Page 16

Saige

I can’t helpbut laugh at Bexley and Bethany as they frost the mini cakes and decorate them. Bethany has her little tongue stuck out, and is concentrating so hard. Bexley is being very patient. Nellie and JD are sleeping, and I am walking as I rock Lachlan. He’s been fussy where he is gassy. I’ve given him some drops, and now trying to get him to sleep.

“How did Cotton’s appointment go with the doctor? Are they giving him anything for the ulcers?” Bex asks me.

I look at her, “I’m not entirely sure. They did a couple x-rays and an ultrasound to be sure. He goes back tomorrow to find out what all they saw. I’m hoping it’s just ulcers. But I worry.”

“Girl, I understand. I would be even more worried if I were in your position. It’s scary to see someone you love in pain like he is. “Bex replies.

I nod, “Yeah. So what do you think about Loki and Alivia dating?” I say as I lay a sleeping Lachlan in the bassinet.

Bexley smiles, “I think she is going to be so good for him. She knows the club and the life, she understands his job as a firefighter and isn’t going to be one to try to make him quit to be with her all the time. She is selfless, beautiful inside and out, and is such an amazing person.”

At this Bethany pipes in, “Livia is perfect for my uncle Loki! And if she hurts him, I’ll bake her into a cake!”

We both crack up at this, and it causes her to laugh too. Bethany is a trip. I get some more ingredients down and we start a new batch of pies.

Twenty-One

Cooper

I’m drinkingmy beer and sitting at the bar with Lynch and Cotton. I think we are the only three not paying attention to the stripper, but it’s okay. Ryker is all over her.

“So how did your appointment go yesterday Cotton?” I ask him.

He takes a big drink of his milk. “I go back tomorrow for the results. Should be all good, just ulcers. How did Natalie like her apartment? I know she had a rough send off from Bacon. Man, why he did what he did with that club ho is beyond me. He knew what time it was and that she was going to be there. So it was purposely done.” Cotton is shaking his head.

I am too. Lynch is looking out over the bar and spots Bacon in the corner with the same club ho. “I’m not sure why he done it, but I’m sure he is paying for it. Take a look. She has been like a leech on him ever since it happened.”

Lynch sees a lot. He looks at me and grins. “So doing the court house thing huh?”

I laugh. “Yeah. We are finishing up the adoption papers then too.”

It’s at this point that Cotton grabs his stomach and groans. Sweat pouring down his forehead. I reach into his jacket and grab his pills handing him one. He takes it and after a few minutes he eases up. “Boys, I think I need to head home. Y’all have a good night.’’ Cotton grabs his coat and leaves.

I wait until he is out the door and sign to Lynch, ‘I think it’s more than ulcers. I think something else is wrong.’

Lynch looks at me and nods his head in agreement. We both look out the window and see Cotton getting in his truck. It takes a few minutes, to where I’m ready to go check on him before he leave. I can’t help but to worry that something is really wrong with my best friend.

Epilogue

Loki

My awesome datewith Alivia last night is still playing through my head as I drive Cotton to his appointment. He said that he wanted someone there with him that when they promise something they mean it and do it. That worried me. That’s why I called Lynch to stand outside the door. He’ll be able to read the doctors lips through the window hopefully. We get to the office and Cotton signs in. We don’t even get to sit down; they take us straight back to a room. I see a shadow follow us but Cotton didn’t see. Thank goodness. They weigh Cotton, do his blood pressure. The doctor comes in checks the vitals and sits down. He nods to me.

“Cotton we need to have a serious talk. Do you want your friend to stay?” Cotton nods yes, “Okay then. It’s always good to have a friend or family member with you when you get this type of news. Cotton, I’m afraid it isn’t ulcers causing you all this pain. You have cancer. The tumor looks like it started in your pancreas, but it has spread to your stomach, intestines, and liver. From the biopsy we did, you are at stage four. Now pancreatic cancer is not curable at this time. We can do chemo and radiation to help slow it spreading from other areas of the body, we have meds that can help keep you comfortable. I’m afraid that without the treatments, you may only have a year to live, maybe less. The treatment can give you another six months possibly. I hate to be the bearer of this news. Please, don’t do anything rash. Take a few days, talk with your family, pray over it. Then let me know how you want to proceed.” The doctor shakes our hands and then leaves the room.

“Cotton… What… Fuuuck me!” I yell. I stand up and start pacing back and forth.

“Loki sit down, I need to talk to you.” I look at Cotton who seems calm, and sit down. “Now the reasons I brought you are these. One, I beg that you promise not to tell anyone what the doctor just said. I will talk to others about it when I’m ready. Two, I just signed on as a volunteer fireman. Don’t treat me any different than the others. I need you to treat me like you always have. Now get Lynch to come in here.”

I go to the door and call Lynch. “How did you know he was here?” I ask.

Cotton grins. “I know when someone is tailing us.” I grin too.

Lynch walks in the room and goes straight to Cotton giving him a man hug.

“Loki, give us a minute, please.” Cotton says. I nod and shut the door behind me. Five minutes later the guys come out of the room. Cotton smiling, Lynch looking very concerned. It’s on the way home that we come up to a burning building and see a woman hanging out a window. I hear sirens as I pull in.

“Ma’am hang on, we are coming to get you. We’re firefighters, I hear the others coming.” I grab my extra suit out of the back of the truck put it on in record time and run into the house, Cotton right beside me.

The end for now………..