All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) by A.D. Justice (electric book reader txt) 📕

I realized this was a private conversation, but I stopped when you mentioned the bone marrow match. Believe me when I say, I can hold on and continue my chemotherapy while you’re pregnant. Knowing there’s a ray of hope at the end of the journey is enough to maintain me. You will not give up my niece or nephew to give me your bone marrow though. If you do, I won’t accept it. If you think Rod is stubborn, you haven’t seen obstinate yet.”

She starts to sway, already unsteady on her feet after a few minutes, so Kevin and I rush to help her to the table. “Jules, are you sure you’ll be okay? We’re talking six months or so before I can donate.”

“Yes, I’m sure. As soon as we get back to Atlanta, I’ll start my treatments again, so this doesn’t progress any further. When you tell Rod about the baby, don’t give even him the option of terminating the pregnancy. You can tell him you’re a match and can donate after delivery, because that’s all that matters. There’s nothing else you need to discuss with him about that part.”

“Jules…” I want to shake her and say how much Isa needs her mother. I want to remind her how she felt growing up with Rod as her mother and father, regardless of how much he did for her. I want her to know Isa’s childhood doesn’t have to be filled with the sadness of losing her mother at such a young age.

But I don’t say any of that, because anything I could possibly say, and more, is already in her eyes. She knows the risks and the toll she faces. She understands the pros and cons better than anyone here could ever imagine. She accepts she doesn’t have full control of her fate along with the very real possibility she’ll face an early death. But her spine doesn’t waver, and her stare doesn’t falter. She faces both living and dying with the same inner grace that inherently draws people to her.

Over the last few days, my parents have fallen in love with her and adopted her as my sister. I’m not complaining in the least.

“Daisy, I never thought I’d have a niece or nephew. Don’t you dare even consider taking this dream come true away from me. But don’t worry, Rod won’t hear about this from me. It’s your news to tell him whenever you’re ready.”

Mom shuffles into the kitchen, giving us an obvious side-eye before glancing at the clock. “Did you three stay up all night? No one ever beats me out of bed in the mornings.”

“We slept. Apparently, not long enough though. Maybe we’re all excited about Christmas and ready to open presents.” I shrug then wrap my arms around my mom. I’ve been away from her too long.

“You and your sister are just big kids.” She laughs and pats my arm. “I caught her snooping under the tree last night, even though she knows we only buy for the younger kids.”

“Hey, did you tell everyone about the Santa Rod hired coming tonight?”

“Yes, sweetheart, I did. How could I forget? Your father wants our pictures taken with him too. He says he missed out on that when he was a kid, so he’s making up for lost time now.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Rod wants his picture taken with Santa in case he has to use it to keep Isa in line while Jules is in the hospital. I think he’s secretly afraid of a five-year-old little girl.”

“Speaking of that little girl, I think I’ll go snuggle with her while she’s still asleep and get a short catnap myself.” Jules assures us she’ll come back down for breakfast soon, but I can’t stop the dread that fills my heart.

“Rod will soon learn that being a full-time parent is very different from being a part-time uncle, even though he’s been heavily involved in Isa’s life. He’s been her father-figure, but he’s also had the luxury of being perceived as the fun adult. He may find it much more difficult when he has to correct or discipline her.” Mom turns to give me her full attention and ensures she has mine. “You know, you should prepare yourself too, Daisy. I’m afraid he’ll need you in ways he’s never dreamed of in the very near future.”

“Helping him with Isa will be a piece of cake, I can handle that. But I can’t even think about what’ll happen if the treatment doesn’t help Jules. Rod and Isa adore her, and I do too.”

“We love her too. Your father and I told her she’s ours now, the same as we did Tracy. We’ll support all of you as much as we can during her illness, but I worry about you most of all. You give so much, carry the burdens alone, and don’t ask for enough in return. Just be sure you take care of yourself and don’t allow your needs to be put on the back burner with everything else going on around you.”

“I won’t, and I’m sure you’ll be checking up on me to make sure I don’t.” I kiss her cheek and lay my head on her shoulder. “Can I just stay here and go back to being a little kid? Being an adult sucks.”

Mom laughs and nods. “Yes, it does, sweetheart. But I think there’s too much water under that bridge for you to go back to your childhood now.”

“I’m going upstairs to wake Rod for breakfast. I’ll never hear the end of it if he misses out on the pancakes.” I give her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving, appreciating how she’s always supported me in more ways than I can count.

With every step I climb, the early morning conversation replays in my mind. I could kick myself for not being more careful and realizing Jules was standing there. That wasn’t how I wanted to tell her about any of this—the match, the baby, the