Page 72 of Finding Mercy

Me: Oh. I’m sorry about your patient. I hope he’ll be okay. I miss you.

Isabella sees my face and asks, “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I guess. Liam isn’t coming home tonight. There’s a patient that isn’t doing well, so he’s staying at the hospital.”

“You look upset,” Elle says.

“He’s never done that before. And he was kind of weird when he left this morning.”

I shake my head, “I’m sure it’s fine.”

“Why don’t you go to the hospital and see him after Ivy is in bed? I’ll come over and stay with her,” Elle said.

“Thank you. I appreciate that. I think I will.”

“Is that the dress?” Stella asks.

I nod, “Yes, it definitely is.”

She brings me a couple of veils to try, and I fall in love with one that matches so well, finger-tip length with lace around the edges. They look like they were made for each other, but I am told its two different designers.

I get dressed and order it as well as the one for Ivy.

“I’ll need to bring her in to try it on though. She won’t have it any other way.”

“Anytime, dear.”

We spent the entire day shopping and laughing. I bought my lingerie for my wedding day and honeymoon. I called and booked the Butterfly Conservatory. We had a lovely lunch where Elle declared we must have a girls' night soon. It was a very productive day, and I am on cloud nine. I’m going to marry the man of my dreams.

They drop me off at home, so I can drive to pick up Ivy. When I get there, she comes running to me, talking a mile a minute about her day. I smile in the mirror at her as I drive away.

“I had so much fun.”

“I’m so glad.”

“I painted you a picture in art. My art teacher said that I am advanced.”

I giggle, “You are. Most kids your age can’t do what you can.”

She claps excitedly.

When we get home, she goes to her bedroom to play, while I start dinner.

I still haven’t gotten a response from Liam, which is strange. So, I decided to text him while the meatloaf bakes.

Me: I found my wedding gown! I miss you terribly.

No response. I’ll see him soon and find out what’s going on, so I push it out of my mind as I finish dinner.

Elle shows up just before dinner and eats with us. I bathe Ivy and read her a book before heading out. But my mind is on Liam.

He doesn’t lose patients often, but I’m concerned that maybe he did.

When I put Ivy to bed, Elle looks at me, “You know he wouldn’t cheat on you, right?”

“I know that. I’m concerned that something happened.”

She nods, “Okay. I was afraid you thought he wasn’t at the hospital and was with another woman.”

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