“I don’t know if I can,” she sighed, looking at the baby and touching herfeet.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked gently. Now was probably not the best time, but Kelly would be able to help if needed. I wasn’t the best with girl talk or girl problems, and this was obviously a girlthing.
“I was pregnant . . . once. It was shortly after the first time Erick had me. When they noticed, they . . . they hit me in my stomach until I bled down there. Erick and the others were careful after that to make sure I didn’t get pregnant again.” She didn’t take her eyes off thebaby.
“Oh, Dawn,” Kelly said, coming over to the couch beside her. Dawn jumped slightly, not expecting it. “I lost a few myself, and I did everything the doctors told me to do. It took years to finally be able to have this one, and it will mostly likely be my only child. Which is more than fine with me. I may not have been through what you have, but I can sympathize with you. I will always listen if you want to talk,” she went on, wrapping her arm around mygirl.
“Thanks, I think,” Dawn mumbled. “Maybesometime.”
“Anytime,Sug.”
“Here, you can hold her,” I said, handing the little one to Dawn once I got my arm free from her. I gently showed her on how to hold her, supporting her head just right in her elbow. Dawn was wide eyed with shock and nerves. Meeting her eyes, I smiled, letting her know she was doing fine. Dawn slowly looked down at the baby, who was staring up ather.
“I was terrified the first time I held her. I had to pick her up to give her over to Kelly once we were put into our own room at the hospital,” Kaleb said as he leaned forward. “The nurses had given us privacy for a few hours for her to rest after hersurgery.”
“He couldn’t figure out how to change her diaper at first, either,” Kellylaughed.
“Diapers,” Kaleb grumbled, shaking his head and glaring at the idea, which made me laugh. In turn, the baby began to cry. I was happy to see my girl didn’t panic, but she did look to Kelly to find out what todo.
“She’s hungry,” Kelly said as she reached for the diaper bag on the coffee table. She made up a bottle and then explained to Dawn how to feed the wailinggirl.
“You’re a natural,” I said, leaning to whisper in her ear. “I’ll do whatever it takes, see any doctor, to find out if you can have a baby if you ever wantto.”
“So, are you enjoying your time off work?” Kaleb asked after a few quietminutes.
“The last three weeks were productive and busy, but I’m glad to be home now,” Ianswered.
“Good. I do have some news for you, but only for you. I don’t think the ladies of the house need to hear,” Kaleb said, hinting towards the office. I kissed Dawn on the side of her head before I made my way, following Kaleb and closing the door behindme.
