The Push: A Sequel to The Pull Read Free

didn’t know where to start as far as packing was concerned. “Can you come with me?” I already knew she’d say no, but wanted to ask. Over the last few months, I’d learned to lean on Gwen when I needed some TLC in my own life. She was amazing and always took my burdens head-on, making me a stronger person afterward.
    She shook her head, her long blonde hair falling across her shoulders as she leaned her head against my shoulder. “I’m sorry, babe. I have a lot of things coming up at the office that I can’t miss.”
    I frowned but tried to hide it from her. “I’ll make this up to you as soon as I get back.”
    “There’s nothing to make up for,” Gwen reassured me. “Go be with your brother and sister-in-law.”
    Damn, she was something special. I was hanging onto this girl, that’s for sure.

TWO
    Livvy
     
    “Mrs. Thorne?”
    I stood straight up, the tissue still smashed and clenched in my fist. I didn’t know what time it was, and I didn’t know how long I’d sat there with Sean beside me, but it felt like an eternity. I was both mentally and physically exhausted. My pregnant belly growled, yet I refused to eat until I knew for sure what was going on.
    “That’s me.”
    A man in scrubs nodded and pulled a hat from his head. “Dr. Treegle, nice to meet you.”
    I rhythmically shook his hand. I felt as though I were holding my breath. Just tell me already. Just spit it out. Please, for the love…just tell me.
    “I just did surgery on your husband.”
    “How is he?” I blurted out.
    The doctor’s eyes moved to someone behind me. I supposed it was Sean. This doctor was being so slow. I wanted to choke the answers out of him. “He’s stable—for now. I’m afraid Mr. Thorne has had a major heart attack. His body has taken quite the blow. The EMTs managed to get his heart working again on the way here, and we had to revive him again ourselves as he started to crash on the operating table. He has some artery abnormalities where one wasn’t connected properly because of its shape. These are rare conditions that happen at birth and are often left undetected until something like this happens. We managed to repair the artery, but he’s weak, very weak. He’s sedated for now so he can rest and try to heal. His blood pressure is pretty low yet, his rhythm is slow, so it’s just a waiting game for right now. Like I said, his body has taken a beating from this heart attack I’m afraid, so we’ll just have to see how the next few hours and days go.”
    “So that’s it? I’m just supposed to wait more? You can’t tell me for sure if he’s going to live or die?” I snapped.
    Again, the doctor’s gaze shifted back to Sean behind me. That really pissed me off. Sean had nothing to do with this. It was none of his business to even be standing here hearing any of this, let alone be the subject of the doctor’s attention.
    “I wish there was more I could tell you, I really do. Unfortunately, that’s all I have for you right now. He’s a fighter, I can tell you that. Let’s just hope he continues to fight.” The doctor nodded at me and turned around and left back through the doors.
    I wanted to scream out at him, make him come back and stand here so I could at least interrogate him, rid myself of this pent up frustration caused by unanswered questions. He hadn’t told me anything. This was so ridiculous. And when could I even see Darin?
    “Miss? Excuse me, miss?” I heard Sean say behind me.
    I turned around to see a nurse nearby. Sean reached out and touched her arm. “Can you let us know when Mrs. Thorne here would be able to see her husband?”
    The nurse’s eyes met mine. Sean must be a mind reader.
    “I think they just put him in a room in the ICU,” the nurse replied. “Let me check and I’ll get right back to you, but only family will be able to see him. You both family?”
    Sean shook his head. “Only her.”
    “Okay then.” She glanced at me again. “I’ll be right