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“When can we see her?” asked Anne.
“She’ll be in Critical Care, so we only let immediate family in, one or two at a time.”
“We’re her parents, and this is her sister and brother-in-law.”
“That’s fine. You can just tell the nurse in CCU. But not all at once.”
“I need to see her,” Josh choked out.
The doctor glared at him, eyes like flint. “I’m sorry, Dr. Branson. You must realize we can’t give you privileges at this hospital. As long as she’s in CCU, visitors will be restricted to immediate family.”
Purple blood vessels stood out on the side of Josh’s forehead. He took a step toward the surgeon, but Brad put a restraining hand on his arm.
“He’s her fiancé,” said Brad.
“Fiancé? Really?” He narrowed his eyes at Josh, who hesitated, but then nodded his head.
Anne heard Derek chuckling behind her, and turned to shush him, kicking her foot playfully in his direction.
“Fine. You can see her,” the doctor replied in a brusque tone, glaring at Josh. “But you’re not looking at her records!”
When Josh turned around, Anne thought she’d never seen his face quite so red. No one spoke, but some of the group were biting back smiles.
“What?” He marched across the room and escaped outside.
“He’s marrying Charlie now,” said Olivia. “I guess this means I’m officially off the hook.”
“I’M SORRY, SIR...” The nurse clicked off the computer screen.
“Dr. Branson,” Josh corrected.
“I know. I’m sorry Dr. Branson. I can’t let you see it.”
“Sally? Was that your name? Sally, I won’t do anything. I just need to take a quick look.”
“I’m sorry, but Dr. Garrett gave me strict instructions not to show you her records.”
“That’s ridiculous! I just want to see her blood counts and review the medications. I’m not telling anyone what to actually prescribe.”
“I’m sorry...” she said, her face white as she backed from the room.
“I’ll take it from here,” said a voice in the hallway.
“Thank you Dr. Sommers.” Her tense face relaxed as she fled the room, retreating to her station.
“Hello, I don’t think we’ve met,” said a tall, gray-haired man, with a smile that crinkled around his eyes. He stuck out his hand. “I’m Dr. Sommers. Ted Sommers.”
“Dr. Branson.” Josh shook his hand, watching him with wary eyes.
“Yes,” he chuckled. “I know who you are. You made quite a scene this afternoon, as I understand it.” He looked at his watch. “Or, I guess that was yesterday afternoon, since it’s one a.m.”
“I was only trying to—”
“I know, Dr. Branson. I know you’re only trying to help. And I’ve been in your shoes before. I know exactly how you feel.” His tone was gentle and kind.
“I doubt it,” Josh muttered.
“Come now. Surely, you don’t think you’re the only man who ever thought he was losing the woman he loved? And it’s even worse in our profession, because we somehow think we’re ultimately responsible.”
