A Promise of Forever

Book Series: Stand Alone Title (the only book to feature the Davis family)

Publishing Date: 1996

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Contemporaray Romance
Point of View: Third Person, limited: Ilene, Bryson, Melissa
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 238

The day Ellen died, this story was given to me while I was thinking about where she was.

This book is dedicated to all those who love her.

And a special thank-you to Jacque Green, Chris Saxey, Tyler Hendricks, Chad Sorenson, Karol Christensen, Jacob Decker, Sally Larsen, and Cathirn Sabin. And your families. Your faith didn’t go unnoticed.

And, with love, to my mother.

Author’s Note

Through the course of writing this book, I’ve been asked many questions. And before you begin reading it, I would like to answer them. Yes, this book is about cancer. Yes, I had a close friend who died of cancer in the spring of 1994. (My first novel First Love and Forever was dedicated to her.) But this book is not about her-it was inspired by her. It is fiction. And, yes, I firmly believe that she was occasionally there to help me from the other side of the veil as I wrote it.

My hope is that through this story, readers will come to learn something very special that I learned-quite unexpectedly-through my opportunity to share death with a friend. I ask that you don’t approach this story with the attitude that it will be morbid and depressing because it’s about disease and death. But, rather, it’s a story of healing, of starting over, of love that goes beyond this life. Along with these characters, I pray that you will learn-as I did-of all the good and positive things that can emerge from the struggles of this world. And although A Promise of Forever is a little different from my previous novels, I think you will realize before you’ve finished it that I am, always and forever, a romantic. Enjoy!

Prologue (Somewhere in Southern California)

Melissa James is sick and tired of being single and never married. She was engaged to an active LDS man once but broke it off because it didn't feel right. Now Sean O'Hara is married to someone else. Fearing she'd be an old maid for the rest of her life, Melissa decided to go inactive and lower her standards which led to her being excommunicated from the church. She eventually came back but now she has a new problem. Her only sister, Ilene, (the Anya to Melissa's Elsa except Ilene is the eldest) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A priesthood blessing promised Melissa if she continued to endure with faith she'd be blessed with her heart's desire, yet, Melissa knows if she loses her sister, the only family she has left on this earth, she will never be able to just let it go.

Chapter 1- Bryson and Ilene Davis are both scared. As Ilene is wheeled into surgery she contemplates the first time she ever saw tall, with light brown hair, piercing blue eyes, all-American male, Bryson Davis. They met at a church youth activity where her amazing hourglass figure, long dark hair and brown eyes caught the attention of her future husband, ready to ravage this voluptuous young woman if he wasn't a card-carrying return missionary and worthy priesthood holder. Bryson wasted no time asking her out, their spirits seemed to connect and, before you could say "Saturday's Warrior" they were married in the temple.

Five children later, Ilene is 35 and too young to die. Bryson's parents divorced after his biological mom deserted the family and his father remarried a good woman who is more than a stepmother to them. Robert and Lindy drove all the way up from St. George to Salt Lake City this weekend to help Bryson out with the children while Ilene recovers from her mastectomy. Bryson is confident this is all they'll have to endure but Ilene tells him gently, this is only the beginning of the end. Deep down, she knows this cancer is going to take her life and she must prepare her family. Older by eight years, she is especially concerned for Melissa, living all alone in California, truly orphaned since both their parents died years ago, their mother in a car accident, their father remarried a good woman but since his death she's distanced herself from them. As a result, Ilene and Melissa have shared a bond stronger and deeper than any two sisters ever had. Bryson has always thought Melissa too skinny and plain with brown eyes and lighter hair than her sister, always worn pulled up or back while Ilene always wore hers down and full. Melissa never hesitated to say exactly what she thought while Ilene was always sweet and quiet and well behaved. Bryson isn't surprised Melissa is still single.

Chapter 2- Bryson sits at his desk in his office job (we're never told what he does) fretting over the medical bills, wondering if this new job he just took, after being laid off from his old one, will cover them. He blubbers alone in the car as he looks over the paperwork and discovers the company polices will take care of everything. A miracle. That night, after the kids have been put to bed, he tries to make love to Ilene, who is guarded and uncomfortable feeling like half a woman with her altered physical appearance. Bryson proves himself the perfect husband and lover insisting these changes in no way lessens the arousal he feels every time he's in her presence. Ilene starts her treatment cycle and one night, reminds Bryson there are certain things that need to be in order in case she goes early. The very thought of his sweet Ilene dying is something Bryson doesn't want to face. He'll think about it tomorrow.

