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I gasp for breath. “H-He’s healthy?”
The enthusiasm in Wilson’s voice is palpable as he answers, “Yes. There are no signs or markers that suggest Brugada Syndrome.”
I keep blinking as the information finally registers through the veil of fear that had been occupying my mind for months.
“Thank you for calling,” Amanda said, drying her tears. “This is the best wedding gift we could have asked for.”
“Congratulations. I’m so glad I had something wonderful to tell you on your special day. Have a great time and I’ll see you at your next appointment.”
As the line goes silent, I stumble onto the couch next to Amanda and let out uncontrollable sobs from the depths of my being. The pile of tension and dread that I’ve been holding while waiting on this phone call dissolves away.
He’s healthy. I didn’t pass him the gene.
Amanda wraps her arm around me and leans her head onto my shoulder. “Just let it out, babe,” she whispers. Time passes as I cry and allow a sense of relief to wash over me as I release the enormous weight of fear, worry, and guilt that had been consuming me. I didn’t pass the genes. We would have dealt with the result either way by making sure Chase has the best life possible but damned if this isn’t the result I prayed for. As I turn my gaze to the two wonders in my life, Amanda places my son in my arms.
“You’re Daddy’s and Mommy’s miracle, Chase.”
He opens his eyes and reaches for my face with his tiny fingers. His gaze penetrates my soul as I smile at him. “I love you so much, buddy.”
My eyes widen in shock as his lips curl up into a smile and make their way up to his eyes.
“Oh my goodness,” Amanda whispers, “he’s smiling at you. That’s his first smile!” She wraps her arms around my neck as I turn toward her, connecting our lips together in a kiss.
“This is already the best day of our lives,” she says as she pulls away from me.
“Let’s break the good news to the others,” she says, taking Chase from me and walking out of the living room. As soon as we step into the kitchen, all conversation stops. The only sound is the laughter of Charlotte, Liam, and Samantha playing outside. All eyes are on us, waiting for a reaction.
Alisha is the first to ask, “And?”
I swallow hard. “He doesn’t have Brugada,” I say in one breath.
The women shriek in joy while Nick and Cole yell out a triumphant, “Yes!”
Martha and John are the first to reach me, and Martha throws her arms around me. “Oh, Brian, you sweet boy. I’m so glad he’s okay.”
John pats my back. “You’ve been through enough; you can now focus on raising our grandbaby into a great young man like his father.”
I look at them both with teary eyes. “Thank you both so much. Your kindness and understanding remind me of my parents.”
Martha touches my cheek and smiles warmly. “We are proud to call you our son-in-law,” she said.
I wipe away a tear with a nod of appreciation.
Nick and Cole enter and both embrace me.
“We couldn’t be happier for you,” they say in unison.
“Thanks. Now let’s get this wedding underway,” I respond, turning back to Amanda. “I guess I’m getting myself a wife.”
She looks into my eyes, the mischief palpable in her chocolate pupils. After handing off Chase to her mother, she takes a step toward me and speaks softly in my ear. “I’m not wearing any panties under this robe, Mr. Fox,” she whispers, her voice like velvet.
Fire ignites in my gut as I gaze upon the smooth fabric. Before I can grab her, she pulls away from me and orders her ladies-in-waiting. “Girls, it’s time to get moving. The wedding is in two hours and the guests can start arriving at any moment, so let’s do this.”
“Hell yeah,” Alisha says with a clap, and the women follow Amanda out of the room.
Two hoursand fifteen minutes later, I’m standing in front of the tent, trying not to be too obvious about wiping my sweaty palms on my pants.
My two best friends snicker.
