Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 71

When Briony returned to the hospital, it was already past ten.

Gina was making up the bed, and looked up in surprise when Briony walked in. "Ms. Kensington? I thought you weren't coming tonight."

Julia, sitting up in her hospital bed, gave her a curious look. "Bryn, what brings you here so late?"

Briony stepped inside and closed the door behind her. "I think I left my coat here."

"This one, right?" Julia handed her the down jacket from the side of the bed. "The weather forecast says there's going to be a big snowstorm. You need to stay warm."

Briony took the coat and nodded. "I will. Thanks, Mom."

"If there's nothing else, you should get home and rest.” Julia squeezed her hand gently, frowning. "Why are your hands so cold? Are you feeling sick?"

Briony managed a faint smile. "No, it's just winter. My hands are always cold this time of year."

Julia was quiet for a moment, then suddenly said, "Bryn, Christmas Eve is only five days away."

Briony paused, caught off guard, then gave a helpless little laugh. "I've been so busy lately, I completely lost track of time."

Julia held her daughter's hand and sighed. "You've been running back and forth between work and the hospital. I bet you haven't even had time to prepare for the holidays, have you?"

try to find some time

me come with

can't leave the

still want to spend Christmas like everyone else!" Julia shot her a look. "Are you planning

was at a loss for

convinced her to stay for treatment by saying she was

talk to Dr.

grinned. “Dr. Clarke is such a good man—I'm

Briony reached into her coat

sigh of relief, glanced back at

Briony was back at the hospital early to find Dr.

what needed to be considered for the

on everything. "Your mother's still not quite ready for surgery. According to her last test results, she'll need at least another week

to take her out for a few hours today? She'd love to get some fresh

of scenery might do her good.

paused, then added, "She's stable right now, but you'll need to keep her warm, and she shouldn't be out alone. Watch out for crowds and make sure

note of his instructions. "I

morning

to the mall. She changed into her clothes, practically dragging Briony out

Mom! The mall isn't going anywhere." She wrapped a scarf around Julia's neck and handed her a hat and mask. "Dr. Clarke said you