The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 30: Day 10

Cadence's POV:

As I sped to the animal hospital, my mind raced with all the worst-case scenarios. What if Kieyw didn't make it? How would I take it? How would Emory handle it? I tried to push the thoughts away as I pulled into the parking lot, but they wouldn't leave me alone.

I ran into the building, my heart in my throat as I scanned the waiting room. And then I saw her – Emory, sitting in a chair in the corner, clutching a tissue and staring at the ground. I rushed to her side, my stomach churning with anxiety.

"Emory, what's going on? Is Kieyw okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She looked up at me, eyes red and swollen from crying. "I don't know yet. They're running some tests, but they're not telling me anything. Cadence, I don't know what to do if something happens to her." She choked on a sob, and I wrapped my arms around her, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me.

"She'll be okay Em," I rubbed her back comfortingly and reassured her, "she'll be okay."

And just like that, my world was turned upside down. How could I possibly deal with losing Kieyw? The weight of it all crashed down on me, and I knew there was nothing I could do but wait and hope for the best.

Just as I was about to say more, Quinn emerged from the restroom and made her way over to us. She looked tired.

"Cadence, " she said, coming closer to hug me. "Has the vet come out yet?"

I shook my head no and sighed. My knees bouncing rapidly.

"She'll be fine. Kieyw's a strong girl." Quinn exhaled, trying to reassure us and herself.

As we sat there in silence, the door to the examination room swung open, and a veterinarian walked out. We all stood up, our eyes glued to the vet, waiting for any news about Kieyw. The vet took off her mask and smiled at us.

"Your dog had experienced a heat stress, but she's doing much better now. The tests have come back normal, and she just needs some rest and care." The relief rushed through me at the news. I couldn't help but drop back down into the chair, my heart racing. I had been so scared.

Emory's whole body sagged in relief.

"Oh, thank God," I said, wiping away the tears from my face.

Emory leaned into me, and I put my arm around her, knowing she needed the support. "Can we go see her?" she asked, her voice still shaking.

"Of course, follow me."

We followed the vet to the examination room, our hearts beating faster with every step. But when we saw Kieyw, we knew she was going to be fine. She was wagging her tail, barking happily, and ready to go home. The only indication she's not fine is the iv drip on her little arm.

Emory broke into a smile, "Oh, Kieyw, you scared us."

I bent down to pet her, "You gave us quite a scare, little one."

Quinn walked over to Kieyw, scratching her behind the ears, "I'm so glad you're okay. Your mom would have killed me." She joked, glancing at Emory.

Kieyw licked Quinn's hand, and we all chuckled, relieved that it was just a health scare.

"Can we take her home now doc?" I asked.

The doctor looked up from Kieyw's chart and replied, "I'd like to keep her here for an hour or two, just to monitor her for any changes but after that she's free to go."

"That's okay, thanks doc."

"Of course."

The three of us left after a few moments and stayed back in the waiting room. Relief evident in all our faces. I was so worried about Kieyw I didn't even notice I was holding on to Emory's hand until she pulled away.