Page 44 of Dreaming of You

"I know that I love my work, and it's where I want to put my time right now. I don't want to give that up for a guy."

"I respect your work ethic and your passion for your job. But it won't keep you warm at night." He took a breath. "You know why Bess and I have lasted as long as we have?"

"Because you really love each other?"

"And because we've always given each other space to grow. You don't have to give up your life to include a man—at least not the right man. He'll be your biggest cheerleader."

She smiled. "Well, I don't see Barrett cheerleading my wedding business. He thinks big weddings set the wrong expectation for a happy marriage."

Her grandfather smiled at her. "I have a feeling you can change his mind."

She wanted to tell him to let it go but talking about her love life seemed to be keeping his mind off her grandmother's surgery, and that was a good thing.

She looked up as Barrett reentered the waiting room and tried to contain the little zing of excitement that ran through her at his presence.

"I have chamomile tea, green tea with honey, and a coffee," he said. "What's your pleasure?"

"I'll have the chamomile," her grandfather said. "It's what Bess likes to drink when she's upset."

"And I'll take the green tea," she said. "Unless you want it?"

"I'm good with coffee," he replied, as he handed out their drinks.

She took a sip of her tea, happy at the rush of warmth that ran through her. Like her grandfather, she remembered all the times her grandmother had made her a cup of tea and told her to breathe deep and think positively. She definitely needed to do that now.

Barrett sat down next to her and for a few quiet moments, they sipped their drinks and watched the double doors leading into the surgical area. Finally, a doctor in scrubs came through those doors and headed toward them.

They all stood up as the doctor addressed her grandfather.

"We've stopped the bleeding," he said. "She's stable."

"Oh, thank God," she whispered, squeezing her grandfather's hand. "She'll recover completely?"

"We'll be able to tell you more tomorrow, but at the moment it's looking good," the doctor replied.

She could feel her grandfather starting to shake. Before she could move, Barrett came around and put a steadying arm around her grandfather's shoulders.

"Are you all right?" the doctor asked.

"I'm just relieved," her grandfather said, allowing Barrett to guide him back into his chair. "I was so scared."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "Grandma has come this far. She'll make it all the way." She looked back at the doctor. "When can we see her?"

"She'll be sleeping for several hours. I'd suggest you go home and come back in the morning."

"No. I need to be here when she wakes up," her grandfather protested. "She can't be here alone."

"I'll stay," she said immediately. "I'll be with her if she wakes up. You can go home and get some rest and come back in the morning when she's really going to need you, Grandpa. I have to work tomorrow, so tonight will be my shift. What do you say?"

He gave her a doubtful look. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

"I'll drive you home," Barrett offered.

"All right. I can't argue with both of you," her grandfather said. "But, Doc, you sure she's all right?"

"She's doing very well," the doctor said. "I don't expect any changes tonight, but, of course, you'll be notified right away if any issues arise. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

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