WestFiction- "If You Love Something" by Mary

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If You Love Something...> chapters 45-46

“Would you relax?” Mark said when Samantha kept pushing the elevator button impatiently, “she won’t be going anywhere for sometime.” They took the next available flight to Dublin as soon as they got the news and now they were at the hospital waiting for the elevator.

“What?” Samantha asked when Mark let out a laugh.

“Bryan.” he replied, “He has always been a big kid himself. And now he had a kid of his own!” Samantha chuckled and began to relax. The elevator door opened at people poured out.

“You know what,” Mark said when he spotted a gift shop in the corner, “you go ahead. I’ll get something for them.”

“Sure,” she replied as she entered the elevator, “Room 504.”

~ ~ ~

Mark struggled with a bunch of flowers and a big teddy bear. After walking down corridors for a full ten minutes, he realized he was lost. He turned into a corridor hoping to find any staff who can redirect him. Just as he was about to walk away, he spotted Bryan.

“Hey Bryan!” Mark said as he walked up to him.

“Hi Mark,” he greeted without glancing his way. Just then Mark noticed that Bryan was looking through the window of the nursery.

“Congratulations,” Mark said as he gave him a pat on the back.

“Thanks,” Bryan replied. Mark glanced inside the nursery. Cots arranged side by side, the boys in blue cots and the girls in pink. And for once Mark noticed how tiny newborns looked. Mark felt a warm sensation run through him. Mark observed a man in the nursery, waiting in anticipation. Had he met that man on the street, Mark wouldn’t want to mess with him. He looked the type that could break all bones effortlessly. The nurse handed him his baby. Mark could see he was trying not to crush the baby or hurt it any way possible. When he got used to carrying the baby, he gazed fondly at his child, a tear slipped out of the man’s eye. Mark couldn’t help but smile at the scene.

“Look at her,” Bryan interrupted his thoughts, “Cot number 504.” Mark looked at the cot Bryan mentioned. A baby, bundled in a pink flannel to keep her warm, was soundly asleep. “That’s my little girl,” he said proudly, then he added, “I haven’t seen anything more beautiful in my life.” He studied Bryan momentarily, this was totally a new side of him. And he has that look the man inside the nursery has. The same look Nicky had when his child was born.

“How’s Ashley doing?” Mark asked.

“She passed out right after she was born. The nurse said something about forgetting to breath. She’s doing okay now and she’s sleeping at the moment,” Bryan informed, “Truthfully that scared the hell out of me!” He stood there for a long time looking at his daughter, then he sighed contently and told Mark, “I can just watch her sleep.” Suddenly turning to him he said, “Come on, I wanna see Ash.”

“Just lead the way,” Mark replied.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Bryan said taking the flowers from him.

~ ~ ~

Mark found Samantha in the waiting room with the Lee’s and the McFaddens. Everyone had a smile on their face and chatting animatedly between themselves. He greeted everyone in the room then placed the teddy bear in one seat and sat himself beside Samantha.

“Look,” Mark turned to the direction she was motioning, “Kian’s here. Who’s that with him?”

“That’s his girlfriend,” Mark stated. Then Samantha eyed the teddy bear, “You did know, it would be years until she could play with that.”

“I know, but this was the cutest one there,” he shrugged,

“Hey guys,” Kian said as he came up to them. When greetings were passed around, Kian turned to the girl with him and said, “Kath, this is Samantha Micah. Sam this is Katherine Connors.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Katherine said, shaking her had.

“Same here,” replied Samantha. Katherine was as tall as Kian, with shoulder length brown hair and naturally rosy cheeks. The term ‘angelic’ crossed Samantha’s mind.

“So, why are you decked out in a suit?” asked Mark.

“Straightening his tie, he joked, “Can’t a man look good without any reason?” Katherine rolled her eyes at his response.

“A man can, but you? Nah-huh,” replied Mark shaking his head solemnly.

“Ha ha. Feehily. Joke over,” he glared at him. Turning to Samantha, he asked in a kind tone, “Can I talk to you for a second?” Samantha nodded and got up. “Business,” Kian informed them both, before following Samantha into the hallway.

~ ~ ~

They talked business, their latest venture, for a full 15 minutes. Then their conversation drifted to their current lives. Kian glanced towards Katherine’s direction who was now talking to Susan. Samantha noticed that his face visibly softened. “She’s very pretty,” Samantha stated.

“Huh?” Kian looked at her confused before realizing that she spoke to him, “Yeah, that she is.”

“What does she do?” Samantha inquired.

“She’s a project manager for a software company.”

“How did you meet her?” Samantha was intrigued by it. Their profession was worlds apart.

“Long story,” he said giving a small laugh, “I’ll tell you some other time.”

“Well,” turning his full attention to Samantha, “I think I better go and give Bryan and Ashley our best wishes and make a move. We’re having dinner at her parents,” he informed, then his confidence faltered, “and I’m not looking forward to it.”

“Ahhh…that explains the suit,” she said knowingly, “meeting her parents, eh? I’m sure they’ll love you.”

“I’ve met them last week actually. Her father is a military man. He practically chewed my—“ he stopped himself, “well let’s just say I didn’t make a good impression.”

“I admire your courage,” Samantha grinned, “however hard it gets facing him, never quit. I don’t think he’ll be fond of quitters for his daughter.”

“He can do whatever he wants,” resoluted Kian, “but I’m sticking around. He may be a pain in the—He may be difficult,” Samantha had to hide a smile, he was obviously cutting down on the swearing, “but he raised a great daughter.”

“Anything for her, huh?”

