Page 20 of Single Daddy Doctor Dreamy

As we follow the stretcher into the ER, a nurse approaches with a clipboard.

“Dr. Anderson,” she begins, her tone measured but apologetic. “You know the policy. Since you’re on staff here, you can’t be present in the exam room during the initial evaluation.”

My jaw tightens. “I’m his father,” I reply, my voice low and deliberate.

“I understand,” she says gently, “but it’s a hospital rule. Dr. Klein is with him now. She’ll keep you informed.”

The logical part of my brain knows she’s right, but logic does nothing to quell the anger and frustration surging through me. I glance at Lucy, who’s already guiding Finn to a chair in the waiting area. Exhaling sharply, I rake a hand through my hair and nod curtly.

“Fine,” I mutter, though it’s anything but.

The minutes drag by like hours. I’ve always hated being on this side of the waiting room. I feel helpless, with no control over what happens next. I pace back and forth, my hands shoved into my pockets, while Finn dozes fitfully against Lucy’s side. She strokes his hair absently, her own worry etched into her features.

Every time the door to the exam rooms opens, my head snaps up, only to fall again when it’s not the person I’m waiting for. By the time Dr. Klein finally appears, I’m a coil of tension barely holding it together.

“Dr. Anderson?” she calls, scanning the room. I’m at her side in an instant.

“How is he?” I demand, my voice clipped.

She adjusts her glasses, glancing down at the clipboard in her hands. “We’ve completed the X-rays. Miles has a severe fracture in his lower arm, the ulna. Unfortunately, it’s not a clean break. It’s displaced and will require surgical intervention to set it properly.”

The words hit me like a gut punch. My mind immediately shifts into surgeon mode, assessing the situation, weighing theoptions. “I’m an orthopedic surgeon,” I say, my tone sharp. “I can handle this.”

Dr. Klein’s expression softens, but her response is firm. “I understand, Dr. Anderson, but as you know, hospital policy prohibits you from performing surgery on immediate family members. We’ve already paged Dr. Harris. He’s on his way and will handle the procedure.”

“Dr. Harris is a general surgeon,” I retort, my frustration boiling over. “This requires a specialist.”

“Dr. Harris is highly capable,” she replies evenly. “He’s done similar cases before and has an excellent track record. I assure you, Miles is in good hands.”

I don’t trust myself to speak. Instead, I stare at her, my fists clenched at my sides, until she shifts uncomfortably and looks away. Finally, I nod, though the tension in my shoulders doesn’t ease.

“Can I see him before the surgery?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

“Of course,” she says. “A nurse will come get you shortly.”

The wait is unbearable. Finn stirs occasionally, murmuring in his sleep, while Lucy sits quietly, her presence steady and reassuring. When the nurse finally calls us back, I’m on my feet before she finishes speaking.

Miles looks impossibly small in the hospital bed, his arm immobilized and his face pale but calm, thanks to the medication. I sit beside him, my throat tightening as I take in the sight.

“Hey, buddy,” I say softly, brushing a hand across his cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay,” he mumbles, his words slightly slurred. “They said I’m gonna get a big cast.”

I manage a smile. “Yeah, you are. What color are you thinking?”

“Blue,” he says with a weak grin. “Like Finn’s dinosaur.”

“Blue it is,” I reply, my voice catching.

The moment is interrupted by Dr. Harris stepping into the room. His demeanor is brisk but reassuring as he explains the procedure to me. He’s clearly forgotten that I’m the ortho guy and know exactly what needs to be done. I listen intently, to assure myself that he knows what to do, nodding at the appropriate moments but saying little. When he leaves to prepare, I turn back to Miles, my heart aching as his eyelids droop under the effects of the pain medication.

“I’ll be right here when you wake up,” I promise, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

As I settle into the chair by Miles’ bedside, the door opens again, and I glance up to see Aiden walking in. His broad shoulders fill the doorway, and his expression is a mix of concern and determination.

“Lucy called me. I figured you could use some backup,” he says, his voice low but steady.

I nod, appreciating his presence more than I can say. He steps over to Lucy, giving her a quick hug before crouching down to Finn’s level.

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