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Self-conscious, she tugged the sheet up to her chin. “How’d you know I was here?”
“Your father called me.”
Furious, Molly pinched her lips together, suppressing a tirade. Later she’d talk to Ian and tell him, in no uncertain terms, how displeased she was with his treachery. Her father knew she didn’t want to see Jordan again. She couldn’t have made her feelings any clearer.
“Where’s my father?” she asked, looking away from him.
Jordan chuckled. “Believe it or not, he lit up a cigar and was escorted from the hospital by two orderlies.”
“Dad knows better than that.”
“He’s nervous.”
“That’s no excuse,” she returned primly.
“I agree, and it’s not like there aren’t No Smoking signs posted all over the place.”
Doug Anderson stopped in regularly to see her, telling her she was doing fine and chatting with Jordan in a friendly, relaxed manner.
Another pain came, and Molly closed her eyes at the sudden sharpness.
“What can I do?” Jordan asked, instantly sensing her distress. She shook her head, not wanting to be distracted. Silently she sent loving thoughts to her baby, encouraging him or her through the contraction.
When the pain passed, Molly opened her eyes and discovered that Jordan was holding her hand between both of his. His eyes were warm and loving.
She was tempted to ask him to stay with her, to help her through this birth the way he’d helped her when Jeffrey was born.
“I don’t know if you should be here,” she said finally, wishing with all her heart that he’d leave now before she broke down and begged him to stay.
“Why not? I was there at the beginning, wasn’t I? It only seems fair that I should get to see the result. Besides, there’s no place else I’d rather be,” he told her. “I love you, Molly, and I love our baby.”
Uncertain if she should believe him or not, Molly glanced away. She was about to ask him to leave when another contraction struck. Tensing with the pain, she gritted her teeth.
Jordan spoke softly, encouraging her through the worst of it. When she opened her eyes, she saw that he’d taken a chair and planted himself at her side. The lookon his face challenged her to send him away, making very clear that he wouldn’t go without a fight.
“I’m staying,” he said, as if he needed to emphasize his determination. “It’s my right.”
“Why are you demanding parental privilegesnow?They certainly didn’t interest you before.”
“I’ve learned some hard lessons these past few weeks. First and foremost, you’re right, Molly, I’m going to love our daughter…or son. I won’t be able to help myself.”
“You’re saying that because you know it’s what I want to hear.” Molly was afraid to believe him, afraid to put her trust in what he’d said for fear he’d break her heart one more time.
“No, Molly, I’ve given a lot of thought to this. I already love Bethany…or Richard.”
Molly bit her lower lip. She wasn’t capable of making sound decisions at the moment. Jordan must have sensed her confusion because he brushed the hair from her damp forehead, bent forward and kissed her lips.
“Let me stay with you. Please?”
Molly hadn’t the strength to refuse him. “All right.”
As the hours and her labor progressed, Molly felt grateful that Jordan was at her side. He was a tremendous support. He encouraged her and rubbed her back to soothe away the pain she experienced there. He cooled her face with a wet cloth and gripped her hand when the contractions were at their fiercest.
The pains were growing in intensity now. Jordan charted the seconds for her in a calm, reassuring voice as they gripped her body.
“You’re smiling,” he murmured as he wiped the perspiration from her face. “Care to let me in on the joke?”
“You want a little girl, don’t you?”
