Page 79 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"I can't wait."

I smile at him, and the smile he shoots back at me is enough to send my heart soaring with happiness, but then it's gone.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Can we talk about Jimmy?"

"Can we wait until Mom is better?"

He nods, takes my hands, and brings them to his lips.

"Will you help me make some tacos?" I ask.

We eat dinner and wash dishes. When there's no call from Caleb, Jon walks me to the spare bedroom next to his.

"There are fresh towels in the bathroom, and I changed the bedding earlier."

"Thank you."

"Good night," he says and begins to walk away.

"Jon," I say before he can let go of my hand. "kiss me."

He lifts his hands to my face and looks deep into my eyes before pressing his lips to mine. The kiss is slow and sweet and perfect.

***

Jon and I walk into the fourth floor waiting room, where Rick and Caleb sit sipping coffee.

Before we can say good morning, the same doctor from yesterday walks in.

"Mrs. Alonzo is awake, but she's very weak. She's asking to speak to her daughter."

I let go of Jon's hand and follow the doctor into the ICU. Mom looks so small and frail. Nothing like the determined, strong-willed woman I last saw a month ago.

The breathing tube is gone, but she's still much paler than usual. She opens her eyes when she senses my presence.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, Sharon," her voice is weak. "I never expected you to be here."

While most children would run to their parent's side and, at the very least, touch them, kiss them, or hold their hand, I stay put by the door.

"How do you feel?"

"Like I just had my chest cracked open with a jackhammer."

"I'm so sorry, Mom."

"Sit down, Sharon."

I pull up the only chair in the room and sit beside her bed. I wait for her to speak, watching her take several deep breaths.

"Do you want some water?"

She gives a slight nod.

I pick up the cup with a straw and hold it to her lips. After she takes a few sips, she clears her throat and closes her eyes.

---