Dylan’s Redemption(105)

“Mmm. This is the first Sunday in a long time I woke up and didn’t dread the day because I have to leave you tonight. This is the first day of the rest of our lives together.”

“I love the sound of that, and you. I’m so glad you’re okay. Happy birthday, Dylan.”

“It’s going to be,” he said cryptically. They both looked down at Will with his arms wrapped around her and Dylan’s legs, hugging them together and grinning up at them.

“Mommy made breakfast. We have a present. I helped. I got to use the tools.”

“You did, huh. Okay. Breakfast it is. Then, we have a big day ahead of us.”

“What do you mean?” Jessie asked, suspicious. “You need to rest and recover.”

“I need you more.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You’ll see. I have a surprise for you. I hope you like it.”

“But, it’s your birthday.”

“Doesn’t that mean I get to do whatever I want today?”

“I guess so.” She wondered what he was up to, especially when that cocky grin spread across his handsome face. She was glad to see it. He’d slept so deeply last night, she worried he wasn’t getting better. Today, his eyes were clear and bright, a healthy glow brightened his skin, despite the bruises and cuts.

“Good. I’m glad we agree. Now, what’s for breakfast? I’m starving.”

She smiled and led him into the kitchen. She made him sit at the breakfast bar while she got him his coffee and made him a big stack of pancakes. Will, who’d already eaten, had another pancake with his father and watched the wrapped present like it would grow legs and walk away.

She sat next to Dylan while they ate, unable to stop touching him. They’d had several conversations about his job and the dangers he faced. She assured him she understood his need to help others, but his accident brought it home he could be hurt at any time. Life with him would never be boring and would require a lot of faith and trust in him. She was willing to give him both and so much more.

After the breakfast dishes were cleared, she sat down with Dylan and Will again. “Open your gift,” she told him with a sheepish grin.

He carefully ripped away the paper and saw the lid of a box. His face lit up when he pulled out the wooden box she’d made for him. He set it in front of him and leaned over to kiss her.

“It’s beautiful, Jess.”

“It’s made from oak. Strong, sturdy, enduring, like you.”

He smoothed his hands over the lid. It had a raised edge, but she’d sanded it smooth as glass.

“Open it. Open it. Look inside.” Will bounced on his seat next to his dad and pulled on his arm.

“Okay. Okay. Calm down.” He opened the lid, revealing multiple sections inside the box. Beyond amazed, he stared at Will’s name carved into the lid and above it, a perfect outline of his little hand. It appeared so lifelike he traced his fingers over Will’s carved print. Next to Will’s hand and name, Jessie included Hope’s name and a perfect carving of her footprint. He found himself tracing his fingertips over the impression of her tiny toes.

“Jessie, how did you do this?”

“I helped,” Will announced proudly.

“Yes, honey. You helped me a lot. I made an outline of Will’s hand and traced it onto the wood. Then, I carved it out to look like his real hand. Hope’s footprint I took from her footprint card the hospital made when she was born. That’s how tiny her little foot was with her little toes. I wish I had one of her hand. It would have been sweet to have both their hands. Will’s foot was too big for the cover. She had pretty hands,” Jessie said with a touch of sadness in her voice.

“It’s beautiful. I love it, Jess. Thank you.”

“There’s more. There’s more. See?” Will pointed inside the box.

“I see.” He smiled to his son and ruffled his hair. Nothing like a child’s excitement about opening gifts, even when they were for someone else.

One part of the sectioned-off box could hold several watches. Jessie had bought him a really nice stainless steel watch. “Wow, Jess. It’s got all the bells and whistles, perfect to wear all the time.” He pulled it off and noticed the morning was getting away from him. He had a lot planned and needed to get moving, so everything would run on time.

“It’s inscribed on the back,” Jessie said.

He turned the watch over and read the engraving. We’ll never lose another second.

He didn’t know what to say. They had lost more time together. Again, because of his mother, and this time his father participated. That would all end tonight. He’d ensure no one kept her from him ever again.