Chapter 3- With all the older children in school and a neighbor woman watching the two-year-old baby, Ilene luxuriates in a relaxing bath until the nightmare of reality, as only the side-effects of cancer can bring, ruins it as she's washing her hair only to have it all come falling out in her hands. Ilene is understandably traumatized. Since their floorplan includes the master bathroom having both hallway and bedroom entrances, Ilene leaves the mess in the tub and spends the rest of the day locked in her room crying and sleeping. 

When Bryson gets home he quickly figures it out, cleans up the bathroom and phones one of Ilene's friends, a divorced woman in the ward, for advice on how to handle this delicate situation. A wise decision. The woman is honored to go shopping on Ilene's behalf and Bryson leaves the bags of hats and scarves, along with a dinner tray, on the bathroom counter. He calls to Ilene through the bedroom door, telling her everyone loves her, he loves her too, and they hope she feels better soon. Jessica is thirteen and old enough to understand what's going on. She's a sweetheart and that night, just before bedtime, with her father's encouragement, timidly enters her parent's bedroom to hug Ilene and tell her how pretty she looks with a hat and scarf. 

With the children in bed, Bryson then enters for the first time all day and he and Ilene talk. They make love that night where Bryson again proves she will always be the most beautiful woman in the world to him, even if he does have more hair than her. Like the reader, Ilene is touched by everyone's consideration, especially her husband's.

Two days later, Jessica comes home late with a new haircut. She shaved her head in support of her mother and while today such noble acts are the subject of evening news segments, in 1996 such rebelliousness was a sign of corrupting youth gang activity. Bryson is called to Jessica's school where he puts the principal in his place, handling the situation perfectly, while Jessica is very impressed. Her father was so cool, defending her in front of the principal like that! Bryson might want to consider changing his name to Atticus Finch.

Chapter 4- Melissa has been phoning Ilene for weekly updates on her condition. They talk and laugh for hours while Bryson tries hard not to feel jealous. Melissa arrives for a visit and Bryson picks her up at the airport with all the kids in tow. After handing out little gifts to her favorite nieces and nephews, Melissa sends them off to get ice cream so she can grill Bryson on all the details she knows Ilene is keeping from her regarding her health. Melissa clamps a hand over her mouth as Bryson confirms her worst fears. The cancer is in remission. Ilene has less than six months left to live.

Later, as the two sisters chat, Ilene confides to Melissa how sweet and supportive Bryson has been during the ordeal. He is a passionate man. Remembering all the times Bryson has snubbed her, her single state, and especially her feminist attitude, Melissa can only stare in disbelief at Ilene for Bryson is the last man on earth she would ever marry. Nevertheless, while she's here, Melissa is ready to help Ilene with anything she needs. Ilene confesses there is one issue Bryson balks at taking care of, the legal documents that need to be drawn up in preparation for her death. Melissa promises to give Bryson the kick he needs.

Two weeks later, Melissa is back in California when Ilene calls to let her know Bryson got everything taken care of and thanks her for being the catalyst they needed. The family checks off one of Ilene's "bucket list" items, a trip to Disneyland, where they make a brief stop to visit Melissa. Ilene's hair has grown back and she seems as healthy and vibrant as ever but all the adults know it can't last.

Chapter 5- The holidays are here but Ilene has been literally struck down by the return of her cancer. By Thanksgiving it is everywhere, in nearly every major organ of her body. Ilene lies in a rented hospital bed in the family room while Bryson is so stressed out he can hardly keep the household running. His father and Lindy can only offer so much support from their home in St. George. They've taken the kids for a few weekends and the Relief Society and home health care nurse come over every day with meals and medical care but it is all proving too much for Bryson to handle. He lies to Melissa whenever she calls, telling her everything is fine but Melissa knows better. Her sister needs her. 

Melissa shows up on Bryson's doorstep, just weeks before Christmas for an indefinite visit. She quit her job as an interior decorator, sold her BMW, moved everything out of her condo and into long-term storage, packed her bags and came to Utah; determined to be at Ilene's side every minute until the bitter end. Bryson won't admit it but he's glad she's here.

