Page 107 of I’m Already Gone

“I asked your parents if they could take them for the day.”

Ah. That explains the silence.

His gaze lingering on my face, he gently takes the coffee cup from my hand. His fingers brush mine, sending a tiny jolt through me. He steps aside, gesturing toward the table.

“You hungry?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.

I nod. “A little.”

I follow him to the table, grateful for the chair’s plush cushions. I settle under the umbrella, facing the yard.

“Good. I hope you like what I made,” he says, a hint of pride in his tone. He sets my cup in front of me, then removes the domed cover from my plate.

“Oh, Ethan,” I breathe. “This looks… incredible.” There are crisp slices of bacon, a mound of golden shredded hash browns, a colorful medley of fresh fruit, and fluffy scrambled eggs.

I pluck a thick slice of bacon from the plate and shove it into my mouth. The salt and crunch are pure heaven.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d be able to keep down, so I made sure there was a variety for you to choose from. Just in case.” His eyes soften, full of that quiet concern I’ve come to rely on.

I give him an appreciative smile, my heart swelling. “Thank you, Ethan. Really.”

“You’re very welcome, Lily.”

I take my time, chewing slowly, savoring each bite, acutely aware of the delicate balance within my stomach. Usually, after a few days, I can handle regular foods, but I’ve learned not to overdo it, or it will send my stomach straight to the toilet, and me with it. After a few more bites, I reluctantly set my coffee aside, unable to manage another sip.

“Would you like some water?” Ethan asks.

“Yes, please.”

He pours me a glass of cucumber water, the slices floating like jewels, and places it in front of me.

“Thank you,” I murmur, my lips brushing the cool rim of the glass.

“You look like you’re having a better day,” he observes, taking a slow sip of his own coffee. “How do you feel?”

I lick my lips, tasting the cucumber. “I feel better. Much better. Thank you, Ethan, for taking care of me. I know it can’t be easy for you, but your support means the world to me. It comforts me knowing that I’m not facing this alone.” I meet his gaze, letting him see the sincerity in my eyes.

His shoulders visibly relax, and he lets out a relieved sigh. “You don’t have to thank me, Lily. I want to be here. To take care of you. To be whatever you need me to be.”

And I know his actions prove that he is telling the truth. Since he’s been staying with us, I’ve seen the old Ethan. The man I fell in love with since I was a teenager, the one who could make me laugh until my sides ached and steal my breath with a single look. The man who took my heart, and who I was proud to let keep it.

“What are your plans for today?” he asks.

“I was thinking about going back to the bakery.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Really? You feel up to it?”

I shrug. “It’s been a while since I’ve been there, and I’d like to check in. Besides, I want to take advantage of this energy while I still have it.”

He stares at me, his eyes unreadable for a moment. Then a smile spreads across his face. “On one condition.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”

“That I go with you.”

I take a slow, deliberate sip of my water, letting the cool liquid soothe my throat. “I think I can handle that.”

“Mama. Mama. Mama.”