He swiped a shaky finger across the screen. “Hello?”

“Andrew? This is Dr. Patel, how are you?”

“I don’t know, you tell me, doc.”

He heard light laughter on the other end of the line. “I have great news. Your scan was completely clear, no evidence of lymphoma.”

Lauren sat stiff as a board beside him, her eyes wide and locked on his face, searching for any sign of what was happening. He couldn’t quite smile yet, processing what Dr. Patel said, but his eyes drifted closed and he slumped against the back of the couch. He felt Lauren’s hands grip his arm. “Really?”

“Really.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “We will need to perform surveillance labs and scans routinely over the next several years. But as of now, you’re cancer-free. And the odds are in your favor that you’ll stay that way.”

“Thank you, Dr. Patel. Thank you so much.” They spoke for a few more minutes before he ended the call.

He turned to Lauren, her expression pale and concerned.

“It’s gone,” he said.

“It is? You’re sure?”

“That’s what Dr. Patel said.”

The most beautiful smile he’d ever seen lit up her face, and she launched herself at him. His back hit the arm of the couch but he didn’t care, his arms clamping around her. She laughed, showering kisses all over his face. His heart felt like it could burst into a million pieces.

And for the first time since he’d met the love of his life, he allowed himself to really imagine his life with her.

Getting married and having children.

Growing gray hairs and traveling the world.

No matter what might fill their life, he’d be happy. Just as long as she was his.

Because whether in this life or the next, he would be hers. Always.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Three Months Later

They got married in the outdoor courtyard of a church, surrounded by a small group of friends and family. Neither had wanted to wait long, and they saw no point in dragging it out just to plan a grand event.

Andrew’s parents and sisters were there, as were Lauren’s mom and dad. Her dad had been much more understanding about her decision to stay in Kansas City once he knew about Andrew. She’d have stayed either way but kept that to herself.

As they rode the elevator to the hotel suite they’d booked for the night, before leaving on a honeymoon to New York City the next day, Lauren relived the day in her mind. Everything had been flawless—from her dress, to the safe arrival of their family and friends, and the beautiful weather. Rhonda had even pulled her aside at the reception to welcome her to the family.