Chapter 23
Catherine finished the schedules and went about the units, posting them. She stopped twice to answer questions and returned to her office, expecting Kassie any minute.
Her head throbbed, and she weaved as she sat on the couch. The dizzy spell hit her all at once, and she lay down, hoping to stave it off.
“Catherine?” Kassie said, peeking inside. When she saw her friend lying down, she knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel weak, and my head keeps pounding. We might have to skip lunch,” she admitted. “I’m not feeling good.”
Kassie rose and picked up the phone.
“Hi, Rosemary. It’s Kassie. Can you please page Dr. Green to Catherine’s office? Thanks.”
“I don’t need a doctor. It’s a headache,” she argued.
“When’s the last time you checked your blood pressure?” Kassie asked.
“Yesterday with Dr. Greene. It’s elevated, but not too bad,” she said, closing her eyes.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and Kassie called, “Come in.”
“Hello, Catherine. What’s the matter?” Dr. Greene asked as Kassie moved out of the way and went to fetch a cool cloth for her head.
“I’ve suffered a headache all morning. It’s progressively getting worse. I’m almost dizzy.”
Kassie passed Dr. Greene a blood pressure cuff, and the doctor wrapped it over her arm.
“Any nausea?” she asked.
“Yes,” Catherine told her as the cuff tightened while Dr. Greene listened.
“Kassie, we’ll need a room and a wheelchair. Let’s order another blood panel, and I’ll put in the order for some medications. Have you taken anything for your head?” Dr. Greene asked.
“No. I drank my water, hoping it’d ease up while I hung the schedules,” she said, as Kassie placed the cloth on her forehead.
“Will we admit her?” Kassie asked as one of the aides entered, pushing a wheelchair.
“Yes. I’ll keep her for observation. We need to get the blood pressure under control.
You, young lady, must rest. I know Leo left this morning, but it’s important to keep the stress down,” Dr. Greene informed her.
“If you can possibly place her near the nurses’ unit.
If she’s anything like you, we’ll have to keep an eye on her. ”
“I can’t. What about the kids? Melody has her school project due. Grace has an eye doctor appointment. We’re not sure if she’s squinting because Leo taught her how to use night vision or if she’s got a problem with her eyesight.”
Dr. Greene laughed. “Your husband needs his head checked. Before we know it, little Grace will be a SEAL running her own team.”
“It’s his dream,” Catherine sighed. “I think he’s given up on Derrick following in his footsteps since he’s attached to my boob.”
Kassie laughed. “Give him time.”
“Can’t you start me on meds and check on me throughout the day?” Catherine asked, hopefully.
“No,” Dr. Greene shut her down. “Until we get you under control, you’re staying put.”
“Victoria will bring Melody home with Emma. Avie has Grace and Derrick. She’ll bring him down for his next feeding. I’ll grab you a few things from the cafeteria, and we’ll have lunch together,” Kassie said, trying to make her feel better.
They wheeled her down the hall, putting her across from the nurse’s station. Kassie brought up lunch and sat beside her while they ate.
“Do you feel anxious about something?” Kassie asked. “You’ve never dealt with this problem in your last pregnancies.”
“Leo acted weird this morning. He fed Derrick, finished all the laundry, unloaded the dishwasher, and pre-packed snacks for me for work. Each one has a note attached. He’s never done it before,” she admitted.
“He’s trying to show you how much he loves you,” Kassie explained. “He stopped by yesterday before returning home. Leo asked me to find you a helper and watch over you. The nanny you used last time has agreed to start tomorrow.”
Catherine started to protest when Kassie stopped her.
“I gave him my promise. You have your hands full right now. Yes, Carol and Jake can help out, but they’re no spring chickens. You have a full zoo. Let someone younger handle the monkeys while you rest. Leo would insist I keep you here.”
Catherine rolled her eyes. “Leo wanted me to wear a bug mask and ran daily exercises with the team with dummies hooked to their backs to find the shortest route to get me to the hospital. Do you really trust his judgment?”
“I’m not taking chances with my best friend,” Kassie said stubbornly. “You’re here until Dr. Greene releases you.”
Catherine flopped against the pillows, and her mind drifted to her husband. He promised her he’d stay safe and come home to their family. Then why did he act like he wouldn’t see them again as they said their goodbyes?
* * *
“Thank you for coming in on such short notice. I’m taking Catherine’s kids for the night. She’s in room 204. Don’t let her work on anything,” Kassie instructed. “How do you feel? I know you and Liam have grown closer since the mudslide incident.”
“I’m fine. I saw him this morning before they left,” she confided. “Do you know a painter? I’m thinking of redoing a few of my rooms.”
“You did? I must’ve missed you at the facility,” Kassie said. “I have a contractor we keep busy all year round. I’ll text you his number, and he’ll get you a quote.”
“I came to the facility, and they already pulled out of the parking lot. I caught them on the airfield,” she said, feeling the heat rise to her face.
“Ohhh,” Kassie said, getting the picture. “I hope you sent him off in good spirits.”
“I believe I did,” she replied, grinning.
“He’s a nice man,” Kassie said. “If Catherine’s still in the hospital, we’ll all meet here and move to the conference room to give us more room.
Samantha, Lizzy, Tess, and Bryanna have volunteered to help with the kids.
Poor Claire has morning sickness, as does Gabby.
I sent a helper to Gabby’s house to help with Marcus.
Avie’s sending a couple of the teens over to help with the circus at my house. ”
“Will Doc need a bed beside Catherine?” she teased.
“He’s used to it. Our family keeps growing. On Sunday, if Catherine’s feeling better, we might take the kids swimming at the facility. If we’re lucky, the men will call us while we’re there. Bear showed Stormy how to handle everything.”
“May I come? Liam might call,” she stammered.
“Absolutely. We’ll bring snacks and sandwiches for the kids.
If we wear them out in the afternoon, we can have a movie night with the older ones and put all the babies in the nursery at my house.
The twins can sleep together. Tori has moved to a big girl bed, so we can put a couple in her old crib and use a portable one. ”
“Thanks. I’ll see you there,” Addyson said as she did her rounds. In two days, she’d see Liam. Her heart pitter-pattered, and she smiled, feeling happier than ever.