The Things We Do for Love

The crowd turned to her. Everyone started talking at once.

Angie waited. When they finally fell silent, she said, "I think its close. " Then she crossed the room.

David stood up. He was so pale; he appeared almost translucent against the white walls. His blue eyes held the gloss of unshed tears. He moved toward her in jerky, uncertain steps. "How is she?"

Angie touched his forearm, feeling how cold he was. As she looked into his watery eyes, she knew why Lauren loved this boy so much. He was all heart. Someday he would be a good man. "Shes doing well. Would you like to see her now?"

"Is it over?"

"No. "

"I cant. " He said it in a whisper. She wondered how long this decision would haunt him. It would leave a mark, she knew, but most of this day would. On all of them. "Tell her Im here, okay? My mom is on her way, too. "

"I will. "

They stood there, looking at each other, saying nothing. Angie wished there were words for a time like this. She felt Conlan come up beside her. His big hand curled around her shoulder, squeezed. She leaned into him, looked up. "You ready?"

"I am. "

They made their way through the family and back toward the birthing room. Conlan stopped at the nurses station and picked up some scrubs.

The minute they walked into the room, Lauren screamed Angies name.

"Im here, honey. Im here. " She ran to the bedside and took Laurens hand in hers. "Breathe, honey. "

"It hurts. "

It tore Angie up, that kind of pain in Laurens voice.

"Is David here?" she asked, starting to cry again.

"Hes in the waiting room. Do you want me to get him?"

"No. Aagh!" She arched in pain.

"Thats it. Push," Dr. Mullen said. "Come on, Lauren. Push hard. "

Lauren sat up. Angie and Conlan held her upright as she grunted and strained and screamed.

"Its a boy," Dr. Mullen said a few minutes later.

Lauren flopped back in bed.

The doctor turned to Conlan. "Youre the father, right? Would you like to cut the cord?"

Conlan didnt move.

"Do it," Lauren said tiredly. "Its okay. "

He moved woodenly forward, took the scissors, and snipped the cord. The nurse immediately moved in and took the baby.

Angie smiled down at Lauren through a blur of tears. "You did it. " She wiped the damp hair from Laurens pale face.

"Is he okay?"

The doctor answered, "Hes perfect. "

"You were a goddess," Angie said. "I am so proud of you. "