Loving Lizzy (The Serenity Mountain Series Book 6)

Chapter Ten

They pulled into the parking lot of Chase’s hospital. Michael shut the car off. Somehow, it seemed like the trip up the mountain held a finality to it. She exited the car, taking deep breaths of the refreshing mountain air. Her heart began to pound as Michael gently took her hand and walked toward the path. Gazing at the trees and winter flowers, she memorized the beauty of her favorite spot. When they reached the top, she stopped and took in the surrounding mountains as if it were her last time ever to see the magnificent view surrounding them. Feeling on edge, she wanted Michael to remember this moment, to know she didn’t have any regrets and how much he meant to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her head rested on his chest.

“I love you. If anything happens to me, I want you to know I don’t regret a single moment of our time together. Giving birth to Conner without you hurt like hell. When I lost our precious boy, the pain felt endless. The day I left you, I experienced that same ache in my heart because I knew I was abandoning you. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

“I do. I know you tried to protect me in your own way. Now, I want you to know you can count on me. I love you, Lizzy Bee,” he whispered as he tilted her face toward him and kissed her gently.

She remained silent all the way to Seattle. He left her lost in her thoughts. She always handled high-pressure situations the same way.

“Do you need a minute?” he asked, putting the keys in his jacket pocket.

“No. We should check in. There’s always last-minute paperwork. We might as well get it done.” She opened her car door, indicating she felt ready.

He walked around the car and pulled the bag from the trunk and took her hand. They walked side by side into the place Michael had visited a million times. Yet this time, the building seemed darker, more foreboding. His heart pounded as he clutched her hand. He swallowed down the knot in his throat.

They walked down the corridor following the pink ribbons on the floor leading to the women’s breast cancer unit. Michael opened the door, letting Lizzy go first. She stopped abruptly, making Michael rush closer to her side.

Chase stood with Kassie, who held a bouquet of balloons that read, “I’m kicking cancer’s ass today.” She wore a pink dress with a pink ribbon tied to her left shoulder. Standing next to her, Cathrine, dressed in a blue dress and a matching ribbon to Kassie’s, held a vase of pink roses. Samantha, wearing a winter white pantsuit beneath her ribbon, held a dressing gown with a matching hospital gown covered in the breast cancer insignia. Bryanna, dressed in a warm gold sweater dress, sported the ribbon and carried a pink water bottle, pink socks, a pink journal, and a couple of crossword puzzle books. The men stood next to their partners wearing pink polo shirts embroidered with a ribbon for support. Saint stood next to Bryanna, who seemed uncomfortable. Taco and Shadow stood behind him with their arms crossed. The women held resolute faces as they seemed prepared for battle. The warriors beside them offered silent but firm support.

“What are you all doing here?” Lizzy exclaimed in awe.

“We’re here to support you. We’ll wait in the waiting room down the hall,” Kassie explained.

“You don’t need to go to all this trouble. The kids need to be picked up from school. Bryanna, you’ve got a bakery to run. Samantha, you started a new job,” she stuttered. Clearly moved by their thoughtfulness.

Michael’s arm pulled her close. He seemed at a loss for words.

A nurse approached the group, “Hello Elizabeth. I see your welcome committee found you. If you’re ready to get settled, I can take you back to your room.”

“Hello, Candi. Give me a moment,” Lizzy greeted her nurse.

Candi moved off to the side while Lizzy said her goodbyes. The men moved and fell in line behind Michael, and Chase stood by his side.

Lizzy hugged Kassie while the other women placed their hands on her shoulder. “We’re here whenever you need us,” Kassie whispered in her ear.

“If they want to come back with you, they’re welcome. We’ll get you changed and settled in. I’ll come back for Dr. Harris.” Michael moved to Lizzy’s side, determined not to leave her.

She turned to face him, her hand going to his chest. “Please. I’m only changing, and then they’ll return to get you. I’m fine.” She smiled at him.

Michael brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I’ll go down the hall,” he told her. Samantha took her bag from Michael.

The women followed her as Candi led her to a cheerfully decorated room. Samantha placed her bag on the table. Kassie tied the balloons to the vase while Catherine and Lizzy sat down.

