Prodigal Daughter

by Patricia Davids

  She turned her tear-streaked face toward him. She had a bandage taped over the cut on her forehead. Her cheek showed a large bruise, and her knuckles on one hand were red and swollen. In spite of her battered appearance, she managed a weak smile for him. “Amy is the only one who calls me Lissa.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s okay. I always liked it.”

  “How are you?”

  “Banged up. They’re going to x-ray my wrist. The doctor thinks it’s only a sprain but he wants to be sure.”

  Richard laid his hand over her uninjured one. He wanted to ask about the baby, but the words stuck in his throat. What if her little life had been snuffed out? He couldn’t bear to think of it.

  Melissa curled her fingers around his and held tight. “They’re going to do a sonogram to see…to see if everything is all right. The doctor couldn’t…couldn’t hear her heartbeat, but he said that wasn’t unusual this early in the pregnancy. They heard it yesterday. Do you think he was lying to me?”

  “No. I’m sure he wasn’t.”

  She tipped her head back. Tears streamed from the corners of her eyes. “I didn’t want to be pregnant. I didn’t want a baby. I tried so hard not to feel the love that kept creeping into my heart. And now she might be dead…and no one will ever have loved her.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, don’t do this to yourself.” He leaned down and laid his cheek against hers. He felt the dampness of her tears. She circled his neck with one arm and held him close.

  “Lissa, you have always loved your baby,” he whispered. “I’ve seen it in your eyes. I’ve heard it in your voice. I know it by the way you touch her when you talk about her. You’ve held her under your heart all these months. You wanted to give her the best life possible even if that meant someone else would raise her. Who could be loved more than that?”

  “I do love her. I do. I don’t want to lose her now. Will you ask God to let me keep her? He might listen to you. You’re such a good man.”

  “I’ve been praying for her and for you. You can pray, too, Melissa. He will hear you.”

  “I don’t know how.”

  “Just say what is in your heart. I wish I could promise you that God will do as we ask, but I can’t. We have to accept His will. We have to hold on to the love He has for us and use it to find the strength we need to face whatever comes. He loves you and He loves your baby. And if He wants her to come home with Him, it’s because He has the most glorious place for her at His side.” His tears mixed with hers as they held each other tight.

  Behind them, the door opened. Richard straightened from his awkward position, reluctant to move away. A young woman in pink scrubs pushed a sonogram machine into the room. He looked down at Melissa. “I’d better wait outside.”

  Melissa knew she couldn’t let go of Richard’s hand. He was her anchor. She needed his strength, his faith to help her. “No. Don’t go. Stay. In case…you know…in case—”

  “Hush. Of course I’ll stay, if you want me.”

  “I do. I need you.”

  Together they waited until the sonogram technician set up her machine. Melissa closed her eyes and held on to Richard’s hand as she began to pray for the first time in years.

  Please, Lord, I know that I haven’t been the person You wanted me to be. If You’ll just give me another chance I know that I can do better. I love my baby, my little Jenny. I want to see her face. I want to hear her laugher. I want to tell her all about the special girl she’s named after.

  But if You do take her to heaven, please let her spend time with my friend Jen. I know Jen is with You and I know she’ll take good care of my baby girl.

  The wand with its cold gel was laid on Melissa’s stomach. The machine came on. She held her breath until the static-filled sound settled into rapid, beautiful beats. Joy, sharp as an electric jolt, shot through her. She opened her eyes and looked at Richard. He grinned at her and she knew he shared her happiness. She focused for the first time on the woman running the machine. “That’s her, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. We have a good strong heartbeat and someone is kicking at my wand.”

  “Does that mean she’s okay?”

  “Everything looks good.”

  Melissa nearly wept with happiness. “Thank you. And thank You, God.”

  The woman unplugged her machine and left the room leaving them alone. Richard squeezed Melissa’s hand between both of his and raised them to his lips. He bowed his head and his voice shook slightly as he spoke. “Thank You, dear Lord, for hearing our prayers this day. Thank You.”

