Page 81 of Stolen Kisses

“Thank you. I’m surprised to see you here, but I’m glad to see Kenny.” I return with an arched brow. I know my dig at himis juvenile, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Even though I’ve managed to keep up the visits to the park after school with the threekids, she’s missed seeing you.” He gives me a smirk when my eyes widen. The boys haven’t mentioned going to the park with Theo. I assumed Mom and Dad had been taking them each day and including Kenny because that’s what I do. I look at Mom and Dad, waiting for an explanation. Mom smiles innocently, which I know is so far from true it isn’t even funny.

“What’s that, Mommy?” Lachlan points to one of the bulbs visible at the bottom of my shirt.

I’ve been honest with the boys. I told them that the doctor found cancer in my breasts and that I had to have surgery to get it taken out. I kept the explanation really simple for them. I keep my eyes on Theo as I answer Lachlan. “Uhm, it’s to collect the fluid that builds up where the doctor took the cancer out of my body.”

The color drains from Theo’s face. Maybe now he’ll stay away—as I asked.

I watch his Adam’s apple move up and down on a hard swallow. His eyes stay locked with mine as he stands a little taller. A little straighter. He tilts his head in acknowledgment and I focus my attention back on the kids.

“Is it working?” Lachlan asks.

“I think so. The nurse comes by every now and then to check on it. She seems pretty happy withhow it’s working.”

“Cancer?” Kenny’s eyes well, her bottom lip trembling. “Are yougonnago to heaven like my mommy did?” she whispers, breaking my heart.

“No, Kenny. I’m going to be just fine.” I stroke down her long hair, attempting to comfort her. She leans into my right side, knocking my wound site accidentally. Isuckin a sharp breath, my hand flying up to protect thearea, as a gasp escapes.I clench my teethin pain and my vision goes a little fuzzy.LuckilyI’m sitting down. “I’m sorry, Emma. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Tears drop over her bottom lashes onto her sweet cheeks.

Theo steps forward quickly, lifting Kenny from the bed. “You need to be careful, Munchkin.” He looks at me apologetically. “Sorry about that.” His eyes drop to my breasts.My breasts are so swollen and with the expanders in place, it’s not obvious that I’ve had surgery to remove the tissue. He smooths his hand down his niece’s back, murmuring something to her that I can’t hear.

Now he knows it was breast cancer. Will that be enough to make him leave?

“Have you seen the surgeon, Honey?” Mom asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“Yeah. He’s happy with how everything’s turned out.Both of my surgeons have been checking in on me each day. I’ll see the plastic surgeon when it’s time to remove the drains and start increasing the size of my expanders.”

“Dr. Barnesseemed like such a nice man.” I roll my eyes. Mom thinks everyone’s a nice man or a nice lady.

We spend the next hour catching up. The boys tell me all about school and how Aunty Sarah burned dinner. Lachlan informs me that he didn’t get upset about it because he already had his chicken nuggets andslicedvegetables. I can’t help but laugh a little at how proud he is of himself, which in turn causes a sharp pain in my chest.

As much as I’ve missed seeing my family, I’m feeling suddenly tired and a rather large yawnescapes.

“Come on, we should let Mommy rest.” Dad prompts everyone into action.

I hug the boys as tight as I can to get me through the last days of my hospital stay. “I love you guys. I’ll be home soon. Okay?” I give them a bright smile. Brighter than I actually feel at the moment.

Icarefully embraceMom and Dad.

Dad whispers in my ear,“Youshould give Theo a chance to make things right.”

He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know that I’m Theo’s worst nightmare come to life. Not that I’m going to die from this disease, not even remotely. But I would be a constant reminder of what he’s lost. That I survived when his mom and sister didn’t. Every time he looks at my breasts, he’ll be reminded of the battle I won and his mom and sisterlost.

Kenny comes in for a gentle hug. “Bye, Emma. I’m sorry Ihurtedyou.”

I smile at her, running my hand down her unruly hair. “It was an accident. I’m okay. I’ve been missing you, so thank you for coming to visit me today.”

She nods, stepping back to her uncle’s side. He whispers something to Mom, then passes Kenny’s hand toherand they leave.Leaving me alone with Theo.

“Thanks for bringing Kenny up to visit. I miss seeing her little smile.” I don’t know what else to say. I’munsure why he’s still here.

Tucking his hands in the pocket of his jeans, the ones that hug his muscular thighs, Theo steps closer to me. His sweater pulls across his broad chest as he invades my personal space. Surprising me, he plants a gentle kiss on my forehead, careful not to touch me anywhere else.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he whispers. His lips still touching my skin, setting my body on fire at the memory of his lips caressing the length of my body, my breasts, my thighs.

“How could I tell you after you shared the history of your family with me?” I whisper in return. I blink, working to keep back the tears pricking at my eyes.

He brushes his fingers across my bangs, tucking loose hair behind my ear, then follows the line of my jaw with the back of his fingers. “I get that. But I need you to understand that I’m here.” He crouches down slightly, ensuring my eyes are locked with his. “For better or for worse.”

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