Page 75 of Love in Riverbend
My knees buckle as I fall into Dax. Seconds later, I’m with Mom and Justin and we’re all hugging.
Dr. Lambert lifts his hand. “He did well in surgery. It’s good that he got here when he did. The blockage in two of his arteries was nearly one hundred percent. We were able to harvest healthy arteries from his lower leg.”
We are all nodding as if we totally understand.
All I can concentrate on is that my dad is alive.
The doctor goes on, “We weren’t able to do the less invasive surgery. That means his chest was opened, and he will be in some pain for a while.”
“But he’ll be okay?” Mom asks.
“We aren’t out of the woods, Mrs. Sheers, but we can see the path.” He smiles at Mom. “It will take a while for him to come out of anesthesia. And a nurse will come out to let you know when you can come back.” Dr. Lambert looks from one person to the next. “I’m sure you all want to see him. I’m going to say that for today, we keep him to one visitor. In many cases, the patient has little memory of the day of surgery. May I suggest that you decide which one will stay and the rest of you go home and get some rest. Randy will be staying with us for about five more days. It could be less or more. Come back tomorrow, and he’ll be in better sorts to see you.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Mom said.
As the doctor walks away, we all stare at Mom.
“You haven’t slept,” I say.
“Neither have you.” She squeezes Justin’s hand and reaches for mine, giving it a squeeze. “I’m not leaving your father. I can’t thank you enough for being here. I’m glad I wasn’t alone.”
Wrapping her in my arms, I speak softly, “We love you, Mom. We love Dad. You’re stuck with us.”
After we wipe the tears of relief and exhaustion from our cheeks, I ask, “May I get you anything from home?”
Mom gives me a list of personal items and some food.
“I’ll bring everything later today.”
“The doctor said?—”
“He said I can’t see Dad,” I say. “I can bring things to you. Text me when you have a room number or if anything changes.”
“Me too,” Justin says.
“I should get home to Molly.”
Mom nods.
As the three of us get into the elevator, Justin looks our direction and lifts his chin. “I suppose this means I’m driving solo?”
Looking up at the handsome and tired man holding my hand, I say to Dax, “That is if you’ll give me a ride.”
“Anywhere, anytime.”
Chapter 27
Dax
Kandace is quiet as we walk through the glass doors of the hospital. Stepping outside, the breeze blows fallen leaves around our feet as we make our way through the parking lot to my car. It isn’t until we’re there that Kandace wraps her arms around me, laying her face against my chest. My arms go around her, holding her against me as cars drive past and the cloudy morning sky churns overhead.
At this moment, I don’t give a fuck about the repercussions of my change of plans. I’m where I’m supposed to be.
“He’s going to be all right,” I say, rubbing small circles on her back.
“I want that with all my heart.”
Opening the door for her, I hold it while Kandace gets in the front seat. I’ve always liked my Porsche, but for the first time, I see it differently. It’s low to the ground, has only two doors, and there’s not enough room in the back seat for Molly’s car seat.
