You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 33

"It's the appendix. No big deal. We'll take good care of him."

Chrissy nodded as Dean thanked the doctor.

"Holy shit," Chrissy let out the breath she'd been holding in since the whole debacle began.

"You okay?" he whispered, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

She nodded.

"Hey, I'm really excited for us to have a baby. I'm sorry my worries got the best of me and I didn't show that."

"It's alright. I'm sorry I was a dramatic bitch," she let out a little laugh before putting her head on Dean's shoulder.

He put his arm around her shoulders and gave a little squeeze. "Hey, how about Hollywood Palace?"

"That's wonderful, Dino. Then NBC might give you a whole show?"

"That's the rumor. Television is a pain in the ass. I won't take it unless the money is good and the schedule is manageable."

They chatted quietly for awhile until Chrissy grew restless, "I need to take a walk. Do you want a cup of coffee?"

"Sure, honey. I'll wait here for Doc."

Chrissy found a coffee machine in the hospital and got two cups for her and Dean. When she returned, the doctor was talking to Dean.

"Well?"

"He's just fine. He's in recovery. You can see him in a few minutes."

"Thanks, Doc."

They both breathed a sigh of relief as they sunk down into their chairs, sipping their coffee. Eventually, a nurse came out to take them back to Jamie. He was asleep, but they both sat quietly waiting for him to wake.

After a period of time, he murmured, "Momma?"

"I'm here, sweetheart."

"What happened?"

"They took out your appendix. No big deal. You feeling better?"

"Tired," he sighed.

"We love you, sport," Dino stepped forward and patted his shoulder.

A few days later, Jamie came home. Deana hugged him tightly, "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Thank you, Deana."

"Hey, can I get you anything?"

"No, I'm okay. Thanks, Sis."

Dean and Chrissy looked at each other for a moment, and Chrissy placed a hand on her heart. They were becoming a family.

After Jamie had recovered from his surgery, Dean and Chrissy gathered all of the children for a special dinner.

They all enjoyed a delicious meal, and at the end of the meal, Dean stood up, "Kids, I have an announcement for you. By next year, we will have another Martin!"

The children were all excited, and debate began over whether it would be a boy or a girl because the baby would break the tie of four boys and four girls.

Before going to bed, Chrissy went into the den and made a phone call to Frank.

"Hello?" he answered tiredly.

"Did I wake you again? I'm sorry. I just... Just call me tomorrow, okay?"

"Chrissy?"

"Yeah, sorry."

He cleared his throat, "No, I'm fine. Penny for your thoughts? How's Jamie doing?"

"He's home. Much better now. I guess I just couldn't get you out of my mind since I told you I was expecting."

"Me? Why?"

"Guilt, I suppose. I selfishly told you because I was panicked, but I didn't think about how that news might make you feel after Rosie."

"You are the kindest person I've ever met, Chris. You don't have to worry about me. We're pals now and I am going to be praying for you and cheering you on every step of the way."

"Thanks, Frank. It means a lot."

"Sure, Chris. Anything for you."

"Can I confide in you?"

"Sure."

"I feel so guilty... I feel like the excitement I have for this baby makes Rosie nothing but a memory. I'm happy, but there's still so much guilt and sadness."

"Chrissy, let me worry about keeping Rosie's memory alive in our hearts. You worry about bringing this baby into the world. Give me your guilt. You can't keep it," Frank's voice began to crack, "You can't keep all the guilt and bring a healthy baby into this world. It just won't work..."

Chrissy was crying on the other end of the phone which in turn caused Frank to cry.

"You know that I believe in God and that there's a reason for everything, but I struggle to understand why I've lost two babies, Frank. It scares me."

"I know, doll. I know. I wish I could make it better."

Dean came downstairs to see where Chrissy was and saw her on the phone. He guessed that it was Frank. There was a certain bond the two of them shared over losing their daughter, even though Frank had messed up the situation initially.

It killed Dean to see his wife and his best friend cry. He hesitated a few moments to give her space, but when she hung up the phone and buried her face in her hands, he went to her side and wrapped his arms around her.

She jumped at first, but then relaxed into his touch. "I'm sorry. I wish I could just get over it," she sobbed.

"You're never going to get over the loss of a child, honey."

He held her tightly and kissed her tears away, promising to be with her every step of the way.