Page 123 of Somehow You Knew

Dr. Miranda smiles at me. “She sounds like an amazing woman who’s fallen for you too, Gage. So are you going to let her be a part of your life? Or are you going to live alone and hide this like your father did?”

Her words cut deep because I know she’s right.

The question is, can I be strong enough to let Hazel see me at my weakest? Because I still haven’t gotten used to that version of me—and I don’t know if I ever will.

***

I flip the pink envelope over in my hands again for the hundredth time, bracing myself for what’s inside.

After everything else my aunt has asked me to do, I’m afraid of what this one will contain. But there’s only one way to find out, so I slide my fingers under the seal and pull the paper from inside, unfolding the three pieces of paper and taking a deep breath as I read the words on the page.

My Dearest Gage,

If you’re reading this, it means she knows, and I’m glad. It’s about time you stop hiding behind your diagnosis and start making the most of your life while you still have one.

And Hazel? She’s the type of person that loves with her entire soul, Gage. She accepts people for their flaws and greatness. She has the heart of a saint and the stubbornness of a bull, which means she’s the perfect fit for you. She will test you, push you, and love you despite your insistence on not giving or receiving love in return.

I’ve known it for so long, but time wasn’t on my side until now. You’ve had time together, time to get to know one another, and I can only hope that what you’ve learned is that fighting with someone for the rest of your life is better than fighting against what life has dealt you.

You neededto realize that your diagnosis isn’t a death sentence, and I figured the best way to convince you of that was to give you something, or someone, to fight for. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, Gage, no matter how healthy you are. There are people who eat healthy and exercise every day that die of lung cancer, for crying out loud. But you have the ability to live a normal life. Your children could also. Your diagnosis isn’t a death sentence, Gage—it’s a reminder that life is short and when you find something worth living for, that’s what your focus should be.

And if there is one person who could help you see that, it’s Hazel Sheppard. The moment you lost your dad, I knew there were no words of comfort I could offer you. Despite your difficult relationship, he was still your father and the way he left us was going to leave a scar on you no matter what I said.

But Hazel knows what love and loss feel like. She knows how unfair life can be, and when she lost her dad, I saw the same thing in her eyes that I saw in yours—like you lost your person.

So I figured maybe, just maybe, you two could be that person for each other.

Let her in, honey. Let her love you the way you deserve. Let Carrington Cove be the place that makes you feel whole and gives you a chance at a life that you never imagined possible.

I wish there was more that I could have done for you as a child. I still feel guilty about it to this day, but hopefully through my death, I can help you find your future in a way that you never imagined could be yours—with a woman who will love you for all of your triumphs and flaws, heart condition and all.

Love,

Diane

Chapter twenty-three

Hazel

“You sure you don’t want anything to eat?” my mother asks me from the kitchen.

I’m sitting on her sofa, staring at the TV, but I have no idea what I’m watching. My mind feels like mashed potatoes, which are one of my favorite foods, but even that doesn’t sound good right now.

Nothing does—except being wrapped up in Gage’s arms.

“I’m not hungry.”

My mother sits down beside me. “You need to eat, honey.”

Another tear slips down my cheek. Yup, I’m still crying after three days. “I can’t. I literally have no desire to eat.”

She pulls me into her chest and sighs. “God, I hate to do this to you right now, but there’s something I need to tell you, and I don’t want you to get upset with me.”

Lifting from her embrace, I swipe under my eyes. “What do you mean?”

Shestands from the couch and goes over to the mantle where family pictures in frames cover the surface. Grabbing one of the frames from the shelf, she turns it around, unclasps the back, and pulls out a stack of pink envelopes much like the ones Gage and I have been receiving from Diane for the past three and a half months.

I cover my mouth with my hand. “Oh my god.”