“Gracie, wake up.” I tap her face harder when she doesn’t respond.
“Jonah!” she yells when her eyes finally open.
“Are you okay? Is it the baby?” I look down to where she’s still holding her stomach protectively.
“He was here. He came after us.” She looks around the room as if she expects him to be here.
“Gracie, are you okay?” I wipe away the hair stuck to her face and force her to look at me.
“He was here, he was going to hurt us,” she repeats, still trembling.
“No one’s here; it’s just us.” Using my thumbs, I wipe away her tears and try to reassure her. “I’ve told you a thousand times that you're safe. Jonah probably wanted to get away, himself; I’m positive my father isn’t the only person he pissed off before he went to prison.” It doesn’t matter how many times I tell her, she lives with constant fear. I’m starting to wish I’d told her thathe’s dead. I have the power to end her suffering, yet I’m too selfish to risk her hating me.
“It doesn’t matter what you tell me, Jack. I know him. He’s never going to let this lie.” She starts attempting to get up.
“Where are you going?” I jump out of bed and help her to her feet.
“Where do you think I’m going? I need to pee.” She heads for the bathroom and slams the door behind her. I let my guilt overrule my heart, deciding I need to tell her the second she walks back through the door. My heart beats fast as she opens it, and when I see the way she looks at me, I swallow the lump it puts in my throat.
“I’m sorry, none of this is your fault. I know you're just trying to help.” She waddles back over to me and wraps her arms around me, the best she can. “I’m such a hormonal wreck, right now. Bet you’re glad you only have to tolerate me for a few more weeks, huh?” She laughs, and I kiss the top of her head. Hating myself for being too selfish to tell her. Our time together is so precious; I can’t have her hate me for the limited time we have left.
“Gracie…” I pull back, deciding she deserves at least some honesty out of me. “I would tolerate you for the rest of my life, if you’d let me,” I whisper, feeling my heart break because, deep down, I know she won’t.
She says nothing in response, just smiles sadly and waddles her way back to bed.
GRACE
Three Weeks Later
“Everything here looks great.” Dr. Stratton finishes prodding at my belly. “Baby is in a head-down position, so there are no concerns for a home birth.”
“That’s great news.” I smile, although Jack still looks like he needs convincing.
“Now we just need to hope little one doesn’t get stubborn on us.” She starts packing away her things.
“What do you mean, stubborn?” Jack offers me his arm for support when I try to sit up.
“In some cases, the baby decides they like where they are and chooses to keep everyone waiting. You can go over your due date by a week or two, but after that, we have to start considering induction. Unfortunately, hospital is the only option in that circumstance.”
It’s not the news I want to hear, but I refuse to let it ruin my mood. I’ve been a lot more in control of my emotions this past week, and with only three more days left until my due date, I have to keep a positive mindset. If I think too much about leaving, I start talking myself out of it.
“Well, we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t get too comfortable.” I stand up and start pacing the room.
“Staying active can often help get things moving,” she informs me, picking up her bag.
“Are you finding your accommodation suitable?” Jack asks, stepping over to me and trying to get me to sit back down.
“Very.” She smiles, and I shrug Jack away and look between them, confused.
“I’ve put Dr. Stratton up in one of the estate cottages,” he explains, stroking the bottom of my back. “I thought it would be beneficial to have her close when things start happening.” It’s really starting to dawn on me that this baby could come any day. I don’t know if I’m more nervous about the labour or sad that everything's coming to an end.
“I have two local midwife teams on call, ready to assist; everything is ready. We’re just waiting on baby.” She smiles reassuringly.
“Do we really need midwives, as well as you? I'd much prefer it to be just the two of us.” I can’t imagine anything worse than a bunch of strangers crowded around me when I’m in pain.
“When the time comes, we will make as little interference as possible; a lot of couples like to keep the experience intimate.” I like that she sounds so reassuring, but I can see that Jack is still uncomfortable with the whole idea.
“Hopefully, I’ll be seeing you both very soon,” she tells us before she sees herself out.
