Thats what I figured youd say. Ill get them for you. He got up from the bumper and started walking away but stopped as he came to the side of the ambulance. He turned back to her and, with more emotion that shed ever seen from him, gave one last thought. When they pulled you out of the water and onto that boat, I thought you were dead. Until I ran down to the bank and saw you breathing, there were three or four minutes where I was sure you were dead. I dont mind saying that it terrified me and it hurt more than I was ready to handle. Im only telling you this so I can once again let you know that Im here for you. If theres anything at all you need to tell me or anything youre struggling with…Rachel, Im here for you.

The truth of the last three weeks was on her tongue, ready to be spilled. The truth about her diagnosis, the truth about her passing out and the dizzy spells. But in the end, she swallowed it down. It would have to be Peter and Paige first. And then maybe Jack.

I know, Jack. And I appreciate it. But Im good for now.

She saw the slight stab of hurt cross his face before he rounded the corner to fetch the medics. And while he was gone, Rachels eyes crept back up to the bridge and recalled what it had been like to fallso weightless, inviting, and free.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Rachel tacked the old bedsheet into the post of the back porch, making sure it was stretched tight. Behind her, Peter was running an extension cord from the back door and out into the yard. Theyd set up the old projector at Paiges request, as she wanted a movie night in the back yard. Theyd done this before, casting a movie via the projector onto the white bed sheet, and it was one of Paiges favorite things to do as a family. Even when they told her she could invite a friend, she always declined because she wanted it to just be the three of them.

Mom! Paige voice said through the partially opened back door. Is it okay if we use the Mega-Butter popcorn?

Yes, sweetie, thats fine!

With the sheet hung, she looked to the sky. It would be at least another forty-five minutes before it was dark enough to see anything from the projector. Frowning, she hurried up the porch steps and back inside. She caught Paige just as she was about to put the popcorn into the microwave.

Hold off just a bit, would you? I dont think its quite dark enough yet.

I didnt think so either. I just really wanted some popcorn.

Rachel smiled and put the bag of kernels in herself. Fine. Just dont complain when were out of snacks halfway through the movie.

Well, what about the cookies? We can use those, too.