Before they take me, Emmett gives Edward and I a few minutes alone, promising to watch the door for us. Edward climbs gingerly into bed with me, pulling me into his arms and keeping his lips against my forehead as I just hold onto him.
I know he's going to save me. I trust his skills more than I thought possible, so I'm not afraid—not like I thought I'd be. I'm content. He's going to take better care of me than anyone else could, and I'm going to wake up to him tomorrow. Our lives can finally move forward. Maybe in a few months, we can move in together. Maybe someday, he'll ask me to marry him. The possibilities are endless with a new lease on life.
"You're going to do great," I say, and he smiles softly, chuckling.
"I'm supposed to say that to you."
"Well, obviously, I'll do fine. All I have to do is sleep. The hard part is on you."
"I'm going to give you this heart, and then I never want to treat you again, all right? All I want to do is love you."
I smile, looking up at him. "I'll make sure to only be your girlfriend from now on. I love you, Edward. Thank you for giving me a second chance."
"Thank you for letting me. I love you more than words."
I caress his cheek and suddenly feel bad that I have to put him through cracking open my chest. "Are you sure you're up for this? I don't want to cause you any pain."
He kisses me softly. "I'm sure, beautiful. I wouldn't trust you in anyone else's hands for this. Your follow-up care in Port Angeles will be with my partner, Dr. Leah Clearwater, and here with Dr. Callahan. They'll take good care of you, and I'll be involved, just not directly. After this, we can tell the world about us, which I can't wait for. I want everyone to know you're mine."
I smile, nodding. "Sounds perfect to me, handsome. We're running out of time, aren't we?"
"Sadly," he says with a sigh. "One more kiss though."
He takes my lips, kissing me deeply, and I savor every moment of it until he reluctantly gets out of the bed and lets Emmett back in. It's not long after that the transport team comes in.
Emmett follows the team of people pushing my gurney and all of my equipment, saying he'll let go at the OR doors. Edward obliges, of course. When we get to the doors, I'm suddenly a little scared and hold my brother's hand tightly.
"Hey, it's okay, Bells," he says, kneeling down beside the gurney. "I won't let you go until you're ready."
This could be it for me. As hopeful as I am that everything will go well, there's always a chance it won't.
"If something happens to me—"
"It won't," he interrupts. "You're going to come out of this with flying colors."
"If something does, just know you're the best big brother any girl could ask for. I'll never be able to thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you, Em."
He stands up and wraps me in his arms, holding me tightly. We're both in tears, and I never want him to let me go, but he has to. He leans in and kisses my forehead, lingering for a moment.
"I love you, Bells. I'll see you soon."
Edward clasps his hand on his shoulder. "I promise to take good care of her. I'll send someone out with updates hourly, all right?"
My brother nods and sniffles, wiping away any sign of his tears. "Thank you, Edward. I trust you."
We share one more hug before I'm pushed through the doors. I don't know for sure if I'll wake up, but I believe I will. This heart is going to work.
The donor has given me the greatest gift, and I'm so thankful. Soon, I can actually plan for a future, and I'll never forget their sacrifice.
Edward squeezes my hand one last time as we stop outside a set of doors. "I have to scrub, okay? But I'll be there while you're going to sleep."
I just nod because I don't want to cry.
Everything has led to this.
I'm getting my heart.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
