Page 74 of Loving Lizzy

“She worked nonstop at Seattle Health and cared for little Em. I’m glad he stepped in and helped her out of her situation. I remember I called her to the office after an incident involving two other nurses. She didn’t want attention drawn to herself. At the time we didn’t know why. Chase protected her then. The way he cared for Em while she recuperated from her accident, I believe he fell head over heels for the child.”

“How about you? You’re halfway through chemo. Any thoughts on kids? I’m not asking to pressure you,” he rushed to assure her.

“Maybe two or three, I always wanted a brother or sister. I want my kids to experience having the bond between siblings. Of course, we’ll need to research private adoption. My breast cancer history will put us on the long list for adoptions. We might get approved for fostering. I’ll warn you now, I’ll end up a foster failure because I refuse to turn away any child.”

Michael stood and kissed her. “Do you realize this is the first time you talked about a future with me?”

“You made me want to fight for the life we’re building together. I wish Conner survived to share it with us. Honestly, I don’t know if our marriage would’ve withstood the life we lived before. As scary as it is, I lean on you and know you’ll stay by my side no matter how this turns out. You’re the first person I want to see in the morning and the last person on my mind before I go to sleep.”

Michael caressed her cheek. “I love you, Lizzy Bee. I can’t wait to make love to you again.”

She pulled the covers off her and took his hand to stand. Michael scooped her in his arms and carried her down the hall.

“Even if I found the energy, we can’t for at least three days. I don’t know if you need to wear protection,” she whispered.

He laughed out loud, “Ahh, only you can remember hospital protocol.”

“It’s my job and I never do anything halfway,” she giggled.

“Then fight, Lizzy. Don’t give up on us, our future, or the love we share.”

She laid her head on his shoulder as she murmured, “I won’t, because I don’t want to miss out building my life with you.”

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

At oh two hundred, Lizzy’s phone began to ring. The caller seemed persistent as Lizzy knocked her device to the floor as she fumbled to find it half asleep in the dark. Michael turned on the light and rose from the bed to retrieve it for her.

Knowing no good comes from calls in the middle of the night, her heart raced as Michael passed her the phone and she hit the answer button.

“Hello?” she answered groggily.

“Lizzy!” Diana sobbed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do.”

She sat straight up as she placed her on speakerphone for Michael to listen to the call.

“Take a breath, and tell me what’s the matter,” her calm and professional voice kicked in.

“The baby’s sick. I told you she stayed up all night with croup, but now she’s running a fever. Caleb started coughing and I called the pediatrician’s office. They said I can’t see the doctor since my insurance expired unless I pay upfront. His inhaler’s running low, and it doesn’t seem like it’s working. Mama’s still sick,” her panicked voice sent the couple into action.

“Diana, hang up the phone and I’ll call you back in a few moments. Michael’s getting dressed now and will come check on the kids. Let me help him get out the door and I’ll give you instructions,” she ordered.

“Thanks,” Diana hung up the phone.

Michael pulled his pants on and grabbed a shirt. “I don’t know what they have. Diana’s at risk and we can’t bring them here and expose you. Call Chase and Kassie, tell Diana to stay in the bathroom with the steam running for the kids. Ask Chase or Kassie to meet me there. They can check her mom.” He went to his office to grab supplies.

Lizzy nodded and called Diana back first. She didn’t wait for formalities as she answered.

“Michael’s on his way. Unlock your apartment door and take the kids into the bathroom and sit with them in the steam. Do you have any baby acetaminophen?”

“No.” She whispered, sounding ashamed.

“Don’t worry, Michael carries some in his bag. Listen to me, everything will work out. I’m calling someone for your mom. Do you feel sick?”

Diana paused. “I don’t feel good. I thought it was because of the chemo. I can’t afford to pay them tonight. Will they accept a payment plan or maybe the organization can help with medical bills? I’ll need to ask…”

“We’ll work it all out, I don’t want you to stress yourself out about any of this. I told you we’re in this together. You made a good decision by reaching out.” Lizzy followed Michael into his new office as he pulled out his doctor’s bag and added a few items before kissing her forehead. She motioned for him to call her with updates as she attempted to calm the hysterical mom. “I’m hanging up to find someone to check on your mom.”

She barely heard Diana whisper goodbye before hanging up.

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