The Single Dad's Marriage Wish (Bachelor Dads) by Carol Marinelli Page A

strong output was achieved, but as soon as it was halted, as soon as the heart was left to its own devices, just a fine irregular line was all to show for the heart flickering erratically inside.
    Yet as dire as it was, there was still hope.
    The fact that the heart was still, after all this time, offering some activity, as opposed to the dreaded flat line of aystlole, meant that this resuscitation attemptwasn’t anywhere near over. Cardiac massage was vigorously recommenced as Hamish called for and was delivered strong drugs that would hopefully have the desired effect on the failing heart.
    ‘Right, let’s give them a minute to get in system—charge at 360.’
    The defibrillator whirred into action as Cameron massaged the heart, giving the drugs a few vital seconds to hopefully reach their target before Hamish ordered everyone back and a shock was delivered.
    The first of many.
    On and on they worked, the smell of burning flesh filling the room as shock after shock was delivered—his tender age and the ongoing VF giving this patient the endless benefit of the doubt. But as time ticked on, the strain was telling on everyone. Hamish, was supremely controlled but grim with tension and everyone in the room wondered just how much longer they should continue.
    ‘What did his father say exactly? ’ Hamish snapped the words at Cameron. ‘I don’t want to hear what you think he meant. How long was it before he got to him?’ Endless stories had been delivered—the paramedics had been told by the father that they’d just finished milking when the accident had occurred and that the power had been turned off at source, and this had been confirmed when they’d arrived and they’d ensured the safety of the area before entering. But how long had it taken Vince to turn off the power and reach his son? Any further questioning of the paramedics was impossible as they had already been called away. When Amyhad been sent in to find out she had been told that a safety switch had been tripped by his tearful father and now Cameron had come back with an equally conflicting story just to add to the confusion. ‘No ones going to thank us if we get this guy back and he ends up spending the rest of his life in a nursing home! Now, I need to know,’ Hamish snarled in exasperation. ‘Where’s Helen?’
    ‘In an admin meeting,’ Amy answered, chewing on her bottom lip as Hamish’s eyes quickly scanned the room—no doubt wondering who to send next, two vertical lines appearing as he realised that the newest member of the team was probably the most appropriate…Apart from himself, Charlotte and the unfortunately absent Helen, it was a fairly junior team working this morning and the tension was mounting with each and every shock the defibrillator delivered. It was the dizziest, the most carefree amongst them who appeared the least affected—her hands utterly steady as she handed over drugs and kept an accurate log, each piece of information he demanded called back in a clear, unwavering voice. ‘Charlotte, can you please go in there and get a decent history—preferably half an hour ago?’
    Racing along the corridor to the interview room, Charlotte knocked and entered. As expected, Ronan’s father was beside himself with anxiety, his rough, weather-beaten face wet with tears, his breathing coming so hard and fast he was on the verge of hyper-ventilating.
    ‘I’m Charlotte, Charlotte Porter—I’m one of the nurses in with your son.’
    ‘How is he?’ Vince started, but Charlotte was already answering
    ‘He’s still very sick. We’re still working very hard to get his heart started again. I need some more information from you.’
    ‘I’ve already told everything I know. Why the hell are you all still asking me questions instead of dealing with my son?’ Fear presented as anger but Charlotte ignored it, concentrating instead on staying on track. ‘There are just a few things we need to clarify so we can do our best for