Anytime Darlin' by Julia Rachel Barrett

during the worst of it, and maybe I could say the words, but she really has no idea who I am.”
    Mary considered. “My mom thinks she can tell her, but no matter who says the words, it won’t be easy for Devlin to hear them.”
    “Well, standing here isn’t gonna make it any easier. Let’s get it over with.”
    “Mind if I tag along, just in case?” asked Dr. Walters. “I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
    “Please,” Mary responded, “Devlin wouldn’t have made it without you. Honestly, I can’t thank you enough.” She gave him a quick hug. He blushed, teasing her with an “aw shucks” look.
    Jake heard them trailing behind as he strode to the door of Devlin’s cubicle. She lay on her side, facing the door, hands folded beneath her cheek, eyes closed, sleeping peacefully. Jake smiled. Devlin must have managed a shower again, because someone, probably Delores, had braided Devlin’s long hair, and the thick, wavy, wet auburn plait lay across her shoulder, the sheet damp beneath it.
    As always, Jake was struck by her innocence and frailty and enraged by what was done to her. It was a visceral reaction, like someone had hit him in the gut every single time he saw her. He ached to run his fingers along her pale cheek, to smooth her unruly hair with his rough palm, to gather her in his arms and hold her close. He clenched his fists as he stepped forward into the room to physically stop from reaching for her. He reminded himself that there was a big age difference between them, and he didn’t want anyone getting the wrong impression. He wouldn’t abuse Devlin’s trust.
    * * * *
    Devlin opened her eyes and stretched a welcoming hand toward Jake. He was at her side in a heartbeat.
    She took his big hand in hers. “Thank you,” she said, her voice still raspy from the ET tube, “for staying with me.”
    “How did you know?” Jake seemed surprised.
    “I felt you,” Devlin answered, smiling up at him. Jake grinned back at her like a schoolboy.
    “Anytime, darlin’,” he answered. “Anytime.”
    * * * *
    Despite the ever-present worry about her aunt, when Devlin opened her eyes and found Jake standing in the doorway looking at her with such open emotion on his face, she felt a surge of joy so strong that she reached for him without thinking. She had come back to life because he drew her back. And she didn’t even know his last name. That was something she intended to remedy. Devlin’s memories of the past week might be vague, but she knew Jake had been an integral part of everything she’d been through since she opened her eyes. She’d told him her name, and whether he knew it or not, whether he wanted it or not, she’d given him her heart.
    “I’m Devlin Barre,” she said, enjoying the feel of his rough, calloused hand in hers.
    “Jake McKenna, ma’am,” he answered, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
    Devlin’s youth and natural vivacity bubbled to the surface. She began to laugh. It might not be the most opportune moment, but she couldn’t help it. Her mother had always laughed at the unexpected. When something awkward happened, something uncomfortable, but somehow funny too, her mom would practically, as her dad used to say, split a gut. She’d laugh so hard she’d roll on the floor, and pretty soon, the entire family would be laughing with her, and whatever it was didn’t seem so awkward anymore.
    Mary’s mother, Delores, who had known Devlin’s mother all her life, caught on immediately. Within seconds, she was laughing along with Devlin, grabbing at the box of tissues to wipe her eyes. Dr. Walters joined in and, finally, Mary.
    Jake appeared confounded at first, but in the end, he couldn’t seem to help himself. As if Devlin’s laughter was contagious, he caught it as well. Before she knew it, he was leaning against the wall, laughing so hard he shook the glass window.
    From beneath thick lashes, Devlin watched Jake let go of his control, throw back his