PLUS ONE

JESS

Luke was on his knees in front of me, tears streaking down his face as he pressed his lips to my stomach like it was the most precious thing in the world. His shoulders shook, and I couldn't stop my fingers from diving into his messy black curls, holding him there, grounding I stared down at him-this big, tough guy I thought nothing could ever break-and all I could think was, My family is back. We're whole again.

Laura was practically sitting in Josh's lap in the wheelchair, clinging to him like her life depended on it. Josh held her just as tightly, his face buried in her shoulder. But I couldn't focus on them for long because Luke tilted his head back, looking up at me with those piercing g And what did I see there? It wasn't anger or guilt or even relief. It was love. The kind of love that takes your breath away and makes your knees weak.

"I can't believe..." His voice cracked, and he shook his head, leaning his forehead against my stomach like he was trying to catch his breath.

His hands rested lightly on my hips like he thought I might disappear if he held me too tightly. I tugged gently at his hair, and when he looked up at me again, there was something new in his eyes-something raw and broken.

"I'm so sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

17 551

PLUS ONE

288 Vouchers

my voice soft as I brushed a tear

first doctor's visit. The first time you felt them

His voice cracked again.

wasn't going to let him

crouched down in front of him, my hands framing his face so he couldn't look anywhere but at me. "Hey," I said firmly, keeping my voice steady

and kissed him, soft and slow, trying to tell him everything I didn't have the

he couldn't look away. "You're here for the rest of it,"

his breath shaky as he rested his hands

foot rub," I added, smiling a little even though

rub those hideous feet every single day for the rest of my life," he said, his voice stronger this time, his

PLUS ONE

288 Vouchers

sniffle, totally ruining the moment. "Not to interrupt, but I feel like

her

I'd seen him

I whispered, more to myself

in what felt like forever,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255