Chapter 26 - THE SURGERY
Maisie underwent surgery shortly after her first birthday.
Her electrophysiology team implanted a specialized device designed to protect her if another fatal rhythm occurred.
Brooke asked me to be at the hospital.
“I’m not her doctor,” I reminded her.
“I know. I’m asking you as the person who understands why I’m terrified.”
Grant arrived with his court-approved supervisor.
He stayed across the waiting room.
Judith was not permitted inside.
The surgery lasted nearly five hours.
Brooke paced until her legs shook. I made her drink water and eat half a sandwich.
At one point, she looked toward Grant.
“Do you think he loves her?”
“Yes.”
“Then how could he risk her life?”
“Love does not automatically make people honest or brave.”
“That’s depressing.”
“It’s also why children need protection stronger than someone’s feelings.”
The surgeon finally entered.
The procedure had gone well.
Maisie would remain in intensive care overnight, but the device was functioning.
Brooke began sobbing.
Grant stood.
“Can I see her?”
Brooke looked at her attorney, then at the court supervisor.
“One minute,” she said.
He entered Maisie’s room under supervision.
Through the glass, I watched him place his hand beside his daughter without touching the wires.
He cried silently.
For a moment, I remembered the father he had been before fear and selfishness consumed every decision.
Then I remembered Liam asking for me while Grant protected a secret.
Both versions were real.
Grant came out after one minute.
“Thank you,” he told Brooke.
She did not answer.
He turned toward me.
“I started genetic counseling.”
“That’s good.”
“I told my cousins to get tested. Two are positive.”
“That may save their lives.”
He waited for more.
I had nothing else to give him.
As he left, Brooke sat beside Maisie’s bed.
The baby opened her eyes, saw her mother, and began to cry.
Brooke smiled through tears.
May you like
“That’s the best sound I’ve ever heard.”
This time, when an infant cried in a cardiac unit, every adult listened.
