“I’m not sure yet. Your vitals are good. Blood pressure looks good. Sometimes preterm labor can be brought on by stress. How have you been feeling lately?”
“Ok, I guess,” I murmured.
“Hails.” Max nudged my leg and frowned. My regular doctor already knew my story. I hated retelling it to everyone that came into my life.
“I guess I’ve had a bit of stress with this pregnancy.” I pressed my lips together. I would not cry. “I recently lost my husband in a car accident. I found out I was pregnant a few days after. It’s been hard.” I sniffed as I wiped at my eyes.
“I can imagine.” Dr. Adams offered a sympathetic smile.
“Yeah, so…” I trailed off.
“I know this sounds impossible, but after dealing with all that you have, I know you’re strong enough to do this. You need to try and keep your moods as even as you can. Do things that make you happy. Lean on your support system.” She patted my thigh through the sheets. “Would you like to see your baby?”
“Really?” I smiled through the tears that were now escaping.
“Let me grab an ultrasound, and we’ll see what the little one looks like,” she pointed toward the hallway, and then left the room. My doctor hadn’t given me a sonogram yet. She was waiting until we could tell what the gender was. She was a little old fashioned, and since I was young and healthy, she said there really wasn’t a reason for the expensive test.
After a few moments, Dr. Adams along with the nurse from before came back rolling a cart with them. “We just need to roll up your gown a little, and dim the lights.”
Max sat in the corner, looking like a small child as the doctor and nurse went to work. “You can come closer.” I smiled at him.
“I don’t want to be in the way,” he murmured as he clasped and unclasped his hands in his lap.
“You won’t be.” The nurse absently motioned to him as she squirted some jelly on my belly.
“That’s cold,” I yelped, and jumped slightly.
“Sorry.” The nurse grimaced as the doctor took over.
“Let’s see where this little one is hiding.” Dr. Adams smiled before placing the wand against my stomach. As she slid it around, a small figure appeared on the screen in grainy black and white. “There we are.” She pointed. “Here’s the head, and this is an arm.” She moved the wand slightly. “Here’s a foot. This is an active baby.” She laughed lightly as the figure flailed wildly. “The placenta looks good. So does the blood flow. This is a healthy fetus.” She removed the wand and looked at me. “Your baby’s fine right now. There’s absolutely no medical reason for today. I think that the stress you’ve been under is just affecting the baby the same way it is you. Have you looked into grief counseling?”
“Not really.” I sighed.
“That might be something to try.”
“I’ll make sure she looks into it,” Max chimed in from the corner.
“You have a good friend here.” Dr. Adams nodded at Max.
“He’s something, all right,” I grumbled.
“Would you like some pictures to take with you?” She pushed a button on the machine and a small strip of photos began to emerge.
“Yes, please.” I grinned as she handed them to me.
“If you experience anything like you did today again, come back immediately. Otherwise, you need to follow up with your regular OB. Good luck, Hailey.” She reached to shake my hand, and then left.
ooooooooo
Max
Today had to be one of the scariest things I’ve experienced. Seeing the fear in Hailey’s eyes, and knowing that there was nothing I could do to help made me feel powerless.
“Thank you.” Hailey glanced in my direction as we pulled up to her apartment.
“You’re my best friend, Hails. Don’t mention it.” I shrugged as I climbed out of my truck and made my way around to the passenger side.
“I can walk you know.” She rolled her eyes at me as I lifted her into my arms.
“The doctor said no stress, and you walking up those stairs stresses me out,” I grumbled as I began the trek to her door.
“How am I going to get to work tomorrow? My car is at the stand.”
“I’ll take care of it.” I set her down so she could unlock the door.
“Ok,” she paused. “Do you want to come in?” She stepped over the threshold and waved her arm.
