An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Chapter Forty-Five

Christine straggled in the doorway, twisting and turning her front door key so it would come out of the lock. Upon seeing her in-laws sitting somberly in her living room, she had an urge to go right back out the door. She would rather have come home to Daniel and checked in on him with some privacy, but she forced herself to put on a reasonably cheerful expression as she greeted her in-laws.

"Did you let them know at work that your husband is sick?" her mother-n-law cocked her head up with a grave expression.

"Judy, she just walked in! Give her a chance to take off her coat and get settled," Harry snapped at his wife.

Christine smiled gratefully at her father-in-law as she put down her briefcase and hung up her coat.

"Now we can ask her the details," Harry announced. "Christine, does your boss know about your situation?"

Christine slumped as she faced them. She really wanted to go up to Daniel and speak with him; she was in no mood for their interrogation. In the past, she would swallow retorts to them, but right now they were ready to roll off her tongue. Fortunately, when she opened her mouth to voice her sharp reply, Seth was coming down the stairs and saved her.

"Hi, Christine. How're you doing?" Seth tried to smile but his eyes were sad. Not waiting for a reply he told her, "Daniel wants to see you."

Christine felt like running up and hugging her brother-in-law but remained composed. "How is he?"

"He's weak," he responded, casting a quick glance at his parents, "but he's anxious to see you."

Christine checked her appearance in the mirror before going up the stairs. She gave Seth a smile and a squeeze on his arm as she passed him. Her in-laws said nothing but she saw them look down, retreating into their own thoughts.

"How's my honey?" Christine said as she walked in, squeezing her eyes tightly, taking a deep breath before entering their bedroom. She was determined to act natural and not shocked by her husband's weakened state.

"Christine," Daniel's eyes brightened upon seeing his wife. He tried to lift his limp hand but it barely rose an inch. "Now it's only you that can come home and bring the bacon."

Christine chuckled as she said, "Don't let your mother hear you say that. Bacon's not kosher."

Daniel grinned as Christine hugged and kissed him. As she sank down on the side of the bed she said, "I remember when your mother found out we were engaged, she felt she had to keep reminding me you didn't eat ham or shellfish. She was afraid I would actually serve it to her."

"She had nothing to worry about. You don't even bring that food into the house. You and the kids only eat it outside the home. You're more observant than most Jews," Daniel said, his hand enwrapped in hers. "That's my wonderful, beautiful Christine."

Despite his pain and exhaustion, Daniel's expression was full of adoration. "I've never regretted marrying you and I couldn't live without you and the twins."

Christine lay gently next to her husband in bed, making sure she didn't put too much weight on him. She didn't feel like talking—she wanted to lay next to him. She was blessed to have Daniel by her side. For that, she was eternally grateful. She smiled as she closed her eyes pondering this, hoping and praying he would pull through.

It's a miracle I found such a wonderful man. I was on my own with twin toddlers and he still married me and even adopted them—it was a miracle. Maybe, just maybe, a miracle could happen again. Daniel will get well, Christine prayed.

They lay together, gently holding hands. They wanted to cherish this quiet time alone. Not even his family downstairs could warrant cutting this moment short.