Return to Love

Page Count: 238

Book Series: Trevor Family Saga (Book 1)

Publishing Date: 1997

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Contemporaray Romance
Point of View: Third Person, limited: Colin and Janna
Chapter Count: 17
Page Count: 319

To all those who have escaped their personal walls of Jericho. And even more so, to those who have yet to find a way.

Chapter 1- *Only eighteen pages but lots of info-dumping*
Colin Trevor and JannaLyn Hayne. Two crazy teenagers in love who just couldn't stop themselves from going all the way. That's what comes from watching R-rated movies, kids. No more English Patient or Jerry Maguire for you! Now, Colin and Janna are sitting in the bishop's office confessing to fornication. Both are Provo locals. Colin is a student at BYU, studying pre-law. He has sandy hair and a lean figure. He's the stake president's son which means he can still honor his family by serving a mission and marry Janna in the temple, right? (Ah, the good old "repent and go" days before the church raised the bar in 2002) The bishop assures him he can but he and Janna must promise to spend their individual repentance process apart, to avoid temptation.

Janna has green eyes and brown hair with a natural soft curl. She's an only child who just lost her mother to a stroke. Her father abandoned her and her mother when Janna was a baby, she hasn't seen her father in years. After the funeral, Colin took her back to the empty house where she broke down in Colin's arms which led to their night of passion. It happened TWICE! Janna is still a minor, she'll graduate from high school soon, turning eighteen shortly afterwards and her maiden aunt from Arizona the only family she has, is here now to act as her guardian. She has no idea of her niece's situation. Colin's folks are also ignorant but Colin promises he'll confess to them, as soon as he can work up the courage. The bishop assures them of the miracle of forgiveness and wishes them luck in getting their lives in order so they can put this little mistake behind them.

Six weeks later, Colin can put in his mission papers but Janna refuses to meet the bishop's eye when he asks if she has any objections. Meaning, is she pregnant? 

Janna says no. 

Everyone, including Colin, knows she's lying.

Janna often spends Sunday afternoons eating dinner and hanging out with Colin and his family and today is no different. Colin paints her toenails (apparently this is a romantic gesture) and worries Janna is hiding something. Janna insists she's fine.
The day following Janna's graduation, Colin helps her load the last suitcase into her aunt's car. Colin knows something is wrong but doesn't press the issue; he just kisses Janna goodbye and tries to make her promise to write the second she arrives in Arizona, to return to Utah the minute she's of legal age and wait for him so they can be married in the temple. Janna makes no promises and her unromantic aunt is impatient to be off. She accepts his kisses, exchanges "I love you's" and gets in the car without looking back.

Colin won't see her again for many years.

He was the boy down the street. Now Janna's old childhood home is up for sale and his soulmate is miles away. Months pass. No word from Janna. Colin serves a two year mission to Japan. He comes home. Still no word from Janna. He does some serious private investigating and learns Aunt Phyllis passed away almost immediately upon arrival back in Arizona. JannaLyn married shortly afterwards and moved away from the area. That's all anyone knows.

Colin sighs and throws himself into his BYU law school studies. He can't bring himself to date anyone seriously. Years pass and the nagging feeling just won't go away. Something between Colin and Janna was left undone. Something only Colin can rectify.

Chapter 2- Russell Clark is no Prince Charming. As he lifts his hand to strike Janna, she flinches, thinks of Colin and his deep blue eyes, wondering what he's doing now at this very moment. The blow knocks her unconscious. When Janna comes to, she's in her own bed but her first thought is for her kindergarten-age little boy, Matthew. She overhears Russell offer to take him out for a hamburger. They leave and Janna sobs freely into her pillow with no fear of repercussion from her insane, controlling, manipulative, obsessive-compulsive husband. On the outside, Russell is an active Mormon, return missionary, charming, charismatic, the perfect husband, father and provider that Janna fell for. They met in Arizona and when he offered to whisk her away back to Utah she accepted. Everyone in their family ward here in Provo believes they have the perfect temple marriage. Russell works hard as an accountant and provides his family with everything they need. 

Behind closed doors, Russell Clark is a monster.

Janna yearns for the courage to just take Matthew and leave him but Russell has brainwashed her into classic Stockholm Syndrome. She fears living on her own, with no financial resources or the emotional benefits that come from being married. She reads a scripture passage that gives her hope.

