Dana collided with someone who caught and steadied her. “Sorry. Just be careful around Patricia,” Rob whispered. “She’s still furious about Randy’s marriage to you and about his latest engagement. She and Randy were close. She believes what was his must be hers.”
Dana turned. “She won’t win.”
“But she will make trouble.” Rob leaned closer. “Have you considered returning to the nursing home after the baby’s born? We need nurses.”
Dana shook her head. “I’ve begun a business I believe will grow.”
“Good luck.” He walked away.
Dana’s forehead wrinkled. How dangerous was Patricia? For a moment she wanted to leave town. Not yet. Once the billing service had enough clients she could leave Fern Lane and work anywhere with internet service.
Another thought occurred. Did Patricia understand the terms of the divorce settlement? Both Randy and his father had been adamant. Randy had given up any claim to the coming child boy or girl.
She drew a deep breath that aggravated the pain in her back. She spotted May and walked toward the older woman.
May hugged Dana. “You didn’t have to come. How are you feeling? You look exhausted.”
“Ready to have this child.” She studied her former mother-in-law. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m sure you’re grieving.”
May exhaled a deep breath. “No mother should lose a child but when a child refuses to listen all is lost. Randy, well, he should have gone for help.”
Dana pressed the older woman’s hand. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“I don’t but how I wish things had been different.”
“You have my sympathy and my thanks for the beautiful clothes and the cradle you sent for the baby.”
“Your child will be my grandchild no matter what Robert says. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” Dana stepped away.
May touched Dana’s arm. “Simon’s here.”
Dana’s stomach lurched. Did she need to see him now? She had to leave. She couldn’t talk to Simon. She had loved him. After he left she had waited but he’d never returned. Then two years ago, she had married Randy. No matter how much Simon had disliked his cousin, his anger toward her would be a thousand times hotter.
What about her own anger? That night, Simon had demanded what she hadn’t been ready to give. He had left and she’d waited. Her anger had deepened. Finally she’d given up.
Praying for a quick and successful escape she tried to weave between the clusters of people. Instead of forward she was pushed back toward the coffin. She stared at her ex-husband and saw something she had forgotten. Though Randy’s coloring was dark, facially he resembled Simon. She felt ill when she considered the meaning. Why hadn’t she noticed before?
Her abdomen cramped. She drew a deep breath. Had labor begun? Of all the wrong times. She had to go home for the suitcase and the infant seat, call Madge, the doctor and a cab. With determination she threaded her way to the door.
Chapter 3
Simon couldn’t keep from watching Dana’s progress through the room. When Patricia confronted her he couldn’t hear what was said but he nearly intervened. Finally he saw Dana with his aunt and he attempted to leave his place behind the door only to be blocked by a cluster of chattering women.
He groaned. He needed to find a quiet place to think about Matt’s offer, his relatives and …about Dana’s reasons for marrying and divorcing Randy. Her pregnancy puzzled him. Knowing Dana, the coming child had to be Randy’s. The over heard comments Patricia had shouted at her father rose and brought a rush of anger. What had Randy done to make Dana walk away? Had he physically harmed her?
He pressed his hand against the wall. His actions of the past flowed into his consciousness. On graduation night Dana had refused his demand to go all the way. She’d wanted to wait until they finished college before making a commitment. He hadn’t been thinking beyond the moment. The next day he’d left Fern Lane and tossed away a college scholarship. He’d never reached out to her and had spent years nursing hurt feelings.
Simon smacked the wall. The gaggle of women moved forward. He saw Dana rush past and bolt through the door. Had she seen him? Why the grimace pulling her mouth into a tight line? Had May told her he was here? Dana owed him an explanation for her actions, one he intended to hear before he left town.
The anger from the past, stirred by his meeting with Paley and from being in Fern Lake coalesced. He strode to the foyer and pushed the outer door open. He scanned the parking lot for Dana.
