It felt good to stand on his own two feet. John thought as he stood beside Joss's bed. Lightly he ran his fingers through the reachable strains of her hair. His very own sleeping beauty, but unlike the fairytale, one kiss wouldn't awaken her from sleep.
"I wish you could've seen Taylor today." His voice was soft. It had become his way. Something about speaking softly in their room seemed to heighten the intimacy. In the long hours of watching over her, and waiting between Finch's visits he filled with talking to Joss. "I don't know how you do it. He grows every time he comes here. His life seems to be going so fast. Look I know you're worried about having to say goodbye to him when he goes off to college but I told you once, you won't be alone. You may have to let Taylor go, but you're stuck with me. For always."
No reply.
He swallowed uneasily, stroking her face. "You need to come back so you and Taylor can spend this time together. He misses you and he's trying to be strong. But his heart's breaking."
The monitor beeped. He inhaled deeply then bent to kiss her forehead. Leaning back John grabbed her limp hand. "Joss," the gravel in his throat made his voice unrecognizable. "I-" The dam broke again, as he held her hand tighter in his grip. Carefully he eased onto the edge of her bed. Bringing her hand to his lips he kissed her palm and each finger. Her hand captured the tears that fell from his eyes. "Joss. Baby please. Wake up." He could barely speak against the lump in his throat. "I-I can't do this without you. Don't leave me like this. I want you to live for me. For Taylor. Please come back." He forced his mouth to keep going. Convinced if he spoke to her, even in her unconscious state she would take pity on him and put up a stronger fight. "Give me the chance…to love you. I promise you won't regret it."
He leaned in closer to her unconscious body. "I love you Jocelyn." Softly he brushed his lips against hers for a feather light kiss that lasted only a moment. He looked at her closed lids that were inches from his eyes. "Give me a chance, to tell you that when you're awake."