Janna confesses to her visiting teachers about her husband's true nature. They laugh and brush the story off but, later, one returns to apologize and tell Janna she believes her. Karen urges Janna to talk to someone: the bishop, a battered woman's shelter, the police, a doctor, anyone. If she's having secret miscarriages as a result of these beatings, she needs to get the hell out of there, now, before Russell kills her or worse. At Karen's insistence, she talks to her bishop who doesn't believe her and when Russell finds out, he beats her for tattling on him.

Chapter 3- September has arrived and Matthew has just started first grade. Janna attends back to school night by herself where she sees Colin Trevor among the crowd of parents and he sees her. As soon as the meeting concludes, Janna runs from the school gym, ignoring Colin's cries until she successfully shakes him. Safe in her car, breathing hard, torn between feelings of ecstasy seeing her true love again after all these years and fear of what Russell would do to her if he ever found out, Janna sobs.

Matthew returns home from school one day to announce he's made a new friend and could he invite Brian over? Russell gives permission. He is home and on his best behavior when the boy's parents arrive to pick him from his play date. When the boys request a second play date, it is Brian's Uncle Colin who gives Janna the shock of her life when she answers the door; here to pick up his nephew. This explains why Colin, still a swingin' bachelor as Janna notices he wears no ring, was at the school that night but before they can really catch up, Russell comes home from work and it's all Janna can do to bury her feelings deep down. Colin sees right through the "Stepford wife" mask she's wearing; the forced cheerfulness and affection husband and wife show each other whenever they have company.

Colin tells his older sister the whole story the following day. He's living with her while he pays off student loans and working hard at a law firm. Leaving out the part about their roll in the hay, he confides his suspicions that the Clark home is not as perfect as it appears. He even had a dream in which Janna cried, asking him to help her which he did. Cathy is incredulous at all this assumption. Surly it can't be as bad as Colin fears.

The doorbell rings. Speak of the devil, Russell Clark and Janna are here to pick up Matthew. Colin tries to catch Janna's eye but she's too tense. Even Cathy can't help but notice the fake smile plastered on Janna's face. They leave and Cathy believes. Colin is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of this.

Chapter 4- Janna worst fears are confirmed later that night. Russell wasn't fooled at all. He saw the way Colin was looking at her, HIS WIFE which simply will not do. For the first time in many years, Janna stands up for herself. Russell backhands her anyway. This beating is the worst one yet. Next morning, Russell leaves for work but not until after he makes Janna get up and fix him breakfast. The scumbag.

Janna cries after he leaves, knowing what she must do. She's been praying for faith, courage and strength. She's also been preparing Matthew. Clothes and other personal items have been discreetly set aside in preparation to run and today is that day. She and Matthew are almost ready to leave the house when Russell walks in and ruins everything. He suspected Janna might try something like this. He dumps out the suitcases, confiscates Janna's car keys and threatens to kill Janna if she ever tries this again. Then he leaves, taking Matthew with him to drop him off at school where he belongs.

Fighting back tears, Janna repeats the first line of the Young Women's theme over and over as she repacks their things. Picking up the phone, she makes the call that will save her life. Colin answers the phone and decides to ignore Janna's message: Please tell Cathy, Ms. Janna regrets, she's unable to lunch today. Colin isn't fooled for a moment. He drives over immediately to talk Janna into letting his family help her. Like a knight in shining armor, he arranges her rescue: sending Cathy over in a borrowed car in disguise so nobody can trace them, insisting they stay at his parents' home for the time being and providing Janna all the financial support she'll need.

Chapter 5- Janna is delivered safely to the Trevor residence and for Janna seeing her old, upscale, Oak Hills neighborhood (located on Provo's east bench just above BYU, the MTC and the Provo temple) brings back a wave of memories, not to mention the house where she spent so many Sunday afternoons hanging out with Colin and his family. Nancy Trevor is a gracious hostess, welcoming Janna back as if she'd never left them. Colin shows her to the basement guest room with twin beds and a private bath. Cathy picks up Matthew and Brian from school. The boy won't be returning, Nancy and Janna will homeschool him. Matthew hardly notices the transition. For him, being in a safe place where that man can't hit his mother anymore is all that matters. Janna doesn't miss the poignant look in Nancy's eyes when she's introduced to Matthew.