Part of me knew I needed to keep my distance, but another part of me wanted to be as close as she would let me. The latter won this battle. As my feet crossed over into her world, I glanced around. The apartment looked so different from the last time I’d been inside. It was neat and tidy, and less cluttered. Jared’s things were still there, but they’d been put away. It wasn’t like he’d just left that morning, but more like he was away on a trip.
“I can’t get rid of it yet,” she mumbled as she saw me looking around.
“No one expects you to.” I stepped closer.
“I know.” She nodded. “Would you like something to drink?” She perked up as she made her way into the kitchen.
“Sure. Water’s fine,” I called out as I lowered myself onto the couch. There were a few car magazines on the coffee table, and a TV guide. Hailey is probably the only person I know who still buys those things. We used to read them when we were kids, and pick out what we wanted to watch for the week. I guess that’s something that hasn’t changed for her.
“Here.” She handed me a glass.
“Thanks. Still reading the guide, I see.” I laughed lightly.
“Old habits die hard.” She started to laugh, and then stopped herself.
“It’s ok to be happy, Hails.” I held the glass in one hand, and placed my arm along the back of the couch with the other.
“I know. This just feels wrong.” She shook her head like she was trying to clear it.
“Stop worrying about right or wrong, and be happy. Your baby needs you to be happy.” I tipped my chin toward her belly. “Wanna watch something?” I motioned at the dark screen on the TV.
“Sure.” She yawned as she curled up beside me. “You pick.” She handed me the remote before sliding down, and tossing a pillow at my lap. As I turned on the TV she curled on her side and put her head on my thigh, causing my entire body to tense. It was more than aware of what was happening, but my brain would win this battle… I’d make sure of it.
“Pick something funny.” She yawned again, making me realize that she had no idea what she was doing to me or the battle that was waging on the inside.
“Sure.” I swallowed against the lump forming in my throat. I clicked through a couple of channels before landing on a comedy show. I didn’t know what it was, but it wasn’t a romantic comedy, so I was good.
“Thanks Max,” she murmured.
“For what?” I finished off my water, and set the glass on the table beside me.
“For always being there no matter what.” Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper.
“I’ll always be here, Hails.” I moved my arm from the back of the couch to drape over her shoulders, hugging her in the process. It was the truth. I’d always be there for her, no matter how painful it was for me. I’d let her slip out of my life once, and I’d never let it happen again.
Chapter 15
Hailey
It’s been six months since Jared died. I’m officially tired all the time. I’ve never slept as much as I do and still wake up tired. It’s the beginning of the holiday season, and I’ve been making bows for the evergreen wreaths that we’re selling at the stand. Max has been helping me as much as he can, but he picked up a new client a few weeks ago and has been traveling a lot because of it.
Today is the first day it’s really felt like winter was on the way. It’s gray out, and the air smells like snow. The weather man said we might have a storm coming. If that’s the case, I’m prepared to stay with my parents.
Business is slow today, but I’m ok with that. I’ve spent the morning sitting behind the
counter fashioning the red velvet ribbon into beautiful creations. Max set up a small space heater that’s blowing warm air on my legs, and my daughter is wreaking havoc on my ribs. Yep, it’s a girl, and boy is she active. Well, at least the doctor said that she’s ninety nine percent sure it’s a girl. She admitted that she’s been wrong before, but I saw the pictures too.
I have no idea what I’m going to name her yet. I’m still calling her bean. I haven’t told Max yet. He’s been away for the last week. I thought it might be something to share in person rather than over a phone call. I don’t know. Things with us are good, I think. It’s strange really. Every time I think we’re getting back to the way we used to be, he has to leave. It’s either something here at the farm or something with work. It’s as if we still have bad timing with everything we do. That seems to be something that hasn’t changed with us. When we were younger, avoiding each other during the tough times was normal. Now though, it just seems childish. I’d like to say that it’s Max staying away, but it’s been me some of the time too.
“Well, don’t you look glowing today?” Micah smiled as he walked into the stand. He’s been stopping by to check on me multiple times a day since I had my incident. I haven’t had one since, but I’m thinking that this is Max’s way of taking care of me when he’s not here.
