Love Entwined (25 page)

“Thank you,” I said, quietly. “I really am sorry. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I really am sorry.”

Just then, Dr. Rhoads knocked and opened the door. She was carrying the orders for the glucose test and other various bloodwork.

“I just wanted to see that you got these. I also wanted to let you know about some upcoming birthing classes that the hospital will be offering on Saturdays starting in about three weeks. I hope that you both sign up. I think they’re very educational and informative sessions and I encourage all of my parents-to-be to take them.”

I called Katie the minute I’d left the doctor’s office. She must have been holding her phone in anticipation because she picked up on the first ring.

“So, am I having a niece or a nephew. Please tell me a niece because I bought the most adorable pink dresses and bows and Greg would murder me if I tried dressing Shawn in them,” she said, without even a hello.

“It’s a girl!” I shrieked into the phone.

“Ahhhhhhhhh,” she screamed. “Our babies really are going to get married!”

“Will you stop it with that! Our babies will probably end up hating each other.”

“Oh my god. You didn’t just say that! Take it back! Ireland Erin O’Brien, you take it back right now, or I’m ending this call.”

“OK, OK. I take it back. Our babies will love and adore one another and give us beautiful grandbabies someday,” I laughed.

“OK, you took that too far. My baby boy is never having sex.”

“You’re ridiculous,” I chuckled.

“So, did Bentley show up for the appointment?”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding my head even though she couldn’t see.

“He really did? I bet that was super awkward. How did it go?”

I let out a long sigh before answering, “I mean I guess it went as well as could be expected. He wants to be a part of our daughter’s life, but he’s not sure he can ever trust me again. I think it’s really over between us.”

“You don’t know that, Ireland. He’ll come around.”

“I wish I could say you’re right, but I really don’t think so this time.”

A
s I was finishing up my morning paperwork, Katie barged into my office unannounced.

“I was in the area and I’m starving,” she said. “Want to go grab a bite to eat with me?”

“You know what a phone is, right?” I asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“Because I really wish you would’ve used it. I’ve had a killer headache all morning and I’m trying to get my paperwork finished so I can go home for the rest of the day.”

Before I’d finished my rant, Katie spotted the almost-empty bottle of Tylenol on my desk.

“You should be careful with those,” she warned.

“Thank you, Mother—I know. Dr. Rhoads said they’d be OK to take. I’m not an idiot.”

“In moderation,” she shouted. “This bottle is practically empty. These aren’t candy, Ireland. This can’t be good for the baby.”

“I only took two today. Would you relax?

“Today? How often are you having these headaches?”

“Seems like recently, I’ve had one every day. I just figured it was a side effect from the pregnancy.”

“Have you told the doctor?”

“No, I have an appointment next week and was going to tell her then. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Didn’t you tell me that you were dizzy the other night, too?” she asked.

“Yeah, why? It just happened once. It’s not a big deal.”

“Ireland, if you don’t call Dr. Rhoads right now, then I will. This is more than nothing. And, it’s definitely a big deal. You shouldn’t be relying on Tylenol to get you through every day.”

“Fine,” I huffed, picking up my phone to dial the doctor.

Following the doctor’s orders, Katie took me directly to the ER. I was poked, prodded and hooked up to every monitor imaginable within a matter of minutes.

“I told you this was more than nothing,” Katie said, sternly.

“Fine. You’re right. I’m worried I should’ve called the doctor sooner. What if I hurt the baby?” I said with concern in my voice.

Just then, Dr. Rhoads came into the room.

“Ireland, I would say it’s good to see you. But, I don’t really enjoy seeing my patients under these circumstances,” she said, grabbing my chart from the door. “You did the right thing by calling me. Just as I feared, your blood pressure has spiked. It was 160/110 when you came in. I think I’m going to admit you for observation. I’m not comfortable sending you home while it’s still that high.”

“Is the baby OK?”

“The baby’s heart rate was strong and everything appears to check out. I’ll order an ultrasound once you get settled in your room.”

