So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

37. Game Day

Eden

I knew that Brynn, Tate, and even Reed would have strong feelings about the possibility of me donating marrow for June. I was shocked at Tate's choice of words, he was usually the calm and collected one, but I couldn't fault him. They knew my history, he and Brynn both. A lifetime of never knowing them, and now they show up, only to ask for something in return. It was a bit of a slap in the face. But, despite my emotions regarding that, I couldn't deny her a life-saving procedure if I was indeed a match.

"Are you okay?" Reed quietly asked as we finished up our meal at the pub.

I nodded quietly as Reed and Tate bickered over the bill for our meal. Eventually, Tate took it before we all headed out. Brynn and Tate went on their way, and I went with Reed. He held onto my hand as we walked to his car. He was quiet, giving me my time to process, I suppose. The day's emotion weighed on me; exhaustion took over as we rode along.

"Eden." Reed's voice was soft; I could feel his hand lightly stroking my cheek. "Eden, baby. Wake up."

It took me a minute to orientate myself and realize I was in his car, in the parking lot of my apartment complex.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't realize I was so tired."

"It's been a pretty emotional couple of days. It's draining." He kept stroking my face, his hand sliding down and wrapping his fingers around mine.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" I quietly asked, a little afraid of his answer.

"Absolutely not," Reed answered quickly and confidently. "You're the kindest, sweetest person I've ever known, and I'm not surprised at all that you are willing to do something so huge to help."

I nodded, biting my bottom lip and fighting off tears. "I feel like no matter what I do; it's going to be wrong. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't at least see if I'm a match, you know?"

"Eden, you have to do what is right for you and only you." He leaned across the seat, pulling me into his chest and kissing the top of my head. "I will support you along the way, and I know Brynn and Tate will also."

"Thank you." I unbuckled myself, grabbing my bag. "Can you come up?" I asked, hopeful.

*

I came out of the shower, a towel wrapped around my head and another around my body. Reed was sprawled out across the bed, scrolling through something on his phone. He turned when I exited, smiling at me.

"Feel better?" He asked, sitting up.

"Much." I began to dry off, slipping on my panties and about to grab a shirt when Reed stopped me. He had jumped off the bed and wrapped me in his arms before I could even blink. He nuzzled into my neck, kissing me softly.

"Here." He grabbed behind him, pulling his t-shirt up and off. "I like when you wear my shirts." He grinned, pulling it over my head and onto my body. He quickly stripped down to his boxers and pulled the blankets back for us both, crawling into the bed with me. He pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me.

"Seven to ten days." I yawned out.

"For what?" He asked, nearly whispering in my ear as he held me close.

"When I get results, to see if I can be a potential match. How do I just go about my everyday life while waiting for such life-changing news?"

"You just do." He shifted, turning me in the process, so we faced each other. "What about your parents? Are they staying in town?"

"No." I laughed, feeling stupid again. "Now that they convinced me to test, they're heading out tomorrow."

"I'm so sorry, Eden." He brushed a hair off my forehead, lightly kissing me.

"It's fine. I didn't expect much from them. They're getting what they wanted, and so, why else would they stay?"

"Because they have an incredible daughter they could get to know. It's their loss, Eden. They are missing out on what an amazing woman you are, how selfless you are to do this for your Mother, your biological Mother." He corrected. "They don't deserve you." He leaned forward, kissing my forehead. My eyes fluttered closed, and it didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

*

I woke up alone, stretching out in the bed. I felt a lump that surprised me, and I sat up. Lying next to me was a small bouquet of flowers and a note.

Today will be a busy day, but I'll be thinking about you. I hope you slept well and have a good day. I can't wait to see you at the game.

-Reed

His chicken scratch handwriting was adorable, and my heart swelled at the gesture. I sat, savoring the moment as I woke up. Before I could move to get out of bed, my phone began to ring. I didn't recognize the number, and I usually would've ignored it, but for some reason, I answered.

"Eden Gray?" A woman asked.

"Yes, that's me."

"This is Anne from the Seattle LabCorp. We saw you yesterday when you came in for a swab; I was just calling to see if you would be able to come by today for a blood draw? We typically do that when we do the swab, but the lab tech yesterday was unaware of that." She politely explained.

"Oh, Okay. Sure. I could pop in around lunch?" I replied, holding onto the card Reed had left for me.

"That will be fine. Just sign in when you get here, and we'll get ya in and out as quick as possible."

I ended the call and went about my morning routine. Brynn wasn't home, something I had been getting used to as of late. I showered, made myself a quick breakfast then prepared to head out to work. The morning was busy, providing me a bit of a mental break from the emotional wear plaguing my mind.

Brynn called to check in with me close to lunch; I informed her of the blood draw I would be having. She was still unhappy about my choice to help June, but she was doing her best to be supportive. She offered to attend the appointment with me, but I didn't feel it necessary. So instead, we agreed to meet up after work and buy some gear to support Reed at the game this evening.

The blood draw went smoother than I anticipated. They were quick and efficient. The time frame for results was still the same, and they expressed their intention to call when they came in. I headed back to the office, working on materials for some promotions. As I was wrapping up for the day, an e-mail came through. There was a convention in Georgia that looked promising for some new Authors to introduce to our store. I quickly added it to my list and found that it was only a month away. I decided to go for it, needing a distraction and a break. I submitted the proper documentation for it to be a reimbursed work trip and booked the flight, tickets for the convention, and a rental car for my time.

I felt quite proud for such a productive day, and my mood had lifted knowing I had a fun trip to look forward to and a soccer game to attend in support of my boyfriend. I was excited to watch Reed out on the field, playing the sport he loved so much. Unfortunately, the first and only game I had attended until this point was not a good time.

Brynn was waiting for me at the apartment, anxious to get going. She was almost more excited than I was. I couldn't help but feed off her positive energy. We changed into casual clothes, grabbed a snack, and headed to the stadium to meet Reed.