Wanting to get them back on solid ground, I said, “You’re both wrong. You totally deserve each other.”
I gave them a few minutes alone while I used a tissue to dry my face. They didn’t need to see me crying too.
When Emily screamed, I ran back to her side. Jamie blanched as the bedsheets turned red.
Emily passed out.
Jamie froze.
I hit the call button to summon the nurse.
As soon as she walked in, I explained what happened. The nurse paged the doctor before checking on Emily.
I tugged Jamie away from the bed so they could work.
“I can’t…”
“It’ll be okay. They’ll help her.”
“If..” He turned to me. “Madi, I can’t lose her.”
I summoned every ounce of positive energy I could and promised him he wouldn’t.
The doctor approached us and said, “Mr. Sheppard, we’re taking Emily into surgery. Under the circumstances, you won’t be able to accompany her.”
The death grip Jamie had on my hand tightened.
I rubbed his arm.
“I promise we’ll do everything we can to save them all,” the doctor said.
“Save them?” Jamie trembled as the doctor gave voice to his worst fears.
“I have to prep, but a nurse will be in soon to answer your questions.”
They wheeled Emily out to prep her for surgery.
I walked Jamie to a chair and kneeled beside him. I held his hand while I reminded him that Emily and his babies would be fine over and over again.
That’s how the nurse found us.
After the nurse left, I gave Jamie a minute to process the information.
“Jamie?”
He lifted his head.
“You want to stay here, or wait with everyone else?”
He stared at the door, like he hoped it could provide the answer.
“Give me a minute, then I’ll meet you out there.”
“I’ll warn them.” The last thing Jamie needed was to be barraged with questions.
“Thank you.”
After a quick hug, I left my twin brother alone. I prayed every step of the short walk to the waiting room.
