| Charlotte had also been observing the way both of them had handled things. It was then that she realized something. �Why didn�t I see it before?� she wondered.
�Michaela, can I talk to you alone for a while?� �Sure. Come on let�s go to the room.� Michaela shut the door to the room and turned to Charlotte. �What is it Charlotte?� �Michaela I was wondering�. Well, if something was to ever happen to me� Would you and Sully be willing to take in my kids?� Michaela�s jaw dropped, and her eyes grew wide. �Charlotte�I�What makes you think something will happen to you?� Before Charlotte had a chance to answer her question her cell phone rang. Her whole demeanor changed, and Michaela saw a look of fear in her eyes. After Charlotte hung up the phone she stood still, and Michaela didn�t know what to do or say. She did the only thing she could which was offer Charlotte her support. �Charlotte is something wrong?� �I don�t know. I�ve been having some stomach cramps that seem to be getting worse as time goes by, and your father had me get some tests done. That was him on the phone and it didn�t sound like good news.� �I�m so sorry Charlotte. If there�s anything Sully and I can do for you just let us know.� �Well, I would really like for you two to think about what I asked you. I know it�s a huge favor, but it would mean so much to me.� Michaela gave Charlotte a reassuring hug. �I promise I�ll talk to Sully about it. In the meantime I don�t want to worry about it.� ~ ~ ~ The nurses were at their station and Hank noticed that every time he walked by they giggled more than ever. He didn�t pay much attention to them and just kept on walking. �O.K. today is the day we set our plan in motion.� Ashley said as soon as he was out of earshot. �Everyone know what they have to do?� The other three nodded and began to giggle again. The rest of the day was filled with making dinner reservations, and making sure that Hank and Helene would both be there. The nurses had appointed Ashley to make sure Hank was at the restaurant while they took care of Helene. After her shift Ashley went to Hank�s office. �Hey Hank, I was wondering if you�d like to join me for dinner tonight?� �Well, actually�.I have a lot of work to do.� Ashley couldn�t let him say no. She had to get Hank to the restaurant no matter what. So she decided to turn on the water works. �It�s just that�� �Well� I need somebody to talk to�� Hank couldn�t stand to see a lady cry so he had no choice but to give in. �Alright�Calm down, I�ll have dinner with you.� �Thank you.� Ashley said between sobs. She waited for Hank in the hallway while he got his things together, and then they headed to the restaurant. When they got to the restaurant Hank was shocked at what he saw. Not only had there been reservations, but the table where they were going to be seated at was a little secluded from the rest. There was a candle in the center of the table and a bouquet of red roses. As they neared the table Ashley excused herself and said she had to go freshen up. |