"Okay, but don't take too long. I'm sure Chad's already pacing the lobby while waiting for you to get back," Trenton said. She realized her brother finally had respect for Chad. That was a good thing if there was any chance of him being her husband.
She turned down the hall and slipped in the bathroom, where she leaned against the door and took a deep breath. She allowed the tears to fall while she sank to the floor. It hadn't been easy for her to see the strongest man she knew looking so frail.
She finally got up, washed her face and deemed herself ready to emerge. When she stepped from the bathroom, her body took her left instead of right, though. She didn't want to head back to the lobby just yet. She needed a few more minutes before she faced the mob.
Bree turned a few corners and found herself lost. She knew that wasn't good. Chad wasn't going to be happy with her when she didn't return right away. Well, he'd have to get over it. They were in a public hospital where nothing could happen to her. There were security cameras and policemen all over the place.
She found an exit sign and stepped through the door, taking a deep breath of fresh air. It was much better smelling than the antiseptic smell of the hospital. She stepped further out and looked around, trying to figure out where she was. It looked like she was on the backside of the building. She started walking along the covered breezeway, figuring she had a ways to go before she made it back to the E.R. entrance.
"Bree," someone called. She tensed as she looked around. She was being ridiculous. There was no way any harm could come to her in a public place. There were people all around her.
"Bree," the voice called again and she turned, sighing in relief when she saw Charlie running up to her.
"You scared me, Charlie," she said with a relieved chuckle.
"Sorry about that. Everyone is looking for you. It seems you made the great escape," Charlie said with the same grin she remembered from their childhood.
"I didn't mean to. I just wanted a few minutes to myself before having to sit in the crowded waiting room again," she explained.
"I understand. It's still pretty intense in there. Do you want to walk down by the pond? I'll send Trenton a text and let him know where we are so they stop worrying," he offered. She knew she shouldn't. Chad was going to be having a cow. But then she tensed her shoulders and decided she'd like that very much.
Chad was going to have to get used to her having a mind of her own. They were on hospital grounds and she wasn't alone, she was with a family friend.
"That sounds perfect, Charlie. Make sure you let Trenton know, though, so the lecture isn't too bad when we get back," she said. Charlie took out his phone and typed in a message, before placing it back in his pocket.
Charlie stuck out his arm and Bree placed her hand through it and followed him along a flower strewn path. She could hear birds chirping and smiled in delight when a squirrel ran right in front of them and scaled a tree. It turned and made noises at them as if they were disturbing his home.
Bree laughed aloud at the expression on his face.
"I learned this hospital inside and out when my dad was here last year," Charlie said as they moved further away from the hospital. The closer they came to the pond, the more peaceful Bree felt. She hadn't realized how much stress the building placed on her.
"I heard about that, Charlie. I'm so sorry you lost him," Bree responded. So many unnecessary deaths. His father had only been fifty when a truck driver had slammed into his small car, putting him in critical condition. He'd hung on for three months before his body finally gave out.
"It was a hard time," Charlie said quietly. She squeezed his arm, offering her support.
They continued in silence until they reached a small stream that fed into a nice pond. There was a family of ducks swimming in it, and a couple benches on the side. No one else was around, which Bree was grateful for. She didn't want to make small talk with strangers.
"I can't believe you're pregnant," Charlie murmured.
"I know, me either," Bree replied, rubbing her hand across her flat stomach. If she had a bump, it would all seem more real.
"You know, I'd do anything for you, don't you," Charlie said as he turned and pulled her close to him. Bree started to feel a bit uncomfortable with the intimate gesture. She had to remind herself it was Charlie, Trenton's best friend for more years than she could remember.
"I know, Charlie. You're like a brother to me," she answered as she tugged against him, trying to subtly let him know she wanted him to let go. Instead of responding to her signals, he pulled her tight against his body, and she felt her stomach turn when she felt his erection pressing against her.