Chapter 26

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Ben was getting ready for his interview by talking to his PR about what kinds of questions were going to be asked; assuring that if any questions were about Em's condition or anything like that, he didn't have to answer. He thought he would make it brief to assure everyone she was going to be fine.

Just as he had sat down, being blinded from the lights on the set, his phone started going off. He checked it real quick and saw it was you. Of course he wasn't going to ignore you, so he answered, "Hey, baby. Em's appointment done?" The only answer he got was your sniffles and soft sobs. That's when his heart started racing and his breath grew heavy.

"[Y/N], what's going on? Talk to me, honey, where's Em?" He patiently waited as you took a few deep breaths to compose yourself. Finally, you answered, "They want Em to get surgery." Ben's head shot up to his PR. He quickly gestured for her to come over to him. Just as the interviewer was coming on stage, he said, "I'm leaving right now. Where are you?" As you answered, "Still at the hospital," he whispered to his PR, "I need to go, it's Emma." Without question, she went over to the producers and told them he had to leave.

As Ben was getting his mic unhooked, he told you, "I'm on my way. I'm close, so I'll be there in a few minutes. Does she need the surgery...now?" When you answered "No" his heart rate calmed a bit. He listened to you explain what Dr. Levi told you, while ignoring his screaming fans and getting into a car. He knew that as soon as he got there, he couldn't show the tears he was shedding now because he can't let you or Em see him like that. He had to be strong for his girls, his family.

**

You were pacing around the lobby with Conner in your arms, waiting for Ben. You were obviously very scared, your daughter was supposed to get major surgery! Dr. Levi was giving her a thorough check-up while you waited for Ben to make sure she was "healthy enough" for the surgery. What the hell does it mean if she's not?!

You were pulled out of your thoughts when the lobby doors swung open and slammed into the walls by your rushing, frantic-looking husband. As soon as he saw you, he sprinted over with complete fear in his eyes.

"Where's Em?" He quickly asked. He waited as you composed yourself enough to say, "G-getting a-a check-up." He let out a huge breath and pulled you and Conner into his arms. "Did he say anything else?" He asked. You shook your head into his chest. He kissed your head several times, then took Conner from your shaking arms.

He kissed his cheek and let out another huge breath. He freaked himself out way too much on his way over. The worst possible scenarios played out in his head and he prayed to God that they wouldn't come true any time soon here.

A nurse came out a few moments later and led you both back into the room where Em was. You took Conner from Ben because you knew what would happen as soon as Em saw her daddy. When you walked in, Em was on her back on the table, almost looking as if she were going fall asleep any second...again.

She turned her head towards the door and a little smile appeared on her face. "Daddy," she smiled. Ben made a b-line to her and picked her up, holding her close to his chest. "Oh, my baby...my girl," he whispered into her ear. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck as much as she could and buried her face into his neck.

Dr. Levi approached you four with a weak smile. "Well, she's healthy enough to go through with the surgery," he told you. "But I do suggest we do it as soon as possible. The first opening I have is next Friday at 6 a.m." Ben didn't even hesitate before saying, "That'll be fine. What should we do until then?"

"Well, I don't suggest she goes to school. We can't get her worked up before the procedure, so don't do anything too exciting until then. She can walk around, play with dolls, but absolutely no running. I know it's hard to contain twins like that, but you'll have to try." You and Ben let the information sink in. He continued, "She can only drink water the day before the surgery. No foods or flavored drinks."

You and Ben both nodded and looked at Emma, who was comfortably sleeping in her daddy's arms. Ben shook Dr. Levi's hand and said, "Thank you. We'll see you next week."

On your way out to the car, you asked Ben, "Next Friday...that's the premier isn't it?" He opened the car door and strapped Em's sleeping form into the car seat, before answering, "Yes. It's fine, though. Her health is too important for me to care about it. I'll make some calls and figure it out." After strapping in Nate, you were embraced in a tight, loving hug. "It'll be okay," he said, while rubbing your back. "She's so strong, just like her mummy."

You two held each other for a little while longer, before getting in the car and driving home. You were grateful Ben was driven here because there was no way that you were in a state to drive.

**

"Emma...baby, wake up for daddy, sweetheart," Ben soothingly said, as Emma slept away in bed. It's been almost six hours since you've been home and she hasn't woken up yet. Since dinner was ready and she really needed to eat, Ben decided to try. He sat down by her legs on her small bed and stroked her hair back from her face. "Come on, honey, dinner's ready. Are you hungry?"

All he got as an answer was a tiny groan and a small shift from her legs. He sighed and stared down at his little girl. He hated seeing her like this. It pained him in every possible way imaginable. A father not being able to protect his daughter is every man's worst fear...and Ben was in a nightmare.

He let a few tears escape his eyes and fall on to the bed. Then, that few turned into many. He silently cried with one hand over his eyes and the other resting on Emma. He's already called Karon to let her know he won't be doing any traveling or even local interviews any time soon. Right now, he needed to be with his family.

He needed to protect his daughter.

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