Dallas
Saturday, 9:15 a.m.
Julia had taken the text from Chloe on her way to the airport in Los Angeles.
Type A pos. I am so sorry.
She cried for a good two hours before finding the energy to text Chloe back.
Don’t apologize. I love you. May God bless you and Jack.
She arrived in Dallas at dawn, took a cab straight to Cedar Springs Medical Center. Matt hugged her, said he’s on the top of the list. And yet—still no liver. UNOS showed two type O’s available overnight. One was in Seattle and the other in Georgia. Both jumped Dillon on the list because of geography.
She didn’t ask how is he? because her husband’s face told her everything. He texted Pottsie and she came up from the chapel where she was keeping vigil. She prayed with Julia and Matt, kissed them both, and went back to batter heaven with her love.
Dr. Annie hugged her and said, “We’re not out of time yet.”
Julia would not ask how long? and glared at Matt so the words would not even enter his mind. She went into Dillon’s room, kicked off her shoes, and got into the bed with her son. His skin was dry, his belly swollen, his breath acrid. He was only hours from being past the stage where he could accept a transplant.
He stirred when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. “Mom,” he mumbled and went back to sleep. She fell into a deep sleep, tried to fight her way out. Instead, giving in to Matt telling her that she needed her sleep too.
You’re resting in Me now. That wasn’t her husband’s voice—though it was his will—and she let it be her will too.
Keep my baby safe, she prayed from her dreams. Show him wonder. He loves wonder.
And then bright sunlight shone on her face and Matt shook her awake. “Julia, Chloe is here.”
Julia forced her eyes open and saw Chloe staring at the boy who was her brother, tears streaming down her face. Jack’s arms were tight on her waist, and somehow Julia knew that he was not holding her back—just holding her up.
“I got tested too,” Jack said.
“What?” Julia squinted at him.
“I’m healthy as a horse, probably too stable psychologically, and”—he kissed Chloe’s cheek and then turned back to Julia—“I am a perfectly fine and very qualified type-O donor.”