, My heart skipped a beat, thinking about the tests Susie underwent today.

"Is it bad news about the test results?

" Fanny, hands stuffed in her coat pockets, shook her head lightly.

"No, there's been a hitch with the donor.

", I frowned in confusion.

"Huh?

",

"The donor was declared brain dead, in a vegetative state. The family was ready to let go, agreeing to donate all the organs, but then, at the last minute, they changed their minds,

" I caught Fanny's drift., This donor was a perfect match for Susie. If the donation fell through, Susie would have to wait even longer., And how long that wait could be was anybody's guess.,

"Do you know why they backed out?

" I asked., Fanny pursed her lips.

"No idea. Just got the notification. You know donor information is confidential.

", Thinking of Susie's hope for a new lease on life made me wish she didn't have to face the disappointment of not going through surgery just yet., Remembering Ernest was called away, I asked,

"Did Yates pull Ernest aside to discuss this?

",

"Probably,

" Fanny replied, then nudged me.

"Don't get too down. The senior doctor must have other plans. It's just the transplant will be delayed a bit.

",

"Right, if she can't be admitted for now, maybe we should just take her out for some fun,

" I shared my thoughts.,

"She's your sister-in-law. You call the shots,

" Fanny teased., I nudged her back with my shoulder.

"So, what's going on with you and Yates? How far have you guys gotten?

",

"What progress? Between my shifts and his overtime, we hardly have two days to ourselves,

" Fanny laughed, making me join in.,

"The world won't end to give you guys a break. At this rate, how will you keep the flame alive?

" I joked.,

"A flame will be kept alive regardless of difficulties. I'm already brainstorming,

" Fanny was always full of ideas, fitting for the head of her department., I was all ears.

"What's your master plan? It's not quitting your job to become a housewife, is it?

",

"Hardly. I aim to be the youngest, Stel, professor in gynecology. What would do with a cardiologist? Fanny was determined. , Her words rang true. A woman should never give up her career for love, no matter the circumstances.

"Having adored him for years, you know better than me. I'll stay out of it,

" I raised my hands in surrender. Fanny glanced at the ring on my hand.

"After Ernest's sister's surgery, are you two planning the wedding?

" I hadn't really thought about that.,

"Ernest isn't exactly rolling in money., After his sister's surgery, he might not have much left. Knowing his pride, he wouldn't want to, shortchange you, so it might be a, wait,

" Fanny analyzed., , Recalling a phone conversation I overheard earlier, I mused,

"Does Ernest strike you as a broke guy?

",

"Not really But appearances can be, deceiving Some flash their brands and bling but are drowning in debt, while others dress simply but are worth millions,

" Fanny sighed. ,

"Could Ernest be one of the latter?

" I pressed., Fanny gave me a look.

"Asking me whether your man is rich or poor, is that appropriate?

",

"I'm also in the dark here, that's why I need your keen eye,

" I flattered.

"Right, Ms. Willis?

", Just then, Fanny's phone rang. She answered,

"Hello... What? Okay, I'll be right there.

", She pocketed her phone and turned to me.

"I need to head back. There's a dispute with a patient's family.

", This sounded serious. I waved her off.

"Go on, then.

", But just a few steps after Fanny left, I felt a sudden warmth below., Oh no!, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.