They both rose from the couch and walked across the room. Anna rose to her feet and found herself wrapped in the hug of forgiveness.
“We still expect to be every bit the grandparents to this baby. Why, you wouldn’t believe the shopping I’ve already done.”
“Oh, I believe it. I’ve seen the Visa bill,” George said with laughter in his voice.
Anna went home feeling blessed until a call from Mark wiped away the gift of grace like chalk wiped off a board in one swipe. He did not even say hello.
“Jason contacted me the other day. I heard the latest and just want you to know how disappointed I am. I feel you’ve dishonored the family name, and that Dad would be incredibly grieved you could jump into the sack so soon after he passed away. I want nothing to do with that slime ball, Carmichael. His type disgusts me. They prey on weak, foolish women.”
Anna jolted and caught her breath. He thinks I’m weak and foolish.
“Mark, please—”
He continued to talk right over her. “That kid is not full blood, so don’t expect me to come down like I had planned. And don’t try to contact me, because I need time to work this through. You have no idea how hard it is to find out your mother is not who you believed her to be.
“I haven’t a clue how I’m going to tell Lori. I know she’ll be mortified. Thanks for thinking of no one but yourself, Mom.”
Anna tried to respond, but the line went dead.
She hung her head and wept openly. A wave of hopelessness threatened to overwhelm her as she fought against the tsunami of heartache.
The baby had another idea. A sharp pain pressed in, and water splashed down her legs, pooling on the floor. Another pain twisted deep across her abdomen and into her lower back. There was no time for tears or sorrow.
e
Pain ripped through her body in waves. Anna knew she had to get to the hospital. She had no time to agonize over the fact her sister was not available and called the first person that came to mind.
“Matt, it’s Anna. The baby’s coming and I have no one.”
“How far apart are your contractions? Can you wait for me to get there, or should I call an ambulance?”
“About ten to fifteen minutes apart, but my water broke.”
“I’m on my way. Keep your cell beside you, and if the contractions speed up, call 911 immediately.”
Anna sat waiting and was thankful she had packed her overnight bag the day before. This baby wasn’t due for another couple weeks, but she guessed the little one didn’t know that.
Between contractions, she had time to ponder her decision to call Matt. He’d been in the back of her mind from the point she heard her sister’s message, and somehow, she knew God had this planned all along. Matt would be both knowledgeable and supportive. She needed that now.
The front door swung wide and slammed against the doorstop with force as Matt bolted in. His disheveled look gave Anna comic relief. Sprigs of curly hair sprang in every direction, and his T-shirt was inside out. His usual well-put-together-look was lost in his mad dash to her.
She laughingly teased. “Clearly you took your time grooming this morning.”
“I was in emergency surgery all night. I was sleeping when you called. But never mind all that … let’s get you in the car.”
She smiled at the frantic way in which he grabbed her and almost lifted her off her feet.
“Matt, I can walk.”
He stepped back. “Of course, you can … I’m just a little—”
“Undone?” Anna finished.
He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Well, it’s not every day a man becomes a father.”
As she slid into the front seat, and he wrapped a blanket around her legs, she could see that his hands were shaking. “Matt, take a deep breath, calm yourself. I’m not dying. I’m having a baby. Besides, I’m with a competent doctor. Everything should be fiiiiinnnne … oohhhh, that one hurts.” She quit talking and concentrated on her breathing. She could barely remember the ride to the hospital, she was so intent on controlling the pain. The contractions were coming fast and furious.
Wheeled directly into the maternity ward, they wasted no time. One look told the doctor on shift that this baby was waiting for no one. Her family doctor would never get there on time.
“I want an epidural,” Anna cried out between contractions. “I was in labor so long with the other two, and I can’t do that again.” A feeling of panic welled up as another contraction stilled the words, and she buckled in pain.
Matt tried to explain. “Anna, they can’t do an epidural, you’re too far along.”
She sobbed, “I can’t do this Matt. I can’t. I’m exhausted—so much has happened lately and I’m—ohhhhhh—”
Another contraction curled her body into a ball and sweat dripped down her temples. She heard a scream pierce through the air but didn’t recognize it as her own. Pain sliced through her like it was splitting her in two.
Matt held her hand and smoothed a cool cloth over her brow. “You’re doing good, Anna, things are moving along quickly. This won’t take much longer.”
Suddenly, panic filled the room. Words were flying around Anna couldn’t comprehend.
“Too much bleeding. Code 5 stat! Let’s get her into the surgery room now.”
“Matt!” she screamed, when she couldn’t see him. He immediately came into view, but his eyes were wide and wild looking. “I’m here, Anna, I’m here.”
“Don’t let her slip from us,” the attending physician said. “Matt, keep talking to her. Make her understand she needs to fight.”
“Anna, please push, my dear. This baby is right there, just one more push.”
A