“Dr. Brady and the anesthesiologist will visit you closer to your scheduled time. Wear our surgical gown for the procedure, and then I’ll get you changed into your new ensemble. The staff agreed you’d arrive early; there’s plenty of time. Let me know when you want me to call Dr. Harris back.”

Lizzy sat down on the bed. “I guess this is it,” she stated softly.

“Lizzy, we can give you encouragement, hold your hand, or pray over you. You tell us what you need.” Bryanna pointed to Catherine to stay put in the chair.

Catherine rolled her eyes and huffed. “Trust me, Lizzy. Tell us what you need, or they’ll start bossing you around too.” She leaned over and rubbed Lizzy’s arm. “We want to help you.”

“I don’t want Michael to see me nervous. He’s already worried enough.” She gripped the edge of the bed.

Kassie sat down next to her. “The men will support Michael and we’ll keep an eye on him. Of course, you’re nervous. It’s a life-changing event. You’re not alone. As women, we hold things together because we don’t want to worry our loved ones. We want to remind you it’s not selfish to think about yourself. You can feel mad, sad, grief, anxiety, and any other emotion you experience. You can share whatever makes you comfortable and we’ll respect your privacy.”

“Thank you. Right now, I’m terrified. What if they find something? Michael and I finally found each other again. Last night felt incredible. I don’t know why I waited. I let a silly scar keep me from him. I didn’t want him to get hurt. Now it doesn’t mean anything, it’s going to be cut away forever,” she confessed.

Kassie cocked her head at Lizzy. “It means you survived. You fought the battle and won. There’s no shame in how you feel. It isn’t silly at all.”

“Nope, you kicked its butt once. You’ll do it again,” Catherine affirmed.

“You’re entitled to your emotions so give yourself grace. You lost a child while rebels held your husband. I know it’s hard to believe, and I hate to break it to you, but you’re human,” Bryanna advised.

Lizzy nodded. “Help me? Can you keep talking? It’ll calm the jitters. Tell me about things going on with you. Kassie, how’s the IVF and Michael and I wondered if you’ve seen Rachel lately? Catherine, what ridiculous thing did Leo read or watch now? Bryanna, what new dessert did you come up with? Samantha, did I see Whiskey’s hand on your back?”

Samantha blushed. “Whiskey and I recently got back together. We’re staying with him at his house and taking one day at a time. Bryan has graciously allowed me to work from home. I can keep the shop in town, and he hired some extra employees. As of last week, my skincare line will launch by this summer and ‘Whiskey and Sunshine’ tea is being sold worldwide.”

The women congratulated Samantha as she smiled from ear to ear. Catherine spoke up next.

“The local library called demanding Leo return at least half the books from the maternity section. I’m mortified to show my face in town. He asked Chase to hold a birthing class for the team in case I go into labor, and he isn’t around. One of the men will stay always assigned to me. He swore if they peeked at my cooter he’ll punch them in the jaw. If I go into labor my child will be delivered by a blindfolded Navy SEAL.” The women giggled.

Lizzy snorted. “Oh my gosh. Can you picture it? Shadow and Saint taking the job seriously. Taco, on the other hand, might be blindfolded, checking your cooter with one hand, and God forbid it be born on Tuesday. He’d have a taco in the other hand.” The women burst into laughter.

“Bryanna?” Lizzy glanced at her friend.

“I can’t tell you what I cooked up yet. My testers claim it’s my best dessert yet and doesn’t contain any sugar,” she bragged.

“May I ask who you’re using as taste testers because I didn’t get an invite?” Kassie accused.

“I can take a guess,” Catherine chimed in.

Bryanna shot her a scowl. “Why not? He shows up every morning and eats anything I put in front of him. He keeps my business running,” she defended herself.

Lizzy covered her mouth with her hand. “Did Saint ask you out yet? He’s crushing on you, big time.”

“He’s only a customer. I’m not buying anything he’s selling,” Bryanna announced.

The women shared knowing smiles.

“Kassie?” Lizzy nudged her friend.

