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She had learned the outcome was highly variable, depending on a multitude of factors. She hated when anyone received a terrifying health diagnosis but it seemed even more tragic when the person was a widow and single mother.

“What sort of treatment options are available?”

Morgan looked distressed. “It depends whether we want to take a conservative approach or more aggressive steps. Apparently there’s an experimental stem cell treatment that has shown some early promise and I am a candidate.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!”

“Maybe,” Morgan replied, twisting her hands in her lap. “But it’s complicated. The trials are happening at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. I would have to be there for at least two months.”

Hannah’s excitement dimmed as she saw the conflict in her friend’s eyes. “Oh,” she breathed. “That is a challenge.”

Morgan’s mouth trembled. “You could say that. Seven hours away from home. And most of that would be under close supervision in the hospital. I don’t know what to do.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know what to do? It’s two months compared to the rest of your life! Of course you’ll go.”

“What about Riley and Carter? I can’t take them with me. I won’t be able to care for them while I’m in the hospital. Apparently the treatment is pretty exhausting. It would mean putting them in foster care. How could I do that to them, after everything they’ve already been through over the past few years? Losing their dad, moving to a new town?”

Hannah reached across the table, covering Morgan’s restless hands with her own. “We’ll figure something out,” she assured her friend.

“What? I don’t have anyone to ask. I have friends back in Ohio, but they’re so far away. They all have jobs, families of their own, and couldn’t just drop everything to come out here and help me.”

“You have friends here too,” Hannah pointed out.

“I do. And I’m so grateful to all of you. Holly, Amanda, Natalie, McKenna. You’ve all been so very welcoming to me since we moved here to Shelter Springs. But this is far too much to ask of any of you.”

Hannah took a deep breath, thinking of her schedule and how she possibly could make the logistics work. It didn’t matter. She would figure it out. “I’ll take care of Riley and Carter. I have two extra rooms and would love to have them come stay with me.”

Morgan’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “Hannah, no. I couldn’t ask that of you.”

“You didn’t. But I’m offering. Morgan, this treatment could save your life. You have to go, for their sake as much as your own.”

As Morgan began to protest, Hannah held up a hand. “Listen. I have the space, I love those kids and my work is flexible. We can make this work.”

“How? It’s too much.”

“We’ll keep their routines as normal as possible,” Hannah promised. “I’ll drive them to school, then they can come with me to some of my after-school appointments. I know that my sister and the others will be more than happy to fill in the gaps if needed. We can do this, Morgan.”

Her friend’s eyes welled with tears. “Why would you do this for me?”

Hannah squeezed her hand. “You’re part of a community now. We take care of each other here in Shelter Springs. Now, why don’t you call that doctor back and tell him you’re coming? When do they want to start?”

“As soon as I can make it to Salt Lake. The doctor said they can start the treatment Monday, if I can make the arrangements before then. They want me to come down early for more tests.”

“Consider it done, then. Now, do you have Thanksgiving plans? I’m sure my mom can fit a few more around the table.”

Tears trickling down her cheeks, Morgan gave a short laugh. “This is crazy. I don’t know what to say.”

“Nothing. Save your energy. You need all your strength to win this fight.”

As Hannah hugged her friend and headed for her therapy session, she was filled with determination. Taking on the care of two young children for two months would be a challenge, but she would do whatever it took to help her friend.

Chapter 4

“Thank you again for taking me grocery shopping.”

From the passenger seat of his pickup truck, Stanley beamed at Wes, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“No problem. I needed a few things for Kodi anyway.”