by Mary Manners
So, her son had a couple more precious hours in his own bed until he was once more given up to nurses and needles and a stark, sterile hospital room.
The thought brought tears to Shayna’s eyes, and suddenly she wished Nate was there with her. He’d called her several times yesterday evening, and had offered come by with dinner, but she’d declined. She needed this time to immerse herself in the Word, and to put on the armor she knew she’d need to get through the next phase of this battle. She’d prayed through the night that a donor would be found. Surely the registry would locate one soon. If only she—or her mom—was a match. But, for reasons she couldn’t fathom, it just wasn’t meant to be.
Help me, Lord. Help Zac. Please send him a donor soon.
Her son stirred in the bed, and Shayna went to him, placing a hand on his forehead to comfort him. She thought of the way Nate had held him Saturday while they were at the pond, and the memory brought a measure of comfort to her wounded heart. He’d been so tender, so very caring in both his gentle touch and heartfelt words.
“Together, we’ll find a way, Shayna,” he’d murmured as she broke down and sobbed. “We’ll get through this somehow. Trust me.”
Shayna dried her tears. She did trust Nate. How had she ever believed the awful stories the press reported about him? She chastised herself for getting sucked into the toxic gossip before she even gave him a chance to share his true heart.
Shayna placed a kiss on Zac’s forehead before slipping away to take a quick shower. A glance at the clock told her Nate was most likely still sleeping soundly. He’d offered to meet her at the hospital later, and she was thankful for that.
Today promised to bring a new season, and she’d be ready to tackle it, no matter what.
10
“I’m sorry, Shayna.” Nate reached for her hand as he spoke.
“What’s going on?” Her fingers trembled, and she struggled to make sense of why Nate was here…in Dr. Garrison’s office, staring at her with such an odd expression on his face. She wondered why they’d closed the door and spoke in hushed voices. Her heart was racing, her palms damp with nervous tension. Then, as she slumped into a chair, Nate’s blue eyes captured hers, and the tenderness nearly stole her breath. She choked back the lump in her throat.
Nate’s voice was gentle as he spoke again. “I promised you no more surprises, but this one is out of my hands.”
“I don’t understand.” Her eyes filled with tears, and she reached for a tissue from the dispenser on the desk, sniffling. “How bad is it? Just tell me, please.”
“It’s not bad, Shay. It’s good…really, really good.” Nate came around and knelt at her feet. He placed one hand on her knee and brushed a tear from her cheek with his other. “Dr. Garrison has located a donor for Zac.”
“Oh, Nate.” Relief, coupled with disbelief, flooded her. She covered her trembling lips as tears spilled over. She could hardly speak. “Where? Who…how?”
“Shayna, listen to me.” Dr. Garrison’s voice drifted across the room, sounding as if he stood miles away. Shayna’s head began to swim, and she felt as if she were being drawn into a tunnel. They’d found a donor. Her prayers had been answered. “Nate is Zac’s donor.”
Time paused for the slightest moment, a gasp just before the deep inhale. Had she heard right?
“Shayna, honey, stay with us,” Nate coaxed, placing a hand on each of her shoulders. “Please, breathe.”
“It can’t be.” Shayna’s skin tingled, and a rush of shivers racked her as the room began to sway. She wrapped her arms around herself, rocking forward in the chair. “Are you sure?”
“We ran a second battery of tests this morning to confirm.” Though merely a few feet away, Dr. Garrison’s face refused to come into focus. A freight train rushed through Shayna’s ears, making it difficult to make out his next words.
“They’re almost a perfect match, Shayna—as perfect as two unrelated people can be. Nate’s an answer to our prayers—in more ways than one.”
“Oh, God…” When Shayna slipped from the chair, Nate caught her. He gathered her in and she pressed her cheek to the warmth of his T-shirt as her shock gave way to sobs. “I don’t believe it. I can’t…Thank You, God.” Tears swam in her eyes, turning the room to a pool of water. “Oh, thank You.”
“We’ll have to begin preparing Zac right away. It’s going to be hard, Shayna. We need at least thirty days to bring him to day zero—transplant day.” Dr. Garrison stood and eased around the desk, closer to her. “There’s a lot to do, and it won’t be easy on Nate, either.”
“I hadn’t thought…” Shayna lifted her head to gaze into Nate’s tender, blue eyes. “Oh, Nate, are you sure about this?”
“Yes.” He nodded, smoothing a strand of hair from her damp cheek. “It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever been given—the ability to do this for Zac.”
“But it’s not a gift…at least not for you.”
“Oh, it is, Shay.” He stroked her cheek gently. “More than you know.”
****
Nate found a quiet place down the hall to dial a quick call to Stan. He made short work of bringing his friend up to speed.
“It’s a miracle, Stan.”
“I get that, but do you fully understand the ramifications of this decision, Nate?”
“I do. I’ve been through all the details with Dr. Garrison, and he’s told me what to expect. I’m fully aware of all the possible complications, and I’m in agreement with pressing forward.”
