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Vaughan got worried. Shit. He didn’t mean to hurt Duke and his expression must’ve conveyed that because Duke quickly reassured him.
“Don’t get me wrong.” Duke rubbed Vaughan’s arm, braced by his head. “It felt so damn good. Better than anything I’ve felt in a very long time. Too good… if you get my meaning.” Duke glanced down at the small bulge in the blanket and Vaughan nodded his understanding. Duke didn’t want to get full on wood. That probably would’ve been very uncomfortable.
“I can easily get carried away with you, sweetheart.” Vaughan released a calming breath as he pulled back from their intimate position. “But, if I’m anything, I’m patient. I can wait a little while longer.” Vaughan stood and raised the rail on the bed. As soon as he did, his father came through the door with Dr. Chauncey following close behind.
“Son. You better get going; you don’t want to be late.” His father glared at him, then at his watch.
Damn. It was already six o’clock. He felt like he’d just got there. How long were he and Duke snuggling? Dr. Chauncey gave him a quick exasperated look before turning his attention to Duke.
“Everything still a go, Doc?”
Dr. Chauncey nodded once while looking over Duke’s chart. “We’re still going. Your blood pressure is a little higher than I’d like but not enough to have to postpone.”
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief. Dr. Chauncey laughed, snapping the folder shut. “The nurse will be in to get you soon. Not much longer now. The surgery should take about three and a half to four hours since I’m going to also try to do some more repairs on your own kidney that will remain in place. The goal is to restore at least a half of its functionality.”
“Do you think everything will go okay?” Vaughan asked.
“I’m very confident it will.” Patting Duke’s shoulder one final time, Dr. Chauncey said, “I’ll see you in there, Duke,” and left the room.
Vaughan had to get to his room. He didn’t want to cause delays. And it looked like Dr. Chauncey was telling him with his eyes to move his ass.
Quick was over by the window, giving them their last few seconds alone. Vaughan bent and kissed Duke’s forehead. He wanted so much more, but in due time. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll be thinking about you the entire time, even if you don’t see my face, sweetheart. Please know that I’m right there with you. I’m closer than you think, okay?”
Duke gave him a tight smile and Vaughan squeezed Duke’s good hand before he hurried out the door, not wanting Duke to decode his message. He was partway down the hall when he heard his name called. Vaughan turned just in time to collide with his father’s broad chest. He couldn’t control the silent tears that fell. He wanted to tell Duke so badly, but that was as close as he could get to the truth. He was there with him, not far away at all.
“It’s alright, son. You’re both going to be in each other’s arms in no time.” His father’s soothing voice eased his tension. He had to calm himself. He didn’t want his own blood pressure to skyrocket. Quick helped him get settled in his room while Dr. Chauncey went over a few last remarks, but Vaughan knew what was going to happen, he’d had an extensive and informative, albeit short, evaluation. He just wanted it done. He was chewing on his jaw, a nervous habit he’s had since he was a kid—when his father put his hand on shoulder. “I’m so damn proud of you, Vaughan.”
Vaughan wasn’t expecting that. Those intense eyes shone with adoration and Vaughan had to reign in his emotions again. “You have become a damn good man. Strong and confident.”
“Like you,” Vaughan interjected. “Just like I was raised to be.”
Quick smiled that crooked grin and Vaughan felt his heart lighten. He and his man were going to pull through this surgery and they were going to be a family.
“Dad. Go back to Duke. I want him to be with someone before they take him.” The nurse was putting in Vaughan’s IV while he spoke. His dad looked so unsure, but kissed him on his cheek and whispered a choked, “I love you,” before he left his room.
“Try to relax, Mr. Webb. The orderlies will be in to get you soon.” A blue paper-like, disposable surgical cap was placed over his head to complete his prep. The nurse smiled that classic reassuring nurse’s smile and left him in a semi-dark room. His lack of sleep had to be the reason he’d dozed off, because next thing he knew he was moving. Felt more like floating. He fought the sleep, prying open his heavy eyelids. The lights above him flew past as he was wheeled down a chilly hallway. His teeth clattered loudly and his hands shook beneath the scratchy hospital blanket. He was nervous, no doubt. He could use a familiar face right now but things were moving in a blur. He could hear voices but none that he recognized. A slight bang registered as doors swung open into a room marked “AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY” and bright lights and a strong antiseptic stench assaulted him. People flittered around in pastel-colored scrubs, with masks covering half of their faces, all of them with their own task to complete.
