Page 21 of Loving Lizzy

“I don’t want you to worry. Dr. Brady’s considered one of the best,” she rushed.

“I know. I checked her out already. Chase agreed she’s the best. I’ll stay right down the hall, and I’ll be right here when they bring you back,” he reassured her nervously.

“You already told me, silly,” she giggled. “Don’t forget to eat and we’ll go home and veg out in the new recliner in the living room. Let’s binge watch the new tv series we saw the previews for the other night.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He searched her face for any indication of how scared she must feel. As usual, Lizzy hid her emotions, but he wasn’t completely fooled.

The knock at the door made him jump. Dr. Brady came in carrying a marker. “I need to mark you now. Dr. Harris is welcome to stay if you’re comfortable with it.”

She turned toward Michael. “I know you’re getting ready to insist on staying. Can you wait outside for me? I want to say goodbye before I go back.”

“Whatever you need, Lizzy Bee,” he told her. It stung him, she didn’t want him to stay. He wanted to selfishly insist he’d turn his head if it made her feel better if he got a few more minutes. He didn’t want her stressed right before surgery. This was about her needs.

He stood and walked to the door. He closed it behind him and gripped the railing on the wall as he waited for Dr. Brady to finish. He listened intently as she reiterated the procedure and drew on Lizzy’s chest. The conversation muffled through the door, but he strained to hear it. He wanted to do everything correctly for Lizzy when she was released.

It seemed like forever before the doctor opened the door. She allowed him in, and he zeroed in on the woman he loved. Lizzy’s face resembled one of calm acceptance. He smiled, trying to put her at ease. He took his place by her side. She leaned her body off the side of the bed and laid her head on his shoulder, careful not to pull on the lines or the IV.

“I love you, Michael.”

“I love you, too, Lizzy Bee.”

He stood while the nurses and Dr. Barker entered the room. He clung to her hand as he watched them push something through the IV. The nurses pulled up the sides of the bed and worked around him. Lizzy’s head rested on her pillow, but her eyes never left his. He leaned down and gave her a kiss and caressed the top of her head. They pushed her bed out of the room. He rejoined her and walked down the hall, holding her hand as they wheeled her toward the double doors. They paused, allowing him one more goodbye. Then he watched as the love of his life disappeared with the team of doctors and nurses. Now, he waited.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Michael’s pace slowed as he walked toward the waiting room. He checked his phone, noting the time. Their friends sat waiting for any news. Chase immediately stood upon seeing him.

“Do you need anything?” he asked as he led the numb Michael to a chair.

Kassie pushed a cup of coffee into his hand. The warmth of the cup felt good. He didn’t realize the temperature of the room. He wondered if Lizzy stayed warm enough. She tended to run on the cold side.

“Michael, give Chase the keys to your car,” Kassie instructed. She pulled a bag from beside the chair she sat in. She pulled out a pillow and showed it to him. “This will help Lizzy. When you buckle her in for the ride home, this will protect her chest from the seatbelt rubbing against her. She can use it while sitting in the recliner; it has pockets for the drainage tubes. We found a smaller version as she heals. He’ll add a couple of extra pillows as back up. Leo and the team went back to your house to help stock a few things. We premade smoothies for her. Maddie, Edie, and Carol filled the freezer with individual meals for both of you.”

“You guys—” Michael’s voice broke. “I don’t even know what to say. Thank you for helping Lizzy.”

“We’re here for you, too,” Chase reminded him.

“Please thank the team for me. They went above and beyond. I know they came because of you, and I appreciate the gesture. You’re a good friend, man.” Michael held the bridge of his nose, attempting to regain control over his emotions.

Chase gave him a confused glance but didn’t say anything.

“I suck. I didn’t think about getting her home. Some doctor I am. I didn’t research everything she might need. I hope I got everything at the house.” Placing the coffee in front of him, he rested his head in his hands. Worry churned in his gut. He remembered bread and milk. Some caretaker he turned out to be.

“Stop.” Kassie knelt before him, oblivious to the strangers watching her as she comforted him. She took his hands in hers. “You hold the most important job. You love her more than anyone. We’ve got your back. Of course, you didn’t think about all this stuff. You focused on Lizzy, the most important task. You know her in ways we don’t. You’re more qualified to know when she’s struggling or if she needs help.”

He nodded and gripped her hand.

Catherine moved to Kassie’s chair. “We’ll help you. We’re a phone call away, day or night.”

Bryanna moved to his other side. “I’m right down the street if you need a pick me up, a grocery run, or someone to sit with her while you get some fresh air.”

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

Kassie stood and sat next to Chase. Michael checked his phone. Ten minutes down. Did they put her under anesthesia yet? Did she feel scared or did the meds kick in before they got her to the operating room? He scrolled for information on his device. He’d intended to see the dietician, yet he didn’t want to leave the room. What if Dr. Brady needed to talk to him? He blew out his breath and typed in ‘breast cancer’ in the search bar. He started reading.

He glanced at the time; another five minutes passed. He searched for support groups in the area. He found two immediately within driving distance and saved the page to his phone. An article about foods to eat when fighting cancer popped up. Michael skimmed the list, mentally checking off things Lizzy loved and those she refused to touch with a ten-foot pole. Maybe Ty or Bryanna knew how to sneak them into her meals, to mask the taste. He began to form a mission in his head. When he got her home, she’d probably want to sleep. After getting her comfortable, he’d research everything. Guilt sat like a rock in his stomach. She faced one of the hardest fights of her life and he failed to prepare for the battle.

An hour later, he paced the room. Whenever a nurse appeared in the doorway, he turned, hoping they called his name. Victoria and Ivan appeared out of thin air. He didn’t even know when they showed up. She thrust a warm container of food in his hands.

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