That evening in the master bedroom...
Emily struggled to speak as her heart raced. She couldn't find the right words to express her feelings to Jake.
"Jake, I'm ill. I have been ill for some time now. According to the physicians, I don't have much time left. Although I've been handling it independently, things are moving more quickly than anticipated."
Jake's shocked eyes grew more prominent. "What? What do you mean you're sick? How bad is it? Why didn't you inform me earlier?"
Emily said, "I didn't want to burden you," as tears filled her eyes.
"Particularly in light of all that has been going on between us. And then I just couldn't with Aiden."
Jake sprang up abruptly and began pacing the room as he tried to process what she had said. His brain was full of questions, and worry weighed heavily on his heart.
"I don't care about any of it, Emily. Both you and I should have known. You have the right to accept my assistance. I am your h--." He nearly shouted out their sincere bond.
Emily wiped a tear from her face. "I'm sorry; I understand. However, Jake, you are unable to resolve this. It's cancer that is terminal. I don't want to squander this brief moment on self-pity or arguments."
Jake halted his pacing and balled his hands into fists. He turned to gaze at her, his expression melancholy.
"What comes next? How do I go about doing this? How am I meant to accept the reality that you will—"
Emily interrupted in a tone that was calm but demanding.
"I've made a decision. Before it's too late, I've listed things I'd like to do. And for that, I need your help."
Jake slid back into the bed and nodded gently, despite her remarks broke his heart.
"A wish list? What's included in it?"
Emily smiled and pulled a folded piece of paper out of her bag. After removing it from her, Jake cautiously opened it and perused the list:
1] Take back what is rightfully mine and safeguard Aiden's future.
2] Take my family on a global tour.
3] Spend time making lasting memories with Aiden and my loved ones
4] Go on a date with a guy at least once.
5] Be in a relationship with no ties attached.
6. Let go of everything for one night. ✔
7] Go on additional dates with another man.
8] Find a legal guardian for Aiden. ✔
9] Get married, but this time out of love rather than deception.
10] Let go on my terms and make peace with my old life.
Jake's eyes were watering, and his hands shook as he held the page. "Emily... I'm at a loss for words."
Emily grasped his hand and added, "You don't have to say anything." I want to make the most of my remaining time. I don't want to waste it on self-pity or rejection of the facts. Even if it's for a short time, I want us to live and create something unique together."
Jake nodded and felt a lump in his throat. "I will assist you, Emily. I want to be present in every one of these instances. However, I don't want to lose you, and I'm unsure how I'll handle it."
Emily gave him a little squeeze. Jake, this is where I need your help. You can't be with me on this one. I plan to do all of it with just Aiden, Aunty Ofelia, and Uncle Earl. Do you understand what I mean?"
Jake's eyes grew wide at hearing Emily's words. "What are you trying to say? I should be with you and Aiden, but I don't understand. You cannot be allowed to do that.
"Jake...I beg you to let me fulfill this dream. If I return and you're still waiting, I want to create that one wish with you. I want our wedding to be the most lavish affair of the century. The one who will live in the public memory for a long time."
As Emily talked about her ideal wedding, her eyes gleamed. She was already envisioning it.
"Em..." Jake could not utter anything, and tears cascaded down his handsome, usually icy face.
"I just want to leave Aiden with a special memory. I have not long to live; you have your entire life to live with him. So, Jake, please allow me to do this. I implore you." Emily is sobbing as she makes her appeal.
"This is all I have to say." She continued.
Jake's eyes were teary as he processed what she had spoken.
"Why didn't you speak out earlier? From the beginning, we could have tackled this jointly."
Though unshed tears shimmered in Emily's eyes, she mustered a feeble grin. "I didn't think I could handle it without including you in my problems. However, after witnessing Aiden and everything we've gone through, I understood I needed your support."
Jake extended his arm to raise her chin so their eyes could meet again gently. Emily, you have always struck me as the strongest person I know. Whatever happens, we're all in this together."
They were silent for a minute, the gravity of the situation bearing down on them both. Emily inhaled deeply, experiencing a mixture of relief and melancholy.
A blaze of resolve ignited in Jake's eyes as they softened. "Go...Do what you must and come back to me alive. We'll make it happen, whatever you need or desire. I promise."
Emily had a rush of love and thankfulness for the guy before her. "I'm grateful, Jake. To me, it has immense meaning."
As he gathered her into his arms and held her tight, as though he could somehow keep her with him forever, tears fell on Jake's cheeks.
Even though the situation was crushing them, he knew they had to stand firm for Aiden and each other at that very time.
As they sat together, facing an unknown and painful future, they both realized that the time they had left would be the most important of their lives...~~