Page 74 of Quintessentially

My curiosity is piquing. “What am I not ready for?”

Our conversation is put on hold as a man in scrubs walks into the room and my chest tightens.

“Mrs. Sheers?”

Mom stands as Justin stands beside her. She reaches for his hand.

Dax and I both get out of our chairs and move closer. He still has my hand in his, keeping me steady. Yet, I’m now trembling, as if the temperature of the room suddenly plummets. Letting go of my hand, Dax wraps his arm around my lower back, and I lean into him.

“I’m Dr. Lambert. First, let me say, Randy did well in surgery.”

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.”

ChapterTwenty-Seven

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