The Christmas Miracle

Chapter 5: The Phone Call

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I debate whether or not to answer it. After they call back a second time, I pull away from Brayden to pick it up.

"Hello?" I greet, my lips still tingling from the intense kiss.

"Lina, it's dad. He is being rushed to the hospital. I called Vada five times, but she didn't pick up." He is frantic, and I can tell he has been crying.

My eyes begin to water. I can feel all the worry beginning to take over. "I'm going to get Vada and Wyatt and we'll be right over. Just take care of mom. We'll be there soon," I promise him.

I inform Brayden and then we run off to find Vada and Wyatt. Brayden drops us off at the hospital. When we get to his room, mom is speaking to the nurse. She has tears in her eyes. Noah is sitting beside our father, holding his hand as he sleeps.

Vada rushes to see our father. I grab Wyatt on the shoulder. "You doing okay?"

He shrugs. "No, but then again none of us are," he goes over to comfort mom.

The four of them go and get some snacks from the vending machine, while I stay in the room. I hold my father's hand, crying silently. "I love you, daddy," I whisper to him.

He shuffles around, his eyes opening a few seconds later. "Hey, kiddo. Where is everyone?"

"They'll be right back. They went to get some snacks. We've been here a few hours hoping you would wake up."

He coughs for a minute. "Dammit," he is filled with frustration.

I grab his hand. "What can I do?"

He shakes his head. "Just keep doing what makes you happy. That's all we want for our children."

"I will, daddy," I tell him. It's a promise.

He squeezes my hand. "I love you, kiddo," he turns over to face me. "I'm going back to sleep now," he coughs some more and closes his eyes.

I watch him slowly and carefully. His breathing is slow, but it is there.

And now all we can do is wait.