“And you think you can still be ready for training camp?”
“I’ll be there.”
“What if there are lingering effects?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it—if we come to it.”
“And you don’t want the press to know?”
“You heard me the first time. This needs to be kept on the down low.”
“I’ve got it covered.”
“I’m counting on you, Stan.”
He rustled some papers. “Oh, by the way, I got word just an hour ago that all charges against you have been dropped. The girl came forward—the one you were trying to protect that night outside the restaurant—and she gave a full statement to the police. Believe it or not, now you’re a hero.”
“I couldn’t let that guy get away with harassing her the way he was. The poor girl was just trying to make a living.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?” Stan groaned in a manner that had become familiar over the years. “It would have made things a lot easier.”
“As I recall, I tried. You weren’t in much of a listening mood.”
“Well, I stand corrected. The oaf who was harassing her has been banned from the restaurant, and the girl issued a statement to the Tennessee Today newspaper and all the local stations.”
“Good. So, you need to keep the press off my tail for a while. They’ll all want a piece of the action. Just issue a statement for me if it’s necessary, Stan. I don’t want to talk to any reporters—not now.”
“I’ve already taken care of it. Check out the five o’clock news, and you’ll hear the statement.”
“No need. I trust you to handle things.” He paced the hall, anxious to get back to Shayna. “Thanks for everything, Stan, but I’ve got to go.”
“The kid waiting for you?”
“Yeah, and his mom, too.”
“I’m glad, Nate.” Stan sighed. “You know, my friend, if I’d tried to write a book about this, no one would ever believe it. But I have to say, this transformation in you is the most amazing miracle of all.”
“And I have you to thank for it, Stan. If you hadn’t insisted on me contacting the Moments for Miracles foundation—”
“It wasn’t my doing, Nate. I believe God had a plan.”
11
Things moved quickly. To Nate, the days that followed seemed like a blur. Zac spent his time in intensive treatment, just as Dr. Garrison explained. But even the briefing could not prepare them
for what was to come. Shayna remained vigilant, hesitant to leave Zac’s side for more than a few minutes at a time.
Nate stayed with her. Shayna’s inner strength was an inspiration to him. Rarely did she let down her guard, and the few times she did give in to grief didn’t last long at all. Truth be told, Nate teared up more than she did. But he was careful not to let Shayna see. He knew his worry and grief would become hers, as well.
One evening Shayna’s mom dropped by after work. She took one look at Shayna and said, “Take my daughter out for a decent meal and some fresh air, Nate, and don’t come back until her belly is full and her hands have quit trembling.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Mom,” Shayna protested.
“Yes, you are.” Her mother’s gaze was steely. “That’s an order. I’ll stay with Zac. You can trust me, Shayna. I raised you, didn’t I?”
Speechless, Shayna only nodded. Nate took her by the hand and led her down the hall to the elevators. She turned back once, and he thought he was going to lose her. But he squeezed her hand and wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders as they headed to the parking garage.
“Do you mind if we just walk?” she asked as darkness engulfed them. “I’d like a bit of fresh air.”
“Only if it leads to a restaurant, and you promise to eat. You won’t do Zac any good if you get sick and can’t be with him at all.”
His tactic seemed to work. Shayna nodded stiffly. “You’re right.”
They wound their way toward the landing. The air was cool but no longer chilled. Spring had blossomed and tulips bloomed along the waterfront. Gaslights lined the shore along the shop fronts, and stars shimmered and danced overhead.
“The air smells so good.” Shayna drew a deep breath. “I had forgotten the sweet smell of flowers, the clean scent of a gentle breeze.”
“You’ve been away from it for a long time.”
“It feels like a lifetime, Nate.”
“I know.”
“What if the treatments are just too much for Zac? What if his little body can’t take the strain?”
“It’s going to be OK, Shayna. Zac’s a fighter—just like his mom.”
“But I don’t feel strong anymore, Nate.” She leaned against the rail at the edge of the landing and gazed across the water. “I’m so tired.”
“I know, honey.” He drew her close. “Lean on me. I’ll help you.”
“Do you feel anything—any different from the drugs you’ve been given?”
“Not really. Maybe just a bit sluggish. But that could be from everything else, too.”
“Do you think they’re working?”
“All the tests say they are.”
“I’m surprised you have any blood left.”
“This is nothing.” Nate laughed. “I’ve lost more blood on the football field.”
“Are you worried about the harvest?”
“No more worried than having a linebacker take me down.” He shrugged. “Don’t let it worry you, Shay. I’ll heal just fine. Zac will, too. I feel it.”
“You told me once, when you first met Zac, that you lost someone you loved.” She was quiet for a moment, and then turned to face him. “Who was it, Nate?”
His breath caught. The love in her eyes was so pure, the question so full of concern, that something in his heart dislodged. “My brother, Josh, died when I was fourteen. He was born with something…I don’t really know what. Though my mom took him to dozens of doctors, most of them specialists, none were ever able to define it. But whatever it was messed with his immune system, and he got sick all the time. When he was twelve, he contracted pneumonia.”