Nancy takes Janna to the doctor who fills out a complete report which will be added to the police file. Colin makes sure an associate at work handles Janna's case which he will be paying for. Everyone warns Colin not to move to fast in his eagerness to rekindle old flames. Janna is a survivor now and in pretty bad shape-physically and psychologically. Years of abuse are not easily forgotten. Colin would be wise to give her the space and time she needs to heal.

Chapter 6- Janna settles in. Colin spends all his free time at the house. One evening he asks Janna, straight out, why she left him like that and doesn't believe her weak excuse: that he was better off without her. The line upsets Colin. He talks to his mother about it. Nancy tells him to keep exercising patience. Weeks pass and Colin becomes concerned over Janna's health. She's throwing up alot. Janna informs him it's quite common when you're preggers and since she's already lost three, she's not letting herself get too attached to this one.

As she explains to Nancy, Janna had to take care of two of her miscarriages by herself. The middle one was far enough along Russell actually took her to the hospital where he put on a convincing act and lied about his sweetheart falling down the stairs, inducing early labor. Then he took her home and knocked her around some more.

Janna and Nancy start sharing housework and cooking duties. Everyone gets along splendidly, except Janna and Colin. Janna asks him why he's so cool and aloof toward her; what's his problem? (Well duh!) Her being a married woman means a strictly hands-off relationship for him, what does she expect him to do? Janna hasn't even filed for divorce yet. One step at a time.

Chapter 7- When Janna and Matthew decide it's safe to attend church, Janna wears a wig and Matthew's sandy hair has been dyed black. The precautions turn out to be unnecessary. All of Janna's old friends and neighbors have moved away and the ward boundaries were recently changed; nobody recognizes them. Janna contacts Karen to let her know she's fine. Karen, in turn updates Janna on her hypocrite of a husband who told everyone in her old neighborhood a big sob story making himself the innocent victim whose wife left him for no good reason. He continues to come to church and even attended ward temple night. Janna feels sick at the thought of what Russell will do to her if he ever finds her on the other side of town and for many days is withdrawn and depressed.

Colin notices, learns the story and asks if her old bishop was aware of her situation. Janna tells him what happened to her in chapter 2. Lucky Janna's testimony is strong enough she is not bitter or angry at her spiritual leaders for not believing her.

Janna testifies at the hearing, poised and confident in a new power suit which Nancy bought for her on a shopping trip. A restraining order is granted but this hardly alleviates her fears. If Russell finds her, he will kill her.

That night, Janna feels herself going into premature labor and knows she's losing the baby. Nancy helps her through it. Cathy's landline rings and Colin comes right over to offer moral support and give Janna a priesthood blessing. He sits by her bed to talk (Matthew is sleeping elsewhere tonight) and when Janna starts crying he can't resist the temptation to crawl into bed and hold her close. She invites him to kiss her and he does before breaking away and moving to the other bed.

A few days later, Janna and Colin go see our favorite family counselor, Sean O'Hara, whom Janna remembers from her youth (see By Love and Grace) and specifically requested as he's an old family friend. Sean and Tara have four children now as portrayed in his office (remember the 90's matching shirt family picture fad?). Sean listens to their entire story. They talk openly about all the past issues much of which will be dealt with in later sessions but Sean is confident they can overcome this. He'll start treating both Janna and Matthew right away with Colin joining them as needed.

Chapter 8- One day, Janna has an accident in the kitchen, dropping a hot glass baking dish which shatters all over the floor. Out of habit, she flinches when Colin rushes in to investigate. He takes her in his arms. He's not Russell. Janna is still shaky.

A few days later at work, Colin pops into his colleague's office to inquire how Janna's divorce proceedings are going. He's especially curious about the child custody issue and can't believe it when he's informed Matthew is not Russell's child. Matthew was a year old when Janna married Russell Clark. Colin rushes right home to confront Janna who hangs her head and admits she lied all those years ago. Her apology is weak compared to the agony Colin has been suffering all these years, suspecting but never knowing his boys can swim. Colin throws a proper tantrum, kicking chairs and yelling his indignation which, naturally, freaks Janna out. Nancy intervenes, taking Janna downstairs and placing a phone call to Sean who will come right over to put out the fire.

