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Chase’s features softened. “No, sweet pea. I’m okay, but they are going to see if I can help you feel better.”
I hadn’t told Remi much about the procedure, even though I went through the entire process Chase was about to undertake. I didn’t want to get her hopes up.
“How?” she asked, her big eyes wide.
Chase and I hadn’t discussed how much Remi knew about her illness, and he looked at me uncertainly so I took the lead on the answer. “Baby, you know when the nurses count the white blood cells in your blood and sometimes there are too many?”
“Yes. That’s why I don’t feel good.”
I sidled closer and put an arm around her, looking down into her innocent expression, and the smaller version of Chase’s green eyes. I nodded. “Yes, and remember how we talked about how your blood comes from the stuff in your bones called marrow?” Remi nodded, and Chase reached out to hold her hand. “Well, the doctors are looking into Daddy’s bones to see if he can give you some of his marrow because it makes the right number of white and red cells. That might fix yours.”
“Would it hurt Daddy?” she asked, concern on her little face.
“Not much, baby, and I’m tough. I can take it.” Chase lifted her hand and kissed it.
She laughed. “Will I be all better, then? Will Leuky leave?”
“We hope so.”
“Will I have to have more of the mean medicine?”
I wanted desperately to tell her that she’d never need to have chemo again, but I didn’t know and I didn’t want to lie to her. The back of my eyes burned, and Chase turned his head and blinked. We were both trying to hide our emotions from our little one. “We hope not, baby. One step at a time.”
“Daddy?” she asked, looking at Chase. “Will you go away if I get better?”
Chase shook his head adamantly and reached for her, pulling her from my arms and into his. “No way. You’re not getting rid of me.”
I couldn’t help the tears that escaped, and I quickly brushed them away. It was amazing how close they were in a day.
There was a knock on the door. “Come in.” I got up and walked forward as the nurse came in.
“Dr. Radar called. He said that per Mr. Forrester’s instructions, the rest of the donor tests are set up for tomorrow. He needs to be here at 6 AM.”
“Okay,” I nodded, folding my arms over my chest. “They’re just having a moment. I know the testing process. I’ll let Chase know.”
She nodded. “Also, Dr. Radar said he wanted to speak to you both and he’s coming up to the floor. He asked you to wait.”
Fear made my chest tighten. “Is everything okay?”
“As far as I know.”
“We were wondering if we could take Remi out for a bit?”
“That’s something you can discuss with the doctor.”
“Okay, thank you.” I paused. She was new to this wing and I didn’t know her yet. “What was your name? You’re new, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I just transferred to pediatric oncology from the regular cancer wing. It breaks my heart that babies have to go through this, and I want to help them. My name is Lucy.” This nurse smiled. She had a gentle face and calming voice and was maybe five years older than me.
“Lucy. That’s a nice name.”
“You’re little one is a peach. I’ve only just met her and I adore her, already. So happy; despite all she is dealing with. She’s a trooper.”
Pride filled me up at the same time I couldn’t deny the sadness about Remi’s illness. “Yes, she is special.”
At that moment, a peal of laughter came from the room as Remi giggled at something Chase said and his deeper chuckle joined hers.
The nurse nodded toward the room. “Wow. Ace Forrester. Sounds like she has really taken to him. The entire floor is buzzing about it.”
