Truly, Madly, Deeply (The Baxters #31) - Karen Kingsbury Page 0,81

conversation. “The thing was, Grandpa’s relationship with Grandma was so strong. So solid… they had shared those moments before he left.”

Her mom had also told her that before her dad went to work that day—like every day—he had found her in their home office and hugged her. He told her he loved her and that he was easily the happiest man alive because of her. And that he couldn’t wait to come home to her at the end of the day.

Only that never happened.

The story seemed to be landing on Tommy, making its way through his mind to his heart. The same way it had hit Reagan when she first heard it. “See, your grandfather had not chosen a dangerous job. He was a businessman, which should’ve kept him out of harm’s way—at least at work.”

“True.” Tommy took Reagan’s hand. “I can’t wait to meet him one day.”

Reagan smiled. “You’ve always had a little of him in you, Tommy.” She brushed at her wet cheeks. “Especially lately.”

“Thank you.” Tommy’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I bet Grandpa Tom would’ve loved me being a cop.”

“Yes, Tommy. I think he would’ve.” Reagan stood and pulled Tommy to his feet. She hugged him and then stepped back. “And you know what? I think I like it, too.”

Tommy looked at her for a long beat. “What are you saying?”

“I’m telling you I’m in favor.” She lifted her face and smiled at him. “My son wants to be a police officer. What could make me more proud than that?”

“Mom?” Tommy shook his head. “Are you serious?”

“I am.” She put her hand on his face for a moment. “I can’t fathom losing you, Tommy. Four years from now when you put that badge on, I’ll pray for your safety every day.” She felt fresh tears. “But I won’t stop you. Not when being a policeman makes you a hero… just like your grandpa Tom.”

Tommy smiled, and they hugged again. Then for the next hour Tommy helped her hang ornaments on the tree. They sorted through the photo decorations and placed each one on just the right branch. The whole time, they talked about school and Annalee and Christmases past.

Reagan was sure she would remember this night forever.

And a thought occurred to her. Not only would her dad be proud of Tommy for wanting to be a police officer. He would be proud of her, too. For encouraging Tommy and affirming him. And for being brave enough to support him.

Brave… just like her daddy.

25

In the middle of the battle for her life, Annalee had looked forward to this day more than Christmas. It was the first Saturday in December and she and Tommy were going back to the zoo. Only they weren’t on a double date this time.

Rather, the whole Baxter family and several others were coming together for a surprise they’d all been waiting for.

Dawson Gage was going to propose to Maddie!

Annalee wore leggings under her jeans, a turtleneck to go with her favorite winter coat, and her blond ponytail wig. Her mom stepped into her room just as Annalee finished getting ready. She stood there, studying Annalee. “You’re so pretty, honey.”

Annalee tilted her head. “Do you mean it?”

In the past, Annalee never would’ve asked that. She had been confident in her looks, not because she thought she was the most beautiful girl at church or school. But because she knew who she was on the inside. And that inner faith and peace and strength always shone through when she looked in the mirror.

But since her cancer diagnosis her eyes had looked sunken and dark. The kind of sick no makeup could hide.

Her mom came to her. “Yes, darling.” She put her hand on Annalee’s shoulder. “You’re getting better. I can see it.”

They wouldn’t know until more than a month from now. After her final round of chemo and the scan that mattered most. For now, though, it was enough to know her mom thought she looked better.

They walked downstairs to the front room to wait for Tommy. Her mom sat across from her. “You’re not too tired?”

“No.” Annalee settled back into the sofa. She felt like she was floating. “I’m so happy for Maddie and Dawson. It’s going to be the best day.” She smiled. “Maddie has no idea.”

“She knows you’re all meeting up at the zoo, though, right?” Her mother raised her eyebrows.

“No.” Annalee laughed. And for an instant she remembered how at her worst she couldn’t even laugh without feeling tired. “Maddie thinks