Page 9 of Just A Dash of Holiday Magic
“The nurse said that the surgeon should be out in just a moment to speak with you both,” Marie informs us with a reassuring smile.
Wendy’s wrong about what I feel for Marie. I don’t just like her. I’m falling for her.
“Wendy? Will?” A man in red scrubs walks into the waiting room with a white mask pulled down by his chin. “I’m Dr. Klaus. I wanted to come and let you know that the surgery was a success.”
Wendy crumples next to me, but I catch her before she falls. Marie helps me sit her down in one of the chairs as Dr. Klaus gives her a rundown of what happened and what she should expect in the days and weeks that will follow.
“I don’t want you to worry about anything but giving Billy the support he needs. The hospital will take care of everything else.”
Both Wendy and I turn to Marie, and the pink flush in her cheeks tells us both what we suspect. Not only has she paid for Billy’s surgery, but she’s set it up to cover his recovery as well.
“I don’t know what to say to you both but thank you.” Wendy stands and hugs Dr. Klaus before turning to Marie and pulling her into her arms. “You saved my baby.”
“When can we see him?” I ask.
"He's in recovery right now, but Wendy, you can come back in a few minutes and see him." He turns to me. "I'm sorry, but we can only let one family member back to see him."
I nod in understanding. Dr. Klaus excuses himself, and it's just the three of us again.
“I’ll wait here for you,” I tell Wendy.
She shakes her head. "No. You've been here all night, and I plan on staying with him as long as they will let me." She glances at Marie. "And I'm guessing that thanks to you, they won't be making me leave any time soon."
Marie smiles.
“Take Marie home. You’ve both been up all night. It’s time for you to get some sleep.”
I try to argue, but I learned long ago that trying to win a fight with Wendy is a fruitless battle. We say our goodbyes, and Wendy makes Marie promise to come over to her house for New Year's.
Marie calls for another car, and we drive in silence back to her apartment.
