r Caesarean section. I’d rather take the risk.’
‘It’s true that it isn’t common for the uterus to rupture,’ Jake agreed, ‘but in certain circumstances it can happen. And the risk isn’t just to your life, it’s to the baby’s life.’
Her fear and frustration barely contained, Gail’s eyes filled and she looked away from him. ‘I should have stayed at home,’ she muttered, her voice clogged by the threat of tears. ‘I should never have let them bully me into coming in. Everything would have been fine, then.’
‘No, Gail. It wouldn’t have been fine.’ Determined to add her voice to Jake’s, Miranda stepped forward and slid an arm round the woman’s shoulders. ‘I’m a huge advocate of home birth, but this is one baby that never should have been born at home. And I think, deep down, you know that.’
Gail sniffed. ‘Where are you going to have your baby?’
‘Oh…’ Aware of Jake’s glance in her direction, Miranda’s face flamed. ‘I don’t know. I’ve only just moved into the area and I haven’t had time to give it much thought yet.’
And she couldn’t talk about it in front of Jake. It was too personal. Too intimate.
Before she could question her further, Gail pulled a face and placed a hand on her abdomen. ‘Ouch! That hurt.’
‘Another contraction?’
‘It didn’t feel like it.’ The woman’s face was pale and she grimaced again. ‘Oh…’
‘It could be the scar.’ Jake stepped forward. ‘I know it’s the last thing you want, but I want to take you into Theatre, Gail. Just to be on the safe side.’
Miranda caught his gaze and knew instinctively that he was starting to share her bad feeling. ‘She’s only three centimetres dilated,’ she reminded him in a soft voice, and he nodded.
‘I know. I want her in Theatre.’
‘All right.’
Gail stared at him. ‘I really don’t know—’
‘Gail.’ His voice was urgent as he sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘My job is to deliver a healthy baby from a healthy mother. You’re not letting me do that job. I know it’s hard for you but I’m asking you to trust me.’
‘Well, it’s just that I don’t—’ Gail broke off and gasped, one hand on her abdomen. ‘Oh—what is that pain?’
‘The trace is showing foetal bradycardia,’ Miranda murmured, and Jake gave a decisive nod and turned as Ruth walked into the room.
‘We need to deliver this baby right now and I want it done under general.’
Jake’s swift glance said it all and Ruth hurried off to bleep the anaesthetist and prepare the theatre.
‘What’s happening?’ Gail’s eyes were wide with fear now and tears glistened. ‘Oh, God, it’s all going wrong, isn’t it?’
Her husband stepped forward, his face pale and his eyes darting nervously to Jake, seeking reassurance.
‘Gail, so far the baby is fine.’ Jake’s tone remained calm. ‘But I think there may be a problem with your uterus. I have a suspicion that’s what the pain is. I’m going to have to take you to Theatre. I’m sorry. I know it wasn’t in our plans and I know it will be disappointing for you, but there’s no other way. I don’t want to risk the baby and I know you don’t either.’
‘I don’t want an operation. Not like last time. I’m terrified of epidurals.’ Hanging onto control by a thread, the tears spilled over from Gail’s eyes and Jake took her hand in both of his, his blue eyes kind.
‘I know you’re worried,’ he said quietly, ‘but you have to let me do what has to be done. I need to deliver this baby and I need to do it fast. And we won’t do it under epidural. It will be under general. You’ll be asleep.’
All animosity forgotten, Gail clutched his hand. ‘I’m so scared.’
‘You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t, but let me do the worrying.’ Jake’s voice was firm. ‘I need you to trust me, Gail.’
Miranda swallowed at the kindness and confidence in his voice.
She was hopeless at trusting men and yet at this precise moment she’d trust Jake with her life, she thought to herself, and obviously Gail felt the same way because she gave a wan smile and a nod and reluctantly let go of his hand so that he could leave the room and prepare for the delivery.
Gail’s husband was white with strain and Ruth guided him gently out of the room and showed him where he could wait.