Page 72 of Fortunate Miracles
“Sounds good, Hurry. Are you home tonight?”
“Nope, Bay and I are staying with Alex tonight. They’re in the pool, but I wanted to call you.”
“Aww,that’s sweet. Thank you for checking in. Now go for a swim with Alex and Bay and I’ll see you in the morning. Call when you get to the hospital because we need to get you visitor passes, okay?”
“Will do, Sunshine. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me too. Bye Hurry.” I text Holly, Sue, and Mal, then grab a shower before wearing Nick’s shirt again. I take a seat on my bed, swallowing my sleeping pill.
“How are the guys?” Zander asks.
“Good. Bay is coming with Alex and Seb tomorrow, and Alex is bringing SAT prep.”
“You’re going to be busy, darling. I know you can handle it, but please pace yourself.”
“I will. Umm, I wanted to talk to you about something that you’re gonna think is coming out of left field, but,” I shrug.
“What is it, darling?”
“Would you mind if I called you Dad?” I ask.
A minute passes in stunned silence before a tear rolls down Zander’s face, reflecting the dim light. “Really? You want to call me Dad?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay?”
Zander gets up and pulls me off my bed, enveloping me in a big hug. “Yes! Yes, of course. Yes. Thank you. I’m honored.”
A small smile touches my lips, and a few happy tears well up in my eyes. I should've called him Dad months ago, really, but something about this trip made me finally bring it up. He’s been nothing but exceptional to me since we met. I couldn’t ask for a better man to be my dad. Pulling back, we both wipe our cheeks. “Okay, we should get some sleep, darling,” Zander says, kissing the top of my head.
“You’re right,” I reply, getting under the covers. I can’t wait to see the guys tomorrow.
Chapter 39
Summer
Ray's in Jake's room when we arrive in the morning, and Seb texted they were on their way a little after 7am. "Morning," I smile, going straight for Jake.
"Good morning. Jake had a peaceful night. They're talking to him like you asked."
"I'm glad," I reply, brushing his hair off his forehead. He's got a bit of scruff this morning, and I think it looks good on him. Kissing his cheek, I take a seat and grab his hand.
"Darling, I'm going to grab a coffee. Would you like some tea?"
"Yes, please," I smile at him.
"Ray, care to join me?" Zander asks. He nods, and they head out.
That gives me the opportunity to tell Jake about the guys coming, the workup he'll get on Monday, and the procedure on Friday. I express my excitement about being able to see his beautiful eyes again and having a two-way conversation.
It's been such a whirlwind few months. I've just been going and going nonstop. If Jake wakes, it won't slow down anytime soon. I need to talk to Ray about what happens after the trial because I refuse to believe it won't be successful. The thought of Ray moving him to Michigan, so far away from me, is unimaginable. Jake will be 18 soon, so it'll technically be his choice, but he'll need a lot of carein the coming months. Physiotherapy being the most obvious. He'll also need regular checkups, schooling, and possibly Sarah.
Zander and Ray come back with my tea. I've never found shop tea that great, but I didn't bring any with me. Taking a sip, I ask Ray about his plans when Jake wakes up.
"I haven't made plans, Summer. I'll figure that out if this works."
I open my mouth to push, but Zander interrupts me. "Darling, there's plenty of time to discuss that later. Even if the procedure is successful, Jake will remain here for a while."
I take a deep breath and nod. He's right. I just want everything planned out so I know what's going to happen, but Ray's probably overwhelmed with all this. He doesn't believe this will work either, not truly. I think he gave up hope a long time ago, but that's okay. I have enough for both of us.
