Page 47 of Eye of Her Storm

“Okay,” Becca continued, seeming disturbed that River had no one there. “In other procedures, they’d normally put you completely under in the OR, but today, the anesthesiologist will put you in a light sleep beforehand then put you deeper during surgery. Once you’re initially under, I’ll shave your head in here before they transfer you to the OR.”

Man, there were those tears again.

“I didn’t realize…” Shit, she should have thought of that. Why hadn’t anyone mentioned that? She supposed it didn’t matter in the whole scheme of things.

Realizing her dismay, Becca patted her arm, the nurse’s eyes full of sympathy. “Your head will be wrapped for a while, and your hair will grow back. We shave it after you’re under because it can be traumatizing for the patient, no matter how much you think you’re prepared for it.”

“Yeah, I suppose so.” She blew out a cleansing breath. Her hair was long, below mid-back. She reminded herself to get over it. To live was better—bald or not!

“Are you okay?” Becca asked, her voice calm yet full of commanding reassurance.

“Yep,” River replied in a small voice, wishing the guys or her sisters were there to hold her hand.

“Okay. Like I said, after I’ve done that, you’ll head in for your surgery. Before you even know it, you’ll be back here to see me. Do you want the chaplain to come in before the anesthesiologist?”

“Yes.” No question. The room fell silent as the nurse finished with the IV and marked the computerized chart. “Becca?” River finally said.

“Yes?”

“If something happens to me, there’s a letter in my things—”

The nurse set down her tablet and the tote with her supplies then leaned over the bed. “River, look at me.” When River complied, she went on. “You are going to be okay. You’re in excellent hands. I don’t want you to worry. You’re a brave woman. I can see that in you, but you don’t have to be brave right now. I’m going to stay with you until you’re out, and I’ll be there when you wake. Got me?”

That seemed so much easier said than done, but River nodded. And with that nod, she set the morning into a whirlwind of motion. Her last thoughts were of Seth and Tai and how much she loved them.

* * * *

The trip from Madison’s had been short. As Seth had started from town, Paisley had called. Her dad knew who the doctor was and was getting them information. It had taken some convincing to keep him from heading to California, too. Thankfully, his wife had talked him into waiting until after the surgery.

A few phone calls later, Sun was having Robert prep the plane he kept at the small airfield outside of town. They’d have Seth and Tai to California by morning—a better arrival time than traveling by commercial flight. The next one didn’t leave until tomorrow and had to connect through Salt Lake.

On no sleep, nerves frayed, they burst into the Collins Research Clinic just after seven AM.

“River Szuzman,” Tai exclaimed at the desk, startling the woman there. “She’s supposed to have surgery here. Where can we find her? Please,” he added, though he didn’t have much inclination toward pleasantries.

“I’m sorry, Sir. You are?”

“Tai Cauldwell. Her husband.”

The woman typed on her keypad then gave him the side eye. “Ms. Szuzman doesn’t have you listed on her contacts or as a spouse.”

“Maybe, this will help,” Seth offered, pulling out the official documents they’d gotten from Jax before leaving Daly. He’d had a feeling they might need them. He hoped the people here would recognize their legal rights and give them access to their woman and her medical care.

The desk clerk looked at the papers then picked up her phone and dialed. “Can you come out here a minute?”

Tai hoped she wasn’t calling security to escort them from the building. A few minutes later, a petite woman with a bright smile came through the door behind the desk. The receptionist explained the situation, and the woman’s smile widened.

“Thank God,” she said, examining the legal documents. “I was so worried about her being alone. Now, tell me who you are. Seth Danielson and Tai Cauldwell…” She looked back and forth between them.

“I’m Tai, and that’s Seth. We’re her…husbands. It’s complicated.”

“Indeed.” She studied them, her lips pursing as if she were making a decision. She looked at the receptionist. “Add them to the contacts. This document gives them the right to make Ms. Szuzman’s decisions if she’s incapacitated, which she is at the moment.” She looked at Tai and Seth, handing back the papers that Seth then stowed in his jacket.

“Connie,” she said to the woman. “Pull up the patient’s HIPPA form. Are they listed there as people who can receive information?”

The receptionist looked doubtful as she clicked around her screen. Then her brows lifted in surprise. “Yes.”

“Good. You’ll find these gentlemen in Ms. Szuzman’s room and can get whatever other information you need after I speak with them.” Then she indicated for the men to come around the desk. “Follow me.”

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