Page 87 of Puck and Prejudice

I swallow hard. “You’re welcome.”

She looks away. “Let’s see what we’re dealing with first.”

“Okay.”

* * *

Iwish there was more I could do to lessen Izzie’s worries. She didn’t speak much during the fifteen-minute ride to the hospital.

Chad texted us five minutes ago saying they’d moved Jane out of the ER and she was getting prepped for surgery. It is appendicitis after all.

On the walk from the car to the hospital’s entrance, I take Izzie’s hand and realize she’s shaking. “Jane will be fine.”

“I know. But my stomach is twisted into knots, and my heart feels so tight.”

I release her hand so I can throw my arm around her shoulder and snuggle her to my side. She leans into me, making my pulse race. Even though the situation is grim, warmth spreads across my chest. I kiss the top of her head, and it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Reluctantly, I let her go once we’re inside the hospital, but only because we have to get our visitors’ passes. In the elevator, I take her hand again and squeeze, and I don’t let go even when we meet Chad in the waiting room.

He looks up as we approach, revealing his bloodshot eyes. “Thank God you’re here.”

“Where’s Jane?” Izzie asks.

“She’s already in surgery.”

Izzie sits next to Chad and pats his shoulder. “She’ll be okay.”

“I know.” He rests his elbows on his legs, which he keeps bouncing like crazy.

I sit next to him as well. “Can I get you anything?”

He shakes his head. “No… unless you have a manual on how not to fuck up as a father.”

It takes me a moment for his words to sink in. “What?”

“Wait… is Jane pregnant?” Izzie asks.

Chad keeps looking at the floor. “Yeah. We had no idea.”

Izzie’s eyes are as round as saucers when we lock gazes. I wonder what she’s thinking now.

I turn to Chad. “Will the baby be okay during the surgery?”

“Yes… but…” He runs a shaky hand through his hair.

Izzie narrows her eyes. “But what?”

Oh shit. Does she believe Chad is freaking out because he doesn’t want kids?

He looks at her. “You don’t know me very well, but I’m a fucking mess. I never thought I’d meet someone like your sister who would put up with my peculiarities. What if I screw up being a dad?”

Izzie’s gaze softens. “You’re not going to screw up, Chad. Besides, you have Jane, and I’m sure you’ll be terrific parents.”

“Oh… I know Jane will.”

I pat his shoulder. “You’ll be a great parent too, buddy. And you have me to help.”

“Thank you, Jacks. I’m gonna need all the help I can get.”

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