Page 43 of Chasing Sunsets

“We’ve tried counseling. Kelly was very uncomfortable.” Brett’s lips flattened into a line.

“First of all, it’s not your fault, either of you.” She was certain doctors they’d seen said the same, but it never hurt to repeat it.

Kelly let out a sob.

“It’s understandable to be embarrassed and want to give up,” Sadie assured her. “The problem is it helps nothing. Vaginismus is more common than you think.”

Brett remained reserved as he continued to rub Kelly’s back.

“At the office where I work, every patient with your diagnosis has been able to overcome it. We send them to a psychologist for treatment. Dr. Blankenship is top in his field.”

“A man? We haven’t tried advice from a male doctor.” Kelly spun toward Brett. “What do you think?”

“You know what I think.”

She turned to Sadie. “Is he taking new patients?”

“Let me give his office a call.”

“Now?” Kelly sounded panicked.

“Just to check if he’s accepting new patients and, if he is, learn his next available opening.” Sadie held her hands out in front of her. “No pressure. I won’t do it if you don’t want me to. Your call.”

Brett spoke softly. “No time like the present, Kell.”

“Okay.” Kelly covered her face with her hands.

~

Sadie walked out ofthe room, and Kelly did what she’d ached to do since seeing Brett across from her at the curtain reveal. She buried her face in his chest. Oh, he always smelled so good.

He held her. “I’m proud of you, honey.”

Being wrapped in his strong arms again felt wonderful.

How had everything gone so wrong? Sadie and other doctors explained it wasn’t her fault, yet that’s how it felt. Why couldn’t she make love to her husband?

Thoughts in a jumbled mess, she pulled away slightly and gazed into his eyes. He smiled—an unguarded, impromptu smile she’d not seen since the race started. For the first time in a long while, renewed faith buoyed her heart. Something about Sadie’s assurance her clients recovered set a new streak of hopefulness inside her.

A knock sounded before the door beeped and opened. Sadie walked in with her phone in hand. “He’s taking new patients and had a cancellation at two o’clock today for a Zoom appointment if you want it.”

Without giving herself time to come up with an excuse to delay, Kelly answered, “Yes.”

The tension in Brett’s shoulders relaxed.

Sadie held her phone out to Kelly. After giving the receptionist all her information, Kelly hung up and handed Sadie back her phone.

Not certain what to do, Kelly snatched her phone off the side table and checked the time. Ten. The next four hours would be the longest of her life.

“What do you guys say we go somewhere for brunch?” Sadie suggested.

“I could eat,” Brett said.

Even though Kelly doubted she could swallow a bite, going somewhere and being with others would make the time go by more quickly. She nodded.

“Zack is waiting for me to call him to go to breakfast. Can you get him, Brett?”

“Sure.” He kissed Kelly’s cheek and started for the door. “We’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes.” He left.

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