Free Troublemaker by Trice Hickman Page A

who’d been abandoned in a state of near death, she had known that there was something different and special about Gary Mosley.
    Initially, Alexandria had wanted to look into the future and see what it held: would Gary get a kidney in time? If he did, would he survive? And if he survived, what would happen to him once he was well enough to leave the hospital? Would he be put into the foster care system, relegated to a childhood filled with bad memories like her paternal grandmother had experienced? Or would one of his distant relatives step up to claim him and give him a happy life?”
    Those questions were constantly at the forefront of Alexandria’s mind whenever she thought about Gary. She knew she could use her gift to easily find out the answers and put her anxiety at rest, but she decided against it. She was learning how not to be so attached to the outcome of things, but instead, to savor the journey of getting there. She was exercising patience, allowing herself to be content with discovering new experiences and unexpected joys each day. Going through Gary’s journey with him had already proven to be a rewarding endeavor, and she was looking forward to what was next to come.
    She still remembered the first time she’d seen Gary. After listening to PJ talk about the little boy for a few days, she had decided it was time to go by the hospital and pay him a visit. She’d brought him a pack of crayons and a coloring book, along with a cherry-flavored lollipop. Gary had been asleep when she’d slipped into his room. She’d stood beside his bed and instantly fallen in love. He was small, and fragile, and helpless. He reminded her of how she’d felt as a child when spirits would bombard her with their voices at night.
    She’d pulled up a chair beside Gary’s bed and watched him as he slept, taking shallow, labored breaths. Even though he had been a very sick child whose health was hanging in a precarious balance, he’d looked beautiful and bright in Alexandria’s eyes. His deep, chocolate-colored skin had been taut and smooth. His long lashes had extended from his closed lids, making them look almost false, and the shallow rise and fall of his tiny chest had made Alexandria’s own heart ache for him as he struggled to breathe.
    Even though she’d had to wear protective gloves at the time, she’d put her hand over his, hoping he could feel her warmth and love. She’d waited patiently for two solid hours before Gary had finally opened his eyes, and when they’d looked at each other, she’d known at that moment that he was going to be a part of her life.
    â€œYou’re a big reason why Gary’s recovering so well,” PJ said.
    â€œHe’s a precious little boy and I’ll do whatever I can to make his life as complete as it can be.”
    â€œAlexandria Elizabeth Thornton, this is one of the many reasons I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
    Alexandria leaned over and kissed PJ. “And I can’t wait to get you down that aisle.”

    After they finished dinner and drove to the hospital, PJ and Alexandria held hands as they walked down the hall, headed toward Gary’s room. “This is really gonna make his night,” PJ said, giving Alexandria’s hand a gentle squeeze.
    â€œMine too.”
    As they passed the nurse’s station, Alexandria slowed down when a warm sensation came over her. Ms. Brown was in the area. She could feel her presence, and although she’d never met the woman and had only heard about her today, through PJ, she instantly knew without a doubt that the nurse also had the gift. She looked over to her right and saw a kind-looking lady smile at her and nod.
    PJ looked in the direction where Alexandria had trained her attention. “That’s Ms. Brown,” he said.
    â€œYes, I know.”
    Alexandria could see that PJ fully understood what was happening. He nodded. “Go