Project Valentine (A Homespun Romance)

by Kakade, Geeta

  Karl struggled with the need to haul them both to his chest, hold them close to his heart.

  He cleared his throat. "Molly, honey, would you like me to go to the hospital and find out how your Mommy's doing?"

  The tears stopped. Molly lifted her head off Jessica's shoulder. "Can I come too?"

  "No honey," he reached a hand up and brushed the hair off her hot forehead, let his hand rest on Jessica's shoulder. His thumb massaged her collar bone. She wasn't sure if the contact was for her comfort or for his. "They won't let kids in at this hour to visit." Indecision hovered on Molly's face. Then she turned to the couch. "Will you stay with me Jessica?"

  "For as long as it takes, Molly."

  Molly nodded and said, "Promise you'll call as soon as you get there?"

  "Promise." He was already half way to the door.

  Jessica and Molly looked at each other as it locked behind him.

  "Want to talk about it?" Jessica asked gently.

  The tears ran down Molly's face unchecked. "I heard noises and woke up. Mommy's back was hurting very bad, she told me. Daddy said the doctor wanted to examine Mommy so they had to go to the hospital. Then the ambulance came, and they told me to stay out of the way, like a good girl."

  It didn't need a genius to guess how the sight of the paramedics, the wail of the siren would have frightened Molly.

  "They probably called an ambulance because it gets you to the hospital in the shortest possible time," Jessica said quietly. "There were nine of us at home when my father had his heart attack. It was a small one, but we still called an ambulance because we wanted him to have the best of care on the way to the hospital and get there in the quickest time possible. On the way to the hospital he had another big heart attack. The paramedics saved his life because they had all the equipment and the know-how."

  Molly wiped a tear away with the back of her hand. "Daddy called just before you and Uncle Karl got here. He said the doctors were with Mommy and he was waiting outside."

  "Karl's going to call us very soon," Jessica reminded as Molly's mouth wobbled again. "Maybe he'll even be able to see your Mommy by the time he gets there."

  Molly looked at the kitchen clock and sniffed. "How long will it take?"

  "Let's see. It takes twenty minutes to get to St. Mary's from here." The hospital was only five minutes away, but the extra time would prevent Molly worrying. "Then another twenty minutes to find out what's happening. That's forty minutes altogether. Sometimes too, the phones are tied up by other people calling their families, so let's allow another ten minutes for that. I'm sure he'll call by three fifteen."

  Molly looked at the clock again, then sat down on the couch. Jessica's heart contracted at the woebegone expression on Molly's face. She wondered what she could do to help ease the pain.

  "Would it be okay if I got myself a glass of milk?" she asked gently.

  Molly nodded, "Sure."

  Jessica opened the refrigerator, spotted what she was looking for right away. Molly's parents had the same squeeze plastic container of drinking chocolate in their refrigerator, as Karl had in his. "Want to join me for some hot chocolate?"

  Molly looked at her thoughtfully over the back of the couch. The mention of hot chocolate worked. She got off the couch and came to the kitchen. "Okay."

  "You'll have to show me how to use your microwave. The controls are different."

  Molly helped get the chocolate ready, even found some marshmallows. They sat at the table sipping the beverage and Jessica hoped the warm milk would help calm Molly. Jessica saw worry slither into the eight year old's eyes again, the tremor of her bottom lip.

  "Did I tell you about my second dog, Trucker?"

  Molly nodded. She'd enjoyed the stories of Trucker and the mailman's feud. "Do you remember some more things he did?"

  Jessica nodded. "Once, my sister, Sara, got stuck in an old apple tree at the back of our yard and no one even guessed she was missing. But Trucker knew. He caught hold of my Mom's skirt in his teeth and almost dragged her to the apple tree."

  "How old was your sister?"

  "Sara was about fourteen. She'd just decided to climb that old tree and then couldn't get down."

  The phone rang. Molly darted to it and picked it up. "Uncle Karl, how's my Mommy?"

