70 – This Gift, This Curse

 

 

Will heard the door open then Kevin saying quietly, "Will? Dad?"

 

He opened his eyes, looking at the young man who was his son, feeling his heart swell with pride, even as he wondered if Kevin really accepted that he was his father. "I'm awake."

 

"Good." Kevin came over, sitting in the chair by the bed. "How are you feeling?"

 

"At the moment, fine."

 

"You're not nauseous or headachy or… or anything?"

 

Will chuckled. "Been talking to the nurses?"

 

Kevin shook his head. "I just… know that can happen."

 

"Well, so far it hasn't."

 

"Good."

 

"Is your mother here?"

 

"Yes, but she's not allowed to see you until they move you. Mick's here too."

 

"He's a good kid."

 

"Yeah." Kevin smiled widely. "Real good—and not a kid."

 

"He is from my perspective. You both are."

 

Kevin nodded, reaching hesitantly to grip Will's hand. "You really are all right?"

 

"So they say, but they're not ready to spring me yet. Not until they're certain."

 

"It scared the hell out of me when I saw all the blood."

 

"Head wounds do that."

 

"Yeah, I know." Kevin paused, looking at Will. "They weren't going to let me see you."

 

"Then Mick revealed all?"

 

"Yeah. That was a bit of a shock." Kevin gripped Will's hand tighter. "I wish… I wish I'd known earlier. Before."

 

Will close his eyes against Kevin's words. "I suppose I should have told you. I just didn't know how. Or if you'd believe me. Or if you'd turn and run, once you found out."

 

"So you had to go and get yourself hurt so there'd be a reason for Mick to tell me."

 

Will opened his eyes and saw a tiny grin on Kevin's face. "Yeah, I figured that was the best way," he retorted.

 

"Well, tell you what. Next time, just bite the bullet and spit it out. It saves wear and tear on your head—and my nerves."

 

The nurse came into the room at that moment, telling Kevin his time was up.

 

For a long moment Kevin and Will looked at each other. Then Kevin leaned in, planting a fast kiss on Will's forehead. "I'll be back, so don't go anywhere," he said with a small smile.

 

"Not planning on it quite yet."

 

"Good."

 

Will watched him leave and smiled. And now—maybe not planning on it ever.