“We are taking her to Central Memorial. You can follow us.”
His voice got loud, “I’m not leaving her and our baby.”
“We don't let additional people ride in the rig any longer, sir.”
“Bullshit. I’m going. I am not letting them out of my sight for a second.”
He followed us as I was pushed to the ambulance.
They pushed me in, and Cash followed in right after me.
“I’ll be there as soon as you are, Emma,” Breigh said as the doors closed.
I heard her but didn't have time to respond before the door slammed shut.
I closed my eyes because I couldn't watch the paramedic working around me any longer.
I couldn't see Cash’s look of fear and disappointment.
Most of all I couldn't see the blood that was on me, knowing my baby might be in danger and there wasn't anything I could do about it.
32
CASH
I don’t think I have ever prayed in my life as much I had today. At no time did I think I would be at Central Memorial, holding my breath, hitting my knees, and praying that things would be okay. I offered my life, for Him to take me before taking my future wife and my baby.
Wyatt and Breigh were with me the entire time, and I don't know what I would have done without them.
Emma went into labor at my graduation and I was in no way prepared for the complications she was having. She had pushed and pushed and cried and cried. I had been unable to ease her pain, and that in itself hurt.
I wasn’t leaving her side, ever again. My life was nothing without her. I finally understood so much I wished I could have comprehended earlier.
Breigh finally made me leave the room for a bit to regroup and refresh. Things were not progressing like they should and we were going to have a long night ahead of us.
So far, she wasn't dilated like she should have been, or effacing. Thankfully, I knew what they were talking about because of reading a few of the pregnancy books I had bought to be prepared.
“Cash, get in here,” Breigh said in a hurry.
“They are prepping her for a Caesarean section. The baby is under stress now,” Breigh said as calmly as she could, but her eyes said something completely different. She was scared. She walked back over to Emma and held her hand.
“This happens all the time, sweetie,” she said. Breigh had taken over her mother’s role since her mom was not here yet. She had gone on a trip to see Emma’s sister and was on her way home.
I came to her side and saw the pain she was in.
Emma grabbed my hand, “What if our baby…”
“Don’t think that way. Our baby will be fine, great, in fact.”
“What if I’m not okay?”
I leaned in and kissed her forehead as tears fell from her eyes.
I saw Breigh out the side of my eye and saw she had begun crying too. Things were far worse than I knew.
“Everything is going to be okay. Come on… look at all we have been through, and now things are perfect. We are good.”
“I’m scared.” My heart broke. I wanted to tell her I was too, but I couldn’t. I had to be strong for her, for us.
“God is in control, baby. Have faith,” I said the words I hadn't ever spoken but I truly felt them. I was completely helpless and I hated it.
The nurse came to me, handing me a handful of things I needed to don. I was shaking and could hardly hold my hands steady.
“We will get her situated in the OR and I will bring you in once you’re dressed.”
“Please take care of her,” I muttered.
“We will. We do this all the time. One step at a time, okay?”
I nodded my head with a lump in my throat, watching my life wheeled out of the delivery room.
EMMA
I was exhausted and when the doctor held my baby boy up for me to see, I cried. I was numb from my chest down so I couldn't feel anything physically. But I was thankful. I had been in such pain pushing with no progression, then fear set in. I knew Cash and Breigh were just as scared but put on brave faces.
Our baby was handed to Cash and I watched as his face lit up with pride. He leaned over with him in his arms so that I could see him as well, and gave him a kiss. I reached for his little hand and held on to it.
“He is perfect, Em, just like you.”
I smiled and realized I was now a mother. The best feeling in the entire world.
I couldn't wait until I could hold my baby in my arms and kiss him.
The nurse took him from Cash and put him in an incubator to keep him warm.
Cash leaned into me, smiling from ear to ear. “He is healthy, a little fatso.”
“Because he was eating everything I was.” It wasn't a joke that I was eating everything in sight.
“I was really scared.”
“And everything was okay, just like I said.”
“Thank God.”
I leaned down to her. “Em, I want you to marry me and be my wife. I want us to be together forever. Will you marry me?”
I started to cry and the doctor looked over to make sure I was okay.
“I didn’t ever think we would get here…of course I will marry you, Cash Galloway.”
He kissed me and wished he could take me in his arms. “I love you, Emma.”
“I love you more.”
33
EMMA
Three months later
“I still regret I ruined your graduation day,” I said. It had been on my mind a lot that he didn't get that day to celebrate.
“Are you kidding me? You gave me the best gift anyone could ever give another person!” He leaned into kiss me.
We had just gotten Matthew to sleep and were sitting down with a cup of coffee. I knew we would only have a few hours, but we had learned to cherish those moments. In so many ways we were so new, but then so familiar, it was as if we had never lived without each other.