Melissa is shocked at the state of the house. The kids are barely making it through their normal activities and routines while Bryson is like a zombie, hardly able to hold himself together for the sake of his children while his wife lay dying in the other room. Melissa rolls up her sleeves and jumps in, taking over the role of feeding and getting kids to school, doing some deep cleaning and taking over the undesirable tasks of caring for Ilene which the Relief Society president is very grateful. Ilene now requires constant supervision and care: eating, bathing and using the toilet which many sisters in the ward and stake have become uncomfortable providing. Melissa is happy to serve and Ilene is thrilled her favorite sister will be her full-time companion and caregiver. Now she won't be such a burden to everyone. Bryson assures her she was never a burden. They kiss and Bryson wishes he could make love to his wife just one last time.

Chapter 6- Melissa accidentally walks in, unobserved, to find Bryson tenderly cradling Ilene in her hospital bed, as they whisper sweet nothings into each others ears. Melissa retreats to the living room to cry silent tears of self pity. She is 27 years old and it is unlikely any man who shares the same standards about premarital sex will ever look twice at a woman her age as someone to marry and start a family with. It should be her in that hospital bed. Nobody would miss her.

Later, she and Bryson agree to a temporary truce, for Ilene's sake. Bryson admits it is good for Melissa to be here, they need her. Over the next few weeks, with Ilene's suggestions, Melissa shops and wraps presents which she bought herself, so when Bryson asks she can show him the stash hidden in the closet in the basement den which is temporarily serving as a guest bedroom. Christmas is coming and Melissa is feeling the spirit stronger than she ever did as an independent, single, career-driven woman. They bake goodies to exchange with friends and neighbors and one night, Melissa takes a video camera along on a family home evening caroling activity to record everyone's greetings and well-wishes to Ilene. The next day she films Bryson romping in the snow with his children; building a snowman. Christmas morning is captured in full as everyone gathers around Ilene's bed to open presents. Ilene couldn't ask for a more perfect Christmas. She loves the video and watches it many times over the next few days.

With the holidays over, Ilene, like so many before her, is slipping away fast. Her condition deteriorates and she is put on a morphine pump. One night, as a result of the drugs, she wakes the entire house in a very un-Ilene-like way insisting there are snakes everywhere. Melissa ignores Bryson's order to get the children out of here; inventing a snake-hunt game which the kids quickly get into. Ilene calms down, they have a family prayer and the children return to their beds without any anxiety, except the youngest whom Melissa takes with her to her own bed. Alone with his wife, Ilene comes to herself and looks tearfully at her husband, apologizing, but Bryson waves it off. Ilene tells him after she's gone, Bryson needs to get married again, right away. She's already got someone in mind for him but Bryson doesn't want to hear it. Nobody could ever take the place of his soulmate.

Next day at work, Bryson learns he is the prime candidate for layoffs and storms into his boss's office to chew him out over his selfish inconsideration for the lives of his workers. Bryson exits without giving his boss a chance to reply, wondering if he should start packing.

That night, George Reeves, his boss, comes knocking. Melissa lets him in and he is stunned to learn the reason behind Bryson's outburst today. He leaves without saying anything and calls Bryson into his office the next day, not to fire him but to inform him he's going to let the other guy, Larry, go. Meanwhile, Bryson is getting the next two weeks off, with pay, to spend with his family. George is not a Mormon but he admires the predominant area's faith and feels this is the right thing to do. A very Dickensian action.

Bryson uses his free time to be with his family and one morning, with Ilene's encouragement, attends the temple. Both Ilene and Melisssa are worried that they have never seen Bryson cry in front of Ilene and hope this trip might help him release all the pent-up emotion they can sense he's been withholding.

Chapter 7- Driving home alone, Bryson's emotions erupt and he pulls over so he can bawl like a baby. Next day the children, having been farmed out to various ward members to be spared the trauma, are brought home to say goodbye to their mother as it is obvious Ilene's time is at hand. The children are troubled, why does their father seem to want Ilene to die, why can't he just give her a priesthood blessing and make her well? Melissa and Bryson try and explain about God's will and doing what's best for Ilene but it is, understandably, hard for everyone to accept, including the adults. The children leave with relatives for the night and Ilene slips peacefully away at dawn, her husband and Melissa having kept a constant vigil at her side. Melissa weeps as she says her final goodbyes, asking Ilene to save a place for her, just like when they went to the movies together. Bryson pulls his wife's body to him and sobs. Melissa cries too. The children return later that day and Melissa makes sure all evidence of Ilene is removed before they arrive. They spend the day talking and crying and grieving together as a family.

