“Okay then.” The nurse shot a smile at Dan then exited, closing the door behind them.
Sarah gripped his hand. “Can you hold me?”
“I don’t know if I can with all those wires.” He gestured to her stomach.
“Get on the bed then.”
“Are you sure?”
“Please?”
He took off his shoes and gingerly climbed on, spooning her, his front to her back, as he laid his arm across her belly. “I love you,” he whispered.
She gripped his hand, needing his strength, needing his warmth. She drew his hand to her chest, right next to her heart. “I love you too.”
CHAPTER20
Two days of personal leave allowed for time to return to their apartment, where time to reconnect could occur. Sarah had explained about wishing to see Dr. Feldman and apologised about keeping him in the dark. Dan had met Dr. Feldman yesterday when she’d dropped by Sarah’s room, and was impressed by her optimism, and that Sarah seemed far more relaxed and willing to listen to her advice. It gave him more confidence knowing that he had another lengthy road trip coming up, and he was relieved when he received a call saying the most important part of his plans was ready.
“Okay, hon. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Another one?” Sarah gestured to the bouquets decorating their living room. “I don’t think we have room for any more.”
“It’s not flowers. Come here.” He drew Sarah to the apartment’s hallway. “Now close your eyes.”
She obeyed.
“Now, I want you to hold your hands out.”
She did, squinting a little.
“No peeking.”
She laughed, and squeezed her eyes shut.
“That’s better. Now, on the count of three, you can open your eyes.”
He opened the front door, and pointed to Sarah.
“What’s going on?” Sarah asked.
“Keep them closed until I get to three.” Dan counted, “One… two… three.”
She opened her eyes. Gasped. “Mum?” She threw her hands over her mouth. “Bek?”
“Surprise!” they chorused.
Dan looked on in satisfaction as Sarah hugged the two women she loved most in the world. He might’ve gotten a few things wrong over the past few months, but this, this had right written all over it. Their huddle of love contained as much laughter as it did tears, and he realized afresh how much she’d missed her family.
“It’s so good to see you,” Sarah wailed.
He smiled at his wife’s emotion. He hoped her emotional outbursts would be limited to ones more like this, and no more of those angry frustrated ones like before.
“Your father wanted to come,” Lindy said to her daughter, “but he had a cold, and knew he could be here later when the baby comes.”
“Okay.” Sarah sniffed.
“I told Joe I had to see you, and wasn’t taking no for an answer.”
