Page 79 of The Beat of her Heart

“I’ll help you get her?—”

“Step out of the way, Dr. Wolfe,” a medic said.

“I can help. I just…I just need to get in there and take a good look at her.”

Addie was out of breath. She forced herself to step back, her hands trembling as she followed them.

Sophie’s injuries looked severe—too severe. Her chest tightened as they hurried her daughter into the ER, her mind racing with every possible complication.

Josephine was there. She looked over Sophie the second she was placed on the bed. She took one glance at Addie and nodded slowly.

Addie wasn’t content with that. She walked over, ignoring everyone’s stares as she reached Josephine.

“Josephine, I’ll handle the procedure,” Addie said. “She’s my daughter. No one can treat her like I would.”

“Which is exactly why you’re going to sit this one out,” Josephine said.

“That’s my baby lying there,” Addie said. Teardrops slipped down her cheeks. “Please, Josephine. You know how much this means to me.”

“Which is just another reason you should listen to me, Addie.” Josephine shook her head firmly. “You know the rules. You can’t operate on her. Your hands aren’t even steady right now.”

“She’s my daughter. Please, just this once?—”

“No exceptions.” Josephine’s tone softened slightly. “I’m assigning Giselle to this case. She’s the best surgeon we have, and you know she’s capable.”

Addie’s hands dropped to her sides, her heart sinking. She caught sight of Giselle approaching.

“No,” Addie said, almost to herself, but it was useless. Josephine was already moving away, directing other staff members to their stations.

The same person who’d broken her heart a day ago would now operate on her daughter.She knew how impersonal Giselle could be. Would this be just another job for her?

Addie stood there, tears dripping from her eyes. Her heart was breaking all over again.

“Addie.” Giselle was already standing before her. “I’m going to take care of her.”

Addie’s jaw tightened, her pulse racing. She wanted to protest, to demand another option, anyone else, but there was no choice. Sophie needed help, and Giselle was her best chance.

“Fine,” Addie said, her voice clipped. “Please give it your all.”

Giselle nodded. “I’ll do everything I can, Addie.”

She reached over to touch Addie’s shoulder, but Addie flinched.

“Don’t,” Addie whispered. “Just save my daughter. Please.”

Giselle nodded and turned toward the operating room doors, disappearing inside.

Addie’s hands shook as she stared after her, her mind filled with Sophie’s pale face. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain steady.

Then she spotted Alex, bruised butstanding by the wall. Madeline’s arms were wrapped around her and she was talking to her quietly, her face pale and drawn. Madeline’s voice was calm, her hand brushing over Alex’s shoulder, soothing and steady.

Addie stepped toward them. “Are you alright, Alex?”

Alex looked at her. “Yes. Just a few cuts, but…Sophie…”

“You should have your cuts looked at,” Addie said.

“My cuts can wait,” Alex said.

---