Chapter 2

The baby moved inside me. A slow roll, like a fist turning over.

I pressed my hand against my belly.

Don't be scared, baby. I'm getting you out of here.

But we hadn't even reached the nurses' station when Donna stepped in front of Greg.

"Your wife doesn't know what she's doing. You should know better." Her voice dropped.

"If something happens on the road, that's on you. For the rest of your life."

Greg's jaw worked.

He looked at me, then back at Donna. I watched the doubt crawl across his face.

"Honey, maybe we wait until the baby's born? The second it's out, I'll take you both to another hospital. I promise."

The moment he finished, Donna turned to me. Softer now. Gentle, even.

"Mrs. Whitfield, I understand you're nervous, first baby and all. But everything in the delivery room is ready. We'll keep you and the baby safe."

"So just take it easy."

Everything is ready.

My skin went cold.

Ready for what? To steal my baby?

The contractions were coming faster.

If I kept stalling, the choice would be made for me.

"Since when do hospitals hold patients against their will?" I looked straight at Donna. "Why are you so desperate to keep me here?"

A pause. Something shifted behind her eyes. Quick. Gone.

"I'm only thinking of your safety, Mrs. Whitfield."

"I don't need it. Never mind. Whatever happens after I walk out that door is none of this hospital's business."

I grabbed Greg's hand and pulled him toward the exit.

Then something hit my leg. A child came out of nowhere.

Small, fast, running from the opposite end of the hallway.

The impact hit me square in the belly. My feet went out. My back hit the floor. Something warm ran down my thigh.

My water...

Donna's voice rang out above me.

"She's delivering now. No time to transfer. Get her to the delivery room."

Nurses surrounded me. Hands lifted me onto a gurney. The ceiling started sliding past.

I grabbed Greg's wrist. Pulled hard.

"Come in with me."

"No. The delivery room is restricted. No men allowed."

Donna reached for my hand, trying to peel my fingers loose.

I didn't let go.

Instead, I dug my fingers into Greg's hand.

"I don't trust anyone in this hospital. He stays with me or I don't push."

Greg stepped forward. He turned to Donna. "Please. Just let me be there. I won't get in the way."

"Absolutely not. Hospital policy."

I clamped my legs together. Looked Donna dead in the eyes.

"Then I won't deliver. If I die right here on this gurney, with my baby inside me, just explain that to your hospital board."

Voices rose around me. Other patients. Other nurses.

"What kind of mother does that? The baby's right there, she's going to suffocate it!"

"Never seen anyone this dramatic. Every woman gives birth, you don't see the rest of us throwing fits."

I heard none of it.

"No husband in the room, no delivery."

A bead of sweat rolled down Donna's temple.

Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. Her jaw tightened.

"Fine. I'll make an exception."

She looked around the hallway.

"You all heard her. She demanded it. Whatever happens, it's on her."

The gurney pushed through the double doors. Greg walked beside me. I pulled his arm close.

"When the baby comes out, you watch. "

"Swear to me. Swear you won't look away. And nobody can carry the baby away. Nobody."

He nodded. "Don't worry, honey. I'll protect you and our baby."

The IV went into my hand. The Pitocin hit fast.

Pain folded over pain until there was nothing else. No room for thought.

Only Donna's voice counting breaths, and my body bearing down.

I don't know how long it took.

One last push.

Then crying. Small, sharp, furious.

My vision went white. Then dark.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a recovery room. Greg sat beside the bed.

"The baby." My voice came out in pieces. "Bring me the baby."

Greg lifted a bundle from the bassinet and placed it in my arms.

I looked down.

The blood drained from my face.

"Greg. This isn't our baby."