“Thanks.” I laughed lightly.
“No really, pregnancy looks good on you, Hailey,” Micah glanced around before reaching for a bow. I had a huge pile beside me on the ground. “I’ve got a stack out there that are ready to go except for the bows. Mom’s been busy. I’ll bring them in and hang them, and help you with the bows. After that, you can go if you want.”
“Sure.” I nodded as I attempted to squat and grab the ribbons.
Micah waltzed back outside with a little extra swagger in his step. When he came back in with an armload of wreaths, I could see why. Brittany Fisher was hot on his heels.
“I think I like that one.” She flicked her finger at the wreath on the bottom of his stack. Of course, she would pick the one that was the hardest to get to.
“Ok.” He gently set down the stack, and then began hanging the others on the nails that we had on the walls. “Let me get a bow for you.” He winked as he came back to where I was. “Can you hand me that?” He pointed to the bow I’d just finished.
“This?” I grinned as my eyes flickered between Brittany and him.
“Yes.” He quickly snatched the bow from my fingers and then turned to offer a smile to Brittany. “Do you need some help getting this to your car?”
“That would be great.” She giggled as she clapped her hands.
I shook my head as I watched them walk out the door and round the corner. I could hear muffled talking and then a car engine crank and gravel crunch as it left the parking area.
When Micah came back in, he had a stupid grin on his face. “What was that about?” I sighed as I stepped out from behind the counter.
“I have a date tonight.” He shrugged.
“Do you even like her?” I shook my head.
“She’s hot, and she likes me.” He tossed his hand out like it was a no brainer.
“But she’s so… Brittany.” I rolled my eyes. I’d gone to school with her sister, Stephanie. She was the typical cheerleader/mean girl.
“I don’t want to marry her, just go on a date.” He wagged his brows as he began moving around the stand, hanging the rest of the wreaths.
“Un huh.” I laughed as I began attaching bows. “Don’t come to me if you catch something.” I laughed harder as he scowled at me. I always had fun with Micah. He was like my own little brother. When we were kids, he would always make comments about how I would marry him some day, and ask me when I was going to realize I was in love with him. The truth is, I’ve always loved Micah but it is strictly a brotherly love.
“Don’t be jealous because she’s getting some Micah time. You could have some too if you just asked.” He winked as he glanced around at all the wreaths.
“Micah time?” I shook my head.
“What the fuck is Micah time?” Max’s voice boomed from the doorway, causing us both to jump and spin around. He smiled at me before turning an icy glare on his brother.
“Bro!” Micah held his hands up in surrender.
“He has a date tonight with Brittany Fisher.” I giggled.
“Dude? Really?” Max shook his head as the anger he had before melted away. I don’t know what that was all about, but was happy to see it go as quickly as it came.
“What? She’s hot.” He shrugged and gave his brother the same spiel he gave me.
“Fine, whatever.” Max sighed. “I came down here to tell you that the storm is coming. I drove through it to get home. You need to close up for the day.”
“Works for me.” I yawned. It was only late afternoon, but I’d gotten accustomed to taking a nap right about now. I pulled out the drawer, and started counting as Micah went to work placing boards over the windows. Since the summer, I’d convinced him to make shutters and a removable door to close the place up. It made things easier than moving it all every day.
When we finished, Max walked me to my car. “Sorry we can’t hang out a little bit, but you really need to get moving if you want to avoid this mess that’s coming.”
“It’s ok. My parents are hosting a Christmas party this year. I’ll see you at that, right?”
“If I don’t have to go back, then yes.” He smiled softly. “I wanted to make sure everyone was ok here during the storm. That’s the only reason I was able to leave. I may have to go into the office over the weekend because of it.”
“Well, I’m glad you made it here.” I rose up on my tiptoes and hugged him around the neck. “I feel like we keep missing each other, and we live in the same town now.”
