“Yes, sir, it’s very normal for a patient to be confused when they wake up, especially in emergent situations like hers.”
“What emergent situation?” I asked, starting to get alarmed.
“Ms. Parker, you had a placental abruption. We had to do an emergency c-section to deliver your baby.”
My hands returned to my empty abdomen. “My baby! What did I have?”
“A beautiful little girl,” my dad said proudly.
“Where is my daughter?” I screamed.
“She’s in the NICU, but she’s doing better than expected.”
“What in the actual fuck is that supposed to mean?” I snapped.
“Avery Grace,” my dad chastised. “She meant your little girl came into this world earlier than expected in the middle of a stressful situation and she could be doing far worse than she is.”
His words triggered my memory and everything came rushing back. “My babies! Where are my babies? Are they okay?” I started pulling at the covers and trying to get out of bed so I could go find my children.
“Avery, stop! You can’t get up right now. They’re okay. Riley’s arm is broken and Braxton has a concussion, but they’re okay,” my dad said vehemently.
“What about Kellan?”
Dad grimaced and shook his head. “The last I heard, they were taking him to surgery.”
“And Mom?”
“Your mom’s going to be okay. She’s got a few broken bones and some bumps and bruises, but nothing she can’t handle,” he assured.
“You need to go back and stay with her. She doesn’t need to be alone.”
“You know good and well your mother would whoop my ass if I left you alone. But before you start, she’s not alone. One of Kellan’s friends is staying with her and I have strict instructions to call them as soon as they move you to your room.”
I nodded as my lower lip started to tremble. “This can’t be happening,” I whispered.
My father squeezed my hand. “You’ve got a waiting room full of people who love you and are ready to help in any way they can. You will get through this.”
I closed my eyes and relaxed into the pillow until they moved me to my room. To my surprise, Copper, Layla, and Riley were waiting inside when they wheeled me in.
“Riley,” Copper rumbled. “Your Mommy’s here.”
“She’s still sleepy from the medicine they gave her before they set her arm,” Layla explained.
My eyes landed on the bright pink cast on her left arm. “Is it bad?”
“Both bones in her forearm are broken, but she didn’t need surgery,” Copper shared.
“Riley,” I called. “Wake up, baby.”
“Mommy,” she said through a yawn.
“Hey, sweet girl. You okay?”
She nodded and immediately started to cry. “Can I put her on the bed without hurting you?” Copper asked.
“Yes,” I said and patted the bed beside me.
“Riley, your Mommy just had surgery on her tummy, so you have to be gentle,” Copper instructed.
