Page 57 of What Should Have Been Ours

Daniel’s mom wipes at her eyes. “But he’s so young.”

“I know,” I say softly. “And it’s not fair. But kids are incredibly resilient, and Wilms tumor has very good odds of being treatable. We caught this early, and that gives us a really good shot at beating it.”

Daniel’s dad clears his throat, his voice rough. “So what happens next?”

“Next,” I say, flipping open my notes, “we talk about treatment.”

By the time I make it back to the lounge, I barely get a second to sit down before Wes strolls in, smirking.

I drop into a chair, rubbing a hand down my face.

Wes flops into the seat across from me. “How’s your day been, Dr. McMiracle?”

I let out a long exhale. “Just…a day.”

He nods like he gets it—because he does.

“This job, man,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“Yeah,” he sighs. “The highs are high, but the lows? They gut you.”

I nod.

I pull my phone out of my pocket for what feels like the first time today. It’s been busier than normal today, and I haven’t had a moment to check in with Gabrielle.

When I unlock my phone, there’s already a text waiting for me.

My Future Wife: Just saw a guy trip over absolutely nothing and take down an entire display of canned soup with him in the grocery store. Immediately thought of you. Hope your day is less tragic.

I can’t help but laugh out loud.

Cam: Did it remind you of how hard I fell for you?

My Future Wife: Smooth.

My Future Wife: Fell? Past tense or present?

Cam: Definitely present, ongoing, possibly terminal.

My Future Wife: Damn. Should I start planning the funeral? Or just let you suffer for a while?

Cam: Depends. Will there be a eulogy where you confess your love?

My Future Wife: I’d rather let you haunt me.

Cam: Careful what you wish for, trouble. I might just show up tonight to prove to you that I’m still very much alive.

My Future Wife: Oh? And what exactly would this “very much alive” version of you be doing if he shows up?

Cam: Seeing you. Maybe letting you nurse me back to health after this devastating fall I took for you.

My Future Wife: So cheesy and dramatic.

Cam: You never struck me as being into boring men, so you’re welcome. Are you free later?

21

Gabrielle