“We’re doing another round in a month. Chase insists we consider adoption if this one doesn’t work. I’m not opposed. Plus, my teen ward keeps me busy, and the kids amaze me daily. The veterans have pitched in and taught the youths different skills like changing tires and oil on the cars, cooking, and cleaning properly, and they meet every week to assign chores to the kids and oversee them.” Her pride in her project clearly showed in her voice. “I’ve only seen Rachel once since our rehearsal dinner. I went shopping for groceries for the team and turned into the produce section, and she was there. Her face scowled up like I made her eat a prune. I ignored her when she approached me and started insinuating Chase met with her on the side. When I finished putting my eyes back in place from rolling them, Matthew came in to help carry the groceries to the truck. She took one glance in his direction, her face turned three shades of red and she stammered something about karma and took off like her ass caught on fire. I asked Matthew if he knew anything concerning her reaction. He stayed mum but watched her leave the store without paying for her groceries. I figured Samantha dealt with her coming into the shop.”

Samantha shook her head. “I’m rarely there and if there’s an issue, the employees call me. I can’t say I’ve seen her purchasing my products lately on the customer list. She isn’t necessarily my favorite person if you know what I mean.”

Candi knocked on the door and stuck her head in. “Dr. Brady finished her last surgery and will be around within forty minutes. Go ahead and get changed and then push the button when you’re ready. I’ll send Dr. Harris back. You’re already pre-registered, I only need two signatures.”

“Thank you, Candi.” Lizzy paled a bit.

The women began to move around the room. Bryanna pulled out the socks with sticky bottoms to place on her feet. Samantha held up a sheet while Lizzy removed her top and slipped the generic hospital gown on. Kassie folded the clothes and unzipped the overnight bag to place the items inside. She pulled the beautiful bra and panty set from the bag.

“You decided not to wear it today?” she questioned.

Lizzy smiled. “I made one more special memory with it last night. I don’t need it anymore.”

“I’ll take it with me then if you don’t mind?” Kassie waited until she nodded before placing it in the plastic patient bag hanging on the back of the door.

Lizzy slid under the sheet on the hospital bed. Samantha and Kassie stood on one side while Bryanna and Catherine walked to the opposite side. Catherine took her left hand while Kassie took her right. They clasped hands completing a circle with each other. Bryanna reached across the bed and took Samantha’s. Lizzy watched the women.

Bryanna closed her eyes,

“We request your healing angels to watch over our friend today. Let our friendship provide her with the courage she requires to battle cancer. Remind her how much she’s loved. We promise to care for her and Michael until she gains her strength. We’ll always provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a hand to hold.”

Lizzy swiped away the tears, “Oh, you ladies are my biggest blessing. Thank you for those words of comfort. I’ll cherish it forever.”

Catherine leaned in and gave her a hug. Bryanna followed, then Samantha. Kassie clutched her and kissed her cheek. They filed to the door. Michael came in as they made their way out. They offered him silent support by rubbing his arm as they walked out.

* * *

Michael’s heartpounded in his ears. He barely felt the women’s touch as they walked by him. His focus zeroed in on Lizzy, who seemed small in the hospital bed. He closed the door as the women left.

He walked to the edge of the bed and took her hand in his. His thumb caressed the top of her knuckles.

“Candi said she needed two forms signed and the doctors will come in shortly,” she informed him.

Michael swallowed the lump in his throat. “Lizzy, I know we aren’t married anymore, but I hope you’ll consider me as your contact person.”

“I’ve already filled out all the paperwork and listed you as my medical power of attorney and my contact person. I signed the HIPPA forms and listed you, Kassie, and Chase to have access to my medical records.”

Michael glanced up alarmed.

“It’s a precaution. You know I plan everything. If any medical decisions require your permission, I want Chase and Kassie to help you make the right choices,” she explained.

“I won’t need to make any decisions without you,” he determinedly stated. He stared at her hand, and he rubbed her ring finger thinking it missed her wedding ring.

Lizzy tilted his head up with her other hand. “No. I’ll feel better if it’s there. You know me, Murphy’s law, and everything.”

He nodded.

Candi knocked at the door. She quietly stepped in. “I’ll start prepping your IV’s. May I get you anything? Dr. Harris?”

“Where’s the doctor?” Michael asked impatiently.

“She’s on her way, Michael. You know how this works,” Lizzy teased.

“I’m sorry, Candi. I didn’t mean to sound like an ass,” he apologized.

“No offense taken, Dr. Harris. Lizzy, I need the consent form signed and I scheduled your follow up appointment per your request. Do you have any questions for me?”

“No. Thank you,” she stated.

“I’ll be right here when you wake up,” Michael reassured her.