“Anything for her,” agreeing with her. Glancing at his wristwatch he gulped and gave a heavy sigh, “I’ve stalled as long I could. Time to go.”

“Don’t worry,” Samantha said giving him a hug. Returning the pressure he said, “Thank you Samantha Micah.” Understanding the weight of his words, “Anytime.”

~ ~ ~

CHAPTER 46

Samantha and Mark waited until the McFaddens’ and the Lees’ had their time with Bryan and Ashley and after Kian and Katherine left.

“Hey!” Samantha giving Ashley a quick hug, “How are you?”

“Much better at the moment,” she said gazing at her baby beside her. Ashley was certainly glowing with happiness.

“Hi Ash,” he said, placing a quick kiss on her cheek, “you know, you look different.”

“That’s a nice way of saying ‘You look horrible.’” Ashley rolled her eyes, then she smiled, “But thanks anyways.”

“This,” he said motioning to the teddy bear, “is for the princess there. I did get you something,” glaring at Bryan, “but someone stole it from me.”

“Who?” Bryan asked innocently as he stretched out beside Ashley and put an arm around her.

“She’s beautiful,” Mark commented at the baby sleeping in Ashley’s arms. They talked for short while, not wanting to tire Ashley. Ashley looked up at Bryan and smiled lovingly at him.

“I think that’s our cue to leave,” Mark said softly. Samantha nodded.

“Hey Mark?” Do me a favor?” Ashley requested, before they could leave.

“Sure?”

“Take Bry down and makes sure he eats something? He’s been running on nothing for 36 hours.”

“No, I’m fine, I want to stay here,” Bryan protested.

“Come on Bry,” Mark said heading for the door, “No one needs you collapsing anytime soon.”

Bryan began to protest but Ashley cut him off gently, ‘Honey, please?” Bryan looked at Ashley for a moment, placed a kiss on her and the baby’s forehead, then left with Mark while Samantha accompanied Ashley a little longer.

~ ~ ~

Bryan studied the tray of food Mark plopped in front of him, “And this is supposed to be…” waited for Mark to fill in the blanks.

“Something chicken,” Mark said examining his own tray, he poked it a little with his fork, it looked more like a huge lump of coal, “Well aren’t you going to eat it?”

“Very smart Feehily. You want me to test it out for you, huh?”

“Yup,” Mark tried the harmless looking mash potato and took a bite. It lacked salt, but still edible.

“It doesn’t matter how renowned or remarkable any hospital are, the food should be illegal altogether!” Bryan said shaking his head but still feeling guilty over wasting food.

“I think I spot some cakes there,” Mark said shoving his tray aside. He brought over a few slices of cheesecakes and peanuts.

“So, how does it feel to be a dad?” Mark asked.

“Amazing,” Bryan beamed, then added nervously, “and scary.” After a pause, Bryan asked uncertainly, “Do you think I’ll be a good dad?”

After the numerous display from Bryan today, he didn’t have a doubt in his mind, “You’ll be great.” Bryan tried to take comfort from his words. “Listen, for now, just enjoy watching her grow cause she’s going to grow up in no time.”

“I can do that,” Bryan nodded, trying to convince himself.

“You know, it’s actually good to see you and Sam back together,” Bryan said suddenly, then popping some peanuts in his mouth, “how are things between you two?”

“Fantastic,” Mark replied with a wide smile.

“So when are you both getting hitched?” getting straight to the point. Mark nearly choked on the cake, “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. So when are you going two getting married?” Bryan asked again, obviously enjoying this.

“Not you too. First it was my mum, then Barry and now you!” Mark said disbelief, “What is it you married people?! Why are you all rushing everyone else to get married? Can’t you people just leave us alone? If a person is single, you are just curious to know why. Then if the person is attached, you simply must know why they are not married yet. Come on! Is there no end to the cycle?”

Bryan laughed at Mark’s observation. For the most part it was true. He had been there himself. “No need to get touchy. We just want to see you happy,” Bryan stated.

“And I’m not happy now?” Mark asked.

“Oh you are happy alright! I know that look on your face. Now where have I seen that look before?” Bryan frowned and pretended to think, “Oh that’s right, that’s the look of someone madly in lurrrrve. You want my advice?”

“Don’t you go all big brother on me Mr. Pre-Wedding-Jitters,” Mark warned.

“Okay so I freaked out for a moment and I owe you for getting me back on track,” then Bryan smiled, ”You’re lucky you know that? You and Sam are stuff dreams are made off. You have been friends through all thick and thin, through everything. I have never seen any friendship so strong in my life. You both have been through some touch times but I’m glad that friendship evolved. Just don’t take it for granted, okay?”

“I won’t,” Mark promised and added silently never again. “I am planning to ask her,” Mark admitted, “but we have a lot of things to work out before that.”

“What is there to work out?” Bryan asked, “You love her, she loves you. You know her for a long time, she you. Both of you are more than financially stable. And you both are committed to spend the rest of your life together. So what am I missing?”

“Have you been talking to my mother?” Mark’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, “She said the exact same thing to me. I’m just, you know, waiting for the right time.”

“Sounds to me like you’re stalling.” Bryan said as he finished his Pepsi and got up. He went over the vending machine for some chocolates. Mark followed him.

“I am not stalling,” Mark defended himself, “It’s just that we are concentrating on now. We haven’t seriously talked about the future yet.”

Offering Mark a bar, Bryan said, “You are stalling,” but added before Mark could protest, “I have no doubt you’ll work it out.” Then he added, “Actually, I always got the impression you two will grow old together. I’m happy for you, mate.”

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