To reassure Sheila, Timothy turned to Herbert and asked, in front of her, "Is the risk for the donor significant?"

“It's minimal,” Herbert replied. “We've done a full workup on her physical condition. There won't be any problems."

Timothy looked back at Sheila. "Dr. Wheeler says it's fine. Don't worry. Just focus on the surgery."

"Timothy," she said, her grip on his hand tightening. "I told my father about us. He's going to visit your parents in the next few days to discuss officially recognizing me as his daughter. I might still be in the hospital, so when he gets there, please help him. I'm worried your parents will be upset that I'm acknowledging my biological father, but if I don't, I know they'll never approve of us getting married."

"I'll handle it," Timothy promised.

Herbert glanced at his watch. "Miss Howard, it's time to go to the operating room."

"Timothy!" Sheila was still terrified, clinging to his hand.

"I'll walk with you."

Timothy stayed by the side of her gurney. When they reached the doors of the operating room, she started to cry. "Timothy, can you kiss me? I'm so afraid I won't come back out..."

Herbert couldn't hide his irritation. Sheila was pushing it too far, putting Timothy in an impossible position.

"Miss Howard," Herbert interjected coolly, "Mr. Lawson is still a married man. Your request is inappropriate." He wasn't a fool. He knew Timothy still had feelings for Jessica, which was why this whole arrangement had come about. He couldn't stand by and watch Timothy be humiliated and backed into a corner for Jessica's sake.

"Dr. Wheeler, don't say that," Timothy said, cutting him off. He couldn't risk upsetting Sheila now. Not when they were so close.

Seeing Timothy defend her, Sheila decided not to push her luck. She was also worried that being too demanding would tarnish her image in his eyes. She released his hand. "Dr. Wheeler is.right. That was out of line e I'm just so scared I won't make it off the table that I wasn't thinking straight. Please don't hold it against me."

Timothy patted the back of her hand. “Don't say such foolish things," he said softly. "You'll be fine."

The operating room doors opened, and Sheila was wheeled inside.

Herbert didn't follow. He turned and headed to Jessica's wing. About twenty minutes later, Jessica's gurney was wheeled toward the same doors. She had already been given anesthesia. The twenty-minute interval was to allow the team to prepare for her arrival.

The moment

ent he saw her, Timothy's

feet moved on their own. He rushed to her side. Gazing at the face of the wife he had thought of day and

In

night he gripped her hand tightly. From his suit pocket, he pulled ou the small Voice Emitting Ring and pressed it into her palm.

When he had his surgery, she had given him the ring to keep him company. Now, he wanted to give it to her, to be with her.

He let go of her hand and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

*Jessica. My Jess. You have to get better. Only then will my sacrifice have meaning.*

He watched as the operating room doors swung shut. It felt as though a door in his own heart had just been slammed closed.

Herbert was not part of the surgical team. His colleagues had forbidden his involvement, knowing his personal connection to the patient. So he waited outside with Vince. The three men stood in silence,

beginning the long vigil for

surgery that would decide Jessica's fate.