Don't you see?" He took a deep breath. "This may be the only way."
Chapter 23
"Nathan, I just want you to know..." Haley said the next morning, standing over him. She swallowed hard. "I just want you to know that I love you, and I think that this is the bravest, most wonderful thing that anyone has ever done."
"Hales, you know I love you, too," Nathan said from the hospital bed. He had been prepped for surgery, and would be heading to the operating room in a few minutes. He motioned for her to lean in, and they kissed passionately.
"Ahem," Deb said, clearing her throat behind Haley, who immediately stood straight up. Deb smiled. "Son," she said, "I'm not going to kiss you like that, but I love you too. And I think you're being very brave here today." She kissed his forehead. "Good luck."
Deb and Haley left the room just as a tearful Karen entered. "Nathan," she said, tears flowing down her cheeks, "I'll never be able to thank you for saving my baby."
"Karen, please," Nathan said, "I haven't even done anything yet."
"God bless you, Nathan," Karen said, backing away from the bed.
It was time. The orderlies arrived to take Nathan to the operating room. Lucas was already there.
Dr. Li had explained the procedure earlier. There would be two sets of surgeons, one for each brother. Lucas's team would remove both of his nonfunctioning kidneys, and his liver. Meanwhile, Nathan's team would remove one of his kidneys, and a portion of his liver. Lucas's team would then place the donated organs, and connect the necessary blood vessels. It would be a long pair of surgeries, and a long day...