Joyce's voice turned cold. "Dr. Lee, examine her. This little girl needs immediate attention."
To avoid controversy, the arrogant fellow examined Lola. "Dr. Bey, what kind of physician are you?"
An intimidating Patrick walked in. "Dr. Joyce Bey, a pediatric trauma surgeon for the past eight years." His tone was icy as he scooped Lola up. "Hello, beautiful girl. We’re gonna make this better. Let's move to the ICU."
Martin’s lips turned up. The position of power was tilting.
Dr. Lee eyed him with disgust. "Who are you?"
"Patrick Hedges. Critical Care Surgery and the man who's about to shorten your educational experience, if you don't start paying attention. Call your attending, NOW! Dr. Bey, what do you need?"
Inside the treatment room, Patrick handed Lola back to Martin. "Who are you?" Dr. Lee's tone was much more cooperative.
The baby struggled to breathe in front of him. He bussed her precious head. "I'm her father." Martin held Lola while Joyce started the IV. Joyce and Patrick eyed him with surprise.
"What's going on here?" The pediatric chief, Nate Barnett, walked in. "Joycey Bey. Is that you?"
Joyce rolled her eyes at Patrick. "Nate, please accept an air kiss; I'm occupied." Joyce gave him a flirtatious gaze. "Lola is a wee one with probable NEC. I think she's grade three. We are going to need an OR."
"Lee, would you explain the whole story here? What did Dr. Choudhury say? Joycey, been a while. That convention in San Francisco was a lot of fun," Nate said.
Martin chewed his lip with amusement at how the physicians appeared not to notice him nor Patrick.
"Nate, did you meet Horizon's newest trauma surgeon, Patrick Hedges? This is Lola's dad, Martin Bailey."
"Mr. Bailey, I'm Nate Barnett, Head of Pediatrics here. Did Dr. Bey explain what she thinks is going on with Lola?"
"Yes, she said Lola needs some tests, but she thinks she's very sick."
"Time to sleep, precious." Lola went limp from the medication Colleen pushed into her IV.
Joyce inserted and secured a breathing tube. With Lola asleep, Joyce initiated treatment. The x-ray tech wheeled in the vast machine. Moments later, Joyce explained the sad news. "Martin, these marks that appear like train tracks…Lola's intestine is dying. It sometimes happens in preemies. She needs surgery. With this amount of damage visible, she won't live without the procedure. I need to warn you, even with the procedure, there are no guarantees."
Martin's voice faltered, "Save her. Whatever it takes."
"Joyce, the OR will be ready to go in an hour." Nate smiled.
"I'll be back." Martin crutched to the elevator, oblivious to the pain in his bruised body. His fingers flexed and pointed as he held the handles, his heart pounding in his chest. The conversation was with himself: “Big decision. No changing your mind. Is this what I want?” He invoked his years of training. “Analyze…” He laid out all the pros and cons. With Mel Wyatt’s hospital room in sight, a wave of peace came over him. Adopting Lola felt right.
Mel was watching TV, resting comfortably in his hospital bed with his girlfriend by his side. Martin knocked and introduced himself.
With a deep breath, Martin explained how his heart was filling with love for Lola and his desire to help. “I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but I can get you any information you need about me.” His gray eyes pleaded.
Mel’s body was frail, but his mind was fine. “Young man, you’re making an impassioned plea,” he said, then asked questions about Martin’s ability to take care of a sick child.
“I promise you, she will be loved and taken care of.” Martin was encouraged when Mel informed him the Social Services paperwork remained incomplete.
Martin leaned against the wall outside Mel’s room after answering a bunch of questions, promising the man could stay part of Lola’s life, and allowing him to discuss things with his girlfriend. The sun dipped below the horizon when Martin left the couple with permission for the private adoption.
On an isolated bench outside, Martin dropped his head into his hands to organize his thoughts. His life was about to change forever. When the familiar voice connected, he said, "Ian, I need some help."
Martin returned to Elizabeth's side after Lola went to the OR. Tighe was waiting for him.
“How is she?” He leaned over and kissed her.
"No change, I'm sorry. Sit, I need to examine you. How's the head?" Jamie asked.
"Clearer. Guys, I'm about to be a father." He went on to explain Lola's short life. "I promised her great-grandfather that she would be loved and taken care of. He gave me his blessing. Tech is expediting the paperwork, and by the opening of business in the morning, I will be her daddy. Now all I need is for you to wake up, Sunshine."
