Page 97 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“You should be feeling relief soon,” the doctor said. “Let’s check on your husband.”

Paul came to.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he said, trying to sit up. “That was a big needle.”

“Stay still,” a nurse said. “You could have a head injury.”

“I’m fine,” Paul said.

“Paul, you’re bleeding!” Sanne said, appalled.

He patted the back of his head. “Well, shit!”

“Sir, we should take you for imaging. You were out for some time.”

“I’m having a baby. Imaging can wait,” Sanne groaned.

The pain subsided. The drugs worked!

“I’ll be back in fifteen minutes. They won’t come so soon. Natalie is on the way.”

Sanne knew they were right. She nodded bravely, feeling like something bad was on the other side of that door but she couldn’t stop it. Paul fainted, hit his head, and now she might give birth alone. Sanne felt selfish for even worrying about it. What should have mattered was his health, but all she could do was feel sorry for herself.

About 20 minutes later, Paul returned holding a balled-up bit of cotton to his head. He sat before a nurse whipped in after him.

“Sir, we still need to stitch you up. You cannot simplyleave.”

“It’s fine,” Paul said. “Stitch me here.”

“This is highly unusual. We’re in a maternity ward.”

“Would you have me leave my wife who is labouring to go sit over there and wait around for stitches as she gives birth? No! She’s frightened. Just do what you need to do or it can wait.”

“Paul, don’t be ridiculous!” Sanne said, concerned.

“I cannot just let it go,” Paul admitted. “I love you too much, Sanne. It’s fine I’m replacing gauze or covered in plasters but still here when our boys are born. But I will not let a moment go by without being here.”

He looked very emotional. Paul had gone from shock to protective in a stunning way. When it came to Sanne and the boys, he had no chill. He went into Papa Bear mode without a beat. This, though, was something else. Normally, he never died on such a silly hill. And, anyway, Sanne was fine.

“We can see what a resident can do,” the nurse relented.

Sanne guessed she feared complaints from the royal delegation. She knew Natalie was on the way. They wanted to keep Natalie, also their client, in good graces.

“I’m sorry for being a dick,” Paul said, “but the idea of missing even a single cry won’t do.”

“And is your head okay?”

“I don’t have a concussion. I’m just fine.”

Sanne patted Paul’s cheek. “Well, I am glad you got checked out. We need you well and upright.”

25

IN GOOD AND BAD

Natalie arrived at the hospital just in time to find her brother a mess. He had a massive bandage on the back of his head and was pacing, desperately concerned. There was no sign of Sanne. What happened in the forty minutes for her to arrive?

“They took her back. Something about a baby’s heartbeat. It deteriorated so quickly that there was no time for me to go with her. I missed everything, Nat. Everything.”

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