Braxton

"So I wanted to talk to you about something." I'm at Em's parent's house because I need to have a chat with Leo and I know Em already picked up Cora.

That makes me sound like I know what I'm doing. Couldn't be farther from the truth.

I'm a nervous wreck.

"Okay, how about we go outside? I'm assuming this is a serious conversation?" I nod and we walk outside to Jo's adirondack chairs.

"Leo, first I just want to say I love Em. I love her and Cora and even the plum. Shit, sorry. I probably sound crazy, it's just that we have been calling the baby whatever he or she's size is and 12 weeks is the size of a plum. Let me start over." He starts laughing and I can't even imagine how bad I am botching this.

"I love them. I know it would mean a lot to Em and I, if I had your permission to marry her. I already bought the ring." I pull it out of my pocket and pass it to him.

He opens the case and lets out a whistle.

I may have gone a little crazy, but my wife will only wear the best. I want everyone to see that she is mine.

"You could see this rock from space. Wow. I have a question for you though. What if I said no?" I swallow and take a deep breath.

"I mean no disrespect, but I would ask her anyway. I love Em and I can't live without her. Your approval would mean a lot to both of us, but she is everything. Emily, Cora, and the plum are everything." I take another deep breath and look him in the eye.

"You take care of my little girl."

"Wait, are you saying you approve?"

"Well, I was gonna say yes, but after that little speech I definitely approve. You put my daughter first and that is the most important thing." I grin and shake his hand.

"Thank you." We walk inside and Jo looks at us knowingly.

"When?" I look at her and decide that she can keep a secret.

"Soon, I have to make sure the breeder is ready. How did you know?"

"I know everything, but back up what do you mean breeder?" She looks confused.

"Em has told me all about how much she loved growing up with golden retrievers and that she was planning on getting one for Cora, but wanted to find a good breeder. I decided to research it and found a little family that just did it to have some puppies and wasn't a puppy mill. They were looking for families to take them for a good price, so I went and picked one out and put down a down payment."

"Aww, that is the sweetest thing, so you are gonna propose with a puppy?" I go to explain the plan when Leo's phone rings. I nod as he answers, but I can't hear what the other line is saying.

His expression says it's not good news, but then his face turns blank.

Just then my phone rings, I answer, but I didn't have the number saved.

"Hello, is this Braxton Thompson?" It's a woman on the line, but I don't recognize the voice.

"Yes, may I ask who's calling?"

"Sir, are you sitting down?" That's weird, but the pit in my stomach won't go away.

I see Leo end his call and start whispering to Jo. I take a seat at the table.

"Yes, I am."

"Sir, this is Norene from Altus Baytown ER. Earlier this evening your daughter and her mother were in a serious car accident." I don't hear a word she says after that. I drop the phone and my body crumbles. I can feel Jo at my side, but I can't do anything.

"No!" No. NO. It's not possible. They have the wrong people. It's not my Em and Buttercup. Oh god what about our baby.

I pick up the phone.

"Where are they?!"

"Emily was careflighted to Baylor Scott & White Health and Cora is here at Altus."

"Are they okay?" My voice is barely above a whisper, but I can't even breath at the thought of losing them.

"Cora sustained a minor concussion and a few cuts, but Emily is in critical care."

Someone hangs up the phone, but I don't know how to choose.

"How do I pick? How do I go to my daughter, but not Emily and the plum. How?" I don't even recognize my own voice. I need to be strong for them.

I stand up and walk out the door. I'll go to Cora first and then if she's okay I can have Jo and Leo watch her.

"Wait, wait! You can't do anything for them if you don't get there safely. Leo, you drive separately, but I'm riding with you." Jo's voice is stern, but whatever gets me to their side fastest is what I have to do.

I don't remember a single thing about the drive to Altus, but as soon as I get there I run in and ask for Cora.

"Let me show you to her room."

We walk in silence to a room on the pediatric floor.

"Now, she has a minor concussion and a few cuts, but she should make a full recovery." I practically run in the room.

"Hey, buttercup. Are you okay?" She does have some cuts, but she really doesn't look that bad.

"My head hurts, daddy. I want mommy." I wrap her in my arms, I want Em too. Thank God Cora is okay though.

"Jo, do you think you can stay here? I have to go to Em. Please." My voice is desperate, but I have to get to her side.

"Yes, of course. Just keep us posted and I'll update you if anything changed with Cora." I give her a quick hug, then sit back down by the bed.

"Buttercup, mommy was really hurt in the accident." I have to pause to wipe my eyes. "She and the baby are at a different hospital because they can give them help that they can't give them here. I need to go check on them. Okay? I love you so much, Cora."

"I wuv you too, daddy." My heart breaks as I walk out of her room, but I'm on a mission and I have to make sure the rest of my family is okay.