  His relief was so palpable, his words of thanks so heartfelt and sincere that Melissa suddenly saw beyond a shadow of a doubt that she loved him.

  The emotion that filled her heart took her breath away. She loved him. With utter clarity, she saw that the feelings she once had for Dean were a mere shadow of what she felt now. How could she ever have mistaken what they had for love? It was like mistaking a shallow puddle for the ocean.

  She studied every beloved angle and curve of Richard’s face. When he opened his eyes, his gentle spirit was reflected there and beautiful to see.

  The door to the room opened again and the young resident walked in with her chart in hand, followed by the nurse who had been in earlier. He said, “Mr. Hamilton, it looks like your baby is fine, but I’d like to keep Mrs. Hamilton overnight for observation.”

  “I’m not Mr. Hamilton, Doctor.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you two were together.”

  “I’m a friend of Miss Hamilton’s. A friend of the family, actually. In fact, I’m her attorney.”

  Melissa noticed the flush on Richard’s cheeks. Poor man, this was the third time in two days that he had been mistaken for her baby’s father. If only it were true.

  But it wasn’t. He was her friend. She managed a smile for the embarrassed young doctor as she pulled her hand free from Richard’s grasp, and tucked her newfound love into a corner of her heart for safekeeping.

  “Richard, could you call my mother?”

  “Certainly,” he said. “She’ll want to be here. Excuse me.” He left the room with one backward glance before he closed the door. Did his eyes hold a look of regret, or did she only imagine it?

  The young doctor lifted her injured hand. “I’m going to wrap up this wrist. I don’t want you to use it for a few days.” He was gentle, but it did hurt and her hand was throbbing madly when he finished.

  He seemed to notice her distress. “I can get you something for the pain.”

  “Is it safe for the baby?”

  “Certainly. I’ll have the nurse bring you something.”

  As they left her alone again, Melissa closed her eyes. “Okay, little one, it’s going to be just you and me. I’m going to make a good life for us. I promise.”

  Melissa agreed to spend the night, although she doubted that she would ever be comfortable in a hospital, but she was willing to do whatever it took to keep her unborn child safe. God had answered her frantic prayers for her little girl today, and Melissa vowed she would never again do anything to jeopardize her pregnancy.

  Richard had seen to it that her family knew about her accident. Nora came, intending to spend the night by her side. All of Melissa’s siblings, except Jeremy, had come and gone from her room by eight o’clock. It was nearing midnight, but Melissa couldn’t sleep. She shifted her bruised hip and bandaged wrist into a more comfortable position in the bed.

  “Do you need something?” her mother asked, sitting up from the light doze she had fallen into in the recliner.

  “No, I’m fine. I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “One thing you will learn is that there really isn’t any sleep to be had in a hospital.”

  “It must have been awful for you all these months with Dad so sick. I’m really, really sorry I wasn’t there to help you.”

  “That’s in the past, dear. You’re home now and that is what counts.”

  “Have you talked to Daddy?”<
br />
  “Of course. He’s terribly upset about the way he spoke to you today. I hope you believe that.”

  Melissa tilted her head back and stared at the ceiling. “I do. I just wish that he and I could find a way to talk to each other without—I don’t know—without hurting each other.”

  “That will come in time, I’m sure of it. He tried to get the doctor to let him come down and see you.”

  She looked at her mother. “He did?”

  “Of course he did.” Nora leaned forward to lay her hand on Melissa’s arm.

  “Why wouldn’t the doctor let him come? I thought he was nearly ready to go home.”

  “I didn’t want to worry you, but your father has been having a few heart irregularities. The doctors don’t think it is serious, but they don’t want him wandering around the hospital. I promised to update him on your condition every few hours. I’m sure he’s impatiently waiting for me now.”

  “Poor Mom. We really put you in the middle, didn’t we?”