After all the kids are asleep, Melissa finds Bryson in the family room, staring at the spot where Ilene's bed stood, sobbing his grief over how he can go on. Yet, he also admits to Melissa what an incredibly spiritual experience it was watching his helpmeet and eternal companion pass through the veil to the other side.

Melissa takes care of all the funeral arrangements and has all the children ready in new Sunday-best clothes on the day of her internment.

Meanwhile, at Bryson's work, Larry Gibbs is stewing at his desk over the unfairness of losing his job to somebody like Bryson Davis. He marches into George's office to try one more time to change his mind. George responds by inviting Larry to take a little drive with him. They enter the church building and Larry can't believe it when he sees Bryson, accepting greetings and condolences at this viewing. He didn't know the guy was married or had kids. He leaves a humble and changed man who wouldn't trade places with Bryson Davis today for anything.

Chapter 8- Jessica sobs hysterically as Melissa arranges the veil over her sister's face and the casket lid is closed. There is closure at the funeral but it is hard for everyone to believe their beloved wife, sister and mother is really gone. The next day, Melissa sends everyone out the door to school and work to encourage a sense of normalcy. Bryson has a quick panic attack that Melissa is going to pack and leave but she reassures him that, until some kind of comfortable transition has been made, she will continue to stay and help, if only for the sake of Ilene's children. She cooks meals, keeps house, helps with homework and Bryson is grateful he doesn't have to pay for daycare since Melissa fills the role of nanny and governess (for which Bryson is paying her). Bryson spends quality time with each of his children and both he and Melissa do everything they can to provide a stable home environment. Late one night, Melissa observes Bryson watching the family Christmas video over and over and she knows it's going to take time for everyone to come to terms with their grief. 

The bishop calls them into his office, concerned Bryson and Melissa might be featured on the next "Sister Wives" episode but Melissa assures him Bryson is firmly in her "friend zone" and they sleep in separate bedrooms. Next day the two boys play hooky from school. Jessica is moody and depressed. Melissa calls Sean O'Hara for help and advice. He invites Melissa to make an appointment for herself and Bryson at the family counseling center where Sean will be happy to see them for next to nothing as a friend of the family. They make good progress and Sean suggests the next appointment be a group therapy session at the Davis house.   

One night, the family has just sat down to dinner when Bryson's biological mother, the one who walked out on the family when Bryson was just a kid, left the church and has remarried several times since, shows up at their door. She is invited to dinner and ends up staying the night. Though not as annoying as Mrs. Hall (from the First Love, Forever trilogy) she is still a narcissist who blames all her problems on others as she takes a drag on her cigarette and asks for coffee. Melissa tells her off. To her and Bryson's surprise she agrees maybe Melissa is right; she needs to take responsibility for the choices she's made. Bryson looks at Melissa with new respect. Ilene never had the nerve to speak her mind like her sassy little sister just did.

Chapter 9- That night, Bryson knocks on Melissa's door and is temporarily distracted by her appearance. He never realized how pretty Melissa looks with her hair down. Anyway, he needs to start going through Ilene's personal belongings and would like Melissa's help and advice on what to keep, what to set aside for themselves and the kids and what should go to charity. The project is completed in just a few days. Melissa secretly keeps all of Ilene's hats and scarves, Bryson doesn't want them but for Melissa they're a touching reminder of her sister's courage and fortitude. 

That Saturday, Sean arrives at the house for the big family "airing of grievances" with everyone getting a chance to vent. Bryson and Jessica reconcile with each other over the misunderstanding that Bryson wanted Ilene to die and that Jessica's guilt in no way diminishes the love she has for her parents and family. Anger and guilt are part of the grieving process. Sean declares them all in a good place, well on their way to healing and he sees no need to continue these counseling sessions but if anything comes up they can give him a call.

Melissa and Bryson argue over Jessica's recent argument with her father over curfew. Melissa reminds him his oldest daughter is fourteen now and on her way to womanhood, complete with menarche and raging hormones. 

Oh. Right.

Once again, Bryson is very glad to have another woman around while Melissa begins to wonder if it's time for her to move on and give this family and Bryson the space they need. Then Melissa comes down with a bad case of the flu and is bedridden for a week during which Bryson realizes just how dependent they have all become on Aunt Melissa. Bryson is very kind and considerate. He even runs out to get her the cold treat she requested to soothe her throat. Melissa thinks how nice it is to have people around who care about you; as opposed to living alone.

