Here is the next chapter. Enjoy the read! Margaret and Penlew thanks for the reviews! Amber

Chapter 15

Frank was once again waiting. He was in his wife's room tapping his foot. It had been forty five minutes since Claire had been taken to the cath lab. As promised, Dr. Snead came up to Callie's room. "Your daughter did very well. I was able to open her valve a little bit. Which means she won't need surgery right away, but within the next two or three months. I've made an appointment with Dr. Adrian Androau for you and they can see her in the office next week. She's going to be admitted here for a couple days for monitoring. I'm ordering her to be on bedrest for 12 hours."

Patrick was rubbing Callie's arm. "Thanks Doctor. I'm Doctor Patrick Reed. I'm a pediatrician, can I go check my niece?"

"I'll allow that. I'll take you down to recovery."

Frank was squeezing Callie's hand. "Wow what a day."

Callie said. "That's putting it mildly."


Claire felt woozy. She wanted her mom. "Mom? Mom?"

A woman that Claire didn't recognize appeared in her line of vision. "Hello sweetheart. I'm Torie. I'm your nurse. You'll see your parents soon."

"Feel funny."

"Yes the medications we put you to sleep with are still in your system. They'll dissipate shortly."

Claire's head turned around on the pillow. "Daddy?"

A familiar voice was heard. "He's with your mom sweetie."

Claire smiled. "Uncle Rick."

Rick took a stethoscope and listened to Claire. He heard the murmur plainly. Why hadn't the doctor said anything? Or ran any tests. He and GInny had been talking about moving to Arlington. He knew what practice he wasn't joining. He took her hand. "Feeling groggy?"

"Yes. Sleepy."

Patrick said. "Sleep then. You're being admitted. I'm staying with you until they move you to a room."

"Want daddy, mom, and Brooke."

"I know kiddo."


Brooke and Ben went to her grandfather's ICU room. Brooke went over and kissed her grandfather's forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty rotten at the moment."

Ben nodded. "We'll take rotten. At least you're going to be okay."

Fenton smiled at him. "Thanks Ben."

Brooke said. "Where's dad?"

Frank came in. "Right here."

Brooke saw how tired he looked. "You look like hell."

Frank chuckled. "Your mom is in a regular room now. She is going to be transferred to the psych unit in the next four hours."

"How's Claire?"

Frank took her hand and sat her down. "She's had a rough day." He explained to Brooke about the aortic stenosis and the catheterization that had just been done.

She paled then got angry. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ben soothed her. "Honey the events probably happened fast. He didn't want to worry you at school. Don't be like that."

Brooke stood up. "Where is she?"

"She's going to be in the pediatric ward shortly. She's still in recovery. Uncle Rick is with her. Joe and Vanessa are sitting with Callie until she is moved."

Brooke said. "I want to see mom. What room?"

Frank told her. She and Ben took off. Frank sat beside his father and updated them both. "She's going to have to have an aortic valve replacement in the next three months."

Fenton sighed, "She's in good hands son."

Laura said. "We just need to breathe, it's been one thing after another."

Frank rested his head on the bed at his father's feet. "It has, hasn't it."

Laura ran her fingers through his hair. "Rest easy son. Just close your eyes and rest a moment. Take a minute."

Frank took that minute. Probably more. He dozed off. His phone ringing got his attention. "Rick how is she?"

"She's going up to her room. Pediatrics is on the second floor and she's going to room 280."

Frank kissed his father's forehead and hugged his mother. "Room 280." He left quickly. He took the elevator down a floor and went to the left. He saw a sign that said pediatrics. There was a doorbell. He rang it.

"May I help you?"

"Yes my daughter Claire Hardy is being moved to 280."

Joe got off the elevator. He used his badge to get inside. Frank followed him. They went straight to 280. Claire hadn't made it up yet. The room was cheerful. The walls were a pale blue and had white lambs around the border. This room had two sofas and a table like Callie's did. "Another suite." Frank said.

Joe chuckled. "Callie insisted. I made the arrangements."

The door came open and Claire was wheeled inside on a gurney. She moaned as she was put in the bed. Frank immediately took her hand. "Hi pumpkin."

"Daddy! I found you." She put her arms around him and hugged tight.

Frank soothed her. "I got you baby."

Brooke came in. "Claire!" She hurried to the bed and wrapped her arms around both of them. Claire smiled. "Hey Brookie!"

Joe chuckled. "She's still woozy from the drugs."

Brooke ran her fingers through Claire's hair. "I understand. I love you squirt!"

"Love you too. Is momma settled?"

Brooke nodded. "They're about to take her to the psych ward. The nurse is going to bring her by to see you before she goes there."

"How did you manage that?" Frank asked.

Brooke snorted. "I told the nurse that it would be better for mom and my sister and she'd better make it happen or I would call a patient advocate."

Frank smiled. "Good girl."

As if by magic the door opened. Claire saw her mother in a wheelchair and sobbed. "Mom!"

Callie stood up and hurried to the bed. She hugged her daughter tightly. "I love you baby so much!"

"I'm scared."

"I know honey but you're getting what you need. Your dad is going to stay with you." She handed Frank his bag. Frank took it. He pulled Callie into his arms and kissed her passionately. "I love you."

Callie smiled. "I love you." Then she hugged Brooke tight. "Keep an eye on them will you?"

"Oh I will. You just take care of you. I love you mom!"

Callie got back in the wheelchair and was taken to the psych unit.

Ben approached the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired and my chest and arm are sore."

Joe said. "Completely normal."

Vanessa came into the room. "I'm going to head to Frank and Callie's house. The au pair has the night off tonight. I've got the boys, don't worry."

Frank smiled. "I know you do."