Page 88 of I’m Already Gone

“Having no hair doesn’t make you less beautiful, Mom,” Jake says. He leans down, placing a kiss on my bare head. “It makes you a warrior. And I’m proud to fight this battle alongside you.” His voice breaks on the last words, and I pull him into another tight hug.

“I love you, my sweet boy.”

“Love you, too.”

He steps back, wiping his tears with his arm. Jake glances at Ethan for a moment before approaching him. Without a single word, Ethan gathers him into his arms. Even amidst such sadness and uncertainty about the future, this moment draws them all together. And that, above all else, is all I can ever wish for.

Once they separate, Jake says, “I’ll go grab a broom and help clean up.” He gestures to the pile of hair before heading inside.

Maddy approaches, kissing my head. “You look really cool, Mom. Like a badass,” she remarks, making me laugh.

Tears well in her eyes, and she wipes her nose with the back of her hand. “I love you, Mom. Just promise me you won’t give up, okay?”

I nod firmly. “I promise, baby.”

We hold each other before Maddy steps back, and I turn my attention to Ollie. “So, what do you think of my new look?”

He beams at me with that endearing grin of his. “I like it,” he says, sweet and straightforward. “Can I kiss it too?” he asks eagerly.

“Absolutely,” I reply, leaning down enough for him to plant a soft kiss on my head.

“I’m going to give you lots of kisses,” he says happily, his small hand softly rubbing it. “You’re still my mama, even without your hair.”

Overcome with emotion, I take a deep breath. “Thank you, Ollie. That means so much to me.”

I wrap my arms around him before kissing his cheek. “How about we get you ready for bed?”

He nods. “Will you read me a story?”

“Of course. I’ll be there in a minute,” I promise, playfully tapping his bottom.

“Come on, Ollie. I’ll help you get ready,” Maddy says, reaching out her hand.

“Okay!” he exclaims, skipping toward her. But then he suddenly halts, turning to run toward Ethan.

With a hopeful look in his eyes, he asks, “Did I do okay?”

Ethan crouches down, his smile lighting up his face as he meets Ollie’s excited gaze. “You were an awesome helper today,” he praises.

Ollie beams and throws his arms around Ethan’s neck. Ethan closes his eyes, returning his hug.

“Good night,” Ollie whispers.

“Good night, buddy.”

With his smile still lingering, Ollie sprints back to Maddy, and together they disappear into the house.

I glance over at Ethan and find him looking at me with an intensity that makes my breath catch. He looks at me as if I am the most beautiful person in the world.

Ethan

I step closer to Lily and extend my hand to her.

Without hesitation, her slender finger slips into mine. I scroll through my endless playlist until I find the one. Setting my phone down on the small table, I press play. The opening chords of “If You Love Her” by Forest Blakk drift into the air.

A radiant smile breaks across her lips, lighting up her entire face. My Sunshine.

I wrap my arms around her, drawing her close, until there’s no space left between us. One hand finds the curve of her waist while the other grasps her hand, pressing it against the steady beat of my heart.