Proposition (24 page)

She covered his hand with hers on her belly. “I feel bigger every day.”

His eyes rested on her in an unspoken caress. “You’re all right? Feeling well?”

“I’m fine.” She gave him her best smile. “Stacy took such a good care of me.”

“Hi, mum,” Jake said then and the older woman approached them, then she kissed and hugged her son. Amy realized she’d been waiting aside all this time to give him some privacy.

“Doesn’t she look glowing?” Stacy pointed with her eyes at Amy.

Jake only smiled and hugged his wife to his side, kissing the top of her head.

It took them well over two hours to get back to the residential neighborhood where Stacy’s house was located. The traffic was heavy that day, plus they had to stop a few times because Amy needed to use the toilet.

It was almost evening when they got home. Jake was dead tired, so they had a quick dinner after which they said their good nights.

“At last, alone,” he murmured when he locked the door to the guest bedroom which Amy had occupied since her arrival.

She stroked his cheek, looking searchingly at his face. “You look exhausted and you’ve lost weight.”

“We’ve been working long hours,” he admitted.

Amy frowned. “Jake, you never listen to me when I tell you that you work too much. You cannot push yourself so hard. Do you really want to end up in the hospital with a heart condition like my father?”

“Amy, it won’t happen,” he said with confidence. “And I want you and the baby to have the best, that’s why I work so much. I want you to have an assured and safe future.”

“We need you,” she stressed. “You’re not taking me seriously when I ask you to take better care of yourself.” She turned away from him with a frown.

“Amy.” he whispered gently, pulling her into his arms. “I’m fine.”

“Promise me you will start taking care of yourself and quit working so many hours after our return to Minnesota.” She looked at him with intensity in her eyes. “Promise.”

“I promise.”

“And you must stick to it, otherwise I’ll worry myself and you know how bad it is in my condition,” she informed him. “Now, go and take a shower first.”

“On condition that you’ll join me.”

“Ok,” she agreed.

In the bathroom, he peeled the clothes off her and started examining her carefully. His hands ran down her body. “We should never be apart for so long.”

“I agree,” she whispered softly.

He stroked her belly, staring at it. “He’s not moving now?” he guessed.

“No. I think he’s sleeping. He’s usually calm after I’ve had a hearty meal.” she smiled, referring to the big dinner she’d eaten. She noticed Jake’s eyes on her during the dinner. He must have been astonished by the amount of food she’d consumed. “But he’s usually more active from about eleven to one am, just when I try to fall asleep.”

They shared the shower, exchanging slow caresses and tender kisses. Later, they snuggled together under the covers.

“I’ve been so miserable without you,” he whispered, squeezing her to him.

“Me, too.” She pressed herself even closer, her head tucked in the crook of his arm. “I’ve missed you so very much. I cannot wait until we return home.”

He captured her lips, kissing her deeply. She moved her hand down, and felt his erection. Swiftly, she pulled her panties down, and taking his hand, guided him between her legs, so he could arouse her. At the same time, she kept stroking him gently, so he grew even harder in her hand.

Soon she tried to pulled him on top of her, but he protested being afraid to give her and the baby his full weight. They fumbled for a moment before finding a comfortable position, with him spooning behind.

He moved gently inside her, keeping her close to him, kissing her neck, his hand on their baby. Amy came quickly on a soft sigh, and Jake followed her soon after. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Amy!” Laura exclaimed, standing up from behind her desk. She rushed to the young pregnant woman who waddled in her direction with a big smile on her face. “We hadn’t expected you!” She hugged Amy. “It’s so good to see you. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Amy smiled brightly. “Just dropped by to see how you are.”

“So wonderful that you’ve come.” Laura squeezed Amy’s hands. “We thought you’d all but forgotten about us. Sit down, please. It has to be hard for you to stand for a long time.”

Amy sat heavily on the chair Laura had pulled out for her. They were in the children’s section of the library, but the place was empty at this time of day, just a couple of kids with their mums, or dads wandering around.

“Well, darling, you look big,” Laura noted with amusement, looking pointedly at Amy’s distended belly.

Amy laughed. “I know.” She smoothed her hands over her large tummy. “I look as if I’m in the ninth month and not the seventh.”

“Which week is that exactly?” Laura wanted to know.

“Just the twenty-seventh, can you believe that?”

“What does the doctor say?”

“That everything’s fine and that the baby will probably be big when he’s born.”

Laura twitched her lips. “Takes after his daddy it seems.”

Amy nodded. “Not after me, obviously. But tell me, am I interrupting you?”

“Don’t be silly,” Laura chided her. “You see it’s a slow day. You will stay to have lunch with me and Geri, won’t you?”

Amy smiled, nodding. “Sure. I’d love to.”

Half an hour later, the three women were sitting together in the cafeteria.

“So, how have you been for the past several months?” Geri asked when Amy finished her meal, her hunger satisfied.

