Housebound (24 page)

“Don't.” The word came out on seven syllables as the next pain caught her. “It seemed a waste of time when we knew I had to go in for a planned c-section.”

“Not to mention the fact that you had nobody to go with you.” Elena frowned. “You should have at least attended a few classes. There was always the chance you'd go into labor before the date we set.”

“Well, it happened.” She managed a weak grin. “And I'm just fine, I promise you.”

“Then where's your damned husband? It's his baby you're having, not just your own.”

“There's a lot more involved that you're not aware of,” Anne said wearily. “This baby wasn't planned.”

“So what? I'm sure half the babies I deliver aren't planned, and the fathers stick by their wives anyway. We allow husbands in the operating room now, Anne, as long as the wife is awake. He could be with you.”

“You don't understand, Elena. He's afraid I'm going to die.”

“If I weren't so insulted I'd laugh. Does he think I'm a complete charlatan? I'm not about to let my best friend die in childbirth.”

“Elena, his first wife died because she was pregnant. He's terrified that I will, too. The fact that I had to have a cesarean was more than he could stand,” Anne explained with an attempt at calm, even as another pain twisted her body. “It's not because he doesn't love me enough; he loves me too much to be here.”

“Humph,” Elena sniffed, unconvinced. “Give me your hand.”

Blindly Anne reached out, clutching her friend's strong, capable hand with a grip that could have broken bones with a weaker woman. “It's been a hell of a nine months, Elena,” she said, sighing. “Every time he's looked at me he buries me; every time I felt a twinge he'd go into a panic. I've got Wilson and Holly pouring cognac down his throat to try to keep him calm.”

“Where is he?” Elena had a light in her brown eyes.

“I don't know. Holly said he took off into the night when they wheeled me away. I only wish I didn't have to worry about him. This—” Another ripple of pain stopped her breath for a moment. “This is distracting enough.”

“Operating room seven is ready, Dr. Richardson,” a voice announced, and Anne smiled a wan, relieved smile.

“Are you sure you want to be awake for this, Annie?” Elena questioned.

“Of course I do. After nine months I don't want to have to wait a minute longer than I have to to see my baby.”

She heard the noise distantly as she was wheeled into the operating room. Elena had insisted on a small amount of Demerol to take the edge off the pain, and the bright lights of the room gave a curious haze to everything. Loud voices were arguing behind her, but the words all blurred together. The spinal anesthetic was beginning to take hold, but not enough to blot out the next swath of pain that stretched across her. The drugs had eased her inhibitions enough for her to let out a loud, uninhibited yell.

“Be quiet!” Elena said crossly, and Anne bit her lip. “Not you, Annie,” she reassured her, patting her hand. “The fool man.”

They were draping her belly and washing it with bright orange liquid when another pain came, this one milder than the earlier ones. The anesthetic must be taking place. “You won't cut me until I'm numb, will you?” she asked meekly.

“I wish someone here would trust me,” Elena announced plaintively to the world in general.

Another jumble of voices. The pains in her stomach were easing, and the endless painting of orange finally stopped. And then one more contraction, this one strong enough to
break through the anesthetic. “Elena,” she gasped, and felt a strong, callused hand envelop her own. She didn't even have to turn her head. “Noah,” she breathed. “Thank God.”

“If you're all quite ready,” Elena said sarcastically, “I would like to get this baby born.”

“We're ready,” Noah said, his voice steady, his hand clutching hers tightly.

Anne smiled up at him. “We're ready,” she echoed. He moved down to put his head by hers, never relinquishing his grip on her, as together they turned to watch in the mirror.

 

A
FEW HOURS LATER
Holly sent a telegram to Ashley Kirkland, care of the Sangre de Cristos Monastery in New Mexico.

 

ANNIE GAVE BIRTH TO BABY GIRL LILLIAN THIS A.M. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER DOING FINE, FATHER STILL RECOVERING. MUCH LOVE, HOLLY
.