her.
“I’m just happy.”
A slow feeling comes over my chest. “I like hearing that I can make you happy.”
When we were together before, Ashley used to talk about going on dates. She wasn’t into the glitz and glamour. Her idea of a perfect date was dinner, like a picnic, and that’s what I wanted to do for her tonight. I knew showering her with expensive gifts wouldn’t make her as happy as a picnic with the both of us.
“Next time, we’ll have Alex come with us.”
She smiles and nods. “I love that idea. Maybe we can plan a vacation. I have some time off I need to use. He’s never been to Disney.”
“Whatever you and Alex want, I’ll give to you both.”
Chapter 32
Ashley
Gina sits down next to me. “Hey, you.”
“Hey! How are you doing?”
Marcy didn’t have a good morning, and Grant’s a mess. Gina said she needs to work so she’s not obsessing and thinking about Marcy’s prognosis.
“I’m trying. Just saw Grant, and he’s a mess. I don’t know what to say to him. I hate to ask you…”
“Yes. Gina, I’ll go in and talk to him. Don’t worry.”
She lets out a breath and rolls her chair over to hug me. “It’ll mean so much to me. Thank you.”
I hug her back. “No problem. Can you check on Niles for me?”
“On it.”
I pat Gina’s shoulder and make my way to Marcy’s room.
When I worked overnight, I was with her and Grant and saw the start of the complications. As much as I wanted to stay and make sure she was okay, I knew I had to get back to my floor and get my work done. One of the nurses kept me updated and said during her feeding, she became fussy and coughed hard, causing herself to vomit the formula. Gina walked by the room and saw what was going on. She became frantic, and once Marcy was better, I was able to focus on my patients.
I get to the room and knock on the door before walking in. Grant looks up, and my heart breaks. His eyes are bloodshot, and his hair’s disheveled along with his clothes.
“Hey.” I walk over and hug him. “I know this is hard for you, but we’re all here rooting for her and here for you.”
“Thanks. It means a lot. I don’t know what to do. I just feel lost. My baby girl is fighting for her life, and there’s nothing I can do. I want to switch places with her. Hell, can I give her my life?”
I rub my hand against his back. “I know this is hard for you. When Alex was here, I felt the same way. I wanted to give him my life. There was so much I wanted to do but knew that wasn’t possible. The best thing you can do is be here for her. Talk to her. Read to her. Tell her how much you love her.”
Grant breaks down, pressing his forehead against the incubator. “Please. Baby girl, be strong and know Daddy’s right here. Daddy’s not going anywhere. I need you to be okay.”
“Shhh,” I try to comfort him.
“Oh, God, Ashley, please help her.”
“I will, Grant. I’m going to watch over her and ensure she gets the best care. She’s in good hands. We love her, and all of us are doing everything we can.”
“Thank you so much, Ashley.” Grant begins yawning and rubbing his eyes.
“Go lay down and sleep. I’ll be with her. Gina’s helping me out with my babies so I have time to be with her.”
“Thank you. I hate to admit it, but I need sleep.”
“It’s perfectly normal. Go lie down, and I’ll be here.”
“Alright. Daddy will be back, baby girl. Stay strong. I love you. Daddy loves you.”
When Grant sits down on the reclining chair, I check Marcy’s vitals, and everything looks good. Better than last night. I look over at her and smile. “You got this, Marcy. Keep fighting.”
I don’t get out of work at six like I planned on. Clayton’s putting Alex to bed when I get back and place my bags on the floor. I hurry into his room and sit on the other side of the bed, listening to Clayton finish the story he’s reading.
“Hi, Mama.” I lean down and kiss his forehead. “I had fun with dad today.”
“That’s good, honey. I’m sorry I got out of work late. It was very busy. I have off tomorrow so I can pick you up, and we can go to the