Miracles and Mischief Page 7
“That sounds nice.” Shayna drew an éclair from the bag and took a bite. She chewed, swallowed, sighed. “The spring concert series closes tonight, and the symphony is scheduled to play. It would be nice to hear a song or two.”
“That’s a great idea.” Nate sipped his coffee. “I’ll make a reservation for a table on the water. The fresh air will do us both good.”
“And soon Zac will be able to enjoy sweet spring air, too.”
“I can’t wait for that.”
****
The symphony played, filling the evening air with the rhythm of soft music. The sky was clear, and stars danced in cadence to the music, the display more brilliant than fireworks. A gentle breeze lifted Shayna’s hair, and she closed her eyes, sighing as she truly relaxed for the first time in weeks.
Mom had brought a dress and sandals to the hospital, and Shayna had made a quick transformation in the visitor’s shower room. Nate seemed pleased with the outcome, and his smile had caused a flurry of butterflies to take flight in Shayna’s belly. For the first time since Zac was diagnosed, she felt like more than a mom and caregiver—she felt like a woman again.
“Would you like a slice of chocolate cake or some peach cobbler?” Nate asked, drawing her back.
“No, thanks.” Shayna opened her eyes and shook her head slowly as the landing came back into focus. Nate looked so handsome in his khakis and a navy polo that brought out the deep blue of his eyes. It took her breath away. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“The pasta was good,” Nate agreed. “And a nice change from our usual hospital fare.”
“Dr. Garrison said if all continues to go well, he’s planning to release Zac to go home in a few days.”
“That’s amazing news, Shayna.” Nate took her hand. “You’ll sleep so much better in your own bed, and so will he.”
“You will, too.” She searched his eyes, reveling in how he’d barely left her side during the past month. He’d been a rock, and although the time together had been a blessing to her, Shayna knew he was anxious to get back to a normal routine, as well. “When do you have to report to training camp?”
“I still have time, Shay. I’m not due to report until July.”
“Do your hips still hurt?”
“Not at all.” He patted them for emphasis. “I feel good as new.”
“What happens next, Nate?” Shayna struggled to keep the quiver from her voice.
“What do you mean?”
“What’s going to happen to us when Zac heads home and this trial is all over?” A tear slipped down her cheek. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. “You’ll go back to football, and I’ll go back to—”
“Shay.” He pressed his palm to her cheek. “The only thing I know for sure is that I’m going to love you—and Zac—for the rest of my life.”
The breeze stilled like the slightest hush. Shayna’s pulse stuttered as Nate leaned in. His breath was warm against her cheek as he slipped a finger beneath her chin. “I love you, Shayna…with everything I have,” he murmured.
“I love you, too.” Shayna sighed as his lips captured hers. The kiss, long promised, was everything she’d wished for.
Epilogue
Sunlight spilled over the field as Shayna and Zac followed Nate onto the sideline of Alltel Stadium. The weather was unseasonably warm—high fifties on this early-February evening in Jacksonville. Shayna and Nate had spent the week sightseeing with Zac in tow and visiting with Nate’s mom and stepdad, who lived close by in Fernandina Beach. Shayna enjoyed getting to know them and felt like family after the first half-hour. Nate had to report for practice each day, but that still left plenty of time to scour the city—and the gulf shores. Zac loved combing the sand for shells.
“Wow, look at all the people.” Zac scanned the crowd, his golden eyes wide with awe. “This is so cool, Nate. I can’t believe we’re really here.”
“Believe it, buddy.” Nate high-fived him, and Shayna was positive she, too, must be glowing. Zac had celebrated his eighth birthday just a few weeks ago—a milestone she wasn’t sure he’d ever reach. “And I think all these people are here to see you.”
“No way.” Zac’s grin widened. “You’re kidding me, Nate.”
“Just look over there.” Nate pointed to a camera crew flanked by several photographers. “They’re motioning for us. They want to do that photo shoot for the Moments for Miracles campaign.”
Shayna would be forever grateful to the organization that had brought her and Nate together—and saved Zac’s life. The miracle continued, as each of Zac’s follow-up visits offered nothing but good news. Her son was cancer free.
“Then we’d better hurry.” Zac’s voice drew her back. “Come on, Nate.”
“Hop up.” Nate hoisted Zac onto his shoulders, and they loped over—both decked out in special Titans jerseys and ball caps designed just for the Super Bowl. Nate was wearing cleats, and Zac the cowboy boots Nate had surprised him with for his birthday.
“Come on, Mama.” Zac glanced back and urged her on. “You have to get in the picture, too.”
Shayna struggled to hear over the roar of the crowd. The sound was deafening. How did the players ever decipher the quarterback’s calls? She smoothed her skirt and sweater as she neared the camera. This was something she’d have to get used to.
Just like the diamond that sparkled on her finger, given to her by Nate a few days after Zac was released from the hospital, along with his promise of love. Come spring they’d be married. Shayna smiled as the diamond caught the stadium lights, refracting into a rainbow.
She thought of God’s promise and thanked Him once more for the health of her son and Nate’s precious gift of life.
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