Page 103 of What Should Have Been Ours

I forgot how embarrassing it is to be so obsessed with someone like this.

I haven’t since him.

I don’t think I ever could after him.

40

Cameron

The laughter around is warm, filling every inch of the room with something that feels akin to normal. Which is ironic—because nothing about this time should feel normal. Not when I’ve spent the last few months fighting to stay alive. Not when I’m still recovering from the torture that is chemo and radiation, now waiting for the next step that could determine if I get more time or if this fight is already slipping through my fingers.

But right now? Right now, surrounded by the people I love, finally sitting at my own damn dining table instead of in a hospital bed eating dinner—it feels like getting back a piece of my old life.

Gabrielle is next to me, laughing at something Kinsley said, her fingers loosely around my arm. Her mom is beside her, deep in conversation. My parents are sitting across from me, both looking healthier than they probably should, considering the stress I’ve put them under. And Wes is at the far end of the table, smirking into his drink as he throws out some ridiculous story from work.

“Wait, wait, wait—” Kinsley waves a hand, barely containing her laughter. “Are you telling me you actually got on the ground and had to wrestle a toddler for your stethoscope back?”

Wes sighs dramatically, leaning back in his chair. “Listen, that kid had a death grip. I swear he was part Python.”

Gabrielle giggles, shaking her head. “Did you at least win?”

Wes glares at her. “What do you think?”

Kinsley snorts. “So…no?”

Wes groans. “His mom had to pry it from him while I stood there looking like a total idiot. The other doctors haven’t let me live it down.”

Gabrielle wipes a tear at the corner of her eye from laughing so hard, and I swear my heart stumbles a little just watching her.

“Tell me someone at least recorded it,” I tease.

Wes narrows his eyes at me. “I hate all of you.”

“Don’t be mad,” Kinsley grins. “You are by far the best kind of entertainment I’ve ever come across.”

Wes huffs even though I know he’s enjoying the attention.

I lean back in my chair, letting the moment settle in. Just soaking it up. Because I know these moments don’t last forever. So I’m trying to bottle this one up.

I know what’s waiting for me.

The fight isn’t over. The transplant is looming. And there are still too many unknowns. So tonight, I just want to focus on what’s about to happen.

As Wes stands, excusing himself to the bathroom, he pats me on the shoulder. As he does, he slips something small into my palm. My fingers close around the velvet box instinctively, and I glance up just in time to see him wink before walking away like nothing happened.

I exhale slowly, my heart hammering as I tighten my grip on the box. I wait for Wes to come back, for everyone to start winding down after their meals, the last sips of wine being taken, and the plates nearly empty. Then I clear my throat, pushing my chair back as I slowly rise to my feet.

“I, uh—” I rub the back of my neck, suddenly feeling every set of eyes on me. “I just wanted to say something.”

Gabrielle turns and looks up at me, her expression soft and curious.

I glance around the table, taking in every face. My parents, my best friend, the woman I love, all of the people who have been with me through the absolute worst times. And I feel the words I want to say settle a little easier in my chest.

“I wouldn’t be here without you guys,” I start, my voice steady despite the emotions welling up in my throat. “These last few months have been…hell. There’s no better way to say it. But every step of the way, I’ve had all of you, and I don’t take that for granted.”

I turn to my parents first.

“Mom, Dad…you dropped everything to come be here for me. You’ve put your lives on hold to help me fight for mine…again, and I don’t have enough words to tell you how much that means to me.”