Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I haven’t noticed Nova’s come back until she says, “I think we should all just scream our heads off.”
I sit up to give her a what-the-hell look, but Rachel begins to nod.
Lainey brings the bottle of water, and wanting her to be prepared, I ask, “Are you going to scream with your mom and aunt?”
She nods.
“On three,” Nova says. “One. Two. Three.”
When they all let out heartbreaking screams, I almost close my eyes as the most intense wave of sorrow hits me, but my gaze is locked on my sister as her voice gives out and sobs rip from her.
Lainey throws herself over Rachel, and I quickly place my hand on her back in an attempt to comfort her.
I turn my attention to Nova, and I watch as her breath hitches, but again, she somehow reins in her emotions.
Rachel is the next to calm down, but Lainey remains inconsolable.
I pull my niece onto my lap and begin to rock her gently while murmuring, “It’s okay, sweetheart. Shhh . . . it’s okay.”
Nova glances at us. “Do you mind leaving the room so I can help Rachel change into her pajamas?”
With Lainey in my arms, I climb to my feet and walk to the sliding doors. Stepping out onto the veranda, I take a seat on one of the chairs and hold Lainey while I just stare out over the garden, not taking in any of the scenery.
Rachel is going to die, and there’s nothing any of us can do to stop it.
My mind races, and I think about pulling Lainey out of school so she can spend as much time with her mother as possible before the end. Or maybe I should let her go to school so she gets a breather from all the heartache that’s going to fill the house.
Fuck. What will be best for Lainey?
Keeping one arm locked around my niece, who’s stopped crying and is lying against my chest, I pull my phone out of my pocket and send Sylvia a text to find the best therapist for Lainey who’s willing to make house calls. I feel Lainey would be more comfortable here at home than in some random office.
Not even a minute after sending the text, she replies.
Sylvia: I’ll find a therapist ASAP. How are you all holding up?
Easton: Not good. The tumor is growing fast, and we’ve been told to prepare for the end.
Sylvia: I’m so sorry, Easton. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
Easton: Thanks.
I tuck the phone back into my pocket, then hear Nova say, “You can come in.”
Lainey scrambles off my lap and runs into the house. As I climb to my feet, my eyes lock with Nova’s.
There’s a worried expression on her face as she asks, “Do you need anything?”
“A hug,” I mutter as I walk toward her.
She meets me halfway and doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around my waist. Her hand brushes up and down my back, her touch soothing. I let out a heavy breath while folding my body around hers.
Holding Nova, a calmness begins to slowly settle inside me, and it feels as if she’s passing some of her strength to me. I press my mouth to her temple and keep it there, taking deep breaths of her soft floral scent.
She pulls her arms back, and just as I think I’m not ready to let go, she moves up on her tiptoes and wraps her arms around my neck. Her hand settles on the back of my head, and it feels as if she’s trying to cradle me to her. Then she kisses my jaw, and for a split second, everything feels a little brighter.
“I’m here for you,” she whispers before giving me another kiss. “I’ll always be here for you.”
I lift my head to look at her, and when our eyes lock, I swear I see love shining in her green ones.
Warmth pours into my heart from the way she’s looking at me, and it makes me want to hold onto her and never let go.
She moves her palms to the sides of my jaw and says, “You can lean on me. Okay?”
The urge to kiss her builds in me, but instead of claiming her mouth, I nod. My voice is rough from all the emotions warring in my chest. “Thanks, Nova.”
She pulls away from me and glances through the open sliding doors into the house. “Do you think I should make something to eat?”
I shake my head. “We can think about food later.”
When she heads toward the open doors, I follow her into the house.
Lainey’s lying beside Rachel, who gives us a weak smile. “I think . . . she’s asleep.”
“Should I move her?” I ask.
My sister shakes her head. “I want . . . to hold . . . her.”