Page 114 of Someone to Watch Over Me

“No one would, but I don’t agree that anyone could do what you did. A lot of people couldn’t and wouldn’t do it. Please don’t discount the extraordinary thing you did to make it possible for him to be at home for all that time.”

“I don’t discount it, but it’s what most people do for the ones they love.”

“I’ll give youmanypeople… Not most.”

“Okay, I’ll agree with that.”

“You did an exceptional, selfless, kind, giving thing for him, and I hope you give yourself a ton of credit for what a difference you made for him at the end of his life.”

“I do. In many ways, getting us both through that time in our lives is my proudest accomplishment, even if I hated that I couldn’t change the outcome.”

“Hearing about it has been enough to break my heart.”

Smiling, I reach up to caress his face. “Thank you for today. It was lovely.”

“Yes, it was. The first of many lovely days to come.”

“Did you hear that my debt is gone?”

“I heard a rumor…”

“I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true.”

He drops his head to kiss me. “So are you.”

23

Lexi

The next morning, I wake to a text from Hallie to the group:Nine. One. One. Robin’s ex-husband wants to move back into the house to care for their kids—and her. She says it’s out of practicality and is not romantic, that she and I are still a couple, and nothing has changed. What. The. Hell?!?!?!

My heart sinks for Hallie. The entire situation with Robin gives me a pit of dread in my stomach for my sweet friend.

Joy is the first to reply:No. Just no. She can’t have it both ways. She’s either with him or with you.

Roni:WHAT JOY SAID x 1 million!

Naomi:x 2 million!

I think about it for a second before typing my reply.Playing devil’s advocate here as a former full-time caretaker of a terminally ill person… Slow your roll, people. Is it possible that the ex is simply trying to do the right thing by the person he was married to for years and has children with? Is it possible he’s acting in their best interest and not his own? Could he be involved with someone else, too? Are you willing, Hallie, to move in and care for her (and her kids) if it comes to that?

Adrian:I agreed with what Joy and the others said until Lexi weighed in, and now I’m not so sure. She makes very good points. What if Robin’s cancer suddenly progresses? Does it make sense for the kids’ father to be nearby if things get dicey? How far are you willing to go to be her caregiver if need be?

Christy:All good questions, Lexi and Adrian. Another thought… Robin has soon-to-be teenagers. Trust me… you don’t want to be thrust into the game with them at this stage. I can barely handle mine, and I’ve known them for years.

That makes me laugh. Christy’s kids are great, and that’s due in large part to how effectively she’s managed their grief along with her own.

Wynter:Why can’t you all live together like one big happy family? He takes care of his kids. You take care of her?

Gage:What does it say about the rest of us that the youngest one has the best idea?

Wynter:That I’m smarter than all of you combined?!?

Brielle:Don’t you have a baby to breastfeed or something?

Derek:Absolutely no talk of breastfeeding in this group text.

Iris: Hallie, is this helping at all, honey, or have we made it worse?

---