  Stomach knotted Jessica watched the pixie like face, as the little girl listened intently. "She is? She said that?" Each comment was lighter than the last. It had to be good news. Jessica felt the knot in her stomach ease. "Where's my Daddy? Hi Dad. Is Mommy really all right? Yes Daddy. Yes. I love you too, Daddy. I am being brave, Daddy. Will you give Mommy a kiss from me, right in the middle of her forehead? Tell her I love her? Bye Daddy." Molly turned held the phone out to Jessica. Her smile scotched all doubts that it wasn't good news. "Uncle Karl wants to talk to you. Mommy's doing fine."

  "Jessica." Honey warm tones dissolved the distance between them. "Andy is doing fine. The doctor's decided to remove the baby by C section though."

  "I see."

  "The baby will be four weeks premature but the gynecologist says there's a ninety nine percent chance everything is going to be fine." Already he sounded more like himself.

  "That's great." Tears edged into her eyes.

  "How are you and Molly doing?" There was enough warmth in his tone to melt the Poles. And the man feared he would be too cold in a personal relationship? Humbug. "I can come back and get her and take her to my place, so you can go home and get some sleep."

  "You stay right where you are, Karl Wagner," Jessica ordered huskily. "I'm where I want to be. Call us as soon as you hear something. Molly and I are doing fine."

  "Thanks Jessica." The warmth in his tone created tangles in Jessica's throat.

  "I can't sleep till Mommy's had the baby," Molly announced semi-firmly, watching Jessica's face for a reaction.

  "Of course you can't," Jessica agreed. She figured Jim Spencer had told his daughter to go to bed. This wasn't a night for enforcing parental rules though. The VCR gave her an idea. "Why don't we sit down and watch Sound of Music?"

  Molly had mentioned being given the video cassette as a present for Valentine's Day. It might make the waiting less of an ordeal.

  "I'll put the tape in." Molly loaded the tape and came over to the couch, remote control in hand.

  Jessica spread the afghan over both of them. Molly cuddled up to her side suppressing a yawn. The first song on the mountains was barely over when a soft snore attracted Jessica's attention. Molly was fast asleep.

  She waited a while before laying Molly down, placing a cushion under her head. Tucking the afghan carefully around the girl, she beamed her request upwards.

  Please let her wake up to good news and happiness.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It was close to the end of the movie when Jessica heard the key turn in the lock. Unwilling to disturb Molly, she stayed where she was.

  Karl came in, stopped short at the sight of them, looked his fill. The glow on his face told its own story.

  "She's fine." Kneeling in front of the couch he took Jessica's hands in his. "A baby boy. Five pounds. They are both doing well."

  The muscles in his cheek quivered. Jessica knew he was having a hard time trying not to give into his emotions. She didn't say a word. Simply drew Karl's head to her chest, wrapped both arms around him, rested her cheek against the top of his head, let the tears she'd held back all evening flow. Karl's arms went around her and he said, "Jessica, I was so scared...."

  "I know." She wound her fingers through his hair, caressed his scalp, not quite aware of what she was doing.

  Relief was weightless. It took the place of their unvoiced fears, intoxicated them with its heady potency.

  "Is Mommy okay?" As quickly as she'd fallen asleep, Molly was awake.

  Karl lifted his head, leaned back on his haunches, held his arms out to his niece. "She's fine. You can see her this afternoon."

  "What about the baby?" Instead of going into her uncle's arms she
leaned back against the cushions.

  "A baby boy. He's fine too."

  "I'm glad." Molly stood up still half asleep, gathered the afghan around her. "Now maybe we can all get some sleep. I know I'm going to look awful tomorrow."

  They watched her trail into her bedroom and waited for the door to shut, before they burst out laughing.

  "That's it?" demanded Karl incredulously. "I thought we were going to have more tears."

  "Happiness takes many forms," Jessica said between giggles. "Right now Molly's still kind of half asleep."

  "You didn't get a wink of sleep yourself, did you?" His attention strayed to the television screen. "Sound of music." He looked at Jessica and traced a tear mark with his finger. "Do you always believe in happily ever after, Jessica?"

  He wasn't talking about movies. The wistfulness in his tone told Jessica he was talking about life. About believing. "Always."

