The woman in the cream blazer opened the folder.
“I’m Nora Vance, attorney for Mrs. Whitmore. Dr. Mercer, you have legal authorization to proceed under the patient’s own consent and her advance directive. Mr. Whitmore has no authority to delay emergency treatment.”
Caleb’s lips parted.
“You can’t just walk in here with paperwork.”
Ryan looked at him.
“I can when you gave us a reason.”
The monitor screamed again.
Dr. Mercer did not wait for another word.
“OR. Now.”
This time when the gurney moved, Caleb stepped back.
Not because he wanted to.
Because security stepped forward first.
Hannah’s eyes locked on Ryan as the doors opened.
He walked beside her as far as they allowed.
“Ryan,” she whispered.
“I’m here.”
“The babies.”
“I know.”
“No matter what happens—”
“Do not finish that sentence.”
Her mouth trembled, but she did not cry.
He leaned close.
“Listen to me. You are going to wake up. They are going to cry. And I am going to make sure he never gets near any of you again.”
Caleb laughed behind them.
“You always loved playing hero.”
Ryan did not turn around.
“That’s funny,” he said. “I was about to say you always loved playing husband.”
The OR doors swung open.
White light spilled across Hannah’s face.
Before they took her in, she looked past Ryan at Caleb.
read more in next page
