“Do you understand the procedure and risks, and still agree?”

“Absolutely,” Cael responded before signing the multitude of forms that were placed in front of him.

The doctor in charge of the stem cell donor match program reiterated, “If Ms. Nunzel is not a match for you, this form allows us to use your stem cells for any other patient that would be a match.”

“I understand,” he replied, and signed again, his leg bouncing in anticipation. “So, we can find out if I’m a match today with a blood test, but regardless, I can start the filgrastim injections?”

“Yes, we can start those today, since you’ll be a donor for anyone.”

A sound behind them drew his and the doctor’s attention to the door, now crowded with men.

“What—” the doctor began.

“We’re here to see if we can be donor matches as well,” Zander said, as usual taking his place as the eldest.

Cael jumped up from his seat, stalked over, and stared into the faces of his brothers, tears pricking his eyes. “Damn, guys.”

“We did a little research and decided that we wanted to donate stem cells as well. If you’re not a match for Regina, then maybe one of us is. And, if not, then we’ll be helping someone else.”

A petite, older administrative assistant pushed her way through the men, at first glaring up at them for interrupting the doctor, then, hearing Zander’s offer, her eyes changed from dull to sparkling. “Well, well. Come this way and I’ll get you started on the information material.”

They all laughed and, with chin lifts to Cael, followed her down the hall. Turning back to the doctor, Cael observed his wide smile.

“It appears you and Ms. Nunzel have got some good friends.”

“Yeah…they’re my brothers.”

Regina lay back in her bed, the side effects of the chemo for the past two weeks having drained her strength, but she could see the end in sight. Cael had been in every day after work, only missing one day when he said he did not feel well. Robbie had finally gotten over his cold and so Robert had been back to visit as well.

She smiled, remembering seeing Cael and Robert talking outside her room one day, their faces intent, but shaking hands afterwards. She wanted the two men in her life to get along and hoped her brother was seeing Cael as someone who was sticking around.

The doctor had been in that morning and announced that they had found a stem cell donor match for her and she should be ready for the transplant within a few days. Grateful, she climbed from the bed and moved into the bathroom. After taking care of business, she showered, glad for the warm water to sooth her tired body. Drying off, she pulled on comfortable sweat pants and thick socks. Eleanor had brought her a long-sleeved, button-up bed jacket in soft pink to keep her warm, while still allowing the IV line easy access.

Staring into the mirror, she smoothed on moisturizer, ignoring her pale complexion and the dark circles. As her gaze drifted up, she rubbed her hand over her bald head, sighing. Feeling cold, she pulled on a soft knit cap and moved back into the room. Eschewing the bed, she sat in the chair, made more comfortable with pillows. Finally wrapping her legs in one of Miss Ethel’s knit blankets, she felt ready to face the day.

Settling in with her eReader, she was soon interrupted by a knock on the door. Cael walked in, a smile on his face. Coming over, he bent to kiss her upturned face.

“You look good today, babe.”

“I showered and, God, it felt good.”

He pulled up a chair and scooted it close to her. “How are you doing? Really, honestly…how are you doing?”

Sucking in her lips, she fought the urge to simply say ‘fine’. Blowing out a deep breath, she replied, “Better. The intense chemo is over. The stem cell transplant is in a couple of days. They’ll keep me for several more days after that to monitor the side effects. You know…pain, possible infection, more nausea…same old, same old.”

Cael’s heart hurt, but Regina appeared to be looking forward so he tried to also. “So…the transplant soon.”

“Yes. I think they have it scheduled for the day after tomorrow.” They settled into a comfortable silence before she asked, “Tell me about your work. I know this is a difficult time to be starting a new job.”

Shrugging, he replied, “Benefits of being my own boss—I get to make my own hours. And Terrance gets it. His brother-in-law is a cancer survivor.”

Understanding completely what he must have gone through, and to have made it out the other side, she smiled.

“It’s actually pretty easy. His uncle’s company already had employees and a few contracts they were working on. So, I can go to the site when I can, but my real specialty is the detailed wood work and the sites aren’t ready for that yet.”

