“I cannot wait to meet her.” He took in the rest of the room, admiring the white furnishings and the cabinets of stuffed toys. Putting the elephant back, he came over and hunkered down. “I’ve been trying not to notice that you’re in pain.”
“I thought I was hiding it pretty well.”
“Eliza.”
“Okay, fine. Let’s get this poor pregnant woman to bed.”
“How bad?”
“Just an ache in the small of my back, and I think my ankles are swollen. I have a week before I’m due to go in and want to make sure everything is ready.”
Easing her up, he wrapped his arm around her thick waist. “I hired those people to ensure that you don’t have anything to do. Christ, how can you be so damn stubborn?”
Leaning against him, she closed her eyes and willed the ache away. “I’ll do better, I promise.”
Chapter 10
"Something's wrong." It wasn't a question; the comment was stated flatly. Samuel had been watching the doctor's face as he did the ultrasound and could see the concern there.
"Just a concern." Blake tried a reassuring smile and failed completely.
"My husband is not being paranoid this time. Something is wrong." Eliza gripped Samuel's hand. "What is it?"
"The girl is underdeveloped, too much so for my liking. Would you excuse me for a minute?"
"No, dammit! Tell us what's going on!"
"I need to consult with my colleagues." Blake sighed at the ominous look on Samuel's face. His gaze switched to the anxious-looking woman on the examination bed. "We were trying to hold out for thirty-one weeks to give the babies enough time to develop, but I'm afraid we have to go in now."
Eliza felt fear slicing through her very pores and her grip tightened on her husband's hand. "Now? But I'm not ready. There's--"
"If we delay any longer, she might not survive. It's touch and go as it is."
"Oh God." She turned terrified eyes to Samuel. "No. Oh God, I cannot lose her. I cannot lose my daughter. I have the nursery ready, her clothes and everything. Samuel, I cannot lose her. Please--"
"Hush, baby." He hated to see the absolute panic on her beautiful face and would do anything to get rid of it. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he took her face between his hands and forced his expression to be neutral for her sake. "Look at me." When she did, he smiled. "You're a fighter. That's one of the things I love about you. You fight for what you believe in, and you believe in this. Don't give up on our babies now. Our daughter will make it, do you know why?"
She shook her head and tried to keep the tears from spilling. "No. Why?"
"Simple." He caressed her cheeks. "Because her mother is the strongest person I know. You kick ass. Repeat after me: I can do this and our daughter is going to make it."
"I can't--"
"No." He shook his head firmly. "Stick to the script, darling. Now repeat what I just said."
"I can do this and our daughter is going to make it."
"Good, now say it like you mean it."
Lifting her chin, she took a deep breath and repeated it with more conviction.
"Great." Bending his head, he kissed her on the lips before turning to the doctor. "We're ready."
*****
"What's going on?" Samuel tried but could not manage to keep the alarm out of his voice.
"My babies -- what's wrong?" Eliza gripped his hands in hers so tight, he felt their bones rubbing.