Chapter 9- Still trembling with fear, Janna sobs on Nancy's shoulder downstairs, beating herself up over her past mistakes while Nancy reassures her, everyone still loves her and Colin will get over it. Sean calls for Janna who goes upstairs to join them.

Sean uses an exercise having Janna and Colin trade seats at the dining room table in order to see the issue from the other's point of view. It works like a charm and significant progress is made. Sean lets himself out, his work here is done.

Carl comes home from work and they sit him down to confess Matthew's connection to Colin. Carl takes the news surprisingly well. His advice is for Colin to marry Janna ASAP. They next sit Matthew down and give him the news. He's glad, even if it did mean his parents kissed before he was born. He'll start calling Colin "Dad" right away, if that's all right. Colin has no objections since he'll be assuming the role of breadwinner, officially, from now on. In fact, now that he has an instant family of his own, he'll be assuming responsibility immediately by moving back in with his parents for the holidays. He was getting tired of living with his married sister anyway.

Chapter 10- Janna and Colin spend more time talking with their discussions going to deeper, more personal places than ever before in their relationship. He brings the roses he would've brought her in the hospital when Matthew was born in attempt to start courting her as he should've done all those years ago. Janna is touched by the unexpected gift at such an unexpected time.

They have another session with Sean where Janna reveals to Colin her past struggles with sexual abuse at the hands of her biological father which occurred before they started dating. Colin had no idea. Janna excuses herself from the room as the issue is still too painful to hear. Sean updates Colin on the details which he helped Janna through years ago as his first "client" while he was still in school. Sean advises Colin not to be too hard on himself. Everyone makes mistakes and Sean is no exception. (see By Love and Grace)

After the session, Janna and Colin take a walk before going back into the house where they discuss more of their touchy-feely emotions concerning their relationship. Colin apologizes again for his past behavior, explaining a forgotten lesson that's recently come to mind, advice his father gave him many years ago when he was still a young deacon: that the priesthood is a responsibility which includes his behavior, treatment and stewardship over his future girlfriends and, eventually, wife and children. He took advantage of her vulnerability that fatal night by neglecting to be the first one to exercise control and now they are both paying for his mistake.

Matthew is helping Colin in the garage. The conversation is flowing along when Matthew drops a disturbing hint about something Russell told him regarding patriarchy. Colin tells him it was a lie. Janna sticks her head in and Matthew suddenly asks her, straight out, why didn't she marry Colin instead of that jerk? Janna and Colin explain their mistake and how they're working to rectify it. Matthew is satisfied.

The day Matthew turns seven, Janna finds Colin crying like a little girl in the privacy of a bedroom, upset over all the missed years. Janna apologizes and he forgives her.

During another session with Sean, a new bomb is dropped. Matthew's play therapy sessions are revealing that he, too, was abused by Russell in the form of long, inappropriate lectures he gave him in private about sexual relations between men and women. For Janna this is a real blow as her only comfort all these years has been that Russell left her son alone. Janna is a wreck.

There's more. As Janna and Colin are sitting on the living room couch one evening, Matthew enters to confess something important. Russell did physically abuse him, not as violently as Janna, but treating him rough, shaking him, knocking him around when Janna wasn't present. He can hardly choke out the details, he's crying so hard but with the truth out, his parents show the proper compassion and support he needs to start the healing process. Matthew was never sexually abused, thank goodness. They reassure him he is still loved and nothing like this will ever happen to him or Janna again. Matthew is a brave boy.

Janna hurries from the room to vent her emotions while Colin explains his mom is just sad over what happened to him. It was good he told them, it's just hard. Matthew understands.

Concerned over what kind of mental anguish Janna must be suffering, Colin calls his parents to be with Matthew and excuses himself to go downstairs where Janna rebuffs his efforts to comfort her. Colin takes vigil on the couch in the other room, helpless, as Janna cries herself to sleep.

