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Chapter Twenty-seven
Finley
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The next seven weekspass by in a blur. And while they are hard weeks to get through, they are also the happiest I’ve ever had.
Abel has a way of making everything feel okay even when things aren’t okay. Even on days when I’m too weak to get out of bed or too sick to pull myself out of the bathroom, he still finds ways to make me smile.
I finished my last round of chemo this past week, and while the last session definitely took its toll, I’m feeling stronger than I have in a very long time.
The doctors still aren’t giving me any guarantees but they all seem pretty optimistic about how I’m progressing. It will be a few more weeks before we know for sure if the cancer is completely gone, but unlike before, I feel good about my chances.
I’m done allowing cancer to define me. Whether I live another fifty years or only a few more months, I’m determined to make every single day count.
“You nervous?” Abel reaches across the console and grabs my hand, giving it a firm squeeze.
“A little,” I admit.
“Don’t worry. They’re going to love you.” He winks, turning his gaze back out to the road.
When Abel had first brought up me meeting his family, I was hesitant. We’ve existed in this little bubble for so long I didn’t want to let anyone or anything in. I had to remind myself that this is a good thing. That this is how a real relationship progresses. If anything I should have met his family already, but given my health I wanted to wait until I was feeling a little more like myself.
I tug nervously at the shoulder length brunette wig I chose for the occasion. It’s the closest I have to my natural hair–before it all fell out–and I wanted to present myself in a way that felt like me.
“Stop messing with it.” Abel catches me out of the corner of his eye. “It looks good.”
“You can’t tell it’s a wig?” I ask for the hundredth time.
“You really can’t. Besides, they all know you’ve just finished chemo. No one is going to care if you’re wearing a wig. Or do I need to remind you that my mom will be wearing one as well.”
“You’re right. I know it’s such a silly thing to worry about. I just really want to make a good impression.”
“And you will. Trust me, compared to me you’re going to be a breath of fresh air.”
“Compared to you?” I arch a brow.
“It’s no secret that I haven’t always fit in with my family.”
“The black sheep,” I tease, having a hard time envisioning any world where Abel doesn’t fit in.
“Just wait. You’ll see what I mean.” He squeezes my hand again before releasing it.
“As if I need a reason to be more nervous.” I sigh. “Besides, if you’re a black sheep what does that make me? I didn’t exactly grow up on the right side of the tracks, if you know what I mean.”
“It’ll be fine. I promise. Things have actually gotten a little better between me and my parents since my mom’s diagnosis. Maybe because it’s softened my mom a little or because now, I appreciate her a little more. Either way, things have been good recently. And they are so excited to meet you. You know you’re the first girl I’ve ever brought home?”
“I am?” I draw back, surprised by this news.
“I’ve never had anyone I cared enough about to introduce them to my family.”
My heart does that little flutter thing again. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to the way this man makes me feel.
“So remind me again who all is going to be at dinner.”
“All of my brothers, besides Adam. Andrew is bringing his longtime girlfriend, Sam, and Alex’s wife, Tanya will be there. She’s out to here, pregnant.” He gestures in front of himself with his hand. “And of course, my mom and dad.”
“Any chance Claudia and Jack will be there?” I ask, hopeful. At least then I will know more than just Abel, and even though I don’t know them well, the thought makes me feel a tiny bit better.
