Page 8 of When You Are Mine

An awkward silence fell between them when they realized their destinations would take them in different directions. Walsh knew that he shouldn’t, but he looked for an excuse to prolong…again.

“I know you have your crafts class, but do you have time to meet Iyani?”

“I’d love to.” She glanced at the watch on her wrist. “I have a few minutes.”

They entered the sterile room, both watching the little girl swallowed by the large hospital bed. Walsh made a note to brighten things up next time he came.

“Mr. Bennett!” Iyani stretched her IV’d arms toward him, like little wired pencils. “You came.”

“I told you I would.” He gave her a quick hug and a smile. “And I brought someone to meet you.”

Walsh noticed Kerris blinking away tears at the sight of the little girl whose smooth, dark skin contrasted against the stark white sheets like coffee against milk. Soft, dark curls were just starting to grow back on her smooth scalp, but a scar streaked its way along one side of her head like an angry lightning bolt. The other side looked swollen, the growth below pushing against the skin. In contrast to the battle-scarred head, her bright smile and shining eyes glowed with simple joy.

“She’s so pretty,” Iyani said in her softly accented voice.

“Well, I was just thinking the same thing about you.” Kerris’s smile widened when Iyani brightened even more under the faint praise.

“How are you feeling today, Iyani?” Walsh leaned in to drop a kiss on her forehead.

“I am good, Mr. Bennett,” she assured him with a vigorous nod. “A little tired from our long trip.”

“Did you enjoy your first plane ride?” He brushed his hand across hers.

“It was a lot of fun!” Iyani shared a heart-melting smile with Walsh and Kerris.

“Well, I think your doctor will be coming through in the next hour, so I thought I’d come hang out for a little while until then,” Walsh said.

“No more Uno.” Iyani left her voice serious, but her eyes laughed.

“I thought you loved Uno.” Walsh put on a mock-offended frown.

“Just so much…” Iyani scrunched her nose.

“We got bored on the plane, so we kind of played a little Uno,” Walsh explained to Kerris.

“Sounds like more than a little.” Kerris’s eyes teased him. “Well, Iyani, if you have some time, I’m about to meet some other little girls down the hall, and we’re going to make necklaces and bracelets and rings. Would you like to come?”

“Can I, Mr. Bennett? Please, please, please?” Iyani clasped her small hands together under her chin.

“Let me get this straight. You’d rather go make jewelry with a bunch ofgirlsthan hang out here with me and play Uno?”

“Yes! I mean…just this once?”

“I think it’ll be fine.” He laughed, hazarding a glance in Kerris’s direction. “Lead the way.”

“Oh, you’re…you’re coming with us?” Kerris’s smile slipped a little.

“Well, I’m responsible for this young lady. I need to see what she’s up to.”

An hour later, Walsh watched Kerris flit from one small, drawn figure to the next, helping them bead strings and glue on sparkly ornaments. She showed that same compassionate heart to these desperately sick children that he’d glimpsed with the sweet old lady.

He thought of the childhood she’d probably had, similar to Cam’s. This loving, generous, captivating woman had probably lived through hell and emerged like a butterfly with scorched wings. He wanted to pull his eyes away from the vibrancy of her, but he just couldn’t.

“Okay, kiddos.” Kerris passed her smile out to each of the girls. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

The gaggle of girls laughed and squealed their excitement, admiring their handmade treasures.

“Iyani.” Walsh reached for her hand. “Come on, sweetie. It’s time to meet Dr. Myer.”

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