All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) A.D. Justice (short novels to read TXT) 📖

uphold that agreement, even when I wasn’t sure if it would end well for me when I shared with her. Then to find out she’d withheld such vital information from all this time, I didn’t deal with it very well. I felt betrayed.” I move from the foot of her bed to the chair at her side and took her hand. “How can I choose between you and my baby, Jules? That’s an impossible decision to make.”

“It’s not a choice you have to make, Rod. I’ve already made it for you. You’ve never fallen for anyone the way you have for Daisy. Don’t screw this up. You’ve dedicated your life to taking care of me. Now it’s time for you to let yourself be happy for a change. You’ve run from every chance at having your own life because you’ve convinced yourself you’re like Dad. You’re nothing like him, and it’s time you accept that. You’re stubborn and infuriating at times, but you’ve never abandoned me when I needed you. You’ve always been there for me, whatever I needed. Don’t be a coward and abandon Daisy when she needs you. That’s not something she’ll forgive—and neither will you. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.

“Have you asked yourself why she didn’t tell you the moment she got the call?”

“No, I haven’t gotten that far yet.” I scrubbed my hand over my face, weary from the long night and all the conflicting emotions battering me.

“She wanted you, Isa, and me to have the best Christmas she could give us. She was afraid of ruining our visit by giving you the news over the holidays. You would’ve been torn in two, and yet another holiday would’ve had negative emotions tied to it. She didn’t tell you because she was trying to protect you and give you something special. Something you’ve never had. The only reason I found out was because I overheard her just before I walked into the kitchen. I told her not to tell you, and I told her I wouldn’t accept her bone marrow donation if she aborted my niece or nephew. You can’t blame her for any of this. You wouldn’t have handled it any differently.”

“You shouldn’t be schooling me, Jules. I’m the big brother, you’re the little sister. It should be the other way around.” My smirk assured her I was kidding.

“That’s not like life works, big brother. We learn by our experiences, and you need to experience love and forgiveness yourself. Forgive Daisy. Forgive Dad. Forgive yourself. You have nothing to feel guilty about. My cancer isn’t your fault, and you are not responsible for saving me from it. We can’t change what is meant to be, no matter how much we want to. The next few months may be long and rough at times, but I’m not giving up. Daisy is my light at the end of the tunnel. She’s yours too.”

I left after the doctor made his rounds and said Juliana would probably come home in the next couple of days. She’s rehydrated and her strength is returning, so she can continue to convalesce at home. She’ll return to my house so I can ensure she’s following all the doctor’s orders. If she needs it, I’ll rehire the home health nurse to check on her daily. Whatever it takes to keep her around until the transplant can occur.

I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Daisy by my side for the rest of my life too.

I was prepared for my righteous indignation rebuttal, but that crashed and burned like a lead zeppelin after last night, and the early morning visit to the hospital. My sister is right. I would’ve done the same had our roles been reversed. Knowing my happiness means so much to Daisy only endears her to me more. I’ve screwed up enough in the short time we’ve been together. I’m determined to right all my wrongs and make our future as bright as the sun.

After making a few phone calls to my close business contacts, I have a solid plan in place to present to Daisy. This venture was inspired by her generosity and amazing heart. Now I can’t wait to share it with her. Just as I save the final version of the document, I hear the front door open, and laughter fills the entryway.

They’re home. My family.

They make this large, cold house into a warm, cozy home.

When I step out of my office, I watch Daisy help Isa remove her coat and put her backpack away. Landen waits impatiently, knowing Louise has snacks waiting for them in the kitchen.

“Can I help?” I ask as I approach and slide my arm around Daisy’s waist.

“Thanks for the offer, but I think we’re all set now. Just have to get some food in these little munchkins before they turn into gremlins.” Her smile is infectious, and I can’t help but chuckle at the mental image.

“Come on, kids. Let’s see what Louise made for us today. Daisy, I’ll make a snack plate for you too. Can you meet me in my office? There’s something I’m dying to show you.” I waggle my eyebrows to throw her off the real reason I’m trying to get her alone.

“Um, sure. I’ll take some hot tea, if there’s any. If not, water is fine. I’ll be waiting for you in your office.” Her tentative tone amuses me.

After I get the kids settled at the table with their finger sandwiches and pita chips, I join a suspicious Daisy in my office. When I close the door behind me, she arches one eyebrow in response. After placing her plate and tea on my desk in front of her, I get down to brass tacks.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today.” I round the desk, using my best professional tone when I address her, and take my seat. “Your time is valuable, so I’ll get right to the point. I’ve prepared a business proposal that will benefit