“Sweetheart, this is his baby, too. He’s on his way.”
“Was he upset?” Maryellen knew he’d blame himself for this, although she felt certain their lovemaking had nothing to do with it.
“Jon’s only concern was for you and the baby.”
“You told him I was fine, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did.”
Her mother walked her into the physician’s office and Maryellen was quickly ushered into a cubicle. Grace stayed with her until Jon got there and then announced that she’d be out in the waiting room.
Before her mother left, Maryellen hugged her. “I love you, Mom.” She feared she didn’t say it often enough. She’d been blessed with a wonderful mother, and she knew this was a difficult time for Grace because of the breakup with Cliff.
Grace returned her hug. “Love you, too, sweetie.”
Once her mother had left, Jon sat next to Maryellen and held her hand.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, trying not to break into sobs.
Her husband drew her close. She knew he was struggling with emotion, too. If she lost the pregnancy, Maryellen was afraid there wouldn’t be another. Jon would refuse to risk it. She wasn’t sure she could go through this again, either.
Reading her chart, Dr. DeGroot stepped into the cubicle, and smiled at the two of them, holding hands, clinging to each other physically and emotionally.
With his nurse at his side, he examined her carefully.
“Am I losing the baby?” Maryellen cried, unable to keep silent.
He shook his head. “If you mean are you miscarrying, the answer is no.”
“Is the baby safe?” Jon asked.
“For now.”
Maryellen didn’t like the sound of this. Involuntarily she stiffened and tightened her hold on Jon’s hand.
“Your cervix is weak and there’s a danger you’ll lose the child unless you have complete bed rest for the next five months.”
Maryellen gasped. “But how can I?” Katie demanded constant care and like a typical two-year-old was into everything. In addition, Maryellen had a job and with her employment came an insurance package that covered medical care. Jon was self-employed and had no benefits.
“If you want your baby to live, you’ll find a way,” Dr. DeGroot insisted. “I can stitch up the cervix and that’ll offer some protection, but you’ll need to stay in bed and off your feet.”
“This is my fault,” Jon said. “I…we made love last night.”
“It’s impossible to know for sure, but frankly I doubt that’s the cause,” Dr. DeGroot told him. “However, you’ll need to abstain from lovemaking until after we deliver your baby.”
Maryellen nodded and so did Jon. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.
“We’ll be fine,” he assured both the physician and Maryellen.
She didn’t know how that could be true.
“I’m not sure Lois is ready to take over the gallery,” she lamented after Dr. DeGroot had left.
“She doesn’t have a choice,” Jon said, unwilling to yield.
Maryellen knew he was right, but she couldn’t help worrying. How was Jon going to be able to work, take care of her and look after Katie, too?
Jon kissed her forehead. “All you need to think about,” he whispered, “is taking care of yourself and our baby.”
Maryellen attempted a smile. He was trying to set her mind at ease, and she was grateful for that, but even his loving words weren’t proof against her doubts and fears.
Thirty-Four
Linnette could hardly imagine Cedar Cove without a medical clinic. She hadn’t worked a shift yet during which she wasn’t on her feet for the full eight hours. She loved her job and was responsible for a variety of cases.
She’d adjusted to life in Cedar Cove surprisingly well. Naturally, it helped that she was familiar with the town, since her parents had lived there for six years. And making friends with Gloria Ashton had boosted her sense of welcome.
Thursday afternoon, Dr. Timmons walked into a cubicle, passing within inches of her. He nodded politely and she smiled back. They worked side by side nearly every day and he’d been guarded but friendly. He always treated her with respect. But not once—not even one time—in all the weeks they’d worked together had he given any indication that he’d be interested in seeing her outside the clinic. Linnette had finally accepted the truth, finally stopped deluding herself. It was all too apparent that Chad had no romantic interest in her.
Linnette wanted to kick herself for being so coldhearted and callous toward Cal Washburn. Despite the fact that her mother had arranged their initial meeting, she liked him. His stuttering didn’t bother her. What did bother her was how much she enjoyed his company—and his kisses. She was still thinking about it. In the weeks since their last date, she hadn’t stopped thinking about Cal and where their relationship might have headed if she hadn’t been so eager to cast him aside.
Her behavior upset her so much that she’d talked to her father about the strong attraction she felt for Cal. In retrospect, Linnette was happy to get advice from her dad; her mother would’ve said I told you so a dozen times.
Her father’s advice, however, had left her slightly confused. He’d said something about fate stepping in, putting Cal in her path. When she did see him she’d apologize, which she wanted to do anyway—she just wasn’t sure how or when. She hoped he’d ask her out again. The only alternative would be to make the first overture. She didn’t know if she could.