The Drake Unwound Complete Collection (The Drake Series Book 9)(75)

She inhaled deeply. "I'd like that. A private book for our own enjoyment. I wouldn't want any pictures with my face to get out there as long as my father is running for office."

"Don't worry. My photographer’s very trustworthy and maybe we'll use a mask to hide your identity."

"You look pleased," she said, taking my coat and hanging it up. "You have good news about Liam?"

"The best. The preliminary tests show that his transplant is taking and there's no sign of rejection, either host-graft or graft-host. In a week, if things stay the same, he'll be in the clear. They'll test him every week for the first couple of months, and then, if he's still fine, every month for a year. I can come back to Manhattan if things take a turn for the worse, but as it is, we can leave next week. I've already booked our tickets."

"I'm so happy," she said and wrapped her arms around my neck once more.

I kissed her and then pulled her into the living room. After I sat on the couch, I pulled her down onto my lap.

"I have a mission for us tonight," I said. "I've spoken with the staff on the pediatric oncology ward. They're going to let me visit Liam again while Chris and Maureen are at dinner tonight. I want you to come."

"Drake," she said, frowning. "Do you think that's wise? The staff were instructed to call the police if you show up again."

"I spoke with Liam's oncologist and he cleared it with staff on the ward. They agree that as his biological father and as the one who gave him the donation, I have a right to just pop in – as a doctor – and see how he's doing. I won't identify myself except to say I was the one who gave him the donation. That's all."


Kate looked doubtful. "Maybe you should talk to my father first?"

I shook my head. "Don't want to include Ethan in on this. It's my decision. I've passed it by Liam's doctors. We're covered." I kissed her and then stood up, letting her slide out of my arms. "Now, go get dressed. We have a very narrow window of time to get there, get inside, and get out. Chris and Maureen are having dinner with her parents so they'll both be away tonight for at least an hour. One of the nurses heard their plans and let me know.

"If you really want to do this…"

"I really want to, Kate,” I said. “I want you with me. He's still in isolation because his immune system is still so new but we can both go in. I want you to meet him."

Kate nodded and went to get dressed, but I could tell she was reluctant.



We drove to NYP and went to Liam’s ward. I spoke with the nurses to make sure the coast was clear and was assured that things were all taken care of. Chris and Maureen were out and should probably be out for at least an hour.

We had to follow contact precautions before going to visit Liam. I led the way to Liam's room. From the anteroom, I could see Liam was sitting up in bed playing with a toy, watching the television. He wore a hospital gown in blue, which highlighted his blue eyes. He looked small and frail, but I could tell he was feeling much better than when I last saw him.

After we gowned up, we entered his room.

He looked up from his toy. "Hello."

"Hello, Liam," I said and went to the side of the bed. "I'm Doctor Morgan. We met a few days ago. I've come by to see how you're doing."

"I'm good," Liam said. Then Liam turned to Kate. "Are you a nurse?"

She shook her head. "Just a colleague of Dr. Morgan's."

Liam nodded.

"You know, I was the one who gave you the stem cells," I said softly. "I just wanted to come by and see if you were doing better. Your doctors said you were almost ready to go home."

Liam made a face. "You gave me the blood cells?"

I nodded. "We're a match so I did what I could to help."

"Thank you." Liam smiled. I extended my gloved hand and Liam took it and we shook like two men. I leaned closer and ran my hand over Liam's head.

"I'm so glad I was able to help." I was filled with emotion to see him doing so well. I finally let go of Liam's hand and pointed to the toy. "What's that?"

"It's Bumblebee," Liam said, and held the toy up for us to see. "A transformer from the movie. Did you see it?"

I shook my head. "No, I never did see that one. What does it do?"

"You transform it into a car, like this," Liam said and demonstrated how to arrange the toy so that it transformed from a robot to a car. "He works for Optimus Prime. He's the head autobot. They're from Cybertron."

"Wow," I said and took the newly-transformed car when Liam handed it to me. "That's amazing." I tried to transform it but wanted to let Liam show me how. "It's too hard for me." I handed it back to Liam, who transformed it back into a robot with a few quick turns of the toy’s joints.

"See?" Liam said, holding it back up. "Simple. Even I can do it. My dad taught me how."

I nodded, a stab of regret in my chest at the mention of Chris and the fact it was Chris who Liam saw as his father. Although I knew it was true and right that Liam considered Chris his father, I couldn’t help but feel a loss.

"That's cool. Your dad must be pretty smart to show you how to do that."