Shayna skimmed his stubbled cheek with smooth fingers. “I’m so sorry, Nate.”
“There was nothing I could do—nothing my mom could do, either. When Josh died, it almost killed her, too. I was mad for a long time.”
“But you came through it.”
“Yeah. Mom didn’t give up on me. She met a great guy, Harry. He took me under his wing and taught me football. Nothing channels aggression better than practicing tackles and running suicides. Eventually, Harry and Mom married. They’re really happy together.”
“I’m glad for that.” Shayna smiled through tears. “And you, Nate? Are you happy?”
“You make me happy, Shayna—you and Zac.” He drew her close. “I don’t ever want to let you go.”
****
Shayna woke to the sound of the IV beeping. She sat up and glanced at Nate, sleeping soundly in a corner chair, before she went to Zac. A quick feel of his forehead told her he’d made it through another stretch without an infection. If all went well, the transplant would be over by noon tomorrow.
She marveled at the miracle God had given to her, and not just concerning Zac. Her heart felt full of love—something she’d never dreamed of feeling after the way it had been shattered following her divorce and then Zac’s diagnosis. Nate had stepped into her life and filled all that was missing. She’d be forever grateful.
“Mama…” Zac’s voice whispered across the darkness. The sheets rustled as he shifted in the bed. “I’m thirsty.”
Shayna checked her watch for the time—no liquids after midnight—and then filled a cup with water. She offered him the straw. “Here you go, honey.”
“Is Nate still here?”
“Yes. He’s sleeping over there.” She pointed, and Zac craned his head for a look.
“He’s awful big for that chair, Mama.” Zac blinked hard once, twice, and then yawned hugely.
“I know, honey, but he didn’t want to leave.”
“’Cause of tomorrow?”
“Partly.” She offered him another sip of water. “And because he likes spending time with you.”
“He loves me, doesn’t he, Mama?”
“Yes, honey, he does.”
Zac smiled, though his dry lips cracked with the effort. “Guess what, Mama.”
“Hmmm?”
Zac lowered his voice to a whisper. He pressed a tiny palm to Shayna’s cheek. “I think Nate loves you, too.”
The words brought a smile to Shayna’s lips. From the mouths of babes…
She set the cup on the side table. “Go back to sleep now, Zac.”
“OK, Mama.” He sipped once more and then let his head drop back against the pillow, and just as quickly as he woke, he was asleep again.
Shayna stepped over to Nate and smiled at the way his bulk was curled into a chair two sizes too small. She covered him with a blanket and kissed her index finger before pressing it to his cheek. Her heart fluttered with the thought that one day soon they might share a real kiss.
12
Nate woke to the sound of sobs. He sat up, and a sharp stab of pain coursed through his hips, racing up his back. His skull cried out, and for a moment all the world went black.
Slowly, the room came into focus. Shayna stood over him, her tears splashing onto the sheet. He reached for her hand and struggled to find his voice.
“Shayna, honey…” The sound was gravel in his throat, but he fought through to add, “Zac?”
“He’s fine, Nate. Dr. Garrison said the transfer was perfect. He’s recovering just as planned. He’s sleeping now.” She smiled through her tears. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I was just tackled by the full line.” He grunted, trying to shift pressure from the sore areas. “But, Doc said it would smart for a few days.”
Shayna smoothed his hair. “I’ll call the nurse to bring you something for the pain.”
“No.” Nate squeezed her hand. “Just help me up. I want to go see Zac.”
****
Shayna marveled at how well Zac fought back against the disease that tried so hard to break him. She knew Nate played a big part, helping to boost his spirits. The two did anything and everything to pass the time. Nate even brought football film, and they dissected each play like expert commentators. Shayna laughed when Zac came up with the idea to use a tissue roll as a microphone, decorating it with
markers, construction paper that the nurses brought by, and a touch of glue.
Nate sat in the bed beside Zac, both decked out in Titans gear, and together they offered up game highlights that would make ESPN proud. Quickly, the nurses figured they ought to enter the room with caution—they never knew what kind of sidesplitting pranks they might encounter.
Now Zac slept, and Nate had gone for coffee. Shayna gazed out the hospital window, beyond the parking lot to the landing. Bradford pears were in full bloom, and the water danced clear and blue beneath a brilliant sun. Wisps of high clouds were ribbons floating in the sky, and she could almost hear the song of blue jays. Soon, she and Zac would leave the confines of the hospital room and head home to enjoy the late-spring air. Shayna could hardly wait for sunlight to kiss her cheeks once again. The very prospect filled her with renewed hope.
Nate shuffled into the room holding two cups of coffee and a white pastry bag. The sweet aroma of chocolate mingled with vanilla, masking stuffy hospital odors. For a moment, Shayna almost forgot where she was.
“Your feast, ma’am.” Nate’s smile chased away a chill. His boots whispered over tile, and she was glad to see the limp he’d suffered for several days following the harvest was completely gone. He slipped into a chair beside her. “I’ll let you 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.”
