His expression mirrored what Jonah felt. All the happiness evaporated in a heartbeat.
And the cursed darkness had returned.
The air inside the hospital was clean and antiseptic, but Eli’s chest was too tight to take very deep breaths. The whole place was cold, bright, and unfeeling, with a low-grade hum of fear despite the group of nurses laughing over coffee in the center station that looked out over the individual rooms surrounding the ER.
In theirs, Meredith lay on a bed with rails, pale against white sheets, one hand pressed to her belly like she could somehow hold her little embryo in place with the sheer strength of Meredith Lawson determination.
The room had two chairs, and Eli had pulled one a little closer to the bed, keeping a hand on Meredith’s shoulder as he tried—and failed—to find the right words. Every once in a while, she moaned, winced, and bit her lip, clearly in pain.
Kate stood nearby, arms crossed tightly, her eyes flicking between the monitor and Meredith’s face like she could understand what every beep and number meant. Maybe she could—he knew better than to underestimate her intelligence.
She’d been amazing, though, when Jonah came downstairs, took Eli aside, and quietly delivered the news. As if she sensed acrisis, Kate joined them, her expression flickering with surprise when she learned Meredith was pregnant.
To her credit, she didn’t even look sideways at Eli for not telling her this news. Instead, she instantly suggested Jonah stay with Gary and Sally, maybe take them downstairs for a tour of the nursery and a peek at the beach.
Down there, he could tell them a little of what was going on—whatever he was comfortable saying—while Kate and Eli took Meredith to the hospital.
The plan made sense and unfolded without a hitch—except Maggie was not happy and wanted to come, but they talked her out of that, insisting that she help Jonah with the guests.
Eli drove to the hospital while Kate sat in the back with Meredith, comforting her through the pain. With tears and whimpers, Meredith shared enough of her situation for Kate to fully understand why Eli might have been a little distant the last day or so.
They’d talk all about it later. Now, he had to drive, focus, and pray. Probably not in that order. Prayer first, right? But the words weren’t there.
Jesus, please help Meredithwas the best he could do under the circumstances.
Frustration grew as they sat in the small room for what felt like years but might have been less than half an hour.
Other than a nurse named Dena who’d set up the monitors, offered comfort, and told them an ultrasound tech was on the way, they’d been alone.
Finally, they heard the sound of wheels and footsteps, and a woman appeared at the door with a portable apparatus he assumed was the ultrasound machine.
“Hello,” she said brightly, sliding her hands under the hand sanitizer attached to the wall. “You must be Meredith. I’m Charlene, your ultrasound tech. How are you doing, hon?”
Meredith managed a pathetic smile. “Been better.”
“I know, I know.”
Eli stood and pulled his chair back, even though Charlene set up on the other side of the bed. “Should we stay?” he asked.
“Absolutely.” She glanced at the two of them and added a kind smile. “Are you Meredith’s parents?”
“I’m her father,” Eli said, not sure what to say about Kate.
“And you’re worried sick,” Charlene added, making the awkward moment easy. “Well, let’s just see what’s going on here. I’m going to do a quick abdominal ultrasound,” she said, wheeling the machine closer.
“Not transvaginal?” Kate said, holding her phone where he suspected she was madly searching the internet to be armed with information.
“That’s ordered by a doctor after we do this first level,” Charlene explained as she tapped a keyboard and adjusted a monitor.
Meredith reached her hand out and Eli instantly went to her, taking her trembling fingers in his. “I’m sorry, Dad,” she whispered.
“No, sweetheart.” His voice cracked. “Don’t apologize. You don’t have to be sorry for anything.”
“I’m going to slide this top up, honey.” The nurse applied the gel to Meredith’s stomach, making her flinch. Eli tightened his grip as though he could somehow transfer her discomfort to himself.
Was there a parent in the world who wouldn’t trade places with a sick kid?
Kate joined him, placing her hand on his back, adding her own touch of love and sympathy.
