Page 29 of Waiting for Her

Max breathes a sigh of relief but I continue to hold my breath, knowing there’s more.

“As much as I want to reassure you that this is common, it is not. It is very serious, hence why we want to get you in there and get that baby out as soon as possible before something more serious occurs.”

“What can happen?” I don’t even recognize my own voice as it fills the room as both Max and the doctor look my way.

“There is no need to talk about grim details right now.”

I shake my head, squeezing Max’s hand before staring down the pompous ass in front of me.

“As much as I appreciate you sparing my feelings, I have a right to know the worst-case scenario.”

The doctor nods, a grim look in his eyes.

“The worst-case scenario is we don’t get to the baby in time and you bleed out.”

Fuck. My eyes flick to Max who looks as if he’s about to puke.

“But you came in early enough, so as long as we get you in that OR as soon as possible, you and the baby have a great chance of survival.”

I nod, trying to keep the tears at bay, but the second the doctor leaves, a heavy sob leaves my chest.

“Hey,” Max whispers, kissing my forehead. “No crying, okay?”

I shake my head, wishing I could be at home with him on the couch right now, watching a hockey game or even a shitty movie. Anything to get me out of this room.

“Baby…” he murmurs, kissing both my eyes, my cheeks, and then my lips. “Addison, look at me.”

I do as he asks, giving him a sad smile.

“We’re going to be parents today.” His voice is awestruck and for a second I look at this from his perspective.

When all is said and done, our baby is being born today. When his hand rests against my stomach, I take a breath and remember that everything will be okay.

“I’m scared,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper as Max’s forehead meets mine. “I should have said yes,” I blurt out, needing the words to be out there before I go into surgery.

“What?” Max’s head jerks back as his gaze meets mine.

“When you asked me to marry you, I should have said yes.”

Max’s eyes widen before a sad smile crosses his features, his fingers tracing the edge of my temple.

“No, you shouldn’t have.”

I tilt my head, wondering what he means.

“Addison, as much as I would love to watch you walk down the aisle in white. You were right to say no. It’s too soon, but don’t think I won’t ask you again.” He winks, a small chuckle leaving my throat.

“I need you to know something.”

Max cups the side of my face and presses his thumb to my lips, stopping whatever words were about to leave my mouth.

“I know, baby, but you keep that thought until you wake up, okay? I need you to wake up.” His voice shakes and it’s at that moment I realize how helpless he must feel and I pull him into my chest and whisper how much I love him before the nurses come in and prep me for surgery.

As they’re wheeling me out of the room, I catch his tearful eyes as he mouths, “I love you,” before the door shuts behind me and he’s gone.

Max

Alone.

---