I was exhausted, and looked like I’d been hit by a truck, but regardless Cash hadn't stopped trying to help me as much as he could. His hours had been hectic at the police station, but so far he had really gotten along well with everyone and enjoyed the challenges he had been facing. He felt like he was making a difference and that felt good.
I had been on maternity leave and did plan to start back up soon, but would be working a hell of a lot less. It wasn't worth it, and if it meant we had to figure things out at that time we would. My parents and Cash’s mother were going to take turns watching Matthew so he wouldn’t have to go to a daycare. The thought of that made me nauseous, leaving my baby. I’d already cried over it.
Cash had found a perfect home for us, but we had decided to hold off on it for now. He moved in with me, and we would plan to buy another home in time. Right now, we had plenty of room and we weren't stressed to pay bills. That was a huge stress reliever.
Cash was rubbing my feet, as I closed my eyes taking in the quiet. The baby monitor was sitting on our coffee table and we both kept eyeing it and double-checking the volume was up.
“We are the classic picture of worrywarts, you know that, don’t you?” I asked him and he smiled.
“Yep. And I don't feel bad about it for a second.”
“Me either.” He leaned in to kiss me.
“I’ve been thinking…why did you never give up on me?” Cash asked.
“Why didn’t you ever give up on me?” I seconded.
“I knew I would never find someone else I loved more for eternity. I couldn’t picture a single day without you in it.”
“Look at you, Cash Galloway. Quite the romantic now, huh?”
“I have been thinking… what do you think about getting married Saturday?”
“Saturday?”
“I just want you to be Mrs. Galloway. I don't care about any of the other stuff, unless you do…”
“No, I don't care. I waited for you for too long. I would marry you right this minute, in this living room with these spit up rags on me, this hair a
mess, and the dark circles that have…”
“Your beautiful to me. You are a natural mother.”
“Promise me one thing, and I will marry you Saturday. It matters to me, even if it doesn't you.”
“I will promise you anything you want.”
“Would you be marrying me if we hadn't had Matthew?”
“In a heartbeat. I want to marry you because I love you. I have loved you from the first time we met at Kelleye Joe’s but I was just a weak man who couldn’t… wouldn't be…”
He started to stutter for words, and I saw that he was trying to form the words to say.
“I fell in love with you too. It was cosmic, I guess a lot like Breigh and Wyatt, but we were just too stupid to see it.”
“I was too immature and selfish,” he said, ashamed.
“I was selfish too, Cash, it wasn't just you. Let’s get married. I think it is perfect.”
“I have already asked Wyatt, Breigh, and my mom. Call your parents and see if they can meet us, if you want.”
“Okay. Honestly if it was just me and you, I would be okay.”
“No, I want our family around us. It matters to me. I want our family to be our priority always.”
“I was so scared you were going to try to marry me to be honorable, because it is what you should do, that we were just a season, something that would pass and we would look back on it one day and say, you remember that person.”
“I am here for life, Emma. This isn't just our season, baby, this is our forever, our lifetime.”
“I love you, Cash Galloway.”
“Today I get to marry my best friend, and the only woman I have ever loved,” Cash said, as we stood in front of the justice of the peace, about to accept each other as husband and wife.
“I can’t believe I am standing here with you. I dreamed of it but never thought it would come true,” I said with a tear trying to escape from my eye.
I did not want to cry, not yet anyway.
I took a quick look back at my parents holding Matthew, Breigh and Wyatt, Olivia, and Virginia. They were smiling ear to ear and I couldn’t help but think about how blessed I was.
I had refused to make a big deal about the wedding, but my mother insisted on a nice white dress and her pearls. I insisted on a pair of Louboutin glitter heels for the occasion. I couldn’t say I would ever give up my “big girl” shoes, as Olivia puts it.
Cash was dressed in a black suit, looking incredibly gorgeous. His hair was cut shorter now than normal but I was still able to run my hands through it.
The justice of the peace cleared his throat, bringing me back to the moment, as I had been lost in Cash’s green eyes.
“Do you, Emma Gray, take Cash to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I said.
Cash kept the wedding ring concealed until he slipped it on my finger. My mouth dropped when I spotted the diamond. A princess cut diamond, far bigger than I had ever imagined.
“This isn't what we picked out,” I said, as Cash smiled largely showing all his beautiful teeth.
“It’s what I wanted to get you. You deserve so much and I hope I can always…”
I leaned in and kissed him, interrupting his stuttering, trying to find the right words for the moment. I knew exactly what he was thinking, he had spoken the same words to me often.
I pulled back when the justice of the peace cleared his throat.
“Oh, sorry,” I apologized.
Our friends and family laughed. The justice of the peace continued after it silenced.
“Do you, Cash Galloway, take Emma to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” I slipped the black steel wedding ring on his finger.
