Page 28 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

“We have.” A smile crossed his handsome face.

“Mrs. James was just telling me that their fortieth wedding anniversary is tomorrow,” I said.

“Forty years, eh? That’s awesome. Congratulations.” Christian smiled. “Let’s hope we can get you out of here by then.”

“That’s what we’re counting on, Dr. Kind,” Mr. James spoke.

“I’m going to run your blood down to the lab. I’ll stop by later.” I placed my hand on her arm before Christian and I walked out of the room. “Mr. James brought me a blueberry muffin from Starbucks. Want to share it with me?” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“As much as I’d love to, babe, I have an aortic valve replacement I have to scrub in for. Maybe you can save it, and we can share it later?” His lips formed a smirk.

“No can do, Dr. Kind. I’m hungry now, and that muffin is calling my name,” I said as I pushed the button to the elevator.

“Yeah. I knew you couldn’t wait.” He grinned as he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. “I’ll see you later. Enjoy that muffin.”

“Oh, you know I will.”

A while later, I pulled up the test results for Mrs. James and noticed that her platelets tanked. Getting up from my chair, I walked over to O.R. three, grabbed a mask, and held it over my face as I opened the door.

“Hey, babe.” Christian briefly looked up.

“I just got the lab work back for Mrs. James, and her platelet count is really low.”

“What is her count?” he asked.

“Twenty thousand.”

“Shit. Give her six units of platelets, wait four hours, and retest again,” he said. “As soon as I’m finished here, I’ll check on her.”

“Okay.” I turned and walked out of the room.

Before my shift ended, I checked on Mrs. James one last time.

“Your platelet count is up.” I smiled.

“Any chance I’ll get out of here for my anniversary tomorrow?” she asked.

“We’ll see how you’re doing in the morning,” Christian said as he walked into the room and checked her over.

“Please tell me that other nurse isn’t taking care of me tonight.”

“No.” I smiled. “Kristy is your night nurse, and she’s amazing. You’ll love her.”

“Not as much as we love you, Charleigh,” Mr. James spoke.

“Take care, Mrs. James, and I’ll see you in the morning,” Christian spoke. “Are you ready to meet with Giuseppe?” He looked at me.

“I am.” I grinned. “You two have a good night. Get some rest, Mrs. James.”

“I’ll try. Have fun picking out wedding flowers.”

* * *

“Christian and Charleigh.” Giuseppe smiled as he walked over to us. “Welcome to my shop. Let’s go have a seat, and you can tell me what you’re thinking for your wedding.”

“Peonies, Giuseppe. Lots and lots of peonies.” I grinned.

“Beautiful choice.” Giuseppe smiled. “What is your budget?”

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