Sydney came over to Jessie and wrapped an arm around her. “So it’s you and me again, huh?”
“Yeah,” Jessie answered, her tone gloomy.
“How’s Ella doing?” Russ asked.
“They think she has pneumonia.” Reid could hardly get the words out over a throat that was closing.
“Really?” Russ’s eyes narrowed. “She was fine yesterday.”
Reid figured Russ was comparing Ella’s situation with Diane’s.
Reid swallowed. “I’m surprised too, but the doctor says it can come on suddenly.”
“And her prognosis?” Russ asked.
Reid gave a quick shake of his head to stop the conversation before they had to talk about it in front of Jessie.
“It’s okay,” Jessie said. “I know how bad it is, but maybe God will heal her.”
“Hey,” Sydney said. “Not maybe. Let’s believe Godwillheal her.”
Sydney was right. They should all believe in Ella’s healing. God had chosen to take Diane and so many others to be with Him, but that didn’t mean He would take Ella too.
Reid opened his mouth to say that very thing to Jessie. He tried, he really did, but the words wouldn’t come out. He’d thought he’d made it through losing Diane with his faith intact. But had he? Maybe when it came to life-and-death matters, he still didn’t trust God. And if he didn’t trust God with Ella’s life, was there any way he could be there for Megan as he’d promised?
23
Megan went into the hallway to catch a breath. They’d been at the PICU for more than eight hours, and Ella’s condition had worsened. Dr. Browne visited Ella’s room often and was preparing Megan for the possibility that Ella may not make it. Her tears had fallen for so long that they’d dried up, and she could only sob inside.
“Megan.” Reid came to stand behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she turned into his arms.
“How is she?” he asked.
“No change.” Megan laid her head on Reid’s chest, listening to his heartbeat, his strong arms holding her.
This man had disappointed her once, but here he was, helping her through the toughest night in her life. She was beyond thankful.
She tried not to seem helpless but she had to let him know how she felt. “I’m so afraid.”
“I know how hard this is for you.” He stroked her cheek. “Syd and Russ took Jessie home, and they’re adding Ella to the prayer chain at church.”
“Do you really think that’ll help?” She was surprised at the hope in her voice.
“Of course it will.” He’d answered the way she expected, but something in his tone made her search his eyes. Did he really think Ella wouldn’t make it? Did he doubt the power of God?
He looked away and dropped his hands. “When Diane was here, it helped to get out of the room every now and then. I took a walk. Maybe you should try that.”
“I don’t want to leave Ella alone for that long.”
“She doesn’t have to be alone. I’ll sit with her.”
Megan drew back. “Are you sure?”
His gaze wrapped around her, warm and comforting. Their past pain and anguish disappeared like a wisp of smoke. He was here. Solid and true. By her side. He hadn’t run. Hadn’t bolted.
When the going was the toughest ever, he stayed. For her. For Ella. She could now fully trust this man. Her heart swelled with a burst of joy, but her body sagged from fatigue.
He was right. A quick walk outside in the brisk cold would help, and she would be better equipped to face whatever was coming.