Chapter 10- Helping Bryson bathe the baby, Melissa never realized what a sexy man her late sister's husband is. Watching him leaning over the tub is giving her an orgasm and it scares her. Knowing these feelings signal a need for change, Melissa springs the news on Bryson the following evening after dinner; maybe it's time she went back to her old swingin' single life in California so Bryson can create a dating profile and get busy finding a real mother for his children. Bryson hates the idea. Melissa suggests they both pray and ponder what they should do. Two days pass and the tension remains. Bryson and Melissa realize they are both lonely yet neither want to make the first move in admitting their attraction to each other.
Bryson takes off his wedding ring; Melissa notes its absence. Being the strong, silent type, Melissa knows Bryson is never going to make the first move in initiating a romantic relationship so she gives him an ultimatum: unless Bryson can give her a good reason to stay and continue to be the subservient cook, housekeeper and nanny, she's booking a flight to LA.
After a night of serious soul-searching, Bryson startles Melissa next morning in the kitchen as she's preparing breakfast coming up behind her and speaking softly into her ear telling her how much she's come to mean to him. Melissa is speechless. The children's morning routine interrupts them so they don't get a chance to resume this conversation until after everyone's been sent out the door. Melissa is the first to share her feelings about deciding to stay by bursting into tears. Bryson takes this opportunity to take her in his arms, sweep her off her feet and carry her to the couch for some tender loving comfort and cuddle time (no first kiss yet). Melissa admits she's in love with him. The feeling is mutual. They will plan another road trip to California right away. They'll take the kids to Disneyland and Melissa can clean out that storage unit. She's staying right here.

Chapter 11- Sitting on the porch swing together that night, after the children are in bed, Bryson and Melissa have a nice, long heart-to-heart about their feelings for each other. Bryson admits he doesn't understand why Melissa never had to fight off the entire Elder's quorum one by one in her old single's ward for her hand in marriage but he's claiming her now and seals the deal with a kiss. Melissa's response says it all. Despite being almost a decade older than her, they are taking their relationship to the next level.
At 3 O'clock in the morning, Bryson runs downstairs to wake Melissa and propose marriage. He's already on his knees and too horny to put it off any longer. He wants her, she loves him. Why wait? They'll inform the kids the following day which happens to be Saturday. Everyone, except Jessica, gives their blessing but after Melissa requests Jessica's help with her wedding plans, she's more accepting. They all celebrate by going to Hogle Zoo. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
That night, Bryson finds Melissa sitting in the dimly lit family room with soft music playing and asks her to dance. They talk easily of their love and admiration for Ilene, their heavenly matchmaker whom they know is smiling down on them. Bryson recalls how difficult it was to keep his desires, appetites and passions in check when he was courting Ilene.
This stops Melissa cold. She sits Bryson down and confesses to him this incident. Two years ago, after breaking up with Sean and settling in California, she quickly lost all belief in fairy tales at the ripe old age of 25, surrounded by single LDS men who were, to put it mildly, still single for a reason. Oh, she had her share of marriage proposals but all three of these men were superficial misogynists, obsessed with their own wild ideas who either couldn't commit or leave mommy so she gave up and settled for a gentile man, younger than her, to be her first time; his too. Though she knew it was wrong, she moved in with him but moved out almost immediately when she realized this lifestyle wasn't making her happy. She returned to church and went straight to her bishop's office. She was re-baptized last year, when Ilene was recovering from her surgery. Thanks to her experience, her testimony is rock solid. She's never going back there again.
Throughout this entire monologue, Bryson has remained silent. Melissa, thinking it means he's rejecting her, runs from the room but Bryson stops her on the stairs. He's glad she just bore her soul to him because he'd been struggling to find a way to tell her that he already knew. Ilene was so troubled and depressed one day she spilled it all to him which he's kept confidential until now. He still loves her, wants to marry her and he's relieved she has some experience under her belt since, apparently, being a woman's first scares most men to death.
Melissa cries herself to sleep in Bryson's arms and he carries her to bed.

