Page 30 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

“We never talked about kids. How many do you want?” I smiled at her.

She looked away from me, and I could tell something was wrong.

“Charleigh?”

“I’m tired, Christian.” She closed her book and set it on the nightstand. “We can talk about kids another time.” She leaned over and kissed me. “I love you.” Her body snuggled against mine.

“I love you too, babe.” My brows furrowed as my arm tightened around her.

It was four a.m. when I heard my pager go off. Grabbing it from the nightstand, I turned on the light.

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong?” Charleigh sleepily asked.

“It’s Mrs. James. I have to get to the hospital.”

“I’m coming with you.” She threw back the covers.

“Babe, I—”

“Don’t argue with me, Christian. I’m coming with you.”

We quickly threw on some clothes and headed to the hospital. When we got to her room, Mr. James was gripping her hand as tears poured from his eyes.

“What happened?” I rushed in and looked at Dr. Turner.

“I’m suspecting a pulmonary embolism. We did everything we could, Christian. It happened so fast.”

“Oh, my God.” Charleigh ran over to Mr. James and gripped his shoulders.

“What the hell,” I said as I looked over her chart. “Mr. James, I’m so sorry.”

“Today is our fortieth wedding anniversary,” he cried, and Charleigh tried to console him. “What am I supposed to do now that she’s gone?”

My heart broke for him as I stared at Charleigh, and tears streamed down her face.

“Can you both give me some time with her alone before they come and take her?” Mr. James asked.

“Of course,” I softly spoke.

Charleigh walked over to me, and I hooked my arm around her as she laid her head on my shoulder.

“I’m so sad, Christian.”

“So am I, babe.” I hugged her tight. “Your shift doesn’t start until eight. Take the car, go home, and try to get some sleep. I’m just going to stay here since I have to be in surgery at seven.”

“No. I’m staying here with Mr. James. He shouldn’t be alone. They never had any children, and she was all he had.”

“Okay.” I kissed the top of her head. “Let’s go grab some coffee.”

* * *

Iwas standing at the nurses’ station in the ER when I heard my name.

“Christian!” I heard Emilia’s voice.

Looking over, I saw a nurse wheeling her into a room.

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