Chapter 27 - THE NIGHT SHE GOT SCAREDAt thirty-two weeks, Grace woke with pain.
For ten terrifying minutes, neither of them joked.
James drove to the hospital.
His hands shook.
Grace noticed.
“James.”
“I'm fine.”
“Look at me.”
He did.
“Breathe.”
“I am breathing.”
“Barely.”
The doctor eventually smiled.
Braxton Hicks.
Baby healthy.
Grace healthy.
Everything fine.
James sat beside her afterward.
Silent.
Grace squeezed his hand.
“You thought you'd lose us.”
His jaw tightened.
She understood.
Anna.
Laura.
Everyone he had loved and could not save.
Grace pulled his hand against her stomach.
The baby kicked.
James inhaled.
“You don't have to protect us from everything.”
“I know.”
“You just have to stay.”
His eyes met hers.
“That I can do.”
Grace smiled.
“Good.”
The baby kicked again.
James looked down.
“Was that intentional?”
Grace laughed.
“Your son is already arguing with you.”
“Our daughter.”
“Son.”
“Daughter.”
They had deliberately kept the sex a surprise.
Grace narrowed her eyes.
“Bet?”
James smiled.
May you like
“Name it.”
And just like that, fear loosened its grip.
