BEN LEANED BACK IN THE CHAIR NEXT TO HARPER’S HOSPITAL BED. HE had stopped by on his way home not only to see Harper but also—because Macey had been staying over at night after working all day—to see Macey.
“How’s the new job going?” she asked.
“Pretty well. It’s going to keep us plenty busy.” He paused. “Henry called last night. I told him about everything that’s been going on and he said to tell you they’re thinking of us.”
Macey smiled, picturing their old friend. “Good old Henry. Did he ever send you that cross-country singlet?”
“No,” Ben said. “It’s no big deal—I don’t need it. Anyway, they’re going to be at his mom’s for Christmas, and he wanted to get together, but I said I didn’t know.”
Macey nodded. “I can’t even think about Christmas.”
“I know,” Ben said.
“Maeve came by this morning.”
“Yeah, Gage told me she was going to.”
“Harper was even awake for most of her visit.”
He nodded and looked over at the little girl whose fragile body was still crisscrossed with wires and tubes. “What did she have to say?”
“She feels bad for everything we’re going through, and she can’t believe how quickly Harper’s condition deteriorated.”
Ben nodded. “I really think the doctor was probably right about Harper trying to hide her symptoms,” he said softly. “I’ll bet anything she is scared about having surgery. I know I would be if I was told my heart was going to be replaced with someone else’s. Can you imagine how that makes her feel?”
“Terrified,” Macey replied. She watched Harper breathing softly and knew she was sound asleep. “My parents are coming tomorrow.”
“Is she allowed to have so many visitors?”
“The nurses haven’t said anything.” She smiled wistfully. “I wish we could bring Keeper—that would really cheer her up.”
“It would cheer him up, too. He is Mr. Gloom and Doom without you guys.”
“Speaking of which,” Macey said, glancing at the clock. “You better go let him out and feed him.”
“Yeah, I’m going. Are you coming home tonight?”
“I am—I need to sleep in my own bed.”
“You also need to let your poor pup know you’re still alive.”
“I know. Maybe I’ll sleep on his bed.”
“No need for that. He’s been sleeping on your side of our bed!”
“He has? How’s he getting up there?”
“I moved the steps I made from Harper’s room.”
“You’re too funny.”
“I know,” he grinned. “Have you eaten?”
“No. Are there still some leftovers in the fridge?”
“There are. Want me to heat some up for you?”
“Sure, I’m just going to stay a little longer in case she wakes up. I’ll text you when I’m leaving.”
Ben nodded, stood up, and leaned over to kiss Harper’s silky hair. “G’night, little girl,” he said softly. She stirred but didn’t wake, and then he turned to Macey and kissed her, too. “Safe drive home, big girl.”
“Yep. You too, kiddo!” she teased.
Ben smiled. “You haven’t called me that in a while.”
She laughed. “I know.” She waved as he walked out, and then looked back at Harper. She was reluctant to leave—she knew she’d just worry more at home and probably not sleep well, but she really wanted to take a shower and get a change of scenery, and the nurses had assured her Harper would be fine.
Macey’s phone buzzed, and she looked at the screen. It was Maeve wanting to know if she was still there. She wrote back that she was but leaving soon, and Maeve responded with a smiley face and said to let her know if she needed anything. Macey sent back a heart, and then tapped the photo icon on her phone and looked at the last picture she’d taken—it was of Harper with Keeper and Big Mac sitting on her lap. It really was perfect—Big Mac was looking up as Keeper licked Harper’s cheek and she was laughing. It was the first time she’d seen Harper look so happy, and as she gazed at it, tears filled her eyes.