  “I’m exactly where I want to be in my life. Helping my family cope with whatever comes along.”

  “Have you heard from Jeremy?”

  “Not for a few weeks. I worry about him. He was very hurt when he found out the truth. I don’t blame him for wanting to know his father’s parents. I just hope he finds some comfort there.”

  “I’m hoping that I can be half the mother that you are.”

  “Your father said that you intend to keep the baby. Is that true?”

  Melissa splayed the fingers of her right hand over the lump in her tummy. “I do. I want to keep her.”

  “It’s a girl?” Nora’s eyes brightened.

  Smiling, Melissa nodded. “That’s what the sonogram said.”

  Her mother grinned. “A girl. Oh, they make the cutest baby clothes now. It will be so much fun having a granddaughter.”

  “You really are excited at the idea of being a grandmother?”

  “Darling, I won’t lie to you. I was very disappointed when I found out you were pregnant. I had hoped that none of my children would make the same mistakes I made. I had so many dreams for you. I wanted you to have a career that excited you. I’ve dreamed about the kind of wedding you would have. I love you and I want only the best for you, but sometimes things happen. Then we have to face what is and not dwell on what is lost.” She gently tucked a strand of Melissa’s hair behind her ear.

  “To answer your question, yes, I am very excited about having a grandchild. A baby is a most wondrous gift.”

  Richard found himself facing another sleepless night, tossing and turning as he relived the moment of Melissa falling just beyond his reach. It took all his willpower not to go driving back to the hospital to make sure she and the baby were still doing okay. She had her family with her. That was who she needed, not him.

  He had had to relate the story first to Dave and the girls and then again to Angela when she got home. Everyone was concerned, but he convinced them not to race to the medical center by telling them Melissa needed her rest. It was something he got little of that night. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he watched the sky begin to lighten outside his window.

  Rising, he dressed for his run, knowing it was useless to try and sleep. Once outside in the crisp morning air, he felt as if he could think at last. His feet found their rhythm on the deserted streets and the words he had been skirting around all night rolled though his mind.

  He was in love with Melissa. He wanted to share her life, to be a father to her child. He wanted so much to tell her of his love, but he was unsure what his next move should be. Even if she cared for him, and he had some hope that she did, he knew he had to be patient.

  Perhaps it was a bit old-fashioned, but he found himself wanting Wallace’s blessing before he made his feelings known to Melissa. The last thing he wanted was to add another wedge between her and her father.

  He had known Wallace since his early days as a struggling attorney. He had been awed that the man behind Hamilton Media had taken an interest in his career after he successfully negotiated a tricky labor settlement for the dockworkers in Hickory Mills. In spite of their age difference, the two men had formed a firm friendship. Wallace’s respect was something Richard didn’t want to jeopardize.

  By the end of his five miles, the fresh air had helped clear his head. He was certain that he had worked out the best way to proceed. He would feel out Wallace on the issue. He didn’t really think her father would object, but there was an age difference that might matter.

  The main thing was not to rush Melissa with his feelings. Her life was already filled with turmoil. He would give her time to settle into motherhood and into life in the community. Like himself, she had turned to God and prayed for her baby yesterday. Richard believed it was a start toward Melissa finding her faith again. He easily saw himself coaxing her into attending church with him and his family and helping her rediscover God’s grace.

  Satisfied with his plan, Richard walked into the house feeling happy and hopeful. He would bide his time, giving both Melissa and himself a chance to let their affections mature.

  He took a quick shower, then called the hospital and was put though to Melissa’s room. Her mother answered and her hushed tone had him worried until she reassured him Melissa was simply sleeping. Nora informed him of her plan to stay at the hospital until Melissa was released and then take her to Richard’s home. Heather had volunteered to stay with her sister for the remainder of the afternoon or until Angela got home. With that worry taken care of, he hung up and set about getting ready for work.

