Page 45 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“And I understand your mother has been in remission from breast cancer for four months.”

“Yes,” Matt replies.

She nods. “Based on the medications listed in her chart, and the way your mother is responding to them, it seems the medication she’s on now for her blood pressure needs to be changed, so I’ll be decreasing her dosage. I also recommend that you get her to drink plenty of water. That should take care of her dehydration and prevent any fainting spells in the future.”

“So she’s okay? Everything is fine?” Please let there not be abutin this doctor’s sentence.

“From what I can see, your mother is going to be fine. We’ll keep her overnight for observation and discharge her in the morning.”

Relief washes over me.

The woman continues, “Visiting hours are still open if you’d like to see her. Family members only, of course.”

I nod in understanding.

The doctor turns her gaze to Kami. “Are you family as well?”

Not yet, but she will be soon.

Kami turns to me, then the doctor. “You guys can go. I’ll—”

“Yes,” I interrupt and grab her hand firmly in mine. “She’s my wife.”

“Very well, follow me,” the doctor tells us before turning in the direction of the emergency room doors.

Matt looks at me like I’m crazy, while Kami stares as though I’ve grown two horns at the back of my head. Exactly why I called her my wife? I have no idea. But I did like the sound of it.

This wasn’t how I initially wanted Kami to meet the woman who gave birth to me, but I want to not only ease my mom’s guilt for taking my time away, I also want to show Kami one of the things I value most in life: my family.

Watching her interact with my brother sparks something in me. Something that has now fueled me with determination to see our agreement through and come out of it as more than two strangers helping each other.

We walk the long corridor and into a single room. Inside is my mother in a hospital bed. She’s hooked up to what looks like a heart monitor and an IV bag.

“Oh, my babies,” she greets us with her arms open.

“Mom.” Matt and I rush to her side. I squeeze her hand tight.

I must have been wearing my emotions on my face when Mom turns her gaze to me with a sad smile. Tears well in her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you both. But I’m okay now. The doctor says I’m going to be fine.”

“We heard.” Setting my fear aside, I focus on the task at hand. “This is why I ask how much water you’ve been drinking every day.”

She shoots me an incredulous stare. “Seriously? You’re going to lecture me when we have a guest?”

I whip my attention back to Kami. She stands stiff against the threshold, seemingly unsure where to be.

I walk up to her. “Come meet my mom.”

She looks to my brother, then to our mom. “Is that okay?”

“Don’t worry about me, dear. Come on in and join the party.” My mother sends her a warm smile.

Kami walks over to her. “I-it’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Brown.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Kami. Despite this setting, it’s nice to meet the woman who my son speaks so highly of.” She grabs Kami’s hand in hers.

Kami lets out a soft laugh. “Does he now?”

Mom looks like she’s about to say something again, stops herself, then turns to my brother and me. “If you two don’t mind, us girls need to chat.”

---