I woke up in the hospital room with a note sitting on my lap. It read 'Hope you are doing better today, Em. I will be right back; I just had a quick errand to run. Love you, girl.' Austin didn't put a time so I had no clue when he left or when he'd be back. My mom was still asleep. I haven't told her about the tumor yet, but I wanted the doctor to do it so that I could be there to comfort her and not to be the bearer of bad news.

"Mom?" I asked, but she was still asleep, "I don't know if you can hear me, but when you wake up we might have some bad news. It's not terrible and I know we'll get through it. If the doctor already told you, then I'm sorry. I was supposed to be here for you. I know you'll be okay." I gave her hand a tight squeeze when Austin came in.

"Is everything going okay?" He was holding a giant bouquet of flowers and a bag of food.

"Oh, good morning, Austin. How are you doing today?" My mom had woken up or at least perked up.

"Hi, mom. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling great. Come on in, Austin." I knew she was lying. She had a sad smile on her face, but I could tell she was trying to be brave for me.

"I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better, Mrs. Cosden. You look more than one hundred percent, and that's coming from a guy that has only seen you for a day!" That made her laugh, "Now, I have a serious question for you." He pulled out two breakfast sandwiches, "Do you prefer bacon or ham on your sandwich?"

"Bacon, of course!" He handed her the bacon sandwich and sat on the side of her bed. I leaned against the wall and smiled. It was nice to see her so happy even if I wasn't the one making it happen. He handed her the flowers and you could tell how much she loved them. Why hadn't I thought to bring flowers? I just got her a stupid teddy bear.

"Hey, Austin?" I interrupted.

"Yea, Em?"

"Did you stay the whole night?"

"No, they kicked me out around midnight because visiting hours had officially ended. They wanted to kick you out too, but I convinced them to let you stay. By that time you had already fallen asleep." He was such a great guy.

My mom grabbed my hand. "Emily, you didn't have to stay the whole night! You could have gone back home to sleep in your own bed. I know I'm old, but I can take care of myself for a night. Plus, I'm surrounded by doctors. I'll be fine!" She gave me a smile. I knew then that she did know about the tumor.

"When did they tell you?" I felt awful that I was not awake when she got the news.

"Right before Austin got the boot. He told me you wanted to be there when it happened, but you needed your sleep. You picked out a mighty fine man here, Emily." She was changing the subject, but I guess what else can you do when you just found out you have been living with cancer.

"I think he picked me." I smiled at him and he returned the favor.

"I made sure that your mom has the best care the hospital could provide and they are even letting me get her whatever breakfast and dinner she wants as long as she agrees to eat the mushy hospital stuff for lunch."

"Thank you." He knew that I needed the help.

"Don't mention it; I just want a quick favor from your mom."

"Oh, and what would that be?" She asked.

"I would like to have your daughter for an hour or two since I will be leaving again tomorrow for the tour. I will be gone for a month and I would like to spend a day with her before I go."

"Take her! She needs to get out of this stuffy building. You can have her for as long as you need her as long as you promise to give her a great time." Now she was smiling at me, but her eyes always gave her away. She was exhausted and clearly got no sleep last night. She still hasn't fully processed the news or the sure outcome.

"I promise." It was Austin's turn to take hold my hand.

"But, mom..." I tried to protest.

"No buts. Now go have some fun. Enjoy your boy while he is here and while it is still summer! You need it. Plus, he got me the best possible care, remember? I am in good hands."

"Fine, just promise me to eat your lunch." I gave in.

"I can't promise that." She looked over at her breakfast sandwich. I knew she wouldn't eat it.

"Good enough for me." I gave her a hug, "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too." She held me tighter and whispered, "Spend time with him now, life is too short to waste It on someone who can't help you anymore." She held me at arms length and wiped away the tears that had escaped my eye. "Now go have fun. Both of us shouldn't have to suffer. Take good care of her, Austin." I didn't know what to say.

"I'll give her the best possible care," He looked at me with sparkling eyes, "Get well soon, Mrs. Cosden." He then pulled me out the door and we left; "Now, where would you like to go?"

"Austin, I can't leave her." He managed to get me down to the lobby before I was able to recollect my bearings. "She's sick and I should be there for her. I don't know how long she has."

Austin pulled me close and rested his hand on my cheek. "I made a promise to your mom that I would be a distraction to you for the day. Nothing will happen to her. I will promise you that we will rush back as soon as possible if we get a call about her circumstances. Other than that, you need a break and I promised I would take you out to have a good time. Okay?" I nodded and nuzzled into his hand. "Okay. Now, where would you like to go?"