Chapter Nineteen #2
Jeannie hated that she’d again caused him to be stressed because of her and her job.
It’d been a lot, beginning with the kidnapping and assault and most recently being held hostage by Jaycee Patrick’s mother.
And now her workplace had been bombed, pushing her into early labor.
Through it all, Michael had been steadfast in his love and support.
She wondered when he would say enough was enough with her job.
She’d begun to think that herself at times, well before a bomb went off at HQ.
It was one thing for her life to be in danger because of her job, but now it had put her child’s life in danger, too.
That was unacceptable. When she wasn’t dealing with contractions one on top of the other, she’d have to give that issue some considerable thought.
For now, though, her only focus was bringing her baby safely into the world.
Michael returned with her nurse, Zehn, who examined Jeannie and declared her ready to deliver.
The room was soon full of people, including a neonatal specialist who’d be in charge of the baby. They’d been told the baby would most likely need some time in the NICU, which was routine for premature babies. Maybe so, but none of this was routine for her or Michael.
“Did you call my mom?” Jeannie asked.
“She’s on her way.”
That was a relief. Everything was better when her mom was there.
Jeannie hadn’t realized tears were rolling down her face until Michael wiped them with a tissue. “I’m scared,” she whispered.
“Oh, honey, you’ve got this. You’re a warrior goddess. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
“I’m not sure I’ll survive if she doesn’t.” Jeannie had been referring to the baby as “she” throughout her pregnancy. Usually, he responded with “he,” but he’d be thrilled with either.
“She will. I fully expect her to be born with your steely determination and endless strength to face whatever comes her way.”
Jeannie tightened her hold on his hand. “Thank you for knowing what I needed to hear.”
“I got you, love, and we’ve got this. I’m so excited to meet our little person.”
“Me, too, even if I’m not quite ready.”
“You’re ready. You were born for this moment.”
“So were you, because you know just what to say to a panicking mother-to-be.”
“I know just what to say to you.” He leaned over the bed to kiss her. “I’m right here for the long haul, honey.”
The OB came strolling in like he’d just come in from the golf course, full of cocky competence that helped to settle her nerves enough to stay focused on the task at hand.
Ava Joy McBride Wilkinson was born an hour later, weighing in at five pounds, thirteen ounces and measuring seventeen inches.
Her elated parents were thrilled to hear that while she was tiny and early, she was doing as well as could be expected and probably wouldn’t have to stay in the NICU for long.
“You’re amazing,” Michael said through tears. “And our little angel is beautiful.”
“She really is.”
“Thankfully, she looks just like her gorgeous mother.”
“I saw you in her, too. You should go be with her. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I want one of us to be with her. My mom will be here.” She’d gone to call Jeannie’s sisters and extended family to share the news.
“I’ll be back shortly to check on you.”
“I’ll be here.”
He leaned over the bed rail to kiss her. “Thank you for our daughter.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh please, honey, I did the easy—and best—part.”
She smiled at the lusty face he made.
“Entirely my pleasure. Be back soon.”
“Say hi to Ava for me. Tell her Mommy loves her.”
“I will.”
After he walked out of the room, she closed her eyes and exhaled, filled with gratitude that despite the day’s trauma, she’d safely delivered her baby girl. She couldn’t wait for everything with her.
“Jeannie had her baby,” Freddie reported as he read a text. “Ava Joy McBride Wilkinson, five pounds, thirteen ounces. Mom and baby are doing well, but Ava will be doing a stint in the NICU to give her time to get a little stronger.”
“Well, that’s a huge relief. Jeannie must be reeling. She thought she had six more weeks.”
“I’m glad they’re both safe.”
“Me, too.” Sam dashed off a congratulatory text to Jeannie and Michael. Let me know when Ms. Ava is ready to meet Auntie Sam. I’m so, so happy for you guys! Much love from all of us!
“Captain Malone, who’s been appointed acting chief in the absence of Farnsworth and McBride, has called an all-hands meeting at three o’clock at Union Station,” Freddie said.
“Am I allowed to attend?”
“Let me text him.”
That it was even a question…
“Yes, he’d like you to be there if you can.”
Did that mean they weren’t thinking the bombing was related to her?
She’d like that to be proven as soon as possible.
After the last few weeks of drones being sent by a now ex-colleague to take out her family and her nephew being kidnapped, Sam was seriously on edge about her role in the department and whether she was endangering others simply by showing up to work.
The anxious feeling had intensified since the bombing. What would they learn about who’d done it, and how would that potentially change her life forever?
“What’re you thinking?”
“Nothing I can say out loud without sounding like a selfish asshole.”
“It’s understandable that you’d be worried about this being tied back to you.”
“I’m worried sick. Four people are dead. Many others, including two of my close friends, are in the hospital. If this was because of me…”
“We don’t know anything yet, Sam. Let the investigation unfold and try not to take it on until we know more.”
“Could you do that? Pretend it’s not possible that it’s all about you?”
“Probably not.”
“How do I go to that meeting when everyone I work with is wondering the same thing I am?”
“You just keep showing up to do the job. That’s all you can do.”
“And bring all my danger with me. You should request a new partner.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“You need to think about your safety, Freddie. You have a baby on the way who’ll need you around.”
“Stop and take a breath, will you?”
“I knew something was wrong. I woke up feeling it in the middle of the night over the weekend, and the anxiety has been bad ever since.”
“There was no way even you could’ve predicted someone bombing HQ.”
“People are dead, Freddie.”
“I’m aware, and blaming yourself for something that might’ve had nothing to do with you won’t change anything.”
She knew that, but the grinding fear remained as she pulled out her phone to try again to call Amara. The call went straight to voicemail, which did nothing to assuage her concerns.
If only she knew where to even begin looking for her.