Page 193 of Her Wicked Plan

“Grandma! I made you a picture to take to Heaven with you!” Carter says nonchalantly.

Chloe brings her hand to her mouth, suppressing a cry as her son hands over the picture. Our mother inspects the drawing, her dull eyes wanting to shine brightly at the thoughtful gift but failing.

“I’ve always wanted to be purple!” She attempts an excited tone. “And I love the rainbow, sweetie.”

“Will there be a rainbow in Heaven?” he asks with a serious look on his face.

“I think there will be plenty of rainbows in Heaven.” She smiles weakly at him. “I can’t wait to show this to Lucy and tell her how much you miss her.”

“I’ll miss you too, Grandma.” Tears brim my mother's eyes; her smile remains warm.

“And I’ll miss you.” She leans forward a bit, Carter meeting her the rest of the way until her lips press to his forehead. “The most.”

Footsteps drag across the carpet in the hall, catching our attention when Myles appears at the door, out of breath. His eyes find mine first, then go to my mother. Worry overtakes him, but he peels his eyes away to gaze at my sister. At the sight of her, I watch his heartbreak.

“Carter, sweetie, why don’t you go draw your mommy a picture,” my mother suggests.

“Okay!” He agrees and runs off to the playroom.

“I am glad you could make it, Leo.” She tells me again, the hidden message behind her words.

She doesn’t think she will survive this cancer much longer, and if she goes soon, she wants me to be here. I reach for her hand, holding it in mine as I try not to cry.

Myles embraces my sister in a hug, pressing her cheek against his chest while she silently cries.

“Do you need anything? Food, water?” I offer.

“No, I’m all right for now,” she declines. “Why don’t you three go get some fresh air.”

“We are not leaving you,” Chloe speaks for everyone.

My mother's eyes move slowly to where Myles and my sister stand. “Chloe, you have been cooped up in this room with me for the past week. I’m not recommending you leave the house, just to the backyard.”

“Fresh air will do us good,” Myles says. He unwraps his arms from Chloe and takes her hand. She hesitates, her feet stuck to the ground before she gives in. They leave the room, Chloe glancing over her shoulder again to look at our mother.

Once they are gone, Mom lets out a little sigh. “Scott, why don’t you go with them? I’d like to have a moment alone with Leo.”

“Of course.” Dad stands up, leaning to kiss her forehead before giving us privacy.

Her grip on my hand is weak, and even when she wants to tighten it, her body doesn’t have the strength to allow her. “Leo, my sweet boy.”

“Mom...” I can’t say anything else because if I do, I’ll cry.

“I know I tell you all the time how proud I am of you, and I truly mean it. Not only with your career but also with the young man you have become. We couldn't have raised a better son.” Her hand is cold. I bring my other one up to cup both around it to warm her up. “I’m sorry I won’t witness your other accomplishments in life. I won’t be there when you get married or have a child, but I will always watch over you.”

A tear slips down my cheek.

“I wish for you to find love in your busy life. Someone to love you the way your father has always loved me.” Her bottom lip trembles. “It is what I want for you and your sister. For the two of you to be happy and loved. She seems to be on the track of achieving that.”

I let her words simmer before I ask, “Her and Myles. Is there something going on between them?”

She lightly shrugs her shoulders. “Your sister hasn’t mentioned anything to me, but I see how they look at each other. Even before I got sick, Myles would always steal glances at Chloe. At this horrendous time in our lives, grief can draw two people together. Myles was there when Chloe needed a shoulder to cry on, and I believe that changed things,” she states. “I know he is your best friend, but can you think of anyone better for Chloe and Carter?”

I can’t. Even with Myles's track record with women, I know he would treat my sister and nephew well.

“Leo, I am truly sorry that our lives must be this way.”

I shake my head, a stray tear rolling down my cheek. “I don’t understand. We did everything right. You were an amazing woman and mother. How can God make this happen to someone as special as you?”