Page 193 of Untying the Knot
I turn toward him, and he just says, “Keep listening.”
“Thirdly, Myla, you won’t be moving to Chicago. You will be staying in California with your husband—”
“I’m not leaving you,” I protest, even though I know I shouldn’t.
“Babe, give her a second.” Ryot smooths his hand over my arm.
With an evil glare, Nichole continues, “Youwillbe staying in California with your husband. You’re going to take that job with Kelsey because from what I understand, it’s a fantastic opportunity and something you’ve been dreaming of. Not to mention you seem to get along with them very well, from what I’ve been told. And me, well, I’ll be moving as well to a beach house in California.”
“Wait . . . what?” I ask, perking up.
“So will you and Ryot. He spoke with Huxley, who has a friend out in Malibu who rents houses. There are two right by the ocean, two doors down from each other, which would work perfectly for us. Your dearest husband has demanded to help with the cost of the rent. Banner has some doctors he wants me to talk to, and I’ll continue my treatments in California.”
“Seriously?” My eyes well up with tears.
“Yes. Now, there are no promises as to where this will take me, or what treatments are available. But even if I’m afforded a year, that’s one more year just sitting by the beach, reading all the books that I want to read, and enjoying the most beautiful sunsets while living near my best friend again.”
Tears stream down my face as I walk over to Nichole. I sit on the edge of her bed and say, “Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”
“I’m more than positive.” Then she whispers and nods toward Ryot, “You sure you still want to stay married to him?”
I look over my shoulder at the most handsome, generous, and loving man I’ve ever met. “More than sure,” I answer.
“Good, that was a test, and you passed.”
“So this is happening. You’re moving to California?”
Nichole nods. “Yup. There will be some transferring we have to do with my treatments, but Banner has already been in contact with some people. It might take a week or so, but Ryot said you two will stay out here as long as we need to and then move me out to be with you.”
“Oh my God.” I lean into Nichole and hold her tightly. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Nichole rubs my back and says quietly, “I don’t know what the future holds for me, but what I do know is that you will be taken care of. That you will continue to live the life you deserve, and that I won’t have to worry about it when I do finally pass. The one thing I wish is for your happiness.” She lifts away to look me in the eyes. “You are happiest with Ryot.”
“Thank you for helping me see that.”
“Anything for you. After all, you’ve so generously been my wing-woman for several years, landing me some of the best action of my life. It’s the least I could do.”
I chuckle and then hug her again.
Nichole is right, her future is uncertain, but at least with this plan, I’ll feel comfortable knowing we’ve done everything we could to give her the best chance. And to give my marriage the best chance possible.
* * *
“Areyou sure you’re not hungry?” Ryot asks as we enter the penthouse.
After a day of planning at the hospital, looking at the Malibu houses repeatedly, and hiring movers to help Nichole pack, she was completely toast and ready for some sleep. The doctor said she would be able to be discharged tomorrow. They just wanted to monitor her for another night before they signed her out. So of course, she kicked us out and sent us on our way.
Banner took a flight home so he could speak to some doctors for her and come up with an action plan. When I asked about Kenzie, he just ignored me and moved on. There is no doubt in my mind that Nichole will hold him to that date.
And now that we’re back at the hotel, I’m exhausted and just want to lie down.
“I don’t want to eat right now. Can we just go to bed?”
“Sure,” he says as he takes my hand and leads me to the bedroom.
Together we get ready, taking turns using the bathroom, sharing the toothpaste, and splashing our faces with water. I change into one of his shirts, and he undresses down to his briefs. When we’re both ready, he lifts the covers of the bed so I can get in first. When he slips in, he turns toward me and immediately places his hand on my hip, pulling me in close.
“You okay?” he asks.
