Later that day, Cyrus had taken Mia into town to do some shopping. She was spending a little extra time in a dress shop, and Cyrus went down the street to pick up some things for dinner at Wraith’s cabin mansion that night.
Mia was exiting the shop with her bags when she saw a woman pushing a stroller across the street. The woman was leaning over as if she wasn’t feeling well. After a few steps, the lady collapsed to the ground.
Mia rushed to the woman’s aid as the stroller rolled across the street. Mia grabbed the stroller, rolling it back to the woman who was sitting on the ground trying to get up.
“Miss. Let me help you. Are you okay? Should I call someone?” Mia helped the woman to her feet.
“I’m fine. I just got a little dizzy. Thank you for saving my baby.”
“Not a problem. There is a bench over there. Can you walk? I think you should sit for a second.”
“No. No. I’m fine. My car is right there. Thank you, though.”
About that time, Cyrus was coming out of the corner grocery store when he saw Mia rush across the street. A woman wearing a turban and pushing a stroller collapsed before he could realize what had happened.
Cyrus ran to where Mia was walking the frail woman to her car. “Mia? Is everything all right?”
Cyrus looked over to the woman, and his heart stopped. Slowly he approached as he looked into the eyes of the woman who was once a fashionista and so well-kempt. She was a shell of her former self, but he knew those eyes. His ex-wife was standing there, but somehow it wasn’t the same.
“It can’t be.”
Tammy smiled weakly up at him. “Cyrus. Good to see you.”
Mia looked around, confused. “You know each other?”
“Mia. This is my ex-wife. Tammy? What…?” Cyrus looked at her head, discovering Tammy’s hair gone and eyes sunken in with dark circles. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. This nice lady helped me and my baby boy. If it weren’t for her, he would have rolled into the street. Thank you, miss...”
“You’re welcome. I’m Mia.”
Tammy looked at Cyrus with confusion.
“This is my girlfriend. Tammy, what’s going on? Your hair. You look so… frail. Are you all right?”
“I’m sick, Cy. That’s why I’ve been trying to reach you. I’m dying.”
“Dying?” Cyrus gaped.
“Yes. Ovarian Cancer. They found it a few months ago. I have little time left. They thought it was a compilation following my labor but turns out it was cancer.”
Cyrus shook his head in disbelief. As much as he wanted to hate her, he didn’t wish this on anyone. “We can find you a good doctor. I’ll take care of everything.”
Mia stood in shock as she watched Cyrus rush to Tammy and take her hand to steady her. A sting of jealousy burned inside, but she pushed it down deep. Mia knew that she couldn’t let it take over. This woman was sick, and he was always the protector type. Of course, he would want to help, it was his nature.
“No. Cyrus. It’s too late for that. I hope you can see now why I needed to speak with you. It’s important and I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”
Cyrus turned back to Mia, then looked back at Tammy. He stepped back and took Mia’s hand. “I’m sorry, Tammy. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Please? Cyrus, Grayson abandoned us and gave over all his rights to our baby. He wants nothing to do with Elias. I’m about to lose our old house and I’m afraid they’ll put him in foster care.”
Cyrus blinked away the shock. “You named your son after my father?”
Tammy nodded. “Grayson left me once I got pregnant. I knew you always wanted a child. It was the first thing I thought of when he was born. I remember that was always what you wanted to do to honor your dad.”
Cyrus could hear the baby cooing up at Mia. Distracted by the little one, she gave a playful little wave to the baby.
He sighed and looked at Mia. “I don’t know what to say.”
Mia turned to face him. “Say you’ll hear her out. I know you, Cy. I know you are not the type to dismiss someone who needs your help. Hear her out. I’ll head back to the cabin and wait there.”
“No. I can’t do that. Mia, that wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Mia kissed his cheek. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll be fine. Go. Tammy clearly shouldn’t be driving right now. She just collapsed on the street. Help her and baby Elias back home. I’ll see you in a little while.”
Cyrus nodded. “I love you. I’ll be there as soon as I can. You’re right. I can’t leave her like this. It wouldn’t be right. Okay, Tammy, I guess I’ll hear you out.”
“Thank you. Thank you, Mia.”
Mia nodded with a little hesitation on her face. Could she trust Cyrus alone with his ex? This would be a true test of their relationship. She knew letting him go was the right thing to do.
“Go. Get Tammy home. I love you, Cy.” Mia kissed him and headed to the car while Cyrus watched with sad eyes as she crossed the street.
Turning back to Tammy, he took her arm, gilding her to the car. “Let’s get you home.”