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Hannah shot her a sharp look. “Yes. A hundred percent.”
“Okay,” Morgan said in a lightly indifferent tone, though her eyes said she didn’t buy it for a second.
“Are we tiring you out?” Hannah asked, grateful to change the subject.
“I’ll probably sleep like a rock after you leave,” Morgan admitted. “But I wouldn’t trade a minute of this. How long are you staying?”
“Only overnight, I’m afraid.”
She saw her friend trying—and failing—to hide her disappointment.
“I’m sorry,” Hannah said. “The kids have to go back to school, and I have work obligations Monday.”
“I understand,” Morgan said. “Really. I’m just selfish enough to wish you could stay a week instead of a day.”
“The formidable Pam told us how exhausting the treatment is for you,” Hannah said. “She suspected you could probably only handle a short visit—and even that might be pushing it.”
“I am tired,” Morgan admitted. “But it’s worth it to see my children again.”
“I’m planning to bring them back in the morning before we head north again,” Hannah said. “Why don’t we bring you breakfast? Is there anything you would particularly like?”
Morgan’s face took on a thoughtful expression. “Honestly? I keep craving those egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks.”
“Done,” Hannah said promptly. “I saw one on the way in. And we’ll throw in a couple of their Cranberry Bliss bars and a peppermint mocha.”
“That sounds great. You’re spoiling me.”
Morgan reached for her hand again. “Seriously, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for taking care of Carter and Riley.”
“They’re wonderful kids, Morgan. I’ve loved every minute of having them. You don’t owe me anything. The important thing is that you’re getting the treatment you need so you can spend the rest of your life caring for them yourself.”
Morgan nodded, her eyes shiny with tears again.
The children returned soon after with Pam, flushed and animated at having handed out cupcakes to the staff. They spent another pleasant half hour together, talking about Christmas plans and favorite holiday movies, until Morgan’s eyelids began to droop and her voice grew thin and reedy.
At that moment, Hannah’s phone buzzed in her pocket. A quick glance showed a text from Wes:
Almost back at the hospital. Out front in ten minutes?
“We need to go so your mom can rest,” Hannah told the children gently.
“No,” Carter protested. “We just got here.”
“We’ll come back in the morning,” Hannah reminded him. “Remember? We’re bringing her breakfast.”
“It’s not fair. Why can’t we just stay here?” he muttered.
“Because your mom needs her rest,” Hannah said. “Besides, Wes and Kodi are on their way to pick us up. Say goodbye. We’ll see your mom again in the morning.”
They each hugged Morgan tightly, careful around the IV line.
“Thank you for the most wonderful birthday I could ever have imagined,” Morgan said. “You have lifted my spirits higher than the Empire State Building.”
Riley giggled and Carter’s eyes widened.
“That’s really high,” he said.
“That’s how I feel,” Morgan insisted.