She stood beside a blue sedan. He strode closer and saw she held a cell phone. Who was she calling? Probably her parents.
Intending to confront her before she left he stopped behind her. The phone fell to the ground. With a clumsy movement she bent to retrieve the object and failed to scoop it into her hand. She straightened and rubbed her belly.
Simon stooped and held the phone in his hand. “Looking for this?”
Dana pressed a button. “Madge, pick up. I think this is…Oh lord.”
Though the questions he wanted answered stormed his thoughts, Dana’s expression and the puddle forming around her feet told him there was trouble. “Are you?”
“In labor.” She fished keys from her purse. “Go away. I don’t have time now.” She bit her lip. Pain flared in her green eyes. She exhaled. “I have to go home.”
“Let me help you.”
“Simon, go away.” The keys clicked against each other. “I can’t talk now. Didn’t expect to see you. Come back in another ten years.”
“Why?”
Her sigh hinted of exasperation. “In case you haven’t noticed I’m pregnant and in labor. This Aries child is eager to escape.” A harsh sound escaped. “That’s two. Maybe three.”
“What?” She made no sense.
“Contractions. I have to go home.” She opened the car door.
“The hospital seems a more logical choice.”
She pushed strands of hair from her face. “I need to leave my car, get my things and call a cab.”
Simon glared. “You’re not making any sense.”
“They won’t let me drive home. I can’t take the baby there without the infant seat. My birthing partner won’t answer.”
He wanted to touch her, hold her and find a way to stop the panic. “If you have the baby this evening when will they send you home?"
“The day of Randy’s funeral.”
He took her arm and propelled her to the passenger’s side.” Get in.” He snatched the keys from her hand. “I’ll drive. If you tell me where to find your things I’ll bring them to the hospital tomorrow.” He closed the door.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I am. Where are the things?”
“On the foyer near the door.” She slumped on the seat with the phone in her hand. “I can drive.”
“No you can’t. What if you have a contraction while you’re driving and run a red light and crash?” He rounded the car and got in. “Call your doctor.” For a moment he wondered what to do about the rental. He’d figure something.
“Dr. Scott. Dana Collins. My water broke…Maybe four minutes apart. Lasting, I’m not sure…Meet you there…I’ll tell the driver.”
Simon’s hands clenched on the wheel. Why had she called him the driver? Wasn’t he a friend? That thought deserved a head slap. He certainly hadn’t acted like he cared for her. Ten years with no word. Could he change her opinion?
“What did the doctor say?”
“Not to waste time. He’ll notify OB and the ER that I’m on the way.” Her eyes widened. “What if the baby comes before we reach the hospital?”
Simon heard panic in her voice. She’d always been the cool one. He needed to calm her. “I’m a cop. Even delivered a baby.” He didn’t tell her the infant had been the woman’s fifth and she’d controlled the situation.
Instead of driving he wanted to tell h
er the delivery would go smoothly. Emotions he’d blocked surged to the present. Did he still love her? He didn’t know. He pulled onto Main Street and headed for the hospital on the hill.
“I trust you,” she whispered.
Another jolt of emotion surfaced. They weren’t in high school. No way did he feel like a teenager.
“Why did you and Randy divorce?” He really wanted to hear her answer.
“He wanted his freedom,” she said.
“Why?”
“So he could find a proper wife. Preferably one with money and influence. One to fit the Grantlan image.”
Was the bitterness in her voice because she still loved his cousin? “Why does Patricia want the child?”
Dana sighed. “Only if it’s a boy. She wants to replace her twin. All I want is a healthy child and to have a family again.”
“What about your parents? Do they still live in town?” The stricken look on hr face told him that was the wrong question.
“They’re dead.”
“Sorry. I didn’t know.”
“How would you? No call. No letters. Two years of nothing.” She closed her mouth and rubbed her belly.
The snap in her voice made him grip the wheel. “Aunt May knew where I was. She never mentioned your parents’ deaths.” He groaned. He’d told his aunt he didn’t want to know anything about anyone in Fern Lake.
