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Some of the light in his eyes returned. “So you can come over to our house and see me.”
I peeked over my shoulder to Easton, unsure how to proceed with any of this.
“Oh.” Easton snickered. “I mean, yeah, if Finch wants.” He grinned and his green eyes glittered beautifully. “You’re always welcome.”
“Thank you. I do have a special gift for you, Milo. When it’s done I can call your dad, and we can get together. How’s that sound?”
Milo nodded so hard the bed shook.
“It’s a plan, then.” I was absolutely going to work my butt off to finish that blanket, already excited to see them outside of here, and I wasn’t even gone. So much for making this a forever good-bye.
I stayed the whole time, sat and listened while the nurse went over all discharge instructions. It was simple enough, but as soon as she left after Easton signed them, I asked if he had any questions.
“No, I think I got it.”
“Are you working today?” Milo was tying his shoes, unable to not bounce all over the place now that he wasn’t hooked up to the IV.
“Nope.”
“Oh, wanna come over?” I laughed because the plan had been to come by when I finished the blanket, but he wanted me there now.
“I think your sister is going to be super excited to have her younger brother home. Maybe for a little while, it should be about the three of you.”
Milo shrugged. “I see her all the time.”
Easton ruffled Milo’s head. “Finch said he’d come by after he finished the blanket.” He grinned at me. “How about you look over your work schedule and let us know? We’d love to have you over for dinner and properly thank you for everything you’ve done. I extended my furlough for another week and a half, so I can make anything work.”
“Oh…wow, I…I’d really love that.” Like the dork I was, I jiggled my phone. “I’ll text you.”
“Whooooooooop.” Milo jumped up, and Easton reached over and placed his hands on Milo’s shoulders.
“Remember what I told you Dr. Perry said. I know it’ll be hard, but you need to not jump all around.”
Milo sighed. “It’s hard.”
“If I can…” I didn’t want to step on Easton’s toes, but he was in overprotective mode with Milo and on the medical side, I could ease their minds.
“Can what?” Easton asked.
“Dr. Perry’s main concern is contact sports, lifting heavy things, mainly don’t play football, or move furniture. It’s okay to walk, even jog, and it’s okay to get excited.”
“Jesus,” Easton mumbled. “I’m messing it up already. Buddy, I’m sorry.”
“No,” I interrupted, “you’re not. I get it, and I see it all the time. Milo just needs to live life a little softer for a while.”
“A little softer…I like that.” Milo beamed.
“Let’s get home.” Easton grabbed Milo’s duffel bag and shot me a smile that tingled with so many promises.
“Don’t forget to text my dad, Finch.”
And before I could respond, Milo wrapped his arms tightly around my body, taking all the words and leaving me feeling like a pile of goo…This boy, this family.
I hugged him, resting my cheek on the top of his head. I looked up and met Easton’s conflicted gaze.
“I promise, Milo, and I never ever break a promise.”
“Thanks,” he whispered, and when he let go it was as if he took a piece of me with him and the only way to get it back was to stay close.
