Katie's Heart ~~ Part One of the Montana Series

~Chapter Ten~

May 27, 2016

"How is he?" Katie asked the hospice nurse Emma as she brought the basin filled with warm water into the room. Justin had been asleep almost all afternoon. He had spent an hour that morning with Colten then he insisted on playing with the boys. Around 2:30 he asked Katie for a kiss and said he needed a nap. It was almost eight at night and he was still sleeping.

"I think it's getting close, Katie," Emma replied adjusting Justin's oxygen mask. "He's not wanting to wake up as often. But, thats a good thing, it means he's at peace." She quickly assured Katie as she watched the young woman's face fall. 

"Okay, can you give us a minute?" Katie asked as she moved over Justin and kissed his forehead. Emma nodded with a smile and silently left the room. Katie picked up the washcloth from the warm water and began to sponge Justin's face and neck.

"Mmmm," Justin mumbled as he felt the damp water cloth on his cool skin. His eyes began to flutter before he opened them and saw the face of his beautiful wife. "Hello gorgeous." He said quietly.

"Hi yourself," Katie responded her hands never stopping from their task of wiping her husband's body clean. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired but okay. I'm not hurting if that's what you're worried about." 

Katie nodded. That was something she worried about.

"Okay," she whispered as she brushed his hair from his forehead. "You need to rest then.  Close your eyes, I'll be right here."

Justin smiled and let his eyes drift shut once more. Katie watched as his chest slowly rose and fell, each breathe seemingly shorter than the lady one. She sat next to him, running her fingers through his  hair. She knew how much Justin loved this and did it almost without thought anymore. A light knock at the door caused her head to turn.

"Hi Mrs. Katie," Sam greeted her with a slight smile. "I took care of Beau tonight, I just wanted you to know."

"Thanks Sam. I really appreciate it." Katie smiled slightly at the man that was a friend to her and Justin.

"How is he tonight?"

"He's been sleeping a lot. Emma thinks it'll be soon." Katie answered with a sad smile. Her hands stilled as she heard Justin's breathing become garbled for a minute and he began to cough. Emma walked briskly into the room and adjusted Justin's oxygen levels.

"Katie," Emma began seeing her fatigue. "I'm here all night. I know you haven't eaten yet. Why don't you eat and go rest. I'll call you if I need to."

"I know Emma, it's just," Katie paused and frowned. She didn't want to leave him.

"Katie," Sam called her from the doorway. "It's not selfish to need to rest. You've got six boys and a ranch to care for too. Come on, I know Penny left a plate for you in the kitchen."

Silently Katie nodded. She brushed the hair off Justin's forehead and kissed him gently. Squeezing his hand she bent low and whispered in his ear. Standing she went to pick up the basin of water, but in two short strides Sam was there grabbing it from her.

"I've got it ma'am." Was all he said as he nodded at Emma and turned to walk out the door.

Emma stood and hugged Katie. Emma dealt with a lot of families in her profession, but this family, this woman stood out to her. Katie was a strong woman. She had not once heard her cry, but she knew she did. Katie was doing everything she could to hold life together for Justin. Every morning she'd bring in the boys and they would talk and play around Justin, sleeping or not then she would read the Bible to him, particularly his favorite passage from Matthew. Then she'd sponge him off and head out to check on the boys. Yes, Katie was special and it hurt Emma for her knowing how quickly more pain would be coming into this beautiful young woman's life.