“I received the invitation you sent me to your wedding. Pissed me off.”
“I didn’t send it.”
“Didn’t you know one was sent?”
“Why would I? Randy and his mother drew up the guest list.” She gripped the door handle. “Be angry with Randy. I’m sure he planned to gloat if you’d shown up.” She laughed. “But you can’t. He’s dead. Just don’t take your anger out on me.”
Simon pounded the wheel. He wanted to ask if his presence would have made a difference. He saw tears flow over her cheeks. He’d forgotten how Dana cried when she was angry. She never exploded. Her voice grew tight.
He pulled into the Emergency Room parking lot and stopped the car. “Do you want a wheelchair?”
“I can walk.” She left the car.
Simon groaned. He followed. He had her eyes and he had no idea where her house was or what key would open the door so he could retrieve her things.
He reached the entrance in time to see a nurse in pink scrubs wheel Dana away. “Wait,” he called.
Dana turned her head. “Thanks. You can return to the funeral home. I’m sure your aunt misses you.”
His teeth clamped on his lower lip. He could almost see the waves of anger shimmer in the air. Her anger was his fault but he had no desire to return to the funeral home, He’d seen enough of his relatives other than Aunt May to last another ten years. Dana had dismissed him but he refused to leave.
A string of names he called himself spiraled through his thoughts in an never ending ribbon. Ten years ago he’d been an immature brat. Until the scene with Paley he’d thought he’d broken the habit of charging away. He couldn’t succumb to the precipitous action now. The feelings he’d had for Dana years ago had swept through him like a wildfire tonight. Without fuel the fire could die to ashes again. Before they consumed him there were questions to be asked and answered by her.
He scurried down the hall. Dana’s escort had taken and paused by the desk where an elderly woman beckoned.
“You need a pass.”
“Where’s the delivery room?”
“And you’re with?”
“Dana Collins. She just went past. She’s in labor.”
The woman smiled and handed him a pass. “Maternity’s on the fourth floor.”
Simon rode the elevator and followed the sign for Maternity. He found the waiting room and looked around. One of those fancy coffee machines that made one cup at a time stood on a small table with sugar packets and powdered creamer. A number of chairs and tattered magazines in a rack and a wall television completed the furnishings.
A woman wearing blue scrubs holding a clipboard paused in the doorway. “Who are you with?
“Dana Collins. She just arrived.”
“Do you want to go back?”
Simon shook his head. “I’m just a friend who drove her here. I have her car keys and want to wait so I can return them.”
“No problem. Someone will let you know when you can see her.”
* * *
A nurse helped Dana into bed and began the admission process. Twice Dana had to stop speaking and breathe through another contraction.
"Three minutes apart.” the nurse said. “Just don’t push until Dr. Scott arrives.”
“I’ll try.”
After the nurse left, Dana tried Madge’s number again and hoped she didn’t fry any circuits. Even if her friend answered she wouldn’t arrive in time. She dropped the phone in the plastic bag with her other possessions.
Why had she gone to the funeral home? Between Robert and Patricia Grantlan the experience had been dreadful. Warnings and threats she felt were serious frightened her. Dana felt another contraction and breathed evenly. She wanted nothing from the Grantlans. The marriage had been a huge mistake. Freedom had arrived with the divorce decree.
Simon’s face, his smile, blue eyes, shaggy blond hair flashed into her thoughts. One look had raised the feelings of the past. Love, anger, disappointment and a dozen other emotions left her confused.
Why did she care? He had walked away. Never tried to reach her. For the four years she’d spent in college, she’d hoped to hear from him. What a fool she’d been. After she began to work at the nursing home, she’d felt the family she’d always wanted was as elusive as catching clouds. Randy’s resemblance to Simon had interested her. She’d fallen for his line and wasted two years hoping the marriage would work.
