“I got it,” Frank said, getting Nancy’s attention. Frank took some of the cloth napkins and pressed them against Ned’s arm.

Nancy focused on Ned’s face. It was real pale. She reached for Ned’s right hand and gave it a squeeze. Ned returned the gesture. She said, “Ned, just hang on. Everything will be okay.”

“She’s right,” Frank said. “Everything is going to be all right. Ned is going to be fine.”

Nancy forced a smile on her face, hoping Frank was right. But she was worried.

* * * * *

Two hours later, Nancy was pacing the waiting room of the hospital. Carson was in the room with her. So were Ned’s parents, Bess, George, Frank and Joe. They were all waiting for word on Ned.

Nancy continued to pace. She was worried about Ned. When they had arrived, Ned was taken right into the emergency room. No one had been able to tell them anything in the past two hours. Nancy wanted to know something. Anything would help.

She finally moved over and sat down beside Carson. He put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

“Mrs. Nickerson?” a voice asked.

Nancy looked over at Ned’s mom, waiting to see her respond. Mrs. Nickerson was looking at her. Nancy felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked at Carson, who nodded for her to look at the doctor.

She looked at the doctor. He moved over to her. Nancy asked, “Is Ned...?” She couldn’t finish the question.

The doctor smiled. He said, “Your husband is asking for you.”

Nancy opened her eyes wide. “Really?”

“Really.”

Nancy looked up at Carson. As Carson nodded his head, he said, “Go ahead.”

Nancy quickly got to her feet. She lifted the hem of her dress and followed the doctor out of the waiting room. He led Nancy to a curtained area. Nancy looked in and saw Ned lying on a bed.

She moved over to the bed as the doctor closed the curtain behind her. As she got closer, she saw Ned’s eyes were closed. Ned’s shirt and jacket were gone. There was a blanket covering Ned up to the middle of his chest. She saw there was a bandage on the upper part of his left arm.

She moved to Ned’s right side, taking his right hand in hers. With her left hand, she reached up to Ned’s forehead. She leaned down and gave Ned a kiss on the lips.

Nancy pulled back and gently moved his hair off his forehead. He seemed so peaceful. His face was still pale, but not as pale as before. She couldn’t believe this happened on their wedding day. It was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their lives. She never figured they’d spend their wedding night in the hospital.

“Hmmm,” Ned moaned.

Nancy focused on Ned’s face. His eyes were flickering. A moment later, his eyes slowly opened. He smiled as he asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m watching you. How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” Ned said quietly. He took his right hand and touched Nancy’s face. “Don’t worry. I’m going to be okay.”

Nancy could feel the tears forming in her eyes. Ned reached up and wiped her eyes. Nancy said, “I was so worried. I thought I would lose you.”

“It’s all right.” Ned pulled Nancy down and gave her a hug with his right arm. Nancy put her head on Ned’s chest.

“I’m so glad you’re going to be all right.”

Ned kissed the top of Nancy’s head. “Were you hurt at all?”

“I’m fine. I’m even better now that I know you’re going to be all right.” She squeezed Ned a little bit. She gave a forced laugh. “I was so scared.”

“You don’t need to be scared any more.”

Nancy leaned back and looked at Ned. He was looking at her. She couldn’t imagine living without him, now that they were together.

“What are you thinking?” Ned asked, breaking into her thoughts.

She smiled slightly. “I was thinking how lucky I am to have married you.”

“I’m lucky too. I know you’ll be with me forever.”

“I love you.” Nancy leaned down and gave Ned a kiss.

When they pulled apart, Ned said, “I love you too.”

Nancy smiled. “I never want to go through this again.”

“We won’t,” Ned said. “We only get married once.” Ned reached for Nancy’s right hand with his right. “You know, I wish we would’ve left for our honeymoon earlier. Then, maybe, we wouldn’t be here now.”

“We can’t change the past.”

“I know. It’s just that I never pictured us spending our wedding night in the hospital.”

“At least we’re together.”

“That’s right. We are together.”

“And we’re married now. That’s the most important thing.”

“It sure is,” Ned said.

Nancy noticed Ned’s eyes were starting to close. She realized their conversation had drained him. He looked exhausted. Nancy said, “You should rest. We can talk later.”

Ned pulled Nancy’s right hand to his lips. He kissed her hand, then looked up at her. “Will you stay?”

“I’m not going anywhere. Get some rest.”

Ned closed his eyes, keeping a hold of Nancy’s right hand. With her left hand, she pushed his hair off his forehead as he drifted to sleep. She continued as she listened to his even breathing.

She couldn’t believe how their life together started out. But she was grateful they were both going to be all right. She knew things could only get better for the two of them. She knew their future was just beginning. She was happy to have Ned as part of her future. She was happy to be with the man she loved.

--The End--