A nudge from Brendan drew his attention behind to an assistant coach beckoning him urgently. He followed him down the passage away from the stadium’s roar. The coach’s grizzled face frowned, his forehead wrinkling. The hairs on Dan’s neck prickled.
“I’m sorry, but there’s been an accident, Dan.”
His chest clenched. “Who? What?” It couldn’t be Sarah. She was at home with Ange. Wasn’t she?
Compassion washed across the coach’s face. “It’s Sarah. She was in a car accident.”
Oh Lord, please help. He rushed to take off his gloves and helmet and handed them to the equipment guy, and followed him to the locker room to remove his skates and gear, and find his street clothes.
“Sarah’s aunt rang. She’s at the hospital, wants you to come in now.”
“What about the…?”Baby. He could barely bring himself to say it. This couldn’t be happening. Not again.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know anything more.”
Dan swallowed, his heart hammering as he finally tugged on his trousers and grabbed his jacket, wallet, and keys.
“Mick will drive you. I’ve given him directions. Dan, we’ll all be thinking of you, and praying for the best.”
Oh Lord.
Trust Me.
The drive was silent. Young Mick, the second equipment guy, was desperate to stay on the slippery road, but the snow from yesterday still lay thickly, making handling difficult. Dan was grateful for the silence, sending texts asking for prayer to the Bible study guys, to James and Lindy. He didn’t want to scare Sarah’s parents, but they’d need some warning.
Mick finally pulled into the emergency entryway, Dan thanked him and raced inside like a wild man. Only to be stopped by John McPherson just inside the foyer near the information desk.
“Where is she? What’s happening?”
“Dan, they’re okay. Calm down, they’re going to be okay.”
“What happened? I need to see Sar. Where is she?”
“Walk with me.” John led him to a nearby elevator, pressing the buttons, explaining briefly what had happened. When they finally got to the maternity section it was to find Ange, a big white bandage on her head and with her arm strapped, obviously anxiously awaiting their arrival.
She gave Dan a swift, awkward hug. “Dan, she’s just being monitored. She’s right this way.”
She led him to a private room, the dimness revealing a curtained bed, at the foot of which stood a blonde nurse holding a chart.
She glanced at him, then said softly, “You’re the father?”
He nodded. “What’s going on?”
“Sarah’s going to be fine.”
“And… and the baby?”
“The baby should be fine too. The shock triggered some early contractions, but the doctor has given her something that’s stopped them. We’re just monitoring the heartbeat now.”
Contractions? He moved closer to the bed, dimly aware of the faint beeps coming from the machine next to the bed. Sarah’s hair was strewn across the pillow, the only bright thing in this pale, too cool room of gray. She was asleep, and a cut on her forehead had been patched up with white puffy bandage. He sat down in the chair next to her, holding her too-still hand. At least it was warm.
He caressed her fingers, wishing that he could infuse some of his life and strength into her. “What happened?”
Ange placed a hand on his shoulder. “Sarah was driving me after a meeting with Dr. Feldman.”
“Who?”
“Your new obstetrician.”
