Taking Chances

25. Having Trust

Just days before his surgery on Friday morning did Stevie manage to find her husband a condo and did he manage to get his things sent over within the short timeframe. And on Friday morning, she dropped their kids off a little earlier so that she could take her husband to the hospital to get checked in for their long day.

Sitting side by side in separate chairs that were together, Stevie watched him fill out his paperwork, as well as watching other staff members coming in and out of the hospital.

As Lindsey filled out the mandatory paperwork, he bobbed his knee very fast, sort of blanking on questions as the time got closer.

"You okay?" she asked softly as she placed her hand on his knee.

Glancing at her quickly, he replied. "Yeah, I am..." he stopped his moving leg and crossed just his feet---trying to stay calm. "I'm just hungry and tired."

"I know, honey," she swiped the side of his head gently with her fingertips. "When we're out of here, we'll get you something to eat, but you might be limited to choices."

"Yeah, I know," he mumbled. "Liquids and no citruses... The next week or so is gonna suck."

"We'll find you good food to eat, don't worry," she laughed a little.

"Stevie, I'm gonna be at my new condo... I'll be on my own."

"You may have gotten a new condo and all your stuff might be there, but so will I. I told you I'd take care of you through and after your surgery today and you believed me. Don't think for a minute that I'm going back on that," she settled her hand over his forearm.

He just sighed, not wanting to argue with her so early morning since he hadn't slept at all. Quite frankly, he couldn't wait for them to knock him out since he'd be able to sleep for the first time in a while.

"I'll even help unpack your apartment while you rest at home. But for right now, I'm gonna be here---I might step out to check on my mom, but other than that I'm all yours."

"Yeah?" he nodded and pursed his lips. "How does Ben feel about that?"

Opening her mouth to say something, she was immediately cut off by a nurse calling for him.

"Can you fill the rest of this out?" he handed her the clipboard.

"Surprised you trust me," as she retrieved his wallet from him.

He smirked and moved right along to be prepped.

"Once he changes, you can visit with him, Mrs. Buckingham," the nurse sweetly replied.

"Thank you."

Lindsey would then disappear to follow procedures; getting into a hospital gown and putting his clothing and other belongings into a plastic bag. Then, he'd retrieve his hospital bracelets; one in which contained his patient information and the other was just a red one, showing that he was to be prepped for surgery. After, a nurse or two would come in to verify more information and give him his medication and the extra medication to ensure he'd not get sick with the anesthesia. Later, he'd finally see Dr. Hayward and she was preparing herself for his surgery.

"How are you, Lindsey?" she smiled kindly.

"Pretty good," he shrugged. "Just tired."

"Ah, well, you're gonna get some rest soon," she winked. "Beyond that, I just wanted to see how you were doing---I haven't seen you in awhile."

"Basically the same. My wife changed my diet on me, so less sugar," he chuckled.

"Good, I'm glad to hear that. Alright, we'll have you in another thirty to forty minutes so meantime, your wife can come in and visit you."