Chapter 12- It's fun to see Sean and Tara again as Melissa invited them out to dinner so they can meet her fiancé. They bring their new baby daughter. It is easy now for Melissa to enjoy Tara's company, now that she has a man of her own. Sean and Tara are happy for their friends and wish them joy.
The days fly by with lots of preparations, anticipation and laughter. Two days before the big event, Bryson finds Jessica waiting up one night to talk to him. He carries her to her own bed and they have a very sweet daddy-daughter talk where Bryson explains his love for both women which is enough to convince Jessica her father is getting re-married for the right reasons.
The day of the wedding! Melissa arises early, does her own hair and makeup, (no Bridezilla complex for her!) then goes upstairs, dress bag slung over her arm, where Bryson is waiting to drive them both to the Salt Lake Temple (Wonder if Sean and Tara stood in as witnesses since, apparently, Melissa had nobody from her side of the family to represent or support her on her wedding day!). Melissa realizes the temple experience takes on a whole new meaning after you're married and squeezes the hand of her eternal companion.
An open reception is held in the Davis's backyard afterwards. There will be another reception later this evening but first, Bryson is feeling the need to consummate his relationship with his new wife. He and Melissa go upstairs to the master bedroom to take care of this.
Their honeymoon getaway is three days in Park City (Lame!). Almost immediately upon their arrival back in Salt Lake, they pack up the kids and drive to California and Disneyland to take care of that storage unit. They have a grand time as a family because, seriously, what better way to start off a marriage than by taking the kids along on your honeymoon? Melissa is a real trooper.

Chapter 13- Five years pass like a dream. Melissa adds two more children to the family, a boy and a girl. For the first time in her life, she truly understands where she belongs and why she was born. Her life now has meaning, purpose and direction. For Bryson, 45 is the new 30.
One night, she and Bryson are snuggling in bed when Bryson, like some horrible déjá-vu, discovers a lump in Melissa's breast (he was the one who found Ilene's) and freaks out when the doctor confirms its malignancy. Bryson rants and raves and kicks the furniture to pieces while Melissa sobs helplessly trying to convince him that, unlike Ilene, she is NOT going to die. She will fight this cancer and will live to see all her grandchildren born. Bryson isn't so sure but he calms down and accepts the situation.

Chapter 14- Bryson and Melissa talk and cry together about the upcoming surgery, priesthood blessings and accepting God's will. George and Lindy come up from St. George to offer their support and care for the two youngest. The older kids (it would appear Jessica is living at home while she attends college) take the news with maturity and soberness. They are supportive and encouraging to the woman they've been calling "Mom" for years.
The afternoon before the scheduled mastectomy, while everyone is out, Melissa cries alone, goes through Ilene's box of scarves and hats and sobs even harder; missing her sister so much she can hardly breathe.
It occurs to her to call her stepmother for more details on her mother's medical history. Her stepmother confirms Melissa's worst fears. Not only did her mother deliberately kill herself in that car accident, after being diagnosed with widespread cancer two days earlier which her father conveniently never mentioned to either her or Ilene, her maternal grandmother also died of a mysterious illness out on the farm which might have been cancer but in those days of primitive medicine and zero technology nobody can be completely sure. Melissa thanks her and hangs up.
Bryson comes home, his dad and stepmom return with the kids, and they're about to leave on a dinner date when Bryson answers the door to find his own mother back for another surprise visit but this time it's different. Hearing of Melissa's plight, she will stay and help. Surprised at the sight of her first husband, she's also ready to bury the hatchet with George who is totally okay with this. Everyone but Bryson graciously accepts her offer. Bryson and Melissa leave, enjoy a nice dinner out, but, during the drive home, Melissa informs Bryson she intends to have a boob job when this is all over while Bryson still doubts she'll even survive. He's convinced himself this is Ilene's cancer all over again which will leave him a lone man on earth with nobody to keep him company in his old age.
Back at the house, Melissa requests a priesthood blessing from Bryson who starts in again with the bawling and whining that he won't be inspired to bless Melissa to full recovery. To the astonishment of everyone, his biological mom chews him out good. Her fourth husband lost two of his first wives to cancer and the third in an accident. Now, be a man! Get over to that chair next to your father and give your wife the support and encouragement she needs from you. Bryson retreats to his room to pray and humble himself, then returns to apologize to everyone and gives Melissa the most profound blessing he's ever given in his life in which Melissa is blessed to make a full recovery and live a long and happy life.
Next day, when Melissa wakes up from her surgery, Bryson is there holding her hand. The sugury was successful. All traces of cancer appear to have been removed and everything is going to be okay from now on.

THE END