“It’s pretty easy. You take off the old one, clean her up, then slip a new one on and fasten the tabs.” His obvious discomfort gave her pause. “I can call one of the ladies if you’re unsure.”
“No, I’m good. Alice will be fully taken care of, promise.”
“Thank you.” She removed Alice from the highchair and took her into the living room to change her.
Five minutes later, she was on the road to Farthington. Memories of her labor with Alice flooded her thoughts. Alone and scared, no one in the room to comfort her except for nurses who were strangers. They’d been a huge help though. For the length of her stay, they’d taken her under their wings and whispered encouraging words when the pain became too great and she wanted to give up. After Alice’s arrival, they’d shown her how to care for her newborn, and when she’d left the hospital, they had sent her off with a tote stuffed full of diapers, wipes, and clothes. She’d never forget their kindness during the hardest, loneliest time of her life.
Lara was fortunate to have her family support her during the pregnancy.I could have, also, but I made that decision. She shut off the voices of condemnation in her head. This wasn’t the time. She’d moved on, and she had more important issues to focus on—at the moment, Lara.
She arrived at the hospital and ran inside, spotted Aiden in the lobby. “Any update?”
“I just got here.” The color on his face had drained, and he paced as he spoke. “I was at work when they called me and I got the message late.”
“Come on. Let’s check in and get up there.” Seeing his nervousness, she took charge and went to the front desk and gave their names.
They were given access and took the elevator to the labor and delivery ward where they had to give their names again and sign in. They were shown to the waiting room, and found Robert Nell, Lara’s father, there.
He stood to greet them. “I’m glad you made it.”
“How is she?” Aiden’s voice shook as he spoke.
“Doing fine as of ten minutes ago, but they said it could take a long time.”
Aiden glanced down the hall. “Can I see her?”
“You’ll have to ask. She said she only wants the women in there with her.” Lara’s dad offered a sympathetic smile.
“But I’m the dad.” Aiden’s lip drooped, upset at the exclusion.
Mr. Nell patted his shoulder. “This is where I waited for all of my children to be born. You’re in good company.”
A nurse entered the room. “Ms. Graff, if you’re ready, I’ll take you to Lara now.”
“Thank you.” She looked at Aiden. “I’ll let her know you want to see her, but I won’t pressure her. She needs to focus on bringing this baby into the world with as little stress as possible.”
Mr. Nell flashed her a grateful look, and Aiden sat down, seeming to understand this was in the best interest of his soon-to-be-born child.
Trixie followed the nurse to the delivery room, fighting the images flashing through her head of the haunting memories. They all faded away when she saw Lara sitting upright in the bed with tears flowing down her young face.
With a helpless gaze, Gina Nell ushered her to a corner. “She is very emotional, as to be expected, and I’ve tried telling her everything will be okay, but nothing I say gets through to her.”
“May I have a few minutes alone with her?”
“Yes. I’ll go and give Robert an update.” Mrs. Nell’s lips moved as she left the room, and Trixie instinctively knew she was praying for her daughter and grandchild.
Trixie approached Lara slowly and handed her a tissue. “Hey, this is a happy day.”
“I’m scared, Ms. Trixie. I’m only a child myself. How am I supposed to raise one?” Lara spoke in a rushed and frantic pace between sobs.
“How every other new mom has.” She rubbed soothing circles on Lara’s back. “Fifteen months ago, I faced the same fears but learned that it will all work out. When you lay eyes on your baby for the first time, maternal instincts you didn’t realize you had will tell you what to do.”
“What if they don’t?” Her wide eyes expressed genuine doubt that would happen.
“They will, and you’ll have a team of people to help you. Me, your parents, Aiden, the church.” She took hold of Lara’s hand and squeezed it. “Never forget that you are not alone.”
That assurance calmed Lara, and soon the tears subsided. A contraction hit, and Lara gritted her teeth through the pain. Her mom returned and through the labor, Mrs. Nell and Trixie didn’t leave Lara’s side.
At eleven that night, Lara gave birth to a seven pound, six ounce boy with a head full of hair. Lara cradled her son with awestruck wonder illuminating her eyes. Her dad and Aiden were brought in to meet the newborn.
