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“Thank you. It’s good news, sir. You’re a good match for Remi’s marrow.”
I sucked in a shaky breath and exhaled. Teagan was fidgeting next to me, and I slid my free arm around her and smiled, nodding. “Oh, thank God. When can we do this?”
“I’m afraid that is something you’ll have to discuss with Dr. Radar, but I’ll put it on his schedule to give you a call when he’s finished with his rounds.”
“Thank you,” I murmured. Teagan’s arm, now around my waist tightened.
“Your welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You as well. Goodbye.”
I turned and lifted Teagan into my arms, swinging her around. She squealed in surprise and hugged me tightly. “It’s happening!” My tone was loud in my exuberance, and I didn’t care that everyone in the room looked at us. “It’s happening, Teagan!”
I set her down and kissed her hard on her mouth. She was laughing and crying all at the same time. I laughed with her and then brushed the back of my knuckles against her cheek. “This is no time for tears.”
“What in bloody hell?”
I heard Bronwyn’s snarky English accent behind me and turned to see her marching toward us. Teagan pulled away as if she was being burned by my touch. Guilt was written all over her.
“We just got the DNA results. Chase is a match.” She said quickly, rubbing her lower lip with the back of her wrist. “We were just happy.”
Bronwyn’s eyes narrowed and her lips pursed for a split second before she smiled wide. I saw her blatant animosity, even if Teagan didn’t, but I wouldn’t let her ruin the moment. “That’s excellent news! We can get on with it, then?”
I was acutely aware of the difference in Teagan’s demeanor and the literal space that suddenly separated us. “When Remi’s infection clears, I think, but we have to talk to her doctors.”
“Good. Well, here’s hoping it’s bloody soon. We can all get back to normal.”
I huffed at Bronwyn’s barely veiled jibe. If I had my way, there would be a new normal.
TEAGAN
Remi was out of surgery and in recovery. She wouldn’t be in her room for another hour and Chase suggested we get a late breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, but what he really meant was that he was going to buy breakfast for Bronwyn and I and then call Dr. Radar’s office to make an appointment to set up the transplant.
I knew him well enough to understand that he saddled me with Bronwyn so he was able to make the call in private. I was nervous about being left alone with the other woman but was confident that Chase would include me in the appointment regarding the transplant.
I picked at some mixed fruit while the other woman devoured a bagel with cream cheese and lox, scrambled eggs, and bacon. I couldn’t help being jealous at how much she could eat and still stay so fit, but then, I had spent the better part of the last three years in a hospital room with my daughter.
She eyed me as she chewed a bite of bagel. It was awkward; even more, after what happened between Chase and I. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and forked up a piece of fresh pineapple.
“So, lucky Chase is a match, eh?” Bronwyn said bluntly.
“Yes,” I said, putting a hand over my mouth as I answered, due to the fruit in my mouth.
She nodded and sat back in her chair, assessing my reaction to her words. “I know Chase is anxious to get back to England and his football club.”
I swallowed, my eyes snapping up to hers. She looked on smugly; her eyes daring me to contradict her.
I didn’t want to get into an argument, but she was begging for one. “That’s nice,” I said, laying down my fork. Suddenly, I had no appetite.
“Yes, isn’t it. Don’t get any ideas about using the girl to keep him here. He’s putting on a great show, but his heart is on the field. You’ve got him by the balls right now, but don’t think it will last.”
I huffed in mock amusement as my jaw jutted out involuntarily. I feigned nonchalance and incredulity at the audacity of her remark. “Chase makes his own decisions.”
“He always has, hasn’t he?” She picked up her glass of orange juice and took a sip. “Chase is all man, that’s for sure, but he’s mine. He has been for years. And he’s already chosen football over you once. You’d best be remembering that.”
I cleared my throat. Her words stung, I couldn’t deny it and I was sure the skin on my face was flushed. The conversation was embarrassing and painful.
“How gratifying for you,” I returned. “I’m not trying to influence anything Chase decides, Bronwyn. I’m grateful he’s helping our daughter.”
