It was still pretty early, so Rowan knew that the little one’s mum wouldn’t be back for a few more hours, so until then, he was in charge of all the feeds.
Goddess, he couldn’t imagine having to leave his little one in the hospital and go home.
He managed to smile a little when he realised Mikhail had him saying goddess, too, now.
Rowan bent over to get the correct milk for Baby O’Connor when he felt dizzy, and before he knew it, he saw the floor coming up to meet him. But the floor never came, because Baxter managed to grab Rowan before he crash-landed.
“Steady now,” Baxter said as he moved Rowan to one of the chairs kept in the room for mothers to express their milk. “Ya all right, mate.”
Rowan looked up to find Baxter studying him.
He looked away quickly before replying, “I missed breakfast.”
He hadn’t. Mikhail had made sure he had a nice bowl of porridge before leaving the suite.
He realised that he was pushing himself, and his body was fighting him. Rowan knew what advice he would give any of his patients with his symptoms.
He was about to get to his feet again when Baxter pushed him down. “Let’s have a look at your BP.” Ro had completely missed the man grabbing a blood pressure monitor, and he groaned as Baxter urged him to push his long sleeve t-shirt he wore under his scrubs back. He didn’t need his blood pressure checked. It was just that he got dizzy, but he was fine now.
“I’m fine… really.” He tried to convince the other man. Goddess Rowan was using the word ‘fine’ when he hated other people saying it.
Baxter shook his head. “Hate to say this, mate, but fine people don’t faint. Besides, can’t have you putting any of the little ’uns in harm’s way.”
Rowan immediately felt contrite. Baxter was right, and he should know better. It was definitely time to resign, and Rowan said ‘resign’ because he knew he would be going home with Mikhail, to Whitfell.
Baxter took Ro’s blood pressure, and Ro didn’t even look in his direction. As Baxter let the air out, he shook his head. “Your BP is not good. It’s actually quite low, which, as you know, is as bad as it being too high.”
Rowan’s shoulders sagged. Yeah, he should have listened to his boss and his mate sooner.
“Even though we are shorthanded, I think you will agree it’s best for you to go home for the day.” Baxter’s voice was soft but firm.
Rowan nodded. “You’re right, can you make sure my patient gets fed, please.”
“I will do that. I’m sure you probably got a touch of the flu or something that’s going around.”
Ha! Like heck he had the flu, but he couldn’t really say, “Actually, I’m knocked up because my boyfriend can turn into a wolf.”
“Yeah, I will definitely be seeing my GP if I don’t feel better in a day or so.” Rowan fibbed. “But, I think you’re right. I should get home.”
“I don’t think you should be driving. Is there anyone you can call?” Baxter asked concerned, but Rowan could see he was also preoccupied. And he got it he was leaving them shorthanded.
“Why don’t you get to work, and I’ll ring someone to come get me.” He’d been stubborn enough he wouldn’t put himself, his baby, or any other person on the road in danger. He was calling Mikhail to come and get him.
“Good. I was going to suggest you phone out for a cab,” Baxter looked at his watch and grimaced. “I best get back to it.”
“Sorry for wasting your time.” Rowan knew just how busy the paediatric wing could be, especially for nurses taking care of the preemies.
“No trouble.” Even as he spoke, he was already heading back to the room they’d just left.
Rowan got his phone out of his pocket and dialled Mikhail’s number, and he realised he knew it off the top of his head. When was the last time that had happened?
“Hey, babe, everything okay?” Rowan heard the concern in Mikhail’s voice. He never called while Mik was at work; he usually texted.
“Can you grab a cab and come get me?” Because he knew Mikhail would worry, he was quick to add, “I’m doing okay, but my BP is a little low.”
“I’m on my way,” Mikhail said immediately.
Ro hung up the phone and went off to the locker room to grab his coat and all the bits and bobs that had ended up there over the years. He just knew he wouldn’t be back.