Chapter 11- A few days later, all the adults attend a session at the Mt. Timpanogos temple together (Provo Temple is out for Janna since that's the one she and Russell frequented) and for Janna this is her first time she's gone since she left Russell. In the celestial room, Colin puts his arm around her as they gaze into the reflecting mirrors. Janna is reminded of the bigger picture.
As Christmas approaches, Janna starts to feel hope that she can put her past behind her and focus on positive things, like the joy of the season with all its baking, decorating and secret shopping for loved ones. Though she hasn't a cent to her name, Colin insists she use his money to do her Christmas shopping. Wanting her gift to Colin to be special, Janna enlists Nancy's help in conspiring to put together a beautiful handmade quilt for Colin letting him think they're making it for a friend. Colin and Janna's cups are full to overflowing Christmas morning as Janna is the recipient of more gifts than she's ever seen in her life. Colin is touched by the quilt and Matthew's Christmas couldn't be more perfect with all the new toys Santa brought. He and Matthew go outside to play catch with his new ball and mitt.
Later, after everyone has gone to bed and Christmas music plays softly in the background, Colin presents Janna with a locket, as depicted on the cover. For Janna, life couldn't be better.

Chapter 12- The day they have all been dreading arrives. Colin, Sean, Janna's physician who examined her and finally, Janna herself, all take the stand at the trial to prosecute Russell Clark for domestic abuse and their case is very convincing. The defense, unfortunately, is stronger. The judge believes Russell was a victim of adultery and Colin Trevor is made out to be a home-wrecker. All abuse charges were manipulated. The judge throws the case out.
Russell stops by their table to rub it in, sneering that he'll find Janna and get his revenge. Janna turns white. Colin glares at him. Dejected, the Trevors leave the courtroom.
Back at the house, Janna is having a panic attack. She knows Russell will make good on his threats; she no longer feels safe here. They assure her she's wrong. Colin feels equally bad as his good name was just slandered in front of his fellow lawyers and a judge he knows and respects. The judge phones to tell Colin, off the record, he believed them but there was just too much "reasonable doubt" to convict the man. No hard feelings.
Janna requests a blessing a few days later which Carl and Colin are happy to provide. Colin blesses Janna she'll be kept safe as long as she continues to act on faith not fear. Colin is ready to take Janna and Matthew, elope and relocate somewhere far away where Russell will never find them but Janna knows this is impossible.
A few weeks later, Janna receives a very large sum of money from the divorce settlement but before she can begin to think what to do with it, Russell calls her at the Trevor residence one morning while she's all alone; like a scene from a horror movie. She hangs up and goes into flight mode. She calls Colin at work to leave a message (he's in a meeting) then calls her friend Karen who comes to pick her up. 
Janna takes Matthew and runs. 

Chapter 13- Under Karen's name, Janna and Matthew check into a motel for the night. Next day, using her windfall, Janna is able to purchase a used car and put down a deposit on a two bedroom apartment in Springville (a small community just south of Provo). She does all this under a pseudonym. 
Meanwhile, Colin is worried sick. He talks to Sean who says this is actually a good thing as it gives Janna the chance to prove her independence, regain some of that lost self-confidence. Janna does contact her lawyer at Collin's office to give him the message she and Matthew are safe. Also, she loves him. (Colin, not the lawyer!) Then, one evening at the house, Matthew calls. His mom is in the shower and he's lonely. Colin wastes no time trying to extract information as to their whereabouts but this seven-year-old has no idea what town they're living in. He can proudly recite the first part of his address and the prefix of his phone number. Since Google Maps won't be invented till 2005, Colin and Nancy have to use the phone book to trace Janna. Colin is knocking at her door within the hour holding a bouquet of flowers. He stays for dinner and a Star Wars movie on the VCR. Tomorrow he'll take Janna out while Matthew will spend the night at Grandma's. Mother and son love the idea.