Once I’d gotten settled, I was completely worn out and exhausted. Katie said she’d go down to the cafeteria for a bit while I tried to get some sleep. For nearly forty-five minutes I tried to fall asleep, but a hospital was hardly the best place to catch up on sleep. I laughed, thinking that my blood pressure would have a better chance of dropping if I’d checked into the Hilton.

I tried calling Bentley several times from the hospital, but he hadn’t picked up. Finally leaving a message, I explained the situation. I didn’t think he’d actually come up to see me so I was a bit surprised when I heard him talking to Katie out in the hallway.

“I don’t think you should go in there,” Katie said.

“Why not?” He asked, sounding exasperated.

“Because you’ll just upset her! Don’t you get it! You’re the reason she’s in here in the first place. She’s been so stressed out worrying about your relationship, or lack thereof, that she hasn’t been taking care of herself. She’s not eating. She’s not sleeping. She’s barely functioning,” Katie whisper-yelled.

“I think I need to talk to her,” he said desperately.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea right now, Bentley. Her doctor said she needs to remove all the stresses from her life before the baby’s born. She won’t be working for a few months now, either. I’ll tell her you were here. Just please go,” Katie begged.

I wasn’t initially happy at what Katie had done, but I understood why she did it. Talking with Bentley would only upset me further and that was the last thing I needed right now. After a few more hours of watching pointless, reality television, I finally drifted off to sleep.

After spending two days in the hospital, Dr. Rhoads allowed me to go home. I was ordered to stay on bed rest for at least a week, and wouldn’t be going back to work until after the baby was born. I was sure it wasn’t the stress of work causing my anxiety, but I wasn’t comfortable sharing the details of my personal life with my obstetrician so I agreed to it.

Trying to obey the doctor’s orders, I lay in bed catching up on the latest season of 
The Bachelor
. Just then I received an unexpected text message. I stared at his name on the screen, hesitating for a moment before opening it. After all, I’d finally been able to get my anxiety and blood pressure under control and the last thing I needed was to wind up back in the hospital—especially when Dr. Rhoads had warned me that the next time might be for the duration of my pregnancy.

I took a deep breath, calming my nerves, as I slid my finger across the screen, opening the message.

Bentley: Greg told me that you’d been released from the hospital. I’m not sure how much Katie told you, but I tried visiting you while you were there. She thought it’d be best if I stayed away for a while. It pains me to say it, but I think she was right. Anyways, I think I’m rambling now. I just wanted you to know that I’ve been thinking about you constantly.

Ireland: I did hear that you stopped by to see me. Thank you for caring. I wish things didn’t have to be this way between us. If only we could travel back in time, and change some of the decisions that we made.

Bentley: As much as I don’t show it sometimes, I’ll always care about you, Shamrock. But, I know you need your rest so I’ll stop bothering you.

Ireland: It’s OK. I’m actually wide awake and there are only so many episodes of 
The Bachelor
 I can watch before I start going crazy. As much as the thought of staying in bed all day sounds fantastic, it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be.

Bentley: LOL I can see that. Too bad I’m not there. I’m sure we could find a way to make use of our time.

I reread Bentley’s message a few times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Was he actually flirting with me? Before I had too much time to think about it, another message appeared.

Bentley: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, I’ll let you get back to those bachelor hunks. Do you have any appointments coming up that I might be able to go to?

Ireland: Actually, I’ve been meaning to message you. I was able to schedule the birthing class. It’s next Saturday, and I was hoping maybe you could come with me.

Bentley: I wouldn’t miss it. I can swing by and pick you up. That way you won’t have to worry about hospital parking.

Ireland: That’d be perfect. It starts at 10 a.m. and I can be ready around 9:30. That should give us plenty of time.

Bentley: I’ll see you then. It was good talking to you, Ireland. I really do miss this.

Ireland: Me too.

Bentley: Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. And, I mean anything.

I smiled, knowing full well what he meant, but thought I could play it to my advantage anyways.