Page 158 of When Hearts Remember

I kiss her palm. “I’m not lonely anymore because you’re here.”

Alexis doles out a sweet smile and cocks her head to the side. “Right. We’ll make new memories. So…why are you a pen pal? You didn’t answer me.”

“I actually started the program. Anonymously, of course. Not every good deed our family does needs to be advertised. Takes away from the focus on the right things.”

After shrugging on my dark gray suit jacket, I check my watch, noting it to be seven in the morning. It’s funny how the routines I clung to just to get through life without her suddenly don’t matter anymore. Because she’s awake and here with me.

“As the years went by, and you were still in your coma, I needed to do something with my time outside of work. Donating money to medical research wasn’t enough. I wanted to be part of something directly meaningful to patients. Then I got to thinking,whenyou woke up, what would you need? How would it feel to have the world change while you were asleep?”

My voice thickens, and I cup her face. “I thought it’d be rough. It’s hard enough to navigate this world when you’re healthy, but it’s ten times harder when you’re sick. In the beginning, the program was small—occasional letters and gifts to patients. But later on, I asked Olivia—”

“Olivia?” Her brow raises at my mention of her friend.

“Yes, your Olivia. With her being a psychiatrist, she probably didn’t tell you this because she wasn’t allowed to, but she helped Maxwell with his anxiety. A few of us reached out for her services or referrals from time to time. Anyway, I asked her if a long-term mentorship or pen pal program could be beneficial for patients recovering from extended staysat the hospital.”

I grab my phone from the dresser. “One thing led to another, and Letters of Hope became what it is today. There are over a hundred volunteer pen pals now and other hospitals have joined the program. I enjoy writing to patients, being a listening ear. It feels like I’m doing something for you. And when I heard you submitted an application, well I—”

“Elbowed your way into being my pen pal? You sneaky, underhanded Deliminator.”

I bop her nose. “I’m normally a boy scout, I swear.”

“Boy scout?” Alexis walks her fingers up my chest, lighting up tingles along the way. “Someone didn’t seem very scout like the last few nights.”

Growling, I haul her against me, letting her feel my not so innocent hard on. “Haven’t you heard? Never judge a book by its cover. And,” I bend down and lick the whorl of her ear; she shivers, “it’salwaysthe quiet ones. We’re freaks in the sheets.”

“You’re insatiable.” She giggles and my phone pings.

“Fuck.” I groan and swipe to the barrage of messages waiting for me in the chat group my siblings started with our close friends.

“The Deliminator is in deep shit.” Alexis snickers. Every year they rename the group to someone they want to haze, and apparently, it’s my turn this year.

“Sometimes, it’s goodnotto have a big family,” I mutter.

Rex

I tried. I really did. Don’t kill me, Ethan.

Lana

You should see me snorting.

Rex

I don’t need to see you do anything. You’re sitting next to me and spat your water all over my jacket. Disgusting.

Charles

Rex, remind me not to ask you for help. If your “trying” means spilling the beans in the first five minutes after Liam cornered you, I don’t want to know what happens when youdon’ttry.

Taylor

Hell hath no fury than a best friend scorned. I hope you have copies of all your critical documents safely stored offline, Ethan.

Grace

I’m so happy for you guys!True love wins!

Steven

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