Page 120 of Halo

“Are you safe, baby?” she asks softly.

I nod. “You saved me.”

She immediately draws back, her hands settling on my shoulders. “Baby, you're the one that did that. I just pointed you in the right direction.”

They say angels walk among us, and I'm convinced this woman is one of them. She found me on the darkest day of my life, and somehow, I know this moment isn't a coincidence.

“Listen, I'm looking for—” my lip trembles as I wipe frantically at my cheeks. “Sorry. I'm looking for Rachel Barnett. She's my sister-in-law.”

Every trace of reunion disappears from Mrs. Wanda's face as she takes my hand. “Come with me.”

The PACU is small and dark, the silence broken by the soft tinkering of monitors. Rachel lies asleep beneath layers of white blankets, an oxygen mask covering her face. Her skin is frighteningly pale and swollen—I almost don't recognize her. Wires and IV lines seem to run everywhere, one of them disappearing into a bag of deep red solution that I can only assume is blood.

“This is Larissa,” Mrs. Wanda starts, “one of our finest nurses up here.”

A youthful woman with her hair tucked beneath a scrub cap listens to Rachel's chest with a stethoscope before offering me a gentle smile. “Nice to meet you. Are you family?”

“She's the best sister ever.”

We all turn in shock as Rachel's eyes flutter open.

“Oh my gosh, hi …” I whisper as the tears return. I squeeze into the narrow space beside her bed and search under her covers for her hand. Her fingers are ice-cold, her entire body shivering against mine. “She's freezing,” I say, looking at Larissa.

She nods. “She’s got a warming blanket on, so we’re keeping her nice and warm,” she reassures. “The shaking can look scary, but it’s normal after delivery, especially with her blood loss and all the hormonal changes happening at once. We’re watching her closely.”

I curl both hands around Rachel's, trying to give her whatever heat I have. “Gosh, I am so happy to see you.” My lips quiver. “How are you feeling?”

“Eh … I've been better.”

We share a short chuckle.

“And … um, the baby?” I glance to the nurses. “Is the baby okay?”

“She's in NICU,” Rachel answers.

“She?” My voice cracks. “We have a baby girl?”

“You have a niece, Aunt Leah.” Rachel's grin widens. “I guess I'm gonna have to finally learn how to French braid.”

“No way. That's my job.” I nudge her. “That will always be my job.” I turn to Mrs. Wanda and Larissa. “Can we go see her? Is she okay?”

Mrs. Wanda gives me a reassuring smile. “They're getting her settled in the NICU right now. A team of practitioners and nurses are working quickly around her to do some initial tests and images. As soon as they give us the okay, and Rachel is well enough, we'll get you over there.”

“Which might be a little while,” Larissa adds gently. “Rachel still needs a few more units of blood, and we need to keep a close eye on her for that.”

I look down at our joined hands, my excitement giving way to another swell of worry.

Mrs. Wanda pulls a chair closer to the bed, and I sink into it without letting go of Rachel's hand.

“You were supposed to rest,” I remind her softly. “That's why I dropped you off after unloading all of the paint, so you could put your feet up and do absolutely nothing.”

“I know.” Rachel shifts beneath the blankets, wincing. “I didn't want to worry you. But I was so uncomfortable after you left. Matt suggested I was just being miserable and pregnant.”

“Rach, I've been telling you for years: my brother is an idiot.”

“Well aware.” She chuffs. “I finally called the after-hours line, and they said I was describing contractions. So. I decided to come get checked out—just to make sure, y’know?”

“And you didn't think to call me?”