Page 149 of Against All Odds


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Violet sucks in a breath, and I take her hand in mine again. “You can do it, Vi. Push.”

She does that, and the doctor keeps encouraging her. “Good job, a little more.”

The contraction ends, and Violet looks run-down. She’s panting, her hair is matted to the side of her head, and she closes her eyes. “This is terrible. Zero out of ten stars. Do not recommend.”

I laugh softly. “It’ll be worth it,” I promise.

“Says you.”

“I know, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but just think—all of this is for Courtney.”

Saying her name causes Violet to go all soft. The anger and frustration disappear, and I see a woman prepared to battle.

“Here comes the next one. The baby is close to crowning, push hard,” Dr. Cowles instructs.

We keep on this way, Violet pushing, taking a break when she can and going right back to it. After another ten minutes, her breathing is labored and she looks close to tears.

“I can’t do it, Everett.”

This woman still doesn’t know her own strength. “You can.”

She shakes her head. “No, I can’t. She’s not coming.”

“She is, baby. She’s coming, but she needs you to be strong for just a little more.” If I could bear this for her, I would. Holding both her hands in mine, I bring them to my lips and kiss them. “You are the strongest, most amazing woman I know. You have conquered so much, and nothing can stop you.”

“I hate you,” she says. “I really do. I want to give up and you’re not letting me.”

I smile. “No, I’m not.”

She looks down at Dr. Cowles. “Please tell me she’s closer.”

Dr. Cowles nods. “She’s right there. Just push through this next contraction.”

“You said that last time,” she grumbles. As it hits, she grabs my hands as tight as she can, puts her chin to her chest, and pushes.

“That’s it. That’s it, Violet. The head is out. Breathe.”

“It’s out?” Her eyes widen and she looks to me.

“Yes, just a few more pushes. You can do this.”

The contraction comes on faster than the last, and the love of my life gives it all she has. “She’s out!” I tell her as I see the doctor twist and pull the shoulders.

She wipes at her, and then the most beautiful wail I’ve ever heard fills the room. Violet is pushing herself up a little, her eyes misting, and Dr. Cowles places Courtney on her chest.

Violet holds her as the nurse wipes the baby, and I stare down at them.

“Everett,” Violet calls. “Meet your daughter.”

My God.

My heart.

My world will never be the same again.

I’m holding Courtney in my arms, wrapped up in her blanket, shielding her from the wind. Violet is holding my arm as we move slowly, since she’s still a little sore from giving birth five days ago.

All of us are quiet as we make the walk to the grave.