Page 142 of Free to Fall

Her little hand slips into mine. “Is it because we might see Laura?” Her voice holds the same amount of hope my heart does.

I’d give anything for a chance to see her, to look at her. To tell her I love her ...

But that’s a chance I’m not likely to be granted. Instead, I set Bailey’s expectations. Carefully, I squeeze her hand. “I don’t think we’ll see her, but yes, I’m sad because we haven’t.”

“But I heard you apologize.” She frowns up at me.

“I’ve tried, Buttercup.” Over and over.

We make our way toward the front of the hospital, my head drooping lower and lower as the site of my sins weighs heavily on my shoulders. Then Bailey screams “Laura!” and begins frantically waving her arm.

My head snaps up. Then I, too, see her as she emerges from the hospital front entrance. A mix of longing and apprehension washes over me. We’re close enough that our eyes meet. In the silent exchange, there’s longing and something else in her eyes.

It’s not hate.

Or fear.

Could it be . . .

“Hey, Bailey.” She drops to her knee and waits for Bailey to make her way over to her.

The second she does, any distance between them is immediately eradicated. Bailey throws her arms around Laura’s neck. She mumbles something. Laura’s eyes squeeze shut and her smile widens. “I miss you too, sweetheart.”

She steadies my daughter before aiming a tentative smile in my direction. “Liam.”

“Laura.” Just her name, but in it is all the anguish I’m feeling.

Her smile waivers as if the sound of my pain hurts her. That has to mean something, right? I push my luck and move closer. “How are you?”

Her eyes meet mine and her ocean-colored eyes brighten. “Good.”

I blink in surprise before I attempt my first smile not directed at Bailey in weeks. I start “Have you been receiving ...”

For a second, a twitch of amusement lifts her lips. “The long term stay residents would like to say thank you for your generosity.”

I’m confused before I yelp, “You’ve been giving away my flowers?”

Exasperated, she rolls her eyes. “Liam, you’ve sent flowers every. Single. Day. I’d be in anaphylactic shock if I kept that many at home. I’m sharing the ... enjoyment with some people who don’t have as much love around them.”

“Oh.” Then I think about her words, and my heart begins to beat faster.

She said love.

Immediately, I ask, “Is there anything else they need? Books? Magazines?”

Her mouth blooms into a real smile. A curvature of lips I never thought I’d see again. “As much as you’ve done for the hospital, there’s no way I can ask that.”

“What if I want to help ... the hospital again?”

“If you want that information, see the charge nurse on six west.” Just then, my phone beeps incessantly, reminding me of Bailey’s appointment.

“I guess that’s my cue to go,” I explain.

She bends over and hugs Bailey again. “It was good to see you, Buttercup.”

“You too, Laura,” she chirps.

“Text me and let me know how the appointment goes,” she makes Bailey promise.

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