  The silence pooled around them, then Karl got to his feet. "I mustn't keep you up any longer. Do you have to go to work tomorrow?"

  Jessica shook her head and said. "I'm going to take the day off and catch up on my sleep."

  Karl glanced at her mouth, then away. She wished he wouldn't keep doing that.

  "I'm going to take Molly to my place and crash for a few hours. Then I have to go into the clinic for a couple of hours at least. Jim is going to stay at the hospital. Nothing will drag him away from there. Andy has a private room and they've got an extra bed in it he can use."

  "Why don't we all stay right here?" Jessica suggested. "That way you won't have to wake Molly up again or worry about finding someone to watch her tomorrow. You can leave whenever you want to in the morning and I'll stay with Molly till either you or Jim get back."

  "We've already imposed on you enough."

  "I was glad to help." Jessica said briskly. "Why don't you wash up while I find something to eat?. You'll sleep better on a full stomach."

  She held her breath. Was she being too bossy all of a sudden? She just wanted to take care of him while he was so tired.

  Karl hesitated, then smiled, "Yes ma'am."

  Jessica poached a couple of eggs, put frozen hash brown potatoes into the microwave with a pat of butter, made some toast. By the time Karl came out of the bathroom everything was ready.

  "Aren't you having any?" He sat down, frowned at the solitary place setting.

  "I will later," Jessica stood by the table, hoping Karl would like the way she'd fixed the eggs.

  "Don't wait for me to eat," Karl said. "The linen closet's by the bathroom if you don't mind changing your own sheets. Use Andy and Jim's room. I've put one of my shirts on the bed in there for you to wear."

  "Of course I don't mind changing the sheets. I'll see you later then."

  He looked at the plate and then up at her. When he reached for her hands, she blinked. Now, what? Through a haze she watched him lift her hands to his mouth, press his lips against each set of fingers in turn.

  "Thank you for everything."

  She stood there like a frozen rabbit, ignoring the overdose of adrenalin coursing through her body. She felt beautiful. Ten feet tall, graceful, breathtaking.

  "Go to bed Jessica," Karl said softly. "You're half asleep."

  She backed away from the table without taking her eyes from him, then turned abruptly and fled.

  The first closed door she already knew was Molly's, the second the bathroom. The third had to be the master bedroom. She went in, shut the door, leaned against it and closed her eyes.

  She wanted to hold this feeling close to her heart for today. Tomorrow, she would try to decipher all the scrambled messages in her brain.

  Jessica's eyes closed the minute she lay down. Sleep was a fog that claimed her immediately. It had to be imagination that sensed someone was in there tucking her in, bending to press a kiss to her cheek, saying softly. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart."

  There was someone in her room. Jessica stiffened. Opening one eye slowly she looked at the beige paint, the Monet posters in oak frames. The events of the last twelve hours came flooding back. Molly had a new baby brother. Karl had kissed her hands, made her feel like a princess.

  Molly smiled guilelessly up at her from her place on the foot of the bed. "I was waiting for you to wake up," she said virtuously. "Do you know Mommy's had the baby? His name's Richard Karl. Uncle Karl said he told me last night, but I don't remember."

  Jessica smiled, remembering Molly's comments the night before. "Yes, he did."

  "We're going to see Mommy this afternoon. I think I should wear a dress. Nana always says dresses are for important occasions. What do you think Jessica?"

  "I think a dress would be very nice."

  "Please will you take me to a florist, so I can pick some flowers out to take Mommy?"

  "Of course. Where's Uncle Karl?"

  "He left when I woke up this morning. He left a note for you there," Molly jerked her head towards the nightstand.

  Jessica, Karl had written in a neat flowing hand. I've left the Audi for you. If you don't mind, would you please take Molly back to my house whenever you're ready? I'll meet you there by two at the latest.

  He must have taken a cab to work. Nervousness assailed her at the thought of driving Karl's expensive car. Being trusted with a man's car, according to her brother David, was a high honor. Jessica wasn't sure she wanted the honor. A woman with a fairy godmother who didn't show up regularly, had to be extra careful.

