CHAPTER TEN
Grace
I sit in the player’s box with an ice-cold nose and the biggest smile on my face as I watch my family skate. Although I’m feeling lighter than I have in days, Lucy still weighs heavily in the back of my mind. But Sawyer was right; our family needed this little getaway. I needed it. No matter the results of the test, I know the day will come soon when things will be heartbreaking and difficult again, but for now I’m going to enjoy this time with my family and try not to worry about the outcome that awaits me.
“Yay, Parker!” I jump up and yell when he shoots the puck and gets it in the net.
Sawyer fist bumps him and John looks over at me, a proud smile on his face. “You see this kid, Grace? A damn natural, just like my boy was. I’m tellin’ ya, he’s going to be somethin’.”
I return his smile; his adoration for his children and grandchildren always astounds me. He may share the same name as my father but he is nothing like him.
“He’s going to be somethin’, all right,” I respond back, looking at Sawyer. Anything Parker chooses to do he will be incredible at. I know this because he’s his father’s son and no matter what he chooses to do, I know he will be fiercely honorable while doing it.
“Daddy, can you skate with me one more time?” Hope asks, from where she holds Catherine’s hand, skating along with her.
“You bet, Shortcake. One more then we’ll pack it in for lunch.” He kneels down, letting her crawl on his back, then he power skates around the rink, making her squeal and laugh. The sight warms my heart and I completely get her excitement ’cause it’s one of my most favorite things he’s ever done with me.
As if hearing my thoughts his eyes connect with mine, making my stomach do a flip. After a few more circles he calls everyone in for the dressing room. I watch him say something to his mom that has her nodding and taking Hope. John, Catherine, and the kids exit out on the other side of the rink as Sawyer comes skating over to me, his hand out in offering.
“Come on, Cupcake. Your turn.”
Another smile takes over my face, my belly dancing with excitement. “I was hoping you were gonna say that.”
Taking his hand, he pulls me in close then leans down and scoops me up. I wrap my legs around his lean hips and my arms around his neck. After giving me a soul-touching kiss, he starts our journey. His long, quick strides eat up the distance as I revel in the brisk air against my back. I have no idea what’s behind me but I don’t care. I only care about the person in front of me.
Right when I think things can’t get any better he switches directions, beginning to skate backward so the breeze is in my face, and that’s when I let go. Letting my arms out at the side and closing my eyes, I bask in the freedom I feel at this moment. It’s as if I’m flying, my heart soaring to a special place no one can take me to but him. Though I can’t see a thing, I know everything around me is safe because I’m in the arms of a man who will never let me fall.
*
We’re sitting in Sawyer’s parents’ living room with a cup of hot cocoa, playin’ a board game. Girls against boys, and although there have been moments when I want to punch Sawyer, we’re having a blast. Even Sam has been laughin’ and looking happier than I’ve seen her since we got here.
I spoke with her after lunch, trying to see what I could get from her about this new guy Grant, but she didn’t give me much. Just said that things were good, but she was lacking that glow. The one people get when they’re in a start of a beautiful relationship. Heck, I still get that with Sawyer from time to time and I’ve been with him for years. Even when he drives me crazy, I want to kiss his face.
The sound of my cell phone ringing cuts through the air. Reaching over, I grab it from the floor where it sits next to me and look at the caller ID. My stomach drops. I don’t recognize the number but it’s from Charleston, and I have a pretty good idea who it could be.
“Cupcake, you gonna answer that?” Sawyer asks, watching me as I just stare at the screen.
I smile, though it’s a pathetic one. I can feel my lips trembling. “Yeah. Excuse me for a moment, I think it’s Mac.” I get up from my spot on the floor and walk into the kitchen. “Hello?” I answer quietly.
I expect it to be Barbara, or even Lucy possibly, but it turns out to not be either of them. Surprisingly, it’s Dr. Schaefer.
“Dr. Schaefer, hi.”
“I hope I’m not bothering you right now?”
“No. It’s fine. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling because the test results have come back.”
“Already?” I say, shock clear in my voice. “I thought you said a week?”
“I was hoping no more than a week, but considering the urgency of the situation the lab made it top priority. I just received them five minutes ago.”
My heart pounds like a drum, cold fear clawing at my chest. Things fall silent, my throat too clogged with fear to ask the question I should be askin’.
“It came back a positive match, Grace. If you’re willing, you are a candidate who can possibly help save Lucy’s life.”
Even though it was the outcome I hoped for, it still hits me like a ton of bricks. “When?” I clear my throat when I hear how rough it sounds. “When do you need me? I’m out of town at the moment until Sunday.”
“That’s okay. I would have you come in Monday, if you’re willing. There are still a couple more things we need to discuss. I can go over the procedure and answer any questions you or your family may have. I will not share these results with the family…unless you want me to?”
“No. Please don’t. I’d like to be the one to tell them. I need time to absorb this and I still need to speak with my husband.”
Oh god, just the thought has my hand shaking violently and tears building behind my eyes.
“Very well, I understand. I’ll see you Monday then?”
I swallow thickly, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. “Yes. I’ll see you Monday.”