“Cash and Emma, I want you to always remember this moment. Remember how much you love each other right now and always carry that with you. Don’t let anyone or anything dim that light.” He paused.
“And without further ado, I present you as Mr. and Mrs. Galloway. You can kiss your bride.”
And kiss he did.
Epilogue
EMMA
Today, was our fifth wedding anniversary. Cash held up his part of the bargain and has been exactly what he promised.
Matthew is a little over five today, and he is starting kindergarten. We dropped him off just a bit ago and I had planned a little date for us.
In bed.
Both of us had taken off for the day to celebrate with our baby boy. And for our baby boy. This was a big milestone for the little guy and for our marriage.
Five years.
I had run us a bath, added Mr. Bubble and called Cash to join me. It was nice to be in the bath without rubber duckies and bath paint for once. Time alone was rare and we ate up every bit of it when we were able to.
We kept the curtains drawn, and drank mimosas and sat in the bath until the water turned cold.
Then moved to our bed for a long nap.
Yes that is what it had come to.
Anything else would come after we caught up on some sleep. It had taken the back seat for a while now, but the passion was still on mark.
The chemistry almost seemed more on fire with less time to have to ourselves. When we had the time alone, it was a mad rush to devour each other. And every time was fantastic.
But man had sleep moved on the ladder of wants.
Five years.
As for Cash’s father, he was still in prison. He had been convicted of illegal investing and would stay there for a long time. We had all decided he wasn’t welcome in our lives.
Cash had been on patrol for a little over five years now. He loved it, and didn't have any want to promote to any other sector. He felt he did his best work on the streets.
There were days I was scared when he left for work, but I had to have faith. Just like he told me. And I did. He was great at his job.
I was working only part time for the first couple years of Matthew’s life but had started to full time now. I was happy with my position now, and always put my family first. I still loved my job, but I didn't live for it, like I had all those years before. Mr. Thomas was still President and was accepting of my boundaries I had set.
My father had been in remission and doing great. Although he had aged greatly from the treatments, he was living life to the fullest. He was spending his days playing golf, helping with Matthew when he could, and enjoying his retirement. Him and Cash had become quite close. He was proud that he had followed through on his promises he made at Maxwell’s when he asked for my hand.
My mother and Virginia were always planning something for Matthew and bugging us to expand our family. We were working on it…
Five Years.
We were going strong.
We had a full life ahead of us and I wanted each day to slow down so I could take it all in.
I was in love with my husband Cash and my baby boy.
Life was damn good.
Sneak peek at Be My Reason
Sneak peek at Be My Reason, Wyatt and Breigh’s Story
Wyatt
Galloway. Most people around Houston, Texas hear that name and think royalty: Texas oil, money, privileged, never having to work for anything, born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Until you meet me, and I tell you I’m not related. Very few know the truth; I am the youngest son to my father who would have inherited everything he had. Well, my half. My elder brother followed in his pathetic footsteps. My brother, Cash, I know ironic, isn’t it, lived the life that was set out for us. The life I had decided to live against. If I was going to feel important, I was going to earn it, unlike my father and my brother. Respect wasn't inherited, not as far as I saw it.
I knew at the ripe age of twelve that the life I was
born into wasn’t the life I wanted. I didn't belong, to say the least. I wasn't the black sheep per se, but rather felt in my bones I wasn't a true Galloway. You would have thought I committed murder or treason when I decided to pull away, to live a life where I worked for everything I had. I had walked away from everything that was given to me and started fresh. If I didn’t earn it myself, I didn't have it.
Best decision I ever made. I guess that depended on who you asked though.
When I had decided to have a career in public service, my father lost it, quite literally. The last thing he wanted was a sheriff in the family. Then when he heard I was going to work toward my dream, of becoming a Texas Ranger, he really became enraged. He felt humiliated.
Some people get pleasure out of making their father happy, me, on the other hand, the exact opposite. I found much joy in making him mad, frustrated even. Should I have taken the higher road like I had been told? Probably, but I had no interest in such.
I was going to live my life how I pleased, to everybody else’s dismay.
And for those of who don’t think I can, watch me. I love a challenge.
Breigh
There were a lot of things people wanted out of life… and what I wanted was not the norm. I had been run through the gamut and had my heart broken, as well as broken hearts. As a single woman at age twenty-eight, everything had come into perfect perspective. Maybe it was because I had already done my fair amount of running around, or maybe it was because of my harder than normal upbringing. Nevertheless, I had a great career, my Grammy, and best friend, Emma, by my side. What else did a girl really need?
But truth be told, I felt like I had forgotten how to live. How did a person get that back again?
My life had become days of working long hours and not having any fun. “You need to get out and have fun before you aren't able to anymore.” In my Grammy’s words, the wisest woman and one of the loves of my life.
Our Season (Lifetime Love Series) Page 17