Page 194 of Debts and Desires
Two of thelongest hours of my life went by. I was stiff, sore myself from holding Emmy the way I was, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t budging. It had been an hour and a half since she told me everything. I had to call Jameson back, letting him know about Emmy’s phone. He was grateful and said she’d get it back in a few weeks, once things were processed.
Her breathing was even and quiet, but I knew she was awake, probably thinking the same things I was thinking. The doors opened and she sat straight up.
Doc Nelson walked in, her eyes dark as she removed her cap. I prepared myself, unsure if I was ready to hear the damning words.
Mac couldn’t be gone.
He just couldn’t.
Emmy seemed to hold her breath, too. I could see the same thoughts running through her mind from the emotions that flickered in her eyes. I grabbed her hand, holding it tight just as the doctor stood in front of us.
“Big Mac’s out of surgery. He’s lost a lot of blood. Unfortunately, his right hind leg had been shot and the damage was too great. It needed to be amputated, but I’m sure he’ll make a full recovery. Two or so weeks, I’d say.”
Emmy started sobbing. I held her tighter.
“Can we see him?” Em asked.
“You can, but he’s still sleepin’. The anesthesia will wear off in a few hours,” the old vet said. We gave a nod and went back to where he was. They had him in a large crate, pillows all around. The large bandage wrapped around the surgical area was strange to see in place of his leg. I started crying then, hating seeing him like this. But at least he was alive. He saved Emmy.
And I would forever be thankful.
“Good boy, Mac,” I whispered.
86. THE SECRET’S OUT
April 17
Carter was on my last damn nerve the moment we walked into the hospital. My every move was met with an overprotective hand, treating me like a porcelain doll. I gritted my teeth, trying to suppress the irritation bubbling within me.
When I was finally seen, he’d insisted on the doctor and nurses checking and rechecking every detail.
“I can speak for myself,” I snapped at him.
“Can you just do it for me? Please? If somethin’ were to happen to you, I…” he looked away, trying to hide the tears. Seeing the vulnerability in his eyes, guilt overwhelmed me. He wasn’t trying to annoy me. He was scared.
Every good thing I’ve ever had either gets taken or leaves.
Resignedly, I turned back to the doctor. “Fine. Whatever tests you need to do, just do them,” I relented. I went through blood tests, x-rays, and an ultrasound. It was a small price to pay for his peace of mind. Though it had taken forever.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the doctor finally delivered the news we’d been anxiously expecting.
“Everything looks fine with both you and the baby,” he said. Beside me, Carter released a sigh of relief, his grip on my handloosening. Only a little. He backed off some, but not entirely, still babying me.
I wasfine.I just wanted to see Mac—since he was now awake—and then go home to cuddle with BJ, who was probably beside herself at that point.
Once I was discharged from the hospital, I found myself in a private waiting room, away from prying ears. I recounted the events with Jed to Officer Jameson. As I told him everything, he penned it all down. He was sweet for once, and very patient, which was surprising.
We finally made our way back to the vet clinic.
The moment I walked in, Mac’s tail wagged furiously as he struggled to sit up, his eyes sparkling with joy. Rushing to his side, I wrapped my arms around him. It was a little awkward with the cone around his neck, but I made do. At that moment, I knew everything would be okay.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Mac was with Doc Nelson for a couple of days before coming home with us. BJ was so happy her friend was home.
I was amazed at how quickly he recovered. It took about two weeks. Mac was resilient, unbothered by it, as if that’s how he’d been his whole life. And he never left my side. I thought he’d been clingy before, boy was I wrong. But I didn’t care.
The next fewweeks were busy in Hudsonville.
