“Of course.” She nodded.
“Then let’s make a pact right now that we’re going to live each day of this battle like it’s our last. Because if tomorrow never comes I want to die remembering the Cara, who was so full of life, so exuberant.” He felt the tears fall from his eyes, but he forced a smile at her. He took her hands and placed them over his heart, over the tattoo of her, sacred territory. “The girl on my chest, isn’t who I’m looking at right now.”
Her eyes looked over the tattoo, and then back up at him. “Are we being honest?”
“Yes.” He said softly.
“I’m afraid to go to sleep. I’m afraid to miss one single moment with you.” A sob escaped her lips and she tried to swallow the others that threatened to follow. “I regret that I kept all my feelings bottled up for so long, and never told you how I felt the moment I knew. If you leave this world, this life of ours, it’ll be my only regret. That I let all that time we could’ve been together slip away from us.”
He nodded, understanding, because he had the same regret. “There’s nothing we could do about that, but we could make every day count now.”
“Okay.” She said and sniffled. “We’ll live every day to the fullest.” She traced her fingertips down his cheek. “I love you, so much.”
“I love you too.” He smiled and crooked his finger and gave her the best come hither look he could manage. She leaned into him and he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs tracing her thumbs. “My beautiful,” he whispered much like he did that night they sang karaoke. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead sweetly.
“I guess I should take a shower.” She whispered and that earned her a chuckle from him.
“Thatta girl.” She smiled and wiped at her cheeks with the backs of her hands.
He winked at her and slapped her ass, forcing her to jump off the bed.
“Alright, I’m going! No need to get testy.” She said, laughter, finding her voice.
“Cara?” He said as his eyes found her ass, she peered over her shoulder at him.
“Yes?”
“Shake your ass when you walk.” His eyes met hers and he shot her a devilish grin. She laughed and sashayed her hips as she walked into the bathroom. “Thank you.” He called out before she shut the door behind her.
He heard the shower water running, and he leaned against the pillows, just as a knock sounded on the door. “Come in.” He called and propped himself up. Sam stuck her head in the door and smiled widely at her brother.
“I was just going to text you.” Jake said as he pushed the blanket off his legs, and sat up.
“Is it all clear?” She asked. He nodded and only then did she let herself in.
“She’s in the shower.” He stood up, gripping the night stand to get his balance. When Sam quickly advanced to him, he shot her a look. “I’ve got it.”
“Okay.” She said, sighing and leaned against the wall and watched him rise to his full height. He took a few steps, letting his body acclimate his weight. When he didn’t feel like his legs would defy him, he looked at her smugly and her smile widened. He walked over to her and tugged her ponytail. “Don’t underestimate me, kid.”
“Never.” She smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride. “So what’s the plan, big brother?”
“The plan is for you to get her out of the house and smiling.” He grabbed his jeans and pulled out his credit card and handed it over to her. “Take her for a manicure, get her hair done. I don’t know whatever girly shit it that you guys do.”
Sam took the card and tucked it safely into her jeans. “Want me to get her drunk, so you can have your way with her?”
Jake looked at her. “Well that would be short of a miracle.” He was lucky he legs allowed him to stand, anything else standing to attention would definitely be questionable. He pondered, and decided he was willing to give it a shot.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You never know what you’re capable of unless you try.”
“I love you, Sam but I am not having this conversation with you. It’s just all sorts of weird. As far as getting her drunk, go for it.” He raised one eye warningly. “Do not let her pay for one single thing, everything goes on my card. Go bananas.”
“Your wish is my command.” She said as she bowed to him.
“Thanks.” He said and hugged her tightly. “I owe you one.”
“You owe me nothing. We’re family, it’s what we do.” She kissed his cheek affectionately as Cara walked out of the bathroom.
“I thought I heard you.” She smiled at her. “Delivering smoothies or is it juice today?”
Sam and Jake pulled out of their embrace and both turned to her smiling.