Celine slid into the back and Rene didn't hesitate to start the car. He listened to Celine and let her guide him to the closest hospital. Once they got there, Therese described her symptoms, and they took her right into the E.R. They started running tests, leaving Rene and Celine together. Celine shook her head, bit her bottom lip and blinked back tears. Rene had that look memorized. He offered her a handkerchief, but she waved it away. "No. Really." "Celine." "I should be crying because of how happy I am, not because of this. I'm excited. I really am." She insisted. "I know." He assured. "I can't wait to be in Ireland." "Celine." He whispered, sliding his arm around her. She turned into his embrace and sniffled softly. Rene rubbed her back, pet her hair, tried to make her feel safe and loved despite the beeping of machines, the rush of nurses, and the medical language being thrown about. Just as Rene tried to pull Celine up from his chest, the doctor came back in. He held a clip board, looked between the two, furrowed his brow, then sighed. "We need to do immediate surgery." Celine nearly jerked forward. "What!?" "I'm sorry. Open heart surgery is the only way to move forward. I'll spare you the detailsbecause it needs to happen now. I just need the yes or no. I'm assuming you're Celine?" "Yes." Celine's nose was already turning red.
