Page 85 of Nineteen Letters

Today at the end of her physiotherapy we received the best possible news: no more sessions.

“I guess those morning runs along the beach have done me wonders,” Jemma says with a sweet smile as we leave the rehab centre for the last time. They’ve helped us and our relationship as well. I feel we’ve taken a huge step forward. “I can’t believe this is my last time here. I can finally try to put this all behind me and move on with my life,” she adds as we head towards the car.

All I can think is:Please don’t let that be a life without me.

“We should celebrate,” I suggest, all the while expecting her to shut me down.

“Celebrate how?”

“I could take you out for dinner tonight.”

When her brow furrows, I already know what the answer is. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“Oh.” Just as I suspected. “Never mind, it was just an idea.”

I break away from her, heading towards the passenger side to open her door.

She grabs hold of my elbow. “Braxton, wait.”

“It’s okay, Jemma.” I turn to face her and force out a smile. “Forget I even mentioned it.”

“I don’t want to forget it,” she says. “Tonight we’re having a farewell dinner for Rachel at Christine’s, you’re welcome to come if you like … or we can go out to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Really?”

“Or course.”

I try not to show how happy this makes me, but I fail miserably.

I help her into the vehicle, before walking around the front of the car towards the driver’s side. I’m whistling as I go.

“Braxton,” Jemma says shyly, picking at an imaginary piece of lint on her pants. “Christine told me you didn’t leave my side when I was in a coma, and, well … you’ve helped me every step of the way since. If I haven’t already said it, I just want to say thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

Her eyes finally meet mine. “You don’t have to thank me, Jem. I promised to love you in sickness and in health, and I meant every word.”

There’s a sweet grin on her face as she reaches for her seatbelt. “Just so you know, if I had to choose one person to celebrate with, it would be you.”

Her words are spoken with such sincerity.

“What are you looking so cheery about?” Lucas asks when I waltz into his office.

“I’ll be leaving early today.”

“The reason?”

“I have a date. Well, technically it’s not a date, but I’m taking Jemma out to dinner tonight. She’s finally finished with her rehab, so we’re going to celebrate.”

“No shit? I’m happy to hear that, buddy.”

I plonk myself down in the leather chair opposite his desk. “I feel like we’re making actual progress.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re right. Just don’t go getting your hopes up. I’d hate for you to be let down again.”

“I know. But as long as she’s still willing to have me in her life, I’m not giving up on us.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“So, how are you?” I ask.