Page 29 of Holiday Hitch

Even though Dani’s anxiety about her fidelity was a tough pill to swallow, Jamie knew that if Malack and her mother were raising the same concerns, then clearly she must have missed something. She felt awful that Dani had been feeling unsupported and alone in the wedding planning. Of course Jamie wanted to marry Dani, and she needed to make sure that was never a question in her fiancée’s mind.

Jamie took in the cold air of the slope, the fresh winter air mixing with the smell of campfires and hot chocolate. She knew she had to show Dani that she would never leave, that whether they said “I do” or not, Jamie wouldn’t be going anywhere. And with a few days left before their wedding, Jamie didn’t have much time to fix it.

14

Zoey

“So,all your tests came back in the normal range,” Dr. Morales began, “It seems like just a normal panic attack.”

Robin let out a huge sigh, knowing that Zoey and their baby were okay.

Zoey took a deep breath as the doctor continued, “But you have to be more careful. A lot can go wrong at this stage and at your age, so I’m going to order a month of bedrest while you recover.”

Zoey opened her mouth to contest it, but before she could, Robin nodded, “I think that sounds awesome.”

Dr. Morales turned back to Zoey and raised an eyebrow, “Miss Greenwood?”

Zoey caved and groaned, “If you insist.”

“Oh, I do,” Dr. Morales replied, “Besides, you might find that you actually enjoy taking time for yourself if you’d ever try it.”

“That is highly unlikely,” Robin joked. Zoey could tell her partner was just happy to have some backup. But underneath the relief, Zoey could still see Robin’s concern.

After a few follow-up questions, Dr. Morales left the room, sending the duo on their way. While Zoey checked out of the hospital, Robin called Dorothy to let her know everything was alright and they were being discharged. As they walked through the hospital, Zoey noticed the garlands strung around the sterile hallways. She was relieved she wouldn’t be spending the holidays here.

She shook the thought as they walked through the automatic doors and made their way to Robin‘s truck. Robin ran ahead to open the passenger door for Zoey

Zoey quipped, “She said bedrest, not fragile.”

Robin rolled her eyes as she looped around to the driver’s side, grumbling, “No one can be chivalrous anymore?”

By the time Robin popped into her seat, Zoey had already settled in. Robin turned on the truck, but before she began to pull out of the lot, she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself to drive.

Of course it was all positive news. But Zoey knew she had pushed her limits; she hadn’t had a panic attack since her first year of university.

This was a far closer call than either of them had been prepared for.

Zoey could barely look at Robin as the guilt set in. She couldn’t believe she had made Robin so worried.

“I’m sorry,” Zoey murmured.

Robin nodded, only able to manage a whisper. “It’s okay.”

Zoey shook her head, “No, it’s not.”

Robin shrugged, “I don’t mean to say I told you so…”

Zoey chuckled, “But you can.”

Robin waved her off, “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t listen to me. You know I think you’re strong and that you can handle a lot. I just hoped you would really hear me when I voiced my concern.”

Zoey couldn’t explain herself. She didn’t know what part of herself wouldn’t stop working like a horse. And it broke her heart to see Robin so worried about her.

“I don’t know, I always felt fine. I really didn’t think I was pushing myself too far,” Zoey said. It wasn’t until she hung up the phone on Bear Creek that she realized something was wrong.

Robin nodded, “I know, honey.”

They sat in silence for a minute as the truck’s heat kicked in, blowing warm air onto their cold faces.

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