The Best Man novel Chapter 91

Olivia's POV

Flashbacks

"I'm really sorry for interrupting", Anna's voice interjected on the doctor saying something as she walked up to us and wrapped her arm around me in a side hug to whisper, "I came as soon as I could"

I assumed either my mother or Tristan called her to let her know what happened and knowing her, she did her best to show up and support me through this difficult time. I felt her entwine our fingers together, giving me a comforting gentle squeeze as we turned to the doctor again to be the bearer of Nathan's condition.

"At the time of arrival Nathan was already undergoing hemorrhagic shock due to severe blood loss, but he was fortunate enough that the knife blade didn't pierce through any main arteries or vital organs in his system. He's also fortunate he was bought in the exact time he was because if he hadn't, I would be telling you guys a different story. However, you'll all be pleased to know that we were able to stop the internal bleeding therefore the surgery was a major success"

"So you're saying he's going to be okay, right?", I asked, seeking direct confirmation so that I can be assured that the nightmare was finally over

"Yes", the doctor nodded with a reassuring smile on his face. "He's a strong fighter, he should be fine as time goes on"

There were sighs of relief from each and one of us and I felt Anna's hands tighten around me before she pulled me in for a hug

"Can we see him?", Jamie questioned and the doctor hesitated for a second

"Maybe in the morning. After an operation like that, we still need to observe him overnight before any of you can see him"

"That's still okay with us", Joe said while pulling Violet towards him and embraced her in a hug as she wiped the tears of relief on her face

"Thank you Doc", we all said in union, and he gave a brief smile before dismissing himself and walked in the opposite direction

"I think we can all agree that hearing that Nathan's okay is quite the relief", Kevin spoke up, and we all agreed simultaneously as we all sat back down again

"I think we should take you home Liv", Tristan sat next to me and I shook my head

"I don't think I have to. I want to be here when he wakes up", I said in my defense to see everyone looking at me in concern.

"You really need to get some sleep and freshen up though Liv", my mother took my hand in hers. "It's been a long night".

"I will", I opened the door for her, and she got in. I turned to embrace my father in a hug, and he kissed the top of my head before he broke our contact and shortly got in the car, driving off. Walking towards Kevin's car where the two men were waiting for us, I turned to look at Anna.

"I'm really grateful and appreciate you being here for me, but you just had a baby Ann. Mia needs you more than I do"

"Rick has everything under control back home, and I've pumped Mia enough milk to last her at least morning. If anything's wrong or there's an emergency, Rick will call and let me know", she gave me a gentle shoulder squeeze. "I want to be here for you, please don't push me away"

"I'm not pushing you away, I just-"

"No, don't do that. It's me you're talking to. You're my friend Liv, I know you, and I'm sure you also know me well enough that I care about you, so please let's just get home so that you can freshen up and get some sleep okay?"

There was nothing left to be said, and so I shrugged, smiling a little. "Okay"

"You ladies ready to go?", Tristan asked as we approached them, already holding the door for us to get in as Kevin slipped into the driver's seat

"Sure"