  It wasn’t until nearly two o’clock in the afternoon that he was able to get away to the hospital once more. As he approached Wallace’s room, he saw the door partway open and heard the sound of raised voices. Wallace apparently had a visitor. Richard was about to retreat to the waiting room, when he overheard his own name.

  “McNeil sent me a letter, that’s how I know what’s going on. Melissa convinced me you wouldn’t give one penny to help her, but I think you’ll pay up when you hear what I have to say.”

  “You miserable cad! You took advantage of my daughter. Why should I pay you anything?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Richard frowned and stepped closer to the partially open door. He didn’t recognize the other voice, but he couldn’t mistake the threat it carried.

  “I know how people like you Hamiltons think. You want to hush up her pregnancy and get rid of the kid. You don’t want a constant reminder of how low your precious daughter has stooped. I did some checking after I got that letter from her attorney. She can’t give the kid away unless I sign the adoption papers, too. For a small fee of say, ten thousand dollars, we can keep it all nice and friendly. I sign and then disappear. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

  “You think you can blackmail me? I’ll have you tossed in jail so fast your head will spin,” Wallace bellowed.

  “How will that look to the press? I’m the kid’s father. If you want me to go away, it’s going to cost you, old man. Otherwise, I’ll be the most devoted little daddy you ever saw. Melissa won’t be able to turn around without bumping into me. I’ll get joint custody. Think of it, old man, you’re going to have to ask me if Junior can spend Christmas with you and yours.”

  “Get out!” Wallace’s shout turned into a strangled gasp.

  Richard pushed open the door. Wallace, his face ashen, was clutching his chest as he slid sideways in bed. Rushing to his friend, Richard caught hold of his shoulders. “Take it easy, Wallace. I’ll get help.”

  “Can’t…breathe.”

  Richard punched the call light. When no one answered, he snapped at Dean Orton, “Get a nurse.”

  Orton looked thunderstruck. He took a step toward the door. “I didn’t do anything. The old man just keeled over.”

  “Nurse! I need a nurse,” Richard yelled at the top of his lungs.

  One of the staff appeared in the doorway. She hurried to Wallace’s side. �
�What’s going on here?”

  “Mr. Hamilton is having chest pain.”

  “All right, step aside, please.” One look at Wallace had her pushing the emergency call button on the wall over his bed. “Code Blue, Room 416.”

  In minutes the room filled up with people. A red crash cart was wheeled in and another nurse politely, but firmly, instructed Richard and Dean to leave.

  Richard stepped outside in time to see Dr. Strickland racing down the hall, his white coattails flapping. “What happened?” he demanded as he sailed into the room. Richard didn’t hear the nurse’s answer.

  The activity had drawn plenty of attention as both patients and families looked out of doorways to see what was happening. A burly security guard came toward Richard and stationed himself outside the door. Dean turned and began to walk quickly toward the exit sign at the stairwell.

  Richard turned to the security guard and pointed at Dean. “My name is Richard McNeil, I’m an attorney and I’d like that man detained.”

  “On what grounds, sir?”

  “He was attempting to extort money from Mr. Hamilton before he collapsed.”

  The guard spoke into the radio at his shoulder. “Dispatch, get me the police department and get someone to the south stairwell to stop and hold a man in a red sweatshirt and black jeans. He has shoulder-length brown hair and a mustache.”

  To Richard, he said, “I’ll need a statement, sir. Please wait here.”

  “I’m not going anywhere until I know how Wallace is doing.”

  “Richard, what’s going on?”

  He spun around at the sound of Nora’s worried voice. She hurried toward him and grasped his arm.

  “Wallace started to have chest pain a few minutes ago.”

  Her eyes widened in fear. “Is it serious? Can I see him?”

  “I don’t know. Dr. Strickland is with him now. They asked me to leave the room. I think you should wait here.”

  It wasn’t long before Wallace’s physician stepped out into the hallway with them.

  “Doctor, how is he?” Nora’s voice quivered, but Richard was amazed at how composed she remained.