Free Miracles and Mischief by Mary Manners Page A

have first choice of the confections.”
    “Thank you.” Shayna took the bag and peeked inside. “Yum, chocolate éclairs—my favorite.”
    “I know.”
    There wasn’t much they didn’t know about each other by now. Hours spent together in a hospital room had a way of doing that to people. Shayna especially loved the times Nate read to her from his devotional. Those quiet times resulted in reflection and a plethora of topics for conversation.
    “The éclair will tide you over for now,” Nate continued, “but you’ll need some real food later. Your mom will be by to stay with Zac while I take you to dinner on the landing.”
    “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