Page 37 of Be My Valentine

“So did we, but it’s okay. Calm down! I’m sorry I scared you.”

“Dad was beside himself!”

“I called him to calm him down,” Phil said, “They’re on their way.”

“And no one thought they had to calm me down?”

He had let go of Kate’s hand and was angrily clamping the bar at the foot of the bed.

“I thought they were going to call you…” Babbled the brother-in-law, with slight embarrassment.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again!” He yelled, addressing his sister.

“I’m so sorry I fainted, if it’s any consolation know that I wasn’t planning on it!”

A deep male voice interrupted them.

“I see you’re doing great, honey.” Her father walked over to her and hugged her; her mother followed.

“Look Mark, this is how you should have greeted me.” Complained his sister.

“Oh, no! Don’t try to blame me!”

“Aren’t you going to introduce Kate to our parents?”

Shit! He had completely forgotten!

“Sorry.” he gave her a regretful look “This is Judith and Paul. Dad, Mom, this is Kate.”

Kate shook hands with both of them.

“I’m sorry to meet you under this circumstance.”

“This is Phil!” Trilled Emma from the bed. Her husband raised a hand in greeting.

“The important thing is that all is well.” Said their father.

“Could someone please explain to me what the heck happened?”

Mark’s mother stroked his arm.

“Her blood pressure went through the roof, and she passed out. They’re monitoring her, the baby is fine.” Only then did Mark see the wires and machinery and blanch.

“I’m fine!” repeated his sister laughing “They never liked hospitals.” She said turning to Kate.

“I don’t think anyone likes them.” She smiled back at her.

A nurse came in to read the chart. No one spoke so as not to disturb her.

“I’ll take it to the doctor on duty, but I can already tell you that everything is fine. We’ll keep you for observation for a couple of hours, then you can go home.”

“Isn’t it better if she stays all night?” Mark said in a rush and Emma rolled her eyes.

“Don’t mind him, my brother is overprotective.”

Mark saw the uniformed woman freeze.

“I can’t believe it!” Kate was folded inside the nurse’s embrace “What are you doing here?”