon Nick. He was leaning against the wall with a small smile on his face. He must’ve felt her eyes bore into him because he turned and met her gaze. He winked at her and a tiny bit of the hatred she felt for him melted away. Like actually only a microscopic portion.
Jake pulled away from Cara, and stepped towards Luke.
“You’re really my match?” He asked hoarsely.
Luke grinned at him and displayed the test results in front of him. “Right there in black and white brother.” He threw his arm around his shoulder. “Let’s get your ass better.”
Chapter Four
Sam sat at her parent’s kitchen table flipping through the latest issue of Modern Bride. She reached into the bag of pistachio nuts, she and Cara had been sharing. Her fingers went to work on cracking the shell and once the little green roasted nut was free she popped it in her mouth. She pointed to one of the bridal gowns featured in the magazine and nudged Cara.
“What about something like that? I can so picture you in a gown like this one.” Sam said admiring the dress. When she looked over at Cara her, smiled faded somewhat. “You don’t like it?”
Cara sat straight up, hoping to disguise her slumped shoulders and the fact that something had been bothering her. “No, it’s beautiful.” She said and stared at the dress.