“I know, Hails. I miss you too,” he murmured.
As I climbed into my car, I glanced back at where Max was watching me. He stood there completely still as I pulled out onto the road, and turned toward my apartment. I needed to pack a bag, and get back to my parents’ place. It didn’t even occur to me that he didn’t hug me back.
ooooooooo
Max
“I can’t believe you’re going on a date tonight with this storm coming. Do you actually think businesses are going to stay open?” I shook my head at my brother as we finished boarding up the stand.
“I can’t believe you just let her drive home alone.” Micah glared at me.
“What? It’s not bad yet, and I have no right to tell her what to do,” I muttered as we padlocked the door.
“You may be able to lie to her and yourself, but you can’t lie to me.” He chuckled. “I saw the way you watched her car drive down the road. The way you went stiff when she hugged you. Oh, and let’s not forget the way you were ready to tear my head off when you thought that I was spending romantic time with her.” He roared with laughter as he threw his head back.
“You’re lucky I’m in my nice clothes right now,” I grumbled in his direction. I’d had to go back to the office three days ago, and stay there in town to deal with a client. I’d been living out of a suitcase in a hotel, and when I finished today I just came straight home. I had no intention of beating the crap out of my brother while dressed in suit pants and a tie.
“Luck is always on my side, bro. Didn’t you hear? I have a date with Brittany Fisher?” He snickered as he pumped his hips. “The cold is going to work in my favor. We might just happen to get stuck somewhere.”
“So you’re finally over your crush on Hailey?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“She’s not ready to admit that she wants me.” He began to walk toward the office in the barn. “Sides,” he called over his shoulder, “I’m afraid of what you might try to do to me when she picks me over you.”
I fisted my hands as I blew out a deep breath through my nose. Oh, he was damn lucky I was dressed up. I watched as he disappeared into the barn before I turned and headed toward the house. Nothi
ng could happen with Hailey. Why didn’t he understand this?
ooooooooo
“Hey, Mama,” I called out as I lugged my suitcase inside.
“Max! I’m so glad you were able to make it back. I was worried with the storm coming.” Mama wiped her hands on a towel before bustling out of the kitchen.
“I wouldn’t miss your cooking any longer than I had too.” I grinned as I kissed her on the cheek. “I’m gonna take this upstairs and change, and then I’ll get a fire going for you.” I hugged her before turning and jogging up to my room. I needed to start looking for a place to live. I don’t know why I keep putting it off. There’s absolutely no reason for me to be living at home.
It only took a few minutes to get changed into some jeans and a long-sleeved tee. I jogged back down the steps, and went to work firing up the wood stove. We have a furnace, but these storms have a bad habit of knocking out the power. We’re kinda in the middle of nowhere, so we’re some of the last houses to get power restored when a line goes down.
Luckily for us, Mama has a gas stove to cook on, so we can still eat and the woodstove keeps the main level of the house pretty warm. Dad’s been bringing up wood from our wood pile and stacking it on the back porch, so I start bringing it in, and before long have a roaring fire.
“Thanks, honey.” Mama patted my cheek as she began bringing food in and setting the table for supper.
“No problem. I’m starving.” I lifted a lid and the delicious smell of roast beef came wafting out.
“No snacking.” She smacked my hand. Some things haven’t changed around here.
Just as we were starting to sit down, Micah came bounding down the stairs. “Later, guys.” He waved as he started shrugging into his coat. His scarf was already dangling around his neck, and a hat was clutched in one hand.
“Son, you really think going out in this is a good idea?” Dad raised a brow as he stared at Micah. My brother was nuts, and still thought he was invincible.
“It’s not bad yet, and my truck is a beast.” He rolled his eyes as he reached for the door handle. He’s right, but it started snowing about an hour ago, and it’s been pretty steady. The plows are going to have a hard time keeping up with the accumulation tonight.
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