Free A Dad of His Own by Gail Gaymer Martin Page A

looking for anything that would grab his attention, something that would relieve the stress. Periodicals on health, women’s magazines, news, sports. He tossed them down. His interest was Cooper. It began and ended there.
    He turned from the magazines and strode back to his chair. As his legs bent to sit, Lexie’s voice jerked him upward. Shestood inside the door, her face weary, yet her eyes filled with hope.
    Ethan rushed toward her, longing to hug her. “How is he?”
    “A little better, I think. They gave him something to help him sleep.”
    He lay his palm on her shoulder, and she leaned closer, pressing her forehead against his cheek. His longing kicked into gear, and he slipped his arm around her back and drew her closer. She didn’t resist. Tension gave way from her body.
    She eased against him. “I’m tired.”
    He moved his hand across her back, hoping to soothe her. A longing rose to kiss her. “I know. It’s difficult waiting.”
    She lifted her head, and her eyes caught his. “You’ve been waiting almost an hour. I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be sorry. I feel badly Cooper’s so ill, but I told you before. I’m glad I’m here for both of you.”
    She rocked her head from side to side. “Ethan, you’re too good to us.”
    She deserved so much better. That had been his prayer. “I can never be too good, Lexie. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care.”
    “I know, and that’s what amazes me. You barely know us.”
    He managed to grin. “I’m getting there.”
    Her mouth curled upward. “I guess you are.” She squeezed him, then relaxed and dropped her arms. “Let’s sit a few minutes.”
    The feeling of her in his arms played in his memory. Soft and warm. Trusting. He’d missed those sensations, but to get through Laine’s death, he’d forced the emotions away. Locked them up. Secured them so tightly he’d nearly forgotten thebeauty of sharing a moment that close with another human being.
    She slipped into a chair, and he joined her, wanting to offer comfort but not knowing how. He covered her hand with his and remained silent. They sat as the clock clicked the seconds, each delving into their thoughts, each feeling emotions they couldn’t share. He could guess hers. A mother facing her son’s tragic disease must long for a miracle, for anything to take away the fear and the pain of seeing her child so ill.
    His feelings were different. For the first time in years, he’d unlocked the trunk he’d closed. He’d allowed his emotions to respond to a woman and not just any woman. To Lexie, a woman who’d opened his heart.
    Lexie shifted, and Ethan pulled away his hand. She pushed herself from the chair and rose. “I think they’ll keep him overnight at least.” She checked her watch. “If you don’t mind waiting a few more minutes, I’ll go and check.”
    “Take as long as you need.”
    She turned and slipped through the doorway.
    He placed his palm on his knee, asking himself questions that had no answers. What did he expect of their relationship? Could he make it through another grave battle with cancer and come out unscathed? Would Lexie open her heart when hers was tied to her child’s needs? Should he be a friend and try to keep it that way or let his heart go where it willed? A thought poked him. Or was it where God willed? Did he have a choice? This relationship might be God’s doing. It might have nothing to do with the kind of relationship his emotions were taking him through. Was this an act of compassion? Was he the catalyst for Lexie’s faith? The questions reeled in his mind.
    “Ethan.”
    He jerked his head upward, surprised to see Lexie had returned.
    “You looked deep in thought.”
    He rose, willing his thoughts away from the journey they’d been on. “How’s he doing?”
    “They want to keep him tonight, so we can go.”
    “Are you sure?” He studied her.
    “I’m a veteran at this. Don’t worry about me. Hopefully he’ll be released