Page 22 of Riding the Edge

Cocking my head to the side, I smile cheekily.

“I’m just saying it’s been years since he put that ring on your finger—”

“And every time we think about setting a date, I wind up pregnant.”

“I know we had this discussion when you were sixteen… it’s called birth control, sweetheart,” I retort, glancing at Anthony. “Although, I can’t imagine what life would be like without this little guy or his two brothers.”

Nuzzling her baby, she smiles back at me and the picture they paint is locked away in my memory with countless others.

“I’ll make you a deal,” she says softly. “I’ll set a date if you agree to give the job more thought.”

It seems like a fair trade. There’s no harm in possibilities and a date on the calendar is a step in the right direction. Before I can agree, my phone sounds inside my purse.

“Hold that thought,” I say, crossing the room. Digging through my bag, I pull out the phone and glance at the screen. Noting the number is the same as the hospital, I narrow my eyes suspiciously before lifting my gaze to Lauren. “I’ll be right back, I have to take this.”

She nods, and my first thought is that it’s Wolf calling to give me an update on Nico. Accepting the call, I walk out of the room and lift the phone to my ear.

“Hello?”

“May I speak to Maria please?”

“This is she,” I reply, stepping away from the door.

“This is Leanne from Dr. Kennedy’s office, I’m calling in regard to the mammogram you had—”

“Is everything okay?”

“The doctor would like you to come back in for further testing. How does Friday work for you?”

My body goes rigid as I digest what she’s saying.

“Is something wrong?”

“The doctor found a small mass on your right breast. It’s very likely it’s a nodule or a benign cyst but he’d rather be safe than sorry and schedule for an ultrasound, as well as a biopsy.”

Lifting my hand to my neck, I swallow the lump in my throat and force myself to keep my cool. As a woman who has had quite a few curveballs thrown at her, I pride myself on remaining calm in situations like this. Worrying won’t help anyone and stress will kill you.

“Can I come in now? I’m actually at the hospital visiting my newborn grandson.”

“Dr. Kennedy is in surgery all day. The earliest appointment I have available is Friday at noon.”

Straightening my shoulders, I comb my fingers through my blond hair and look towards my daughter’s room.

“Friday is fine,” I say. Despite my efforts to sound calm, cool and collected, I stammer the three words.

“Mrs. Bianci, I’m sure everything is fine. Dr. Kennedy is a very thorough and cautious physician. He likes all his T's crossed and his I’s dotted.”

Finding a bit of comfort in that, I thank her before confirming my appointment. After I disconnect the call, I swipe my hands over my face and push the call to the back of my head. Friday is days away and I refuse to drive myself mad thinking about the possibilities.

Besides, I know I’m fine.

Like the nurse said, it’s likely a nodule or a cyst.

There’s nothing wrong with me.

---