“I’ve been really good,” Amy said taking a sip of water. “The first three months were hard but now I’m feeling really great, just heavy.”

“And Jake?” Laura asked. “Happy?”

“He’s so happy but at the same time I think he’s becoming a little paranoid about me and the baby. He really is overprotective. I know he means well but sometimes it drives me crazy. I got angry with him a couple of days ago because he sold my car.”

Geri chuckled. “You mean without asking you first?”

“Yes, can you believe that? He said he wanted to be sure that I would never again drive such a small car. Instead he bought me this huge van which looks more like a wagon.”

“I’m sure he simply worries about you,” Laura reasoned, “Sometimes you cannot prevent having a crash while driving. Driving a bigger car should be safer.”

“I know that he just wants me to be safe,” Amy agreed. “I really shouldn’t say a word against him. He’s a great guy in every single way. I simply cannot imagine my life without him. It feels as if I’m living in a different century or something. He’s just... ” She blinked several times. “Oh, God, I’m so teary nowadays, I cry without reason.”

“We’re happy for you,” Geri assured, reaching to squeeze her hand.

“Yeah, and who would have thought that this forced marriage would end like that?” Laura asked with a smile.

Amy smiled too, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I was really lucky.”

“And what about the baby’s room?” Geri asked, changing the subject. “All ready?”

“Yes, all in place. But I still must purchase clothes and a stroller.”

“What about the name for the baby?” Laura wanted to know.

Amy sighed. “We still don’t know. I would like some good old name, like Edward or Robert.” She shifted in her chair, and took a sharp intake of breath.

Instantly it alerted Geri. “Amy, something’s wrong?”

“No, I’m fine. I’ve got a back pain today, stronger than usual,” she admitted, gathering sympathetic glances from her friends. They talked some more but then the lunch break ended. Geri and Laura had to go back to work.

On her way home, Amy drove to her favorite grocery store, and bought enough food to fill the fridge for the next few days. One of the shop assistants helped her carry the bags to her car and even packed them into the trunk. When she reached home it took her a while to carry the groceries inside, and still she left the heaviest bottles with juice and milk for Jake to take care of them later.

She decided to lie down for fifteen minutes on the couch in the living room before returning to the kitchen to store all the groceries inside the cupboards and into the fridge. After her rest, and unloading the groceries, it was after four and Jake should be home soon. He kept his word he gave her in Florida. He did come home earlier from work, usually around five and sometimes even earlier. She liked these late afternoons/early evenings spent in his company. Most likely, she would doze off, snuggled to his side on the large couch, while he read a newspaper, or watched news, but quietly so as not to disturb her sleep. Junior seemed to be less restless too, feeling his daddy’s hand on him.

She decided it was time to start preparing dinner, knowing how hungry Jake would be when he arrived home from work. He disliked eating out or at the work meetings he attended and avoided it as much as he could. He always preferred to eat at home, the food that she cooked for him. But today she really didn’t have enough energy for doing anything elaborate. She decided on cooking pasta with some easy to prepare sauce. Jake came home just as she was setting the table.

“How are you today?” he asked, drawing her into his arms.

It was the first things he did every day when he returned home from work. He put his arms on her and on their baby, checking if she was ok.

“Fine,” she smiled, hoping to convince him that she was fine, but exhausted.

He scrutinized her. “You look pale.”

“I’m a bit tired, and I’ve been having lower back pain,” she admitted.

He frowned. “You shouldn’t bother cooking. You could order something.”

“No, I’m fine,” she protested. “Just a bit tired.”

He stared at her searchingly. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “It’s not that bad. I think that the baby has grown so much lately, becoming heavier so my back hurts. Go wash your hands. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Amy opened the fridge to take out a cold can of coke and felt a strong jab in her side. Gosh, he was getting stronger every day.

“Are you going to play football in the future and have decided to start practicing already?” she asked as she massaged her belly, feeling the pushes under her hand. “Hey, what’s wrong with you today?” she murmured. “You’re usually quiet at this hour.”

She put the food on the table and dropped down on the comfortable cushioned chair with relief. She would have to go to bed early tonight.

She watched Jake devour his pasta, while she only nibbled at some of the grilled cheese on the top of it.

“You’re not hungry?”

She shook her head. “Not really.”

There was instant alarm in his eyes. “You’re unwell.”

She smiled. “No, I’m ok. It’s been a busy day. In the morning I worked a little in the baby’s room. Later, I went to the library and had lunch with Laura and Geri. I think that I ate a bit too much there.”

He looked instantly relieved with her explanation. “Did you have a nice time with your friends?”

“Very.” She smiled, settling herself more comfortably in her chair, her hands resting on her tummy. “Laura and her husband will have a barbecue this Saturday, and she invited us, too. You think that we could go?”

“Sure, if you’re up to it.”

