Page 27 of Grace Notes
“Yes, sir,” I say, and he continues.
“A mass of that size affects the hormones a body produces, often leading to high blood pressure. Due to the change in the size of the mass—based on previous scans from his family doctor—and the high blood pressure, we decided emergency surgery was needed. We did have to remove the entire gland, which means he will have to take medicine—likely for the rest of his life. The mass will be sent off for a biopsy, and only then will we know if it’s cancerous.”
A knot forms in the center of my throat, making it hard to swallow, and when I look at the people around me, I think they feel the same way.
Grayson clears his throat, speaking up. “How long will he need to be here? And how long before we have the results back for the biopsy?”
Dr. Yates looks to Grayson. “I would like him to stay overnight so we can monitor his blood pressure. The surgery was laparoscopic, so it was minimally invasive. As far as the biopsy goes—it should be fairly soon, but it can take up to a week. Are there any other questions?”
I shake my head, looking at Grayson, and he does the same. Sticking my hand out, I thank the doctor.
Dr. Yates takes my hand, shaking it firmly, and his face finally cracks, a small smile slipping onto his lips. “It was my pleasure. He should wake up soon, so you can see him then.”
Letting go of my hand, and with one last nod, he turns, walking down the hallway he came from.
With a heavy sigh, I plop back down on the hard bench, regretting it immediately. Pain shoots up my back from sitting on the uncomfortable, hard plastic for so long.
Or maybe I’m just getting old.
Either way, I groan, waking Avery up as I do.
“Daddy?” she says, lifting her head and wiping sleep from her eyes.
“Hi, Bug.” My hands reach out to her, picking her up underneath her arms and pulling her into my lap. Emryn stands beside my knee, running her hands over Avery’s blonde hair.
“Is Papaw Kip okay?”
“Yeah, baby. He is. He should be waking up soon. Would you like to see him?
Her head bobbles, and she chews on her lip. “Daddy?”
“Yes, Bug?”
“Can we—can we say a prayer?”
And that knot is back. I don’t know what’s changed her mind, but I won’t question it. Clearing my throat, I croak. “Yeah, we can. Would you like to say it, or would you like me to?”
Sniffling, she pokes my chest. “You.”
With a quick press of my lips to her forehead, I close my eyes and bow my head. “Dear heavenly father, we come to you today with gratitude. We want to thank you for taking care of a man who’s come to mean a lot to all of us, and we ask that you keep looking out for him. We need him here, Lord. In your name, we pray. Amen.”
When I look up, Avery’s eyes are still closed, her lashes framing her cheeks, and even though my head is no longer bowed, I say another silent prayer.
She needs him, Lord. Watch over him for her.
Chapter 16
Brooks
The car is quiet as we drive home. In the rear view mirror, Avery’s head bobbles as she tries to stay awake, and Emryn sits beside me, watching the trees as they pass.
Her stress is palpable, pulling on her shoulders like a visible weight. It makes my heart ache for her.
With all the chaos with Kip, the problem with the venue was pushed to the side, and she didn’t once complain about that. But I know how hard she’s worked to make our vow renewal special.
Reaching out, I place my hand on her thigh, rubbing my finger across the soft skin.
“We’ll figure out a venue,” I say, pulling her attention to me.
