Love Again (Cowboys & Angels 4)

He shook his head. “Most likely the endometriosis would have impaired her fertility.”

My entire world stopped. Tears fell freely as I let his words soak in. It was clear he knew I needed a few moments. I dropped my head and took in a few deep breaths as Steed grabbed my shoulder. The pain in my chest was unlike anything I’d ever experienced in my life. I instantly felt the loss of the children we had yet to even have together. When I was finally able to speak, I focused on the doctor.

“Does she…does she know? Does she know about the hysterectomy? Was she told before the surgery?”

“No, she doesn’t know. She has been under for surgery so there was no way to discuss it with her. The decision was made once we saw the extent of the damage.”

Closing my eyes, I forced the bile down my throat.

Melanie’s voice caused me to refocus. “Oh my God, all she’s ever wanted is to have children.”

The doctor gazed sympathetically at Melanie. “There is always adoption, but this is something your daughter is going to need help with, I’m sure.” He looked back at me. “We’ve got some amazing therapists we can recommend.”

Steed placed his hand on my shoulder again. The simple gesture gave me the strength I needed in that moment.

“Thank you.”

The doctor nodded then said, “I’m talking about for you too, Mr. Turner.”

“Th-thank you, Dr. Andes. Is she…hurt anywhere else?”

“Her wrist is sprained badly, but no broken bones.”

I sat there stunned. “Her wrist?”

He nodded solemnly. “Some scratches and bruises as well, but yes. The fence was the major reason she was airlifted and rushed into surgery. There is no other internal bleeding or damage. Had the object been any higher it would have done damage to her intestines and stomach and possibly killed her.”

My hand pushed through my hair. “Thank God it wasn’t higher,” I mumbled. As much as it sickened me to lose the possibility of kids with Waylynn, it would have been so much worse to lose her.

“Thank God it wasn’t more serious,” John said as Melanie nodded her head.

“As much as I hate what had to be done, it could have been worse,” Steed added.

“There was no trauma to her head which is very good news. She should be out of surgery in the next thirty minutes and then in recovery for a bit before they assign her a room.”

“Thank you, Dr. Andes,” John said as they both stood and shook hands.

After I thanked God for not letting Waylynn die, the anger came. “I’m glad God didn’t take Waylynn from us.” Shaking my head, I stared at the three of them. “What I don’t understand is why would He take that away from her?”

Melanie stood. “Jonathon, why don’t we take a walk and get some fresh air.”

I faced Waylynn’s mother. “It was the one dream she had left. We both wanted a child. Why would He take it from her?”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She took my hand.

“Please excuse us.”

Dr. Andes nodded as Melanie and I walked to the elevator.

Melanie’s voice made me jump. “Is there an outside courtyard or somewhere private?”

We were standing at the information desk.

“Yes, if you go out these doors and follow the light green path, it will take you to the outdoor sanctuary.”

“Thank you.”

I allowed her to lead me down the path. My head was telling my heart to be strong. To be prepared to help Waylynn through this, but I also felt like God had ripped a dream from me, as well.

Walking around a corner, we came to a small garden with benches. Melanie let go of my hand and wandered over to the one next to the fountain.

“I don’t understand why He would do this,” I said again.

Melanie sat down next to me. “He has a reason and what you need to do is let the anger out now, Jonathon, before Waylynn sees it in your eyes. Because the first thing she is going to worry about is that now that she can’t have kids, you’ll leave.”

It felt like someone had kicked me in the gut. “What? I would never leave her. Ever.”

She took my hands. “Good. That is what I want to hear from you, and I want you to promise me that no matter how tough this gets, you don’t let her push you away.”

Furrowing my brows, I stared. “What?”

“She’s going to push you away, and I need you to be prepared for that.”

“Wh-why would she push me away?”

Melanie looked down and wiped her tears away. “Tell me why you love my daughter, Jonathon.”

I sighed. “Where do I start? She loves me, she makes me feel whole, she’s my entire world. The reason I feel like God put me on this Earth. She makes me laugh. Makes me happier than I’ve…than I’ve…”