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I shrug. “I’m sorry about your vagina.”
“Yeah,” she lets out. “That may take longer to fix.”
We stare again.
Biting her lip, she wipes her tears with the sheet. “I hate him, but is it wrong that in times like this, I miss him?”
I stroke her damp hair, but it’ll never soothe the heart I’m sure is breaking in her chest. “No. It’s not wrong. Nothing you feel is wrong.”
Her attention returns to her new daughter. “The shelter is amazing, but I never thought I’d be bringing my new baby there. Although it will be nice to have everyone’s support.”
I rub her arm. “It’s only for a little while longer. You’ll be settled in a place of your own before you know it.”
Her eyes water again, but she fights it and smiles. “I know you’re probably exhausted—”
“Ha! You just gave birth, and you thinkI’mexhausted?”
Her smile is tired, and her eyes are drooping.
“Do you mind bringing Hannah tomorrow? I can’t wait for them to meet.”
“Of course. I’ll bring her after they’ve come back from their trip to the zoo.”
I check my watch. It’s three o’clock, but the blinds are closed. I haven’t even seen daylight yet. “If you need anything, you only have to call.”
She takes my hand and squeezes.
It’s gentle, but I wince.
“Sorry,” she hisses, dropping her hand like it burns.
Giving birth is painful.
The midwife takes the baby to do some final checks. We simply sit and watch as the cooing bundle of heaven is cleaned up and swaddled.
My womb is all but screaming at me by the time Beth is brought back to her room, and I leave.
I text Jake.
Me: She did it. Baby is perfect, and I have a newfound appreciation for vaginas. See you later.
He doesn’t reply.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jake: I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up. Go to bed.
Istare at the message like he can magically appear through the screen.
I went to work after being with Beth. We all celebrated together at the shelter, but I was exhausted when I got home and didn’t even make it to the shower. I passed out the minute my head hit the pillow.
Now I’m staring at a text message that is five hours old, and I don’t hear any signs of life in this house.
It’s midnight.
Where is he?
And he didn’t track me down when I didn’t reply.
