Present
Six Weeks Later
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Age 24
“HEY, YOU HAVE YOUR FOOT BACK!” Cassie says as we walk toward the car. She drove me to the orthopedic doctor to get my final x-ray to confirm the bones in the top of my foot have healed. I had fractures in the first and second metatarsal bones, and I had to wear a large boot on my foot for six weeks. It feels great to walk without that stiff contraption on my foot. “I want to drive,” I state. It’s been a while since I’ve driven.
“Sure,” she says and tosses me the keys to Garrett’s SUV. My car has been at the house that I share with Aunt Peggy since I haven’t been able to drive for the past six weeks. She, Garrett and Cassie have all split duties in helping chauffeur me around.
Garrett has been incredible. Since my injury, he’s really taking a lead in Kai’s care. In fact, he’s home with Kai and the occupational therapist right now.
“Jim wants to know when you’re coming back to work,” Cassie says nonchalantly.
I want to go back. I really do. But I can’t imagine not being here with Kai. And Garrett.
“I don’t know, Cass.”
“You’ve been gone for almost six months. They reversed your suspension almost three months ago. It’s time, don’t you think?”
“I’ll think about it,” I say, trying to dismiss her question.
“Sam, you know I love you, and I’m so proud of everything you’re doing for Kai, but you’re a nurse, not a nanny.” She pauses and pulls something from her purse. “Maybe this will help change your mind,” she says, slipping an envelope into my bag.
“What’s that?” I ask, curiously.
“It’s a letter… from Olivia.”
My heart starts to race and I grip the steering wheel. Ben’s mother.
“What?” I ask and start to feel faint. Thankfully, Garrett’s driveway is just ahead, and I press the button to open the security gate. I slam on the brakes when we reach the top of the driveway and throw the SUV into park.
“Hey, don’t stress out about it. Jim actually read it before he gave it to me. He wants you to read it.”
I open the door and swipe my bag from the center console. “I’m going inside. Are you coming?” I ask and don’t wait for her to respond before I head toward the front door.
“I can’t,” she calls after me. “My shift starts in an hour, and I have to go home to get my scrubs. Pink monkeys today. Jealous?” She smiles warmly, trying to make me feel better.
She walks to her own car and blows me a kiss. “Call me later?” I wave goodbye without confirming.
I enter the house, and I immediately hear giggling coming from upstairs. “Aunt Peggy?” I call out but no answer. I walk up the stairs and follow the giggles obviously coming from Kai’s room.
When I open the door, I see Garrett’s face close to Kai’s bare belly, and he moves closer, blowing raspberries on him. Kai laughs, screeching and kicking his legs. His arms are flailing around, and he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Garrett does it again, and Kai’s giggles get louder. He’s barely able to catch his breath when Garrett tickles him again. “Do you like that?” Garrett asks his son, unaware of my presence.
“It sure looks like it!” I respond, and Garrett turns his head, startled.
Kai claps his hands in front of him and kicks his legs, laughing hysterically. The sight in front of me warms my heart. “Look who it is, buddy,” Garrett says, picking up Kai from the table. Kai continues to giggle and clap his hands. Then he sticks his tongue out and blows raspberries into the air, causing drool to drip from his mouth.