  "What time is it, do you know?" she asked Molly.

  "It's twelve. I talked to Mommy in the hospital and Daddy called me half an hour ago. I finished watching Sound of Music this morning. Then I lay down by you because I was sleepy. Shall I fix you some of my special muffins while you get dressed?"

  This was the old Molly. Confident, happy, in charge.

  "Please."

  Smiling, Jessica went into the bathroom and pulled on her jeans. She'd removed them last night, and slept in her long green shirt. If she'd put on Karl's shirt she would never have been able to sleep. Simply picking it up and holding it to her cheek had been excitement enough.

  Jessica grimaced at her reflection. She needed a shower and a change of clothes, but that would have to wait till she got to her apartment. Squeezing some toothpaste on to her finger Jessica set about freshening up.

  They stopped off at the apartment first. Molly was thrilled with Jessica's place. She went around the living room looking at everything.

  "Why don't you call your Dad and let him know where we are while I hit the shower?" Jessica suggested. "There are some oatmeal cookies in the teddy bear cookie jar on the counter, milk in the refrigerator. Help yourself to whatever you want."

  "Okay," Molly studied the collage of family pictures on the wall with great interest.

  After her shower, Jessica pulled on a lavender jumpsuit with a purple sash and fastened purple circles in her ears. Standing back she surveyed the effect. Her best wasn't anything spectacular. At least her glasses minimized the effect of the dark circles.

  "Jessica, can I come in now?" Molly called through the closed door.

  "Sure."

  Molly wandered in and looked around the bedroom with open curiosity. "I called Daddy," she threw over her shoulder. "He says Uncle Karl's going to take us to the hospital at two. We can't stay too long though because Mommy needs to rest. Daddy said he called Nana in England and she and Gramps are leaving as soon as they can get tickets. Nana's going to take care of Mommy and the baby, till Mommy gets really strong again."

  "Your Nana sounds very special." Jessica wondered why there was no mention of the other set of grandparents.

  "She is," Molly nodded, "and she smells so good." A small silence followed. "When I was born she came and stayed in New York for three months, to help Mommy. We go to England every other year and they come here the other times. Nana knows lots of nice stories and she doesn't get cross if you get dirty."

  "Sounds like my kind of grandmother."

  Molly nod
ded. "Gramps is fun too. He takes me fishing and tells me stories about the Second World War. He was in the British army before he retired and opened a bookstore in Sussex."

  Molly had her nose pressed to the window and was watching the courtyard below. "Your mailman's here," she announced and then went on casually. "You know, I love Grandpa and Grandma Wagner too. They always send me money at Christmas and dolls from all over the world, but I think I love Nana and Gramps more." Looking straight at Jessica she elaborated. "You can touch them."

  Out of the mouths of eight year olds, thought Jessica, picking up the keys to Karl's Audi.

  Karl was already at the house. "Hi!" he greeted them smiling. "How's the big sister?" He swung Molly up in the air. When her feet touched ground she raced off to find Arthur. "How are you Jessica?"

  "I'm fine," She shifted from one foot to the other. The bright light of day robbed her of the illusions of the night before. Gratitude under duress didn't translate into love the next morning. "Well, I think I'll get back, now."

  She hoped her old car wouldn't disgrace her by not starting. Driving Karl's car had been a wonderful experience.

  Karl looked surprised. "Aren't you coming with us to the hospital to see the baby?'

  "Of course not!" said Jessica emphatically. "This is a family occasion."

  "Andy wants to meet you," Karl took one of her curled fists in his, embarked on his guerilla warfare approach. As his thumb flirted with her palm, her heart broke into a wild gallop. "Unless you're tired and want to rest?"

  Jessica didn't know what to say. Her brain was being overloaded with confusing messages again. She doubted if excitement would allow her to sleep for the next twenty-four hours.

  "I've made a special lunch," coaxed Karl. "At least eat with us before you make a decision."

  What was it about him this morning, Jessica wondered. She knew he was happy about his sister's safe delivery and having a nephew, but the glow on his face was more than all that combined. It seemed a reflection of some deep inner happiness.