Page 75 of Don’t Open Your Eyes

“Let’s hope they find this bastard,” he said, his face red. He looked at his watch. “I need to go pick up Olivia from play practice. I’ll bring her back with me and grab some dinner for us all on the way.”

“Sounds good.” She rose on tiptoes to kiss him.

Her phone buzzed, and she saw it was Kiera.

“Hi.”

“How’s she doing?”

“She woke up. I was so scared! She’s resting now. Thank you for the beautiful flowers, by the way.”

“Of course. I’ve been worried sick. We’re all praying for her and for you. Any idea who the hell this guy is that was texting her?” Kiera asked.

“They think they found the address of the person on the Instagram account, so fingers crossed.”

“Well, keep me posted. I’m sorry I couldn’t get there, but with my girl’s flu, the last thing I wanted to do was bring germs to your house.”

“Of course. I’ll talk to you later.”

After she ended the call, Annabelle texted Chase to tell him that Scarlett was finally awake. He’d been so sweet and solicitous, checking in with her several times a day. He texted her back.

Something’s happened that I need to talk to you about. I know you don’t want to leave the hospital, but can you come out to the parking lot for a few minutes? It’s important.

Now that Scarlett was out of the woods, she supposed it would be okay. She typed back.

Ok. When?

I’m on my way.

Before

Annabelle heard voices yelling all around her. Her vision was blurry, but bright lights overhead and the cold temperature alerted her that she was in an operating room. James was holding her hand, telling her everything was going to be fine.

“Stay very still. We need to deliver you via C-section,” he told her. “They’re going to give you a spinal block.”

“Why? What’s happening?”

“Your blood pressure is too high. You have preeclampsia, but you’ll be fine once the baby is delivered.”

“Stay still, Annabelle,” another voice commanded.

She held her breath as a cold cloth swabbed her back.

“You’re going to feel some pressure,” the same voice said.

She closed her eyes and tried not to think of the large needle going into her back.

“Okay, all set.”

“Where’s Doctor Pappas?” Annabelle asked.

James squeezed her hand. “He’s away on vacation. You weren’t due for another two weeks, remember? They’re trying to get the doctor on call, but he’s not here yet. There have been a bunch of accidents, power out everywhere. I don’t know if something happened to him or what. We can’t wait. I’m going to have to deliver you.”

“Are you sure? Have you done a C-section before?”

“Yes, don’t worry. I’ve done quite a few. You’ll be fine.”

The next hour was a blur of voices as she went in and out of consciousness. Finally, she heard the cry of her baby, and she wept in relief.