Alyssa followed Diane out of John’s room to where Clark was standing. He took the hospital bag from Diane. “You’re in good hands,” Clark winked at Alyssa. “Remember to breathe, okay? I used to tell Di that because she would forget.”
Diane, Alyssa and Clark rushed out to the car. Diane opened the door for Alyssa and climbed in next to her while Clark got behind the steering wheel.
Ten minutes into the drive, Alyssa had another contraction. “Remember to breathe. I know it feels better to hold your breath, but you can’t, okay? Just breathe.”
“I am,” she gritted. She was beginning to sweat.
Diane chuckled. “I used to hate when Clark would tell me to breathe. I felt like he was sayin’ to just relax. And that is the worst thing to say to a pregnant woman.”
“You forgot with each delivery,” Clark chimed in.
Alyssa couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re right. I’ll try to remember.”
“Alyssa,” she eased in “are you going to call John and let him know?”
“No … I mean, not yet. Please don’t tell him. I will.” Diane stayed quiet. “It’s not that I’m going to keep it a secret, I don’t want him to ask for another emergency leave. Training is important and I don’t want him to leave again on my account.”
Diane flattened her lips.
“I’m sorry if this upsets you.”
“It does, but it doesn’t, honey. I can see it from both perspectives and respect your wishes.”
“Thank you. If I call him now, I know
he’s going to rush home and I don’t want that for him. Then I’ll be worried about him while in labor and I’m sure you will too.”
“You have a point. I won’t say a word.”
Fourteen hours later, Alyssa was holding her daughter.
A daughter. The ultrasound had been wrong.
Alyssa was holding her baby girl in her arms and all she wanted to do was cry happy tears. She was elated, full of joy, so happy that she saw stars. All she could do was smile at her little flushed face.
Labor hadn’t been easy, but she had Diane by her side the whole time. Diane asked on numerous occasions if she wanted to call Lauren, but Alyssa refused. She knew her mother would refuse her and she didn’t want that negativity while she was bringing a life into this world.
Diane had been her rock through it all. She couldn’t imagine going through labor without her. Who knew you would forget to breathe, too?
Alyssa felt like a semi-truck hit her but had miraculously lived through it. Her entire body was sore, aching, and she could hardly keep her eyes open. She felt like she could sleep for a week straight. She needed one more look at her daughter before she handed her over to the nurse.
“Have you picked a name for her?” Diane asked, smiling.
“I’m thinking Brooke Elyse. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a beautiful name. Perfect.”
Alyssa beamed. “Do you want to hold her?”
Diane’s face lit up. “You know I do! Hand that precious baby over to Grandma.”
Alyssa’s smile faltered and she bit her lip. What if Brooke wasn’t her granddaughter after all? Paranoia set in. Would they think she used them?
“Wipe that frown off your face. You just had a healthy baby girl,” Diane ordered. “I know what you’re thinking,” she said, gently rocking Brooke Elyse. “Regardless of who the father is, I will always be Grandma, if you’ll allow it.”
Alyssa’s heart soared.
Diane returned the smile. “Get some rest. Lord knows you’re gonna need it. I’ll make sure she’s put to sleep.”