The Engagement Game (Engaged to a Billionaire) by A. Gardner Page B

angry.   He yells at the doctor, following his team down the hall until they disappear into a restricted operating theater.
    He looks at me, his eyes desperate for reassurance.   I couldn't give it to him.   This might have been it.   I'd seen it happen many times.   But this time I wasn't the one calming hysterical family members.   I couldn't.   My heart was pounding too violently to think straight.
    "He's not ready," Jack raises his voice and paces the hallway.   "He's was doing great yesterday.   I thought he had-"
    "More time," I finish.   My thoughts were in a haze.   I thought he had more time.   That's what everyone said.   I always thought I knew what that meant, but it was more of a feeling than a phrase.   I hadn't prepared myself for this day and suddenly all the time I thought I had was instantly ripped away.   It wasn't fair.
    "Kat," he sighs.   His light blue eyes look glossy.   He's fighting the urge to let the tears leave.   I hug him, doing my best to fully embrace every muscle in his back.   His chest was more solid than it looked.   I hold him tighter.   The instinct is automatic.
    "This doesn't mean it's over."   A lie I really hoped was true.   "Let me see what I can find out."   Jack pulls away leaving me with an empty void.   He composes himself, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
    My hands shake as I walk into the restricted area to check on Earl's status.   I have to seem unaffected for Jack's sake but I'm scared out of my mind.   Jack deserved more time.
     
     
     
    After an hour of waiting I finally learn that Earl has been stabilized, but he's in bad shape.   I hear the news and literally feel like I'm surrounded by the soft melodies of a fallen angel.   Jack had been given more time.   Another chance to make peace with the inevitable.
    I approach Jack.   I can see his jaw clenching and muscles tightening.
    "Is he?"   He's too afraid to say another word.   I smile and the relief on Jack's face is enough to bring on another subtle tear.
    "He's been stabilized."   Jack leaps for me, his thick arms surrounding my torso.   I take in the smell of his neck.   The warmth of his skin.   His embrace is concrete and gentle at the same time.   His arms cradle me like a precious doll.   "Jack," I manage to continue.   "He's still in bad shape."
    "But alive," he replies softly.   "And that's good enough for me."
     
    *          *          *
     
    Jack was in a good mood even when Sadie spilled a can of beer on his shoes.   The way he brushed off the fact that his feet now smelled yeasty made me laugh.   The work party was going better than expected.   And I was waiting for another horrifying disaster.  
    There was none.   At least not yet.  
    But I wasn't bracing myself for Holly to show up in a jealous rage because Rex was out of town.   Which meant he wasn't here.  
    "You know I didn't start shaving til I was seventeen?"   Jack takes a sip of beer.   "Not for real anyway."
    "You're full of it."   We were sitting at a picnic table outside with Sadie and her boyfriend Rick.   The event was a casual barbeque and the air smelt smokey.   We'd bought a few drinks and a basket of fries to show our support.   Harrison Memorial always threw fundraisers/work parties.   Fun-raisers.
    "I'm serious," Jack laughs.   "I was a late bloomer."
    "I hear ya!"   Rick pounds his fist.
    "Uh how did we get on the puberty topic?" Sadie comments.   "All I said was I was feeling a little bloated today."
    "You say that almost every day," Rick mutters.   Sadie nudges his arm.
    "Watch yourself."   She flicks her red hair to the side and finishes off Rick's drink.
    "I'll get more," I volunteer.
    "Thanks Kat," Sadie says.   "But he really doesn't need it."   She pokes Rick's gut and frowns.
    "Okay," I mutter.   "I'm going to step away now."   I go back inside for more beers.   I smile, making my way to the food table.   The drink basket is empty and I see