“Don’t forget to eat something. We don’t know how long they’ll keep me after the procedure. It’s best you get something while I’m in surgery,” she reminded him.

“I’m fine,” he dismissed her.

“Michael,” she used her motherly tone.

“I’ll eat. I promise,” he corrected. He didn’t want to cause her anymore stress.

Dr. Brady knocked and entered the room. “Hello, Elizabeth. The procedure will take us a little less than two hours. If I see anything concerning, I’ll take a biopsy as we discussed in the office. I’m confirming you’ve decided not to proceed with breast reconstruction surgery at this time.”

“You’re correct.” Lizzy nodded.

“If you change your mind, it can be revisited after you’ve healed.” Dr. Brady typed something on her computer. “Can I answer any other questions you may have?”

“Do you anticipate any issues?” Michael interrupted. His grip on her hand tightened.

“I won’t know until I get into the procedure. Don’t get alarmed if it takes a little more time or even less. I’ll come and find you as soon as we finish and update you,” she assured him.

“We covered everything in the office. I read through all the pamphlets and spoke with the counselor you suggested,” Lizzy told her.

“Dr. Barker will come in to go over your medications again and then I’ll come in and mark your chest. If you think of anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Dr. Brady smiled reassuringly before she turned toward the door.

Dr. Barker made his appearance. “Hello, Elizabeth. I want to reassure you that you’re in good hands. I know you filled out the paperwork, but I’ll review your medications. You didn’t list any known allergies and you stopped birth control according to my records.”

“Yes,” she told him.

“Do you have any family history of issues with anesthesia? Have you experienced any reactions?” Dr. Barker asked.

“I don’t know my family history, but went through a lumpectomy with no issues,” she stated. Michael didn’t miss her nervous habit of biting her lip. He stroked her arm with his other hand because he refused to let her hand go.

“Alright Elizabeth, I’ll give Dr. Brady time to do her thing then I’ll give you something to relax you. Your heart rate’s a little high, but nothing concerning.” Dr. Barker nodded and walked out of the room.

“I don’t want you to worry. Dr. Brady’s considered one of the best,” she rushed.

“I know. I checked her out already. Chase agreed she’s the best. I’ll stay right down the hall, and I’ll be right here when they bring you back,” he reassured her nervously.

“You already told me, silly,” she giggled. “Don’t forget to eat and we’ll go home and veg out in the new recliner in the living room. Let’s binge watch the new tv series we saw the previews for the other night.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He searched her face for any indication of how scared she must feel. As usual, Lizzy hid her emotions, but he wasn’t completely fooled.

The knock at the door made him jump. Dr. Brady came in carrying a marker. “I need to mark you now. Dr. Harris is welcome to stay if you’re comfortable with it.”

She turned toward Michael. “I know you’re getting ready to insist on staying. Can you wait outside for me? I want to say goodbye before I go back.”

“Whatever you need, Lizzy Bee,” he told her. It stung him, she didn’t want him to stay. He wanted to selfishly insist he’d turn his head if it made her feel better if he got a few more minutes. He didn’t want her stressed right before surgery. This was about her needs.

He stood and walked to the door. He closed it behind him and gripped the railing on the wall as he waited for Dr. Brady to finish. He listened intently as she reiterated the procedure and drew on Lizzy’s chest. The conversation muffled through the door, but he strained to hear it. He wanted to do everything correctly for Lizzy when she was released.

It seemed like forever before the doctor opened the door. She allowed him in, and he zeroed in on the woman he loved. Lizzy’s face resembled one of calm acceptance. He smiled, trying to put her at ease. He took his place by her side. She leaned her body off the side of the bed and laid her head on his shoulder, careful not to pull on the lines or the IV.

“I love you, Michael.”

“I love you, too, Lizzy Bee.”

He stood while the nurses and Dr. Barker entered the room. He clung to her hand as he watched them push something through the IV. The nurses pulled up the sides of the bed and worked around him. Lizzy’s head rested on her pillow, but her eyes never left his. He leaned down and gave her a kiss and caressed the top of her head. They pushed her bed out of the room. He rejoined her and walked down the hall, holding her hand as they wheeled her toward the double doors. They paused, allowing him one more goodbye. Then he watched as the love of his life disappeared with the team of doctors and nurses. Now, he waited.