“So, you bought twenty milkshakes?” Asked in an exasperated tone.
“It’s only ten. So, sue me.”
The tears fell now. “Beck?”
My oldest brother stepped into the room, a grin on his face. That grin fell as soon as he saw my face. “She’s crying. Why is she crying? Are you hurting? Should I get your doctor?”
“Come here, you big oaf. I’m crying because I haven’t seen my big brother in almost a year, and I missed him.”
He handed the milkshakes to Hayes and strode over, sitting on the side of my bed. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my temple. “Well, now you’re going to be stuck with me.”
I gripped his arms as if he might disappear again. “You’re staying for a while?”
Hayes shook his head. “The prodigal son is moving back to Wolf Gap.”
“Really?”
“Sure am. I’m taking over the practice for Doc.”
The tears came faster. “You sure know how to give a girl a get-well gift.”
He brushed the hair away from my face. “I’ll be overseeing your recovery personally, so don’t go trying to hide anything from me.”
“Sir, yes, sir.”
“Hads!” Birdie shouted.
Two tiny forms ran into the room, screeching to a halt on the other side of the bed.
Sage’s eyes glittered with unshed tears. “You’re okay? You’re not gonna die?”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m going to be just fine.” I inclined my head towards Beckett. “I even have a personal doctor to make sure of it.”
Birdie eyed Beckett carefully. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
Hayes stifled a laugh, trying to turn it into a cough.
Beckett straightened on my bed. “I graduated at the top of my class.”
“Okay, but I’ll be watching you,” Birdie warned.
I smiled, leaning over to kiss Birdie’s head. “I missed you guys.”
“We missed you, too,” Birdie whispered.
The corners of Sage’s mouth curved up. “Dad said you guys are gonna get married.”
I looked up to see Calder leaning on the doorframe, so much love pouring off him, I swore I could feel it like a warm tide. “Would you guys like that?”
They both nodded. Birdie linked a finger with one of mine. “I don’t like the mushy stuff, but I think I’d like it if you were my mom.”
The tears began to fall as Calder moved in, taking Beckett’s spot on my bed. He nodded encouragingly at me, and I turned back to Birdie and Sage. “If you want me, nothing would make me happier.”
Sage smiled at me as her tears fell. “We always want you, Mom.”
Sweeter words had never been spoken.
Epilogue