Page 119 of Someone to Watch Over Me

“You don’t need me there right now. But if or when that time comes, I’ll be there. In the meantime, if your ex is back at home and there’s no need for me to move in any time soon, we have a built-in babysitter. You can come here after the kids are in bed.”

She rests her head on my shoulder. “There is that.”

I reach for her hand, relieved to have talked it out like adults and arrived at a solution that works for both of us.

“I love you, too, Hallie.”

Her words bring tears to my eyes. I grab the napkin from her lap to deal with the tears.

“Thank you for sticking with me when anyone else would’ve run away from this ridiculous situation.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

24

Lexi

I draft an email response to Nora, the woman who contacted me from the ALS Association. It takes me far longer than it should to write the four sentences that will send my professional life in a whole new direction, but this is no ordinary job or organization, so I take my time to get it right.

Hi, Nora,

Thank you for the time you gave me to consider your kind offer. As you know, the ALS Association was a lifesaver to my husband and me during his illness. While I believe aspects of the job would be difficult for me, it would be an honor to pay forward the many blessings we received from your organization for other patients and their families. Please let me know next steps when you have the chance.

Sincerely,

Lexi

I reread it at least six times before I press Send.

So… That happened.

I’ve officially tossed my hat in the ring for a job with the ALS Association. I can handle this. Right? I guess I’ll find out.

I text the widows to update them.

Sent the email to the ALS group telling them I’d like to be considered for the position. Gulp. We’ll see what happens.

They send congratulations and best wishes.

I’m proud of you, Lex,Wynter says in a private message to me.There are so many jobs that would be easier, but few that’ll make such a big difference for others.

Aw, thank you, Wynter. That means so much. I’m proud of you, too, for so many reasons, but especially for the courage you showed in having Jaden’s daughter. He’d be SO proud of you, too. Love you.

Quit making me cry. I’m lactating.

“What’s so funny?” Tom asks when he comes into the kitchen, where I’m on my laptop while sipping coffee.

“I applied for the ALS job.”

“Okay… Where’s the funny?”

I read my exchange with Wynter to him, and he laughs, too.

“She’s a character, huh?”

“That’s one word to describe her. She’s the most hilarious person I’ve ever met. That message she sent me was so sweet. I’ve loved watching her mature over these last few years when she’s gone from being so bitter at losing her beloved Jaden to a whole new life with Adrian and their kids.”

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