Page 75 of No Way Home
James blinked, shocked at the compliment.
“We’re hearing a murmur,” Dr. Adams continued. “And I’d like to have a cardiologist check it out.”
My heart dropped. I really was hoping I was wrong.
“Should we be worried?” James asked.
Yes!
“Worrying never fixed anything,” Dr. Adams said nonchalantly. “But because of the pregnancy, I would like you to head straight to cardiology to see Dr. Fischer over at Honeyville Regional. Just to be sure.” He smiled. “Hang tight. We’ll call and make sure they can see you right now. Nurse Betsy will be back in to give you more instructions.”
He gestured for me to step out of the room first. Once wewere in the hall, he pulled the door shut behind him. I followed him fifteen feet away.
He whirled to face me.
And swore.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
MAGNOLIA
The very sameday James and Sage showed up in the office, Charlie texted.
Charlie
You’re in town and you didn’t tell me?!
I had to find out from James!
The fact that Bowen hadn’t told his family I was in town only proved my suspicions: he hadn’t changed. Not really. It was one thing to be in the fake dating trenches on the down-low, but that didn’t make us friends. And I would not let myself forget it.
Surprise?
Charlie
You’re coming over.
To have lunch with me and Cash.
On Saturday. It’s not an invitation, Maggie. It’s an order!
Yes, ma’am.
Charlie
GURL. I’ve missed you!
I’ve missed you too! How’s Sage?
Dr. Adams had informed me begrudgingly that my suspicions were correct. Sage indeed had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The good news: knowledge meant power here. The cardiologist felt confident that with the right meds, Willow could stay put a few more weeks. After delivery, though, Sage would need a septal myectomy—open-heart surgery to remove the thickened tissue blocking her blood flow.
Saturday afternoon, my racing heart kept time with the blinker as I waited for a slew of cars to pass. A text came through from my dad.
Commanding Officer
Why does it look like you’re driving over to Dupree Ranch right now?
Stupid location tracker app. My dad was currently living his best life, bossing people around by day, feasting on pasta and gelato by night. All while keeping an eye on his only daughter from the comforts of his Italian villa in Vicenza’s old town—complete with cobblestone streets.