Again she’d been a fool. Her parents’ deaths had devastated her. Randy had been supportive until he learned they’d left her just twenty-five thousand dollars.
The door of the labor room opened. Dr. Scott strode to the bedside just as another contraction began. As soon as her muscles relaxed, he did a quick exam and signaled the nurse. “This baby is in a hurry. Let’s roll.”
Moments later Dana arrived in the delivery room. Once on the table another contraction began. “Can I push?”
“On the next one.” Dr. Scott stood at the sink cleansing a thorough scrub.
Dana panted through the contraction. Another began with little time between. Though she wanted to call this adventure off, she couldn’t. She pushed. A cry reached her ears.
“You have a daughter.”
Moments later, a woman spoke. "Seven pounds one ounce. Nineteen inches long. APGAR ten.”
“Good work,” Dr. Scott said.
Dana laughed. Happiness drove exhaustion away. She and Jenny were a family.
Before long she held her daughter. She kissed the baby’s head before letting the nurse place the infant in a bassinet with clear sides. Dana was cleaned and moved to the private room she’d paid for with the proceeds from the sale of her engagement and wedding rings. The bassinet stood where she could see her daughter.
A nurse arrived and took her vital signs and checked her progress. “Are you up for a visitor?”
Had Madge finally arrived? "Who is it?”
The nurse grinned. “A hot blond with great muscles and a tight ass. Sat in the waiting room, drank two cups of coffee and asked a half dozen times for news of you. I take it he’s not the father?”
Dana nodded. “A friend and my ride here. Jenny’s father is dead.”
“I’m sorry.”
I’m not. Dana kept from speaking aloud.
“Can your friend come in? He said something about having your keys and a need to retrieve your things.”
Dana straightened. She’d forgotten Simon had driven her car here. She’d never told him where to find her house. “Tell him yes. He won’t stay long.”
The woman’s forehead wrinkled. “Didn’t you work here a few years ago
?”
“Med/surg.”
“I’ll let people know you’re here.” The nurse left the room.
Moments later Simon appeared in the doorway. His tawny blond hair looked as though he’d run his hands through the strands a dozen times.
“You all right?” He asked.
“Sore and tired. Do you want to see her?”
“Yes.”
“She’s in the bassinet.”
He approached. “She has your hair.”
“What there is. It’s lighter than mine.”
“What will you name her?”
“Jennifer Alexa Collins for my parents but I’ll call her Jenny.”
“Hello, Jenny.” He turned from the bassinet and sat on the chair beside the bed. He placed a hand over hers.
Warmth crept from the touch. Dana’s heart sped. She didn’t know what to say. Ten years of neglect seemed a wall too high to scale.
“I’ll bring your things tomorrow after breakfast. If you’d like, after the funeral I’ll come and take you and the baby home.”
Why was he being so nice? Did he feel guilty about abandoning her? “I planned to call a cab.”
“Not a problem for me to come. That way I can leave after the service at St. Andrews and avoid the cemetery and the catered luncheon at the mansion. Eating there would give me indigestion.”
Dana grinned. “Know how you feel. I remember the mandatory Sunday dinners. All stuffy and only topics selected by Mr. Grantlan were allowed to be discussed. No matter what I thought, I had to agree with him."
Simon laughed. “He grilled me about my grades, football and my friends. He kept reminding me to select ones who would improve my status. I hated those meals.”
“Sometimes Rob came in for questions like that. Or Patricia for failing to attract a wealthy husband. Never Randy. He could do no wrong.”
Simon nodded. “Nothing changes.”
“When Randy and I divorced I felt like I’d been sprung from jail.”
“Know what you mean.”
Dana closed her eyes. Years ago she hadn’t believed life with the Grantlans had been as miserable as Simon had said. Her two years with Randy had shown her how true Simon’s words had been. But that didn’t give him an excuse for his actions the day after graduation.
Rekindled Dreams (Moon Child) Page 3