Chapter 14- The date is thoroughly enjoyed by both adults. Colin drops Janna off that night, returning with Matthew next morning. He ends up spending the day hanging out at the apartment, watching another classic Star Wars feature during which he and Janna start tickling and roughhousing each other. At first, Janna giggles and responds with equal playfulness until Colin gets more persistent. Janna cries out in fright. Matthew runs to his room and shuts the door. Colin deflates the situation quickly, apologizing to Janna, escorting a whimpering Matthew back out to the front room. They know Colin meant no harm but old habits are hard to break. Janna and Colin discuss the incident during their next session with Sean who explains why mother and son regressed back to victims of domestic abuse when they are really survivors.
Colin proposes cute to Janna using Matthew to "pop the question." Janna accepts. The wedding will be held in July, as soon as Janna's temple sealing cancellation is approved by the First Presidency. They'll be married in the Mt. Timpanogos temple and make the announcement official when the entire Trevor clan meets for a huge Memorial Day barbecue. Janna can't wait.
Once again, Russell spoils everything. There's a knock at the door. Russell greets Janna with a fist to her head. He enlisted the help of a private investigator who traced Janna through Karen. Now, it's payback time!
Matthew cowers in a corner, gathering his courage to call for help. Meanwhile, Janna endures the beating, praying her son will be spared and Colin will care for him. As the blackness engulfs her, Janna knows her life is over.

Chapter 15- The phone rings at the Trevor residence. Colin picks up. It's Matthew, he's already called 911 who are on their way (and should've kept the boy on the phone till help arrived) now he's notifying Colin that Russell is beating his mom to a bloody pulp. Colin is already backing out of the driveway. He arrives at the apartment in Springville just in time to wave goodbye to the ambulance speeding off with Janna. Russell, handcuffed, is being escorted to a police car; on his way to jail. Colin will take Matthew to his parents and go straight to the hospital.
Janna is undergoing surgery and won't regain consciousness until tomorrow. The entire Trevor clan-adults only-all of Colin's married siblings, troop into the hospital waiting room in support of Colin. He is the third youngest of eight. Carl and Nancy are here too. Like Colin, all of his siblings have "C" names. Carl jokes they should've named one of the younger sons "Caboose" but Cory will keep his name, thank you very much.
Since they're all here, Colin makes the announcement, weeping as he does so. The family is glad and encourage Colin not to loose faith; Janna will get better and they will all mark their calenders and return for the wedding.
Sean is also here at the hospital to visit Janna and Colin. Good thing because when Janna wakes up she is despondent and suicidal at being alive. She wants to just give up and die. To the dismay of all, she no longer believes any man will ever want her or find her worth loving. She insists Colin is just being noble. They should all just go away and leave her alone.

Chapter 16- Colin tries everything to woo his fianceé and bring her back: painting her toenails, bringing in a huge flower arrangement, repeating over and over how much he loves her and wants to marry her but Janna doesn't care. She wants to die.
Sean walks in and gives Janna a long, impassioned speech about how much she has to be thankful for. Colin for starters. Just having a man in her life who is good, kind and head over heels in love with her, lasso the moon for her, resist hooking up with other women on LDS Planet while he waits for her. No, out of all the women in the world, he's chosen her to be his eternal companion. And let's not forget her son who adores her and can't wait for the three of them to be a family. So many people love and care about her. Starving women in China would be happy to have her life. Janna absorbs all this and Sean excuses himself. His work here is done.
A few hours later, Colin brings Matthew in to see her for the first time since the incident. Janna actually smiles at her son's enthusiasm. Colin informs her after he returns Matthew to his family he's coming back to take her out on a date. A romantic dinner, at the hospital cafeteria. When he gets back Janna has had a bath, is wearing a clean gown and waiting for him.
They reminisce about old times when they were high school sweethearts. The painful subject of Janna's father comes up and Janna gets weepy. So many men have broken her heart. Men she was raised to trust but all, including Colin, let her down. That's why she's struggled all her life with her own self-worth and esteem.
For the last time, Colin reassures her he will always love her and kisses her to prove it. Janna kisses him back feeling renewed with new life.
When Janna is released from the hospital, Colin is waiting to drive her home. Russell went before the judge who threw the book at him. He's going to jail for a long, long time. At least until the next book.

Chapter 17- The wedding is back on! The cancellation of Janna's temple sealing to Russell went through and on the day of the wedding, Nancy helps Janna into her gown in the bride's room. As they kneel across the alter, Colin and Janna are certain Janna's mother is here, in spirit, smiling down on them. There's an open house. Janna and Colin stuff wedding cake into each other's mouths and pose for pictures. Matthew is perfectly happy.
Later, Janna and Colin consummate their marriage. The right way this time.
Better late than never.

The End 



  

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