“Great. It was great talking with them today.” She raised herself slowly. “Could you please clean up? Oh, and there are still some cartons with milk and bottles with juice left in my trunk,” she said, walking out of the kitchen. “I think I should rest.” Amy winced, trying to reach behind to massage her back. “My back is killing me today.”

“I’ll come rub your back when I finish here,” Jake said, collecting the dirty dishes.

Amy waddled slowly to their bedroom, temporarily losing her breath on the stairs. With relief, she lay on the bed, first on her back, but soon found the position uncomfortable so she turned onto her side.

It wasn’t even half an hour later when Jake entered the bedroom and laid on the bed next to her. He started massaging her back, but it didn’t help much to relieve her discomfort. Only his presence was comforting.

“Stay with me until I fall asleep, please,” she murmured as she closed her eyes, placing his hand on her extended belly. “He seems to kick less when you’re near.”

She remembered dozing off, feeling Jake’s big, warm body behind her, his hand rubbing her belly.

When she opened her eyes again, the room was dark, the curtains in the room drawn. It had to be evening already. She felt strange and damp between her legs. She pushed the light woolen blanket covering her aside, and looked down at her body.

“Jake,” she whispered seeing blood on her pale blue sweat pants. “Jake!” she cried louder this time, her throat dry, “Jake!”

A moment later, she heard his heavy footsteps on the wooden staircase.

He stood frozen in the doorway for a moment his eyes moving from the blood on her clothes to her pale face and back to her stained pants.

“Are you in pain?” He went beside her, his hands on her. She saw the effort he made to stay calm.

She was shaking her head, feeling the cold ugly fear overpowering her. “I don’t know.”

“Do you have cramps?”

“I’m not sure,” she whispered, her eyes brimmed with tears. “Jake, I don’t feel him.” She touched her tummy frantically. “I can’t feel him moving.”

“Amy, you must calm down.” Jake cradled her face firmly, making her look into his eyes. “Do you hear me? Lie back, don’t move, and try to breathe normally,” he ordered.

She obeyed, and curled onto her side, her hands clutching around her baby. Jake called her doctor and in few words explained the situation.

“There’s blood.” He glanced down at her. “No, it’s not spotting, it’s like bleeding, and her clothes are covered in blood.” He listened for a moment. “Yes, she had pain in her lower back earlier.” The doctor talked to him for a long while before Jake put the phone down.

He sat beside her and smiled. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“I’m not prepared!” Amy stared at him with wide, fearful eyes. “It’s too soon.”

He kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. All you have to do is lie down and try to be calm.” His voice was very gentle, and controlled now, “The doctor said you can’t move and should not turn onto your back. I’ll go down now to take the car out of the garage, and I’ll be back really soon. But first...” He walked out of the room, and returned with a small bottle of mineral water. “Drink this, Doctor said you should drink a lot of water,” he said, handing her the bottle and then he left.

Amy barely managed to drink half of the bottle when he was back, lifting her carefully into his arms.

“Jake,” she whispered when they were driving through town, with no respect for the speed limits. “Jake, it’s too soon. It’s only the twenty-seventh week. He’s too small,” she sniffed, swallowing her tears.

“Amy, we must wait until the doctor sees you. Don’t panic. It’s not good for the baby. Now drink your water.”

She complied swallowing the rest of the water from the bottle.

“Here,” he reached into the back seat. “Drink this, too,” he said and handed her another bottle.

Amy didn’t even manage to finish the second bottle when they stopped in front of the main entrance to the hospital. Jake stopped the car carelessly in the middle of the driveway. He got out, leaving the door open, shouting for someone to bring a wheelchair. A nurse rushed outside, shoving a wheelchair ahead of her.

Again, with utmost care, he took her into his arms and carried her the few steps to the waiting wheelchair.

“I’ll be right with you,” she heard him say to the nurse as she pushed her into the building.

* * * *

Jake paced in front of the room where the doctor examined Amy. He’d wanted to enter earlier, but the nurse held him back, unceremoniously closing the door in front of his face.

He rushed to the door the moment Amy’s doctor appeared. “Not now.” the older man stopped him from entering.

“I want to see her,” Jake insisted.

Doctor Mehijas pulled him away. “First we need to talk.”

“How is she?” Jake asked.

“Your wife and baby are fine,” Doctor Mejias assured Jake, adding after a moment, “At this moment there’s absolutely no threat to their lives whatsoever.”

Jake felt some tension leave him. He took a deep breath and asked. “Why did she bleed so much?”

The man didn’t beat about the bush. “She’d gone into early labor.”

Jake paled again. “But why?” he wanted to know. “What could cause this?”

“Hard to say. She wasn’t in high risk for premature birth. Has she been experiencing much stress lately? Some bad news perhaps?”

Jake shook his head with a frown. “No, nothing like that. At least nothing that I know about.”

“Sometimes the baby is just too eager to come into this world,” the man explained. “The most important thing is that we managed to stop the birth for now and the situation is under control.”