Fond of You

Hunter's lips curl into a smile as he tilts his head up to see Katie's eyes staring back at him. "Well, I don't see any prince charming around here, but I'll kiss ya, whether you're awake or not." 

Lifting up his good leg, it forces Katie closer to his head and he wraps his arms around her. "I'd ask if you minded but... I have this funny feeling you don't." 

Chuckling, he brings his lips to hers in a tender kiss. "We better get up.... or else I'm liable just to start all over again and we'll end up later for supper." 

Lydia's mouth opens slightly in surprise as tears flood her eyes. Jared remembered. As much as that was a good thing from a medical perspective, she almost wished he had just been able to live a new life. Though not talking about it to anyone, she knew the kind of lifestyle her son had had, and she knew that lately, he was a completely different person. She couldn't help it that she enjoyed this new Jared so much more. Now what would happen? Would he still be the loving, kind man she'd come to know lately? Or would he turn back into the cold-hearted, money hungry man? That was her worst fear. But if he thought he didn't deserve love, then he must feel remorse, right? Which would mean he didn't want to be that other person... right? 

Nodding at the simple instructions, Lydia pats Grace's hand with appreciation. "Thank you... for everything. I will keep praying... and I do hope you come back." She forces a smile to the surface. "I have become fond of you, Grace. I do not think God brought you here for no reason." 

After Grace had gone, Lydia busies herself with housework, despite her motherly desire to go check on Jared. She did call Justin though, and let him know what had happened, before she prepares a small bowl of soup for Jared's supper - whether he'd eat it or not. 

Knocking lightly on the bedroom door, Lydia pushes it open, carrying the soup, a few crackers and some apple juice. "Jared?" She comes to the nightstand, setting down the food. "I... I brought you some supper if you want some." 

Jared was awake. His eyes were open and staring up at the ceiling. But he did not look to his mother. Her kindness sent a pang to his heart like no other. After all he'd done... all the wrongs he'd committed... pitting her own son against her... she still came and cared for him. He just didn't understand, and it made him feel lower than the floor. 

Lydia holds back her tears as her son doesn't even respond to her. Reaching down, she brushes a lock of hair from his forehead. "I love you, Jared. I always have, and always will, no matter what you've done. You're my son, and that cannot ever change either." Still receiving no acknowledgment, she finally turns and leaves him alone for the night.