Chapter 32

When they reached the Emergency Room, Taylor headed for the waiting area. She glanced in through the doorway and saw a woman sitting alone. Taylor knew immediately that this was Pagano's mother. Quietly, she approached her with Joe in toe. She bent down beside the woman. "Mrs. Pagano?" she asked quietly.

The woman's head turned to face Taylor. "Hello, Taylor. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm just sorry it is under these circumstances."

"I'm so sorry, Ma'am. I'm sure this is hard for you." She looked up, then motioned for Joe to come forward. She felt Joe behind her. "This is my fiancé, Joe Cruz."

She looked up at Joe. "Fiancé? Francis never mentioned you had a fiancé."

"It's just recent, Ma'am. Joe and I used to date in high school."

She looked up at Joe. He mouthed "Francis?" and rolled his eyes. She waved her hand to shush him.

"Oh, Taylor, you mustn't tell him you're getting married. He loves you so much."

Taylor bit her lip. Hard. She struggled with something to say to this woman. Finally, she found words. "He already knows, Mrs. Pagano. He found out the day after it happened."

She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. "I don't know what I'm going to do without him if something bad happens. Taylor, what will I do?"

"Let's not think about that now," Taylor soothed. "Let's stay positive."

Mrs. Pagano wiped her eyes. "They haven't told me anything."

"They might not know anything yet."

Joe shifted uncomfortably. Taylor reached out behind her and took his hand.

"Thank you for coming."

Taylor rose and stepped back to Joe's side. "Would you like us to stay?"

"For a few minutes if you don't mind."

"I don't mind."

"I'll be back with coffee," Joe offered.

Mrs. Pagano watched him leave. "He seems like a very good man."

"He is. I've been in love with him since I was sixteen years old."

"And you're just getting married now?"

Taylor took a seat, close enough to be near Mrs. Pagano, but far enough away not to invade her space. "It's a long story. I left after High School and joined the Navy. We just met up with each other in October."

"And neither one of you got married?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Destiny," she nodded. "I guess my poor Francis never had a chance with you." She leaned back in the chair. "Charles and I were married almost 40 years. He passed 10 years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"We had a good life together. I just want the same for Francis."

"Of course you do. You're a good Mom."

Joe returned with the coffee. He handed them out. "Thanks, Honey," Taylor said as she took her cup.

"Mrs. Pagano?" Dr. Steele asked from the doorway.

"Yes," she acknowledged.

He entered the room. Taylor motioned for Joe for them to leave. She wanted Mrs. Pagano to have her privacy when she found out the news.

"I'm Dr. Steele. I have some news."