Page 87 of Just One Kiss

She pushed the Up button on the elevator.

“I wanted to call and see how I could help put your mind at ease,” Elizabeth said—God bless her.

Carly explained the situation, including Dr. Roby’s advice that Jaden give up skiing completely. “I’m sure you can relate to how devastating that would be for him.”

“I can,” she said. “And I think things have changed in recent years. Lots of athletes with Long QT are still competing, most with ICDs.”

Carly’s heart turned a circle.

“They’ve done numerous studies and found that it’s perfectly safe,” Elizabeth said. “Otherwise—believe me—my parents would not let me keep swimming.” She laughed. “Why don’t I text you the name of my doctor? Just so you can get a second opinion?”

A second opinion. An opinion that went against one of the top doctors in the hospital where she worked. Carly’s heart fluttered. She should accept what Dr. Roby said—he could easily shift his weight and get her promoted (or not).

But Jaden meant more to her than any job.

“I’d appreciate that,” she told Elizabeth.

They chatted a few more minutes about Elizabeth’s condition and recovery and then Carly hung up the phone. Seconds later Elizabeth shared her doctor’s contact information with Carly via text. Seconds after that, another text came in:Let me know when Jaden’s back on the slopes. I’d love to meet him and you.

Well, that sealed it. Elizabeth Maney was Carly’s favorite person in the world.

Because she had single-handedly filled Carly with something she was greatly lacking—hope.

* * *

Carly tried calling Josh, but there was no answer.

Where was he?

His voicemail clicked on. “Josh, I just got a page. He’s done. The surgery is finished. He’ll be waking up soon, and you promised him you’d be there.” She paused. “Where’d you go?”

She sat in a small room alone, waiting for the surgeon to come in and give her a full report.

She texted Josh:Hurry up and get back here, Josh. I’m getting ready to meet with the surgeon.

Moments later, the door opened and Dr. Roby walked in. He smiled. “Carly.” He shook her hand. “He did great.”

Carly exhaled all the fear and worry she’d been holding inside, which was more than she’d realized. “Oh, that’s so good to hear.”

“Everything went the way it was supposed to. The device has been implanted, and that should prevent any other episodes. It’ll keep his heart on track.”

“And what are the risks now? I read about implanted devices malfunctioning?”

The doctor nodded. “It does happen, but it’s rare. We’ll go over all of that with him, make sure he knows what’s normal—and what’s not.”

She paused. “Dr. Roby, I’ve been doing some research.” She left out the part about it being on the internet. Doctors hated that. “I’ve just spoken with a college swimmer from MSU. She has the same condition and device that Jaden has, but she’s still swimming.”

His brow furrowed. “That’s not advisable.”

“Well, I’ve read several articles and the consensus seems to be that it’s perfectly safe for athletes with ICDs to return to their sport.”

Dr. Roby bristled. “Miss Collins, I understand this is difficult for Jaden—and for you—”

“No, sir, it’s not difficult. It’s devastating.” Carly hugged her purse to her chest. “You don’t understand what skiing means to my son. Or how it’s changed his life.”

“But I do understand that he has a unique condition,” the doctor said. “In my expert opinion, Jaden should find something less strenuous to be passionate about.” He’d stressed the wordsexpert opinionso slightly she almost didn’t hear it. It was pointless. He had his mind made up.

She stood. “Can I see him?”

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