Chapter 7 – A Baby Arrives
The police escorted Ryan's SUV directly to the nearest hospital.
Emily was rushed into Labor and Delivery before anyone could argue.
Carol stayed beside her daughter, refusing to leave even when nurses asked family members to step outside.
Hours blurred together.
Emily screamed.
She cried.
She apologized between contractions for reasons no woman should ever feel obligated to apologize.
"I'm sorry..."
Carol brushed damp hair away from her forehead.
"For what?"
"For causing trouble."
Carol's heart shattered.
"You've done nothing wrong."
The doctor entered quickly after reviewing Emily's chart.
His expression changed.
"When was your last prenatal examination?"
Emily looked confused.
"I thought... last week."
The doctor exchanged a concerned glance with another physician.
"There are several issues we should have been monitoring."
Carol's stomach dropped.
Fortunately, the baby's heartbeat remained strong.
After nearly fourteen exhausting hours, a tiny cry filled the delivery room.
"It's a girl."
Emily burst into tears.
Carol held her granddaughter for only a moment before placing her gently into Emily's arms.
The newborn opened sleepy blue eyes.
Emily whispered through tears,
"Her name is Grace."
Outside the room, Ryan demanded to be let inside.
The nurse blocked his path.
"The patient has requested privacy."
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It was the first decision Emily had made entirely for herself in months.
And Ryan wasn't prepared to lose control.
