An Unexpected Addition

“Oh honey, I've been sooo looking forward to this vacation. Soaking up some sun rays and sipping a few virgin Pina Coladas.”

“Are you sure we should take this trip right now? Maybe we should wait until the baby's born. You've had a very unpleasant pregnancy.”

“That's why I need this trip to try and calm my nerves a little.”

“I understand but...”

“The doctor said I will be fine. The baby is fine and he doesn't foresee any issues. We both need this, Steven.”

“I know baby. This vacation will do us both some good.”

“OK, then. It's settled. I'm going to go pack. Don't forget our airline tickets. Remember a couple of years ago you forgot our tickets at home. It wasn't fun trying to book another flight for the same time.”

“I know, you don't need to rub it in. The tickets are already safely tucked away in my hip bag. So, stop harassing me and pack our suitcases.” he says with a chuckle. “We need to leave within an hour to get to the airport on time.”

We arrive at the airport a half hour early. With my back aching and my feet swollen I find a place to sit down and wait for Steven to check us in. Suddenly, I have excruciating pains all across my stomach. It's been happening quite a bit but I don't dare tell Steven. After all the doctor says it's nothing concerning. So, I brush it off and force myself to think happy thoughts of warm sands, cool water and cold drinks. A few minutes later he flops his hot bod next to me on a 'wanna be airport love seat'.

“All checked in and ready to board.” he says as he smiles that gorgeous smile at me. “Are you OK honey? You look a little pale.”

“I'm fine. Just tired. Carrying this extra weight isn't easy.” I say as I gently pat my extended round belly.

“I can only imagine.” he says as he bends down and places a sweet kiss on my baby bump.

The flight to St. Thomas was pretty non-eventful just some mild turbulence. Once we landed Steven rented us a nice comfortable Hyundai Palisade for the two weeks we would be vacationing here in this beautiful city.

The seaside resort is amazing. It's gorgeous and has all the amenities anyone could ask for. It has a huge pool, a sauna, hot tub, weight room, our own private deck, a massage therapist and all the room service you want. We unpack and settle in. And get ready to head down to the shore.

“I'll pack our beach bag and throw in some snacks if we get the munchies.”

Lying on the blanket breathing in the fresh salty air I wrap my arms around my handsome hubby, “Oh Steven, this is heaven. It's so relaxing. The waves crashing on the beach and the cloudless sky capturing the huge ball of radiant heat. One thing can make this even better.”

“What's that babe?'

“A nice cold Pina Colada. Make it virgin.”

“Oh, you're too late for that!”

“Steven!!” I say as I playfully rub against him.

My eyes follow his sexy physique as he makes his way over to the beach hut where a bartender awaits.

All of a sudden, I gasp. I keel over in intense pain, screaming. “Steven, Steven. I'm having contractions. No! I can't, it's too early. I'm only seven and a half months along. Steve! Something's wrong! Aaaaaah! Call 911. Hurry!”

“I'm already on it. They're on their way.”

“Oh, Steve, the pain is so bad! It's like I'm being ripped apart!”

“I'm here honey. Try to breathe baby. Breathe.”

After pacing the blue and white square tiled floor of the waiting room, I approach the nurse's desk.

“My name is Steven, Steven Montgomery. They brought in my wife Cynthia about an hour ago. She was in labor but it's way too early.”

“Yes, Mr. Montgomery, the doctors are with her now. Someone will come and speak with you as soon as they can.”

An hour and a half later two doctors walk through the emergency doors.

“Mr. Montgomery?”

“Yes, how's my wife. Our baby. How is our baby?”

“Sir, your wife has a very serious infection which in turn contributed to what happen to your daughter.”

“I have a daughter?”

“No, sir. Your wife had a placental insufficiency which along with other issues caused her to deliver you daughter still born. I am so sorry Mr. Montgomery.”

“What? No! That can't be. I want to see my wife! She needs me. When can I see my her?”

“As soon as she is in a room we will send someone out to get you.”

“OK, thank you.”

An hour later I hear, “Mr. Montgomery, follow me, I can now take you to your wife.”

I follow the nurse to my wife's room. Standing at the door looking at my beautiful Cynthia, tears begin escaping my eyes. How can I face her. The emotional pain is killing me, but I have to be strong for her. Wiping my tears, and taking a few deep breaths, I slowly push open the door. She must have sensed I was standing there. She reaches out for me and breathes, “Steven”. Through sobbing tears I rush to her, bending down I hold her firmly in my arms. We just hold each other for what seems like a lifetime before either one of us speak.

“Steven, our baby. She's gone. She's gone.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I know.”

