A gust of wind sneaked under the rock and whipped up embers in the fire. Raindrops hit her skin, the cold a sharp contrast to the heat of Danny’s skin. He pulled the cover higher up on her shoulders.

“We have another hour. Do you have another condom?”

“I do.” Danny nuzzled her neck. “I like to be prepared.”

“Like a good boy scout.”

“Honey, I was never a boy scout.”

Mandy chuckled, but guilt intruded on the moment. What would happen if he discovered the truth about her and Nathan?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Boston, December 1975

“Can you eat something, Nathan?” Dad asked from the doorway. His face had thinned since Mom had gotten sick. The skin on his cheeks was slack as melting wax sliding toward the floor.

Nathan shook his head. His empty belly protested with a painful squeeze, but he couldn’t eat.

Dad nodded. He understood. “Do you want me to stay?”

Yes. His throat closed off the words. He didn’t want either. He wanted it all to go away. His eyes were wet and a tear rolled down his cheek.

“It’s OK.” Dad blew out a breath. Helplessness lingered, palpable in the air along with the foul odor that filled the hospital’s halls.

Nathan’s face heated as the tears flowed. Men didn’t cry, so why couldn’t he stop?

“I’ll give you some time alone with her.” Dad stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’ll be just outside if you need me.” He ducked into the hall.

The room was gray and dreary, from the speckled floor to the plastic chairs. Nathan pulled his knees to his chest to relieve the stiffness in his back. He turned sideways and rested his forehead on the cool sheets of his mother’s bed. His eyelids were heavy as bricks, but he couldn’t let them close.

For the first time in nearly a year, his mother’s body was still. The doctor said she was in a coma, but Nathan thought she looked peaceful, like she was finally resting.

Nathan squeezed her hand. She didn’t respond. There was no sign she was even aware he was there.

Fear balled up in his empty belly. She was hanging on just for him. He was sure of it. If he fell asleep, she’d die.

Dad wouldn’t say it, but Nathan knew that was what was going to happen. It was on the doctor’s face. Every time he stepped into the room it was like he was surprised she was still breathing.

“It’s the only hope.” Uncle Aaron’s whisper carried from the hallway.

“Aaron, stop talking like this. Gwen would be appalled. You should be horrified at what you’re suggesting.” His dad’s voice shook.

“Without it, she won’t last the night.”