"Please Jac..."

"She's in recovery...there was a few complications...we had to replace her mitral valve but everything else went as expected... I'm confident I got all the tumor out but she'll need another echocardiogram in a few weeks to confirm and then annually after that...I've no real concerns so far...but... the next few days are critical..." The surgeon explained. "...she's not out of the woods...not by a long shot."

"Can I see her?" Asked Jacob standing up, beyond ready to be by her side.

"Soon...somebody will be out when they've got her settled." She smiled politely and quickly left.

Jacob sank back down into the plastic chair, his body protesting instantly even though by rights it should have been moulded to his shape.

Again he waited...

And waited, till he was sure they forgotten he was there.

Filled with an agitated energy he paced up and down the corridor, from one end to the other.

Praying for more shared lunches in her office.

Dreaming of a future where she would giggle as he pulled her in for a sneaky cuddle mid shift.

He fantasised of a day in the warm summer sun, clinging to her waist as she steered her triumph towards the coast.

"Charge Nurse Masters?" Queried a woman in dark blue scrubs. "I've been told to let you through for a few minutes...Mrs Beauchamp needs her rest though."

A small amount of relief washed over him as he followed her, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"How is she?" He questioned. Probing for information, trying to force together all the pieces of a puzzle that didn't exist.

"She's comfortable... I'm sorry I cant tell you any more..." The woman drifted off. "...I wouldn't want to give you any false hope."

"No...Thank you..." Jacob heard himself in her words.

So many times he had spoken to relatives...gave them the same speech...made comforting noises without giving them hope. "...I understand."

He was led through into a darkened room.

It was quiet...peaceful... A center of calm and control.

Connie lay there, wires, tubes and machines all working as one to keep her strong.

A steady rhythmic beat the only indication of life.

She looked pale.

Lifeless.

A fraction of her former self.

Jacob dropped down into yet another plastic chair...a different colour but the same prospect.

More waiting... More longing...more time to find himself lost in limbo.

He held her hand.

He whispered words of encouragement. Words of love and commitment.

"I know your strong enough for this sweetcheeks..." He kissed her Knuckle's. "...you have to be."

He sat and waited till he was made to leave.

Then he sat and waited most of the next day till he felt a squeeze of his hand.

"Con..."

It was a raspy acknowledgement but he heard it loud and clear.

"Muscles..."

It was just long enough for him to confirm.

"I'm here sweetcheeks."

"Jac!" Called Jacob on the second day.

"Yes?"

"Her heart rate..." He pointed to the machines surrounding Connie. "...it seems a little high... Its becoming erratic but climbing steadily."

Jac nodded watching the machines. "How alert as she been?"

"Very...she knows what's happening... We've talked." Jacob trailed off as he watched the surgeon frown.

"Arrhythmia..." She uttered. "...I'll be right back."

"Stoke?" Called Jacob to her retreating form.

"Her heart rate...its to high...she is susceptible...yes ...she needs medication to help." With that she was gone and back again before he knew how to react.

*To Be Continued*