“Where are they?”

“Working in Old Towne right now. A stretch of townhouses needed reconstruction, a lot like your rental.”

Regina nodded, thinking of her house, anxious to get back to it and out of the hospital.

Cael watched her for a moment, then, said, “That brings up something I wanted to talk to you about.” She tilted her head but remained silent, so he plunged ahead. “When you get out of here next week…I really don’t want you going back to your house all by yourself.”

Reaching out to take his hand, she said, “Oh, Cael, I’ll be fine. I’ll be a little weak—”

“That’s what I mean,” he stated, his brows lowered. “I’ll be at work during the day and afraid for you. Wouldn’t it be better to be with someone for a little while?”

Regina thought of his house but the construction was still going on and, with him gone to work, she would still be alone. Biting her lip, she stared at him, waiting for him to continue his thoughts.

“Miss Ethel,” he announced.

“I can’t impose on her,” she protested.

“She wants you to come,” he hastened to add. “She’s quite insistent.” He moved close, his face directly in front of hers. “Please, baby. Let us help you.”

She really liked her townhome, but had to admit it was lonely at times. The idea of staying in Miss Ethel’s comforting home held appeal. Warm home, comforting food, good company. Sounds divine. “Are you sure she doesn’t mind?”

A wide smile split his face and he grabbed her cheeks with his hands, kissing her soundly. “She’d be disappointed if you said no,” he said, kissing her again.

“Okay,” she agreed, relaxing back into her cushions. “I’ll do it.”

Kissing Regina soundly once more, Cael relished the feel of her lips on his. He missed her body at night, the closeness of holding her tightly. Pulling back, he rubbed her cheeks, seeing the blush heat the skin underneath his thumbs.

“I want you,” she confessed, her hands gripping his shoulders. “I miss our walks and talks. I miss the old movies and snuggling after we make love.”

“I do too, babe. I promise, when you’re well enough, we’ll have all that and more.” He grinned, and added, “And when I promise something, I never break that promise.”

“Oh, God. A Disney quote again. You really are sexy!”

Five days later, the doctor smiled as Cael was giving Regina a goodbye kiss. Winking, Cael called out, “Take care of my girl,” as he left the room.

The doctor chatted during his examination, pleased at her progress. “You’ve responded very well and I anticipate discharging you tomorrow.”

“Thank God,” she breathed. “I’ve been dying to get out of here.”

“I’ll have the nurse come in and give you all the discharge instructions. They are lengthy and very important, so she’ll take the time to review them in detail. Make sure to ask any questions you can think of and we’ll see you back weekly to monitor your progress.”

Nodding enthusiastically, she was willing to agree to anything to be able to leave. Miss Ethel had come by to assure her that she would be thrilled to have her stay with her for a while until she regained her strength.

Several minutes later, a nurse walked into the room, her hands full of papers. “Ready to plan on going home?” she asked, her pretty smile aimed at Regina.

“Yes, please!”

They sat for a while, going over the discharge paperwork carefully. Occasionally asking questions, she made sure she understood everything she needed to do. Finally, with the last of the papers signed and collected, she leaned back, a peaceful sigh sliding from her lips.

“I’m lucky,” she said, still smiling. “To get a donor match and have it working so well.”

“Well, those handsome male friends of yours were wonderful to all donate. I heard the nurses in the donor office talking about them for days.”

Her brow furrowed as she looked at the nurse, but she did not have a chance to ask any questions before the nurse gushed, “And to have your boyfriend be the match? Oh, my. That’s so sweet.” She stood and gathered the papers, saying, “I’ll have copies made and they’ll be returned to you when you discharge tomorrow. Good luck, Ms. Nunzel.”

Handsome men…donate…boyfriend. Her heart pounded in her chest as her breath caught in her throat. Closing her eyes to the beautiful pain spearing through her, she was unable to keep the huge smile from her face. For a second, she wondered why he kept it a secret, but then remembered her desire to have Cindy’s wig be an anonymous donation. Should I say something? As the question rolled around in her mind, she knew her answer. No…it can be his secret gift…and my secret acceptance.