“Carter.” The shock on her face makes me smile for some reason. “What time is it?” I turn my head to look at her bedside clock.

“8:00am.”

“Shit. Did you stay here all night?”

“It appears so. We must’ve fallen asleep.” She tries to sit up, but I tighten my grip. I’m not ready to let her go yet.

“Let me up,” she pleads.

“Nope. I’m not done holding you.” She sighs as her eyes meet mine again.

“That’s nice, but I’ve gotta pee.”

“Oh.” I chuckle as I let her go. “How are you feeling today?” I ask as she climbs over the top of me.

“Fine,” she says smiling. It doesn’t reach her eyes, so I know she’s lying.

Whilst she’s in the bathroom I adjust my cock, but don’t move from her bed. I’m gonna need to keep her busy today. I don’t want her moping around worrying about the MRI on Monday.

When she re-enters the room, I sit up. “I better get going before your dad finds me in your room. He does own a shotgun.” She giggles at my comment.

“He likes you, Carter. I think you’re safe. Besides, I’m not a kid anymore.”

“Finally, you admit it,” I say as I reach down and grab my shoes off the floor.

“Ha ha. Very funny.” Sliding my feet into my shoes, I stand. I take the few steps that separate us, snaking my arms around her waist. Thankfully she doesn’t seem to mind.

“Get ready. I’ll be back to get you in about an hour.”

“Where are we going?” she asks, the corners of her lips turning up.

“Out for the day. Do you mind if we take our parents with us? I think it will do them both good to get out of the house.”

“Of course not,” she answers, her smile widening.

“Wear something comfortable and warm.” She’s gonna need it where we’re going.

“Okay,” she says. Inching my face forward, I place my lips gently on hers. It’s just a simple peck, but I feel compelled to kiss her. I’m a patient man. I’m willing to wait as long as it takes. In the meantime though, I’m going to sneak in whatever I can. Anything that could possibly hurry her along.

I need her. Her diagnosis yesterday only intensifies my desire to have her, sooner rather than later. Situations like this make you realise life is short. You need to live everyday like it’s your last.

“Your dad had a lot to drink yesterday,” I tell her. “I had to put him to bed. He’s probably going to be feeling pretty shitty today, but try and talk him into coming with us. I don’t like the idea of him being alone.”

“You’re very sweet, Carter Reynolds,” she says reaching up and running her hand down the side of my face. “Who knew?” She’s smiling when she says the last bit, so I don’t take offence.

“What can I say? You bring out the best in me. You always have.” This time she cups my face in her hands and pulls my head down towards hers. When her mouth covers mine, I pull her body closer, groaning. Hot damn. Now this is the kind of kiss I’ve been pining for.

Fuck I’ve missed her lips. Missed these crazy-arse feelings she makes me feel. It’s electric. Her touches and kisses make me feel electrified. That’s the best way to describe it. It’s like a current that shoots through every inch of me. Sweet Jesus.

She makes me feel alive.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Indiana

My lips are still tingling even after Carter leaves. I’m grateful for everything he’s done for both me and my dad. He’s been so supportive. I’m not sure how I would’ve got through yesterday without him. As pissed as I was that he forced me to go to the doctor in the first place, I’m thankful for it now. It was the push I needed. He only had my best interests at heart. I can’t be mad at him for that.

It may just be the difference between living and dying. My mum waited years before getting her diagnosis. Thanks to Carter, I only waited weeks. I at least have a fighting chance of kicking this tumour’s arse. Sadly, my mum didn’t have that luxury.

It’s made me think a lot about everything she went through. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t upset me. I hate that she waited so long to see someone, despite my father’s pleas. If she hadn’t, there’s a good chance I may not have had to grow up without a mother. My dad may not have had to live without his soulmate.

My poor dad. I’m gonna fight this motherfucking tumour with everything I have. I refuse to let this be the end for me. I refuse to bring more heartache to him. This would destroy him, I know it. After mum passed, having me to care for was the only thing that gave him the will to carry on. To keep existing.

After I shower, I make my way into the kitchen to find him sitting at the table drinking coffee. Carter was right: he does look like death warmed up. “Morning, Daddy,” I say in a chirpy voice. Today I’m feeling optimistic. The tears I shed last night will be my final ones. I refuse to shed anymore. Positive thinking from this day forward. No matter what the MRI shows, I’m going to live every day to the fullest. I refuse to live like I’m dead while I’m still alive.

“Morning, Pumpkin. How are you feeling this morning?”

“A lot better than you by the looks of it,” I reply as I walk towards him, wrapping my arms around his neck from behind and kissing his cheek. He clears his throat, a slight red tinge appearing on his handsome face.

“I’m happy to hear that,” he says. “I’m sorry about the way I acted yesterday …” Removing my arms, I take a seat next to him.

“You have nothing to be sorry about. I understand how hard this is for you. I’m sorry that you have to go through this again. We’re going to beat this, Daddy. I promise.” I reach for his hand and grasp it in mine. “Okay?” Meeting my gaze, he smiles.

“Okay.” Squeezing his hand, I rise. No more talk of tumours today.

“Now, what would you like for breakfast? Carter and Elizabeth will be here soon. The four of us are going out for the day.”

“Some toast will be fine, Pumpkin,” he says smiling. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but at least he’s trying.

••••

We end up driving to the Blue Mountains. It’s just over an hour’s drive from where we live. Apparently, this is the area where Carter grew up. It’s a beautiful place. I understand why he said wear something warm. It gets pretty cold up here. In winter it’s not uncommon to see snow.

Parking the car when we arrive at Katoomba, we all get out. Dad offered to drive today. Carter’s car is only a two-door, so getting in and out of the back seat can be a pain in the arse. Dad and Elizabeth sat in the front. Carter and I were in the back. He reached for my hand before we even got out of our street, and he held it all the way here. I love the feel of my hand wrapped in his.

My dad walks around the front of the car and helps Elizabeth out, while Carter gets out on his side and offers me his hand. I grab my woollen beanie and scarf off the seat beside me before sliding over. Carter takes the scarf out of my hand and wraps it around my neck, while I place the beanie on my head.

“You look so cute,” he says tugging on my scarf and pulling me forward, placing a tiny kiss on my nose. Have I mentioned how much I love this side of him? He can say and do the sweetest things sometimes. Lacing his fingers through mine, we walk towards the lookout to see the large rock formation known as the Three Sisters, and the breathtaking Jamison Valley below.

Carter explained the large sandstone rock eroded away over time creating the three tall rock formations that sit side by side, towering over the beautiful valley. Aboriginal legend says, that three sisters who fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe, causing a war to break out, were turned into stone becoming trapped forever. Hence the name.

Even though he grew up in the area, I’m surprised by his knowledge. When I asked him about it, he confessed he came here a few times on school excursions when he was a boy.