Page 35 of Manhattan Heart

We spend some time out there on the balcony, with New York waking up beneath us. Well aware of the time ticking away fast when we need to leave to get him to the hospital for 7 am.

I breathe and love on my husband.

And when we’re dressed, the housekeeper is sitting with the boys today, we have Gray’s bag and his other hand is clasped around mine, we’re on the long walk down to the elevator, I feel him squeeze my hand.

“So, this sex ban. How long is that for?”

I smile, my belly pinching. “For the rest of ever, sugar D.”

Gray doesn’t so much as growl, but he does kiss the side of my neck, ushering me into the elevator before patting my butt. “We’ll see.”

I can’t even think about sex again.

Not when my life depends on these next few hours ahead of us.

Please let him be okay. Please.

C H A P T E R 10

India

Things happen so fast when we get there.

He’s checked in and prepped for surgery with his preop stuff I hardly take notice of, because did I mention my husband is getting surgery on his fucking heart today?

It really shows what an exclusive, private hospital it is, because at every step of the way, from the moment we arrive, Gray is tended to by the staff like a prince. The efficiency gives me a modicum of relief to see how well the hospital runs.

I’m a shower of concealed nerves while I watch them take his vitals and give him pre-op drugs. Gray can’t have food but he does sip on some water.

Outwardly, I’m sure I look calm, even as I hold his hand, pouring my own life force into him, to give him that extra juice if he needs it.

But inside, I’m a shaking mess.

When they’re ready to take him down to the operating suite just after eight, my whole body seizes. I can’t do this.

Gray asks for a minute and when his room is empty of nurses, he beckons me over to the bed.

He’s wearing ridiculous hospital pants they gave him and any other time I would have poked fun. He swings his legs to the side and pulls me in. Kisses my temple, my cheeks and then my lips. “I wish you’d let me call someone to come and sit with you.”

“You know I don’t want that. I’m fine, Gray. Are you okay, nervous?”

“I’m good. You have your Kindle and phone right?” I do. “And make sure you go grab some food from the cafeteria, it’s only one floor down.” I won’t, but I tell him I will. More kisses on my temple and I squeeze around his waist. “Just six hours, India, and then it’s all over with.”

Six hours.

Just six hours while my husband’s heart is messed around with.

Six hours.

It’s going to feel like a lifetime. I pull back and cup his face. His so handsome face I love so much and I linger a kiss on his mouth. “Whatever the fuck you do, do not go into the light, okay?”

He laughs and the sound travels into my chest. “Promise. I think we’re destined for the other place anyway.”

“Oh shut the fuck up,” I snort. “All your goodness, God will throw a damn parade for your arrival.” Gray smirks. “But he can’t have you.”

“Mr. Ellison, we need to get you down there now.” A nurse says with her head around the door and my nerves start to jangle again, kissing him one more time. “I love you, Grayson,” I whisper against his mouth. “Love you so much. Billy and Vinny love their daddy too.”

“Take care of my girl until I can,” he tells me with a kiss before he has to lie back in the bed again for them to wheel him away from me. “Love you,” he mouths when they do take him from me.

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