No one bothers us as we sit in silence taking in what had just transpired. We cry even more and hold each other even tighter.

In the early afternoon a nurse comes to our hospital room. Beside her stands a woman with a small briefcase.

“Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery," she began, "this is Mrs. Martha Truesdale. She's the hospital's social worker. She would like to speak with you both.”

“Oh, um, will you please come in?” said Steven.

“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.”

“Please call me Steven and this is my wife, Cynthia.”

I reach out to shake her hand as I ask, “What is this about Mrs. Truesdale?”

Before she could answer, Steven reaches out and holds my hand.

“Mrs. Truesdale, we just lost our baby girl, and we are grieving her loss. This is not a good time."

“I know and I understand that this isn't a good time Mr. Montgomery, but it may be the best time.”

We look at each other. Both having the same thought. What did she mean by that remark?

She slowly makes her way across the room before stopping at the side of the bed. She motions towards a chair. “May I?”

“Um, yes.” said Steven. “What is it that you want to discuss with us about Mrs. Truesdale?”

“There's a young single mother who recently delivered a baby girl. She signed over the baby for adoption when she was six months pregnant. She doesn't want anything at all to do with the infant. All her parental rights now and in the future have been dismissed.”

“What does this have to do with us?” I ask.

“Well, as I was going through the list of perspective parents, I came across your name. I noticed you had been admitted to the hospital and lost your child. I didn't connect the two at first. I went back and examined your application which you filled out two years ago at the Adoption Agency. I'm happy to say you are still active in our system. On your application you stated you wanted an infant. You have a chance to adopt a little girl before you leave the hospital. I know I have left you with a lot to think about. When you are ready with a decision, let one of the nurses and the nurse's station know. They will get a hold of me. I will be in contact with you soon.”

She exited the room as quickly as she had appeared.

“Steven? What just happened? I thought you took us off the adoption list a year ago?”

“I was going to honey. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I hate to say this, but I was worried that something like this would happen.”

“Something like what Steve? Like me losing this baby?”

“Yes, like you losing the baby. During your entire pregnancy you have had trouble. You are always sick. Always having pains. This has not been an easy pregnancy for you. I have been concerned the whole time but didn't want to worry you. I had to keep us in the system. I'm sorry.”

“There's nothing to be sorry about. I love you so very much. We lost our little girl. She can never be replaced. But we have the opportunity to give another little girl a chance for a better life. It tears at my heart, and I know it tears at yours losing our daughter. Our circumstance has changed. I'm glad you didn't take us off the adoption list. There's a little baby that needs our love and we need her. So, what do you think babe?”

“The doctor did say you should not get pregnant again. The odds of a miscarriage or still birth is in the extremely high range. He recommended a tub-ligation to stop any future pregnancy's.”

“Ya, that's not the news I expected or wanted but I think the doctor helped us decide what we need to do. We've been thrown a curve ball, but we can hit a 'home-run'.”

“Love your analogy babe!”

On that note Steven went out to the nurse's station to have them notify Mrs. Truesdale of our decision. Later that afternoon the social worker paid us a visit.

“I understand you've made a decision.”

“Yes, we have.” We both look at each other before sharing the big announcement with her.

“I can see from the smiles on your faces that you made the right choice.” acknowledges Mrs. Truesdale.

“We've decided to adopt her in 'hopes' of giving her a better future.”

“That's wonderful news. You will be great parents. I can see the love you have for one another, and I trust you will share that love with your adopted daughter. We will fill out the paperwork later on this afternoon. Have you thought of a name yet?”

“Yes, we have. Her name is Hope.”

“That's a beautiful and fitting name. You and your husband have given 'hope' to this little one.”

Six days later, a near fatal infection, the loss of our baby girl and the gift of another baby in need of loving home we were ready to leave the hospital.

“Steven, Ralph from the Crematory called while you were in the store getting things for the baby. He said Angel's ashes are ready to be picked up.”

“If you and the baby are OK, we can go get her.”

“We're fine. Let's go get Angel.”

The funeral director meets Steven at the front entrance. “Thank you, Ralph.”

“You're welcome Mr. Montgomery. And again, condolences to you and your wife.”

“Oh babe, how precious is that? Her ashes are in a pink heart shaped container with an 'angel' pin attached her cremation certificate.” Soft tears gently slid from my eyes and trickled down my cheeks. A tiny little tear dropped on the forehead of her sister, bonding the two.

Back and the hotel Steven begins packing suitcases. He has already called the airlines and booked another flight.

“Honey, stop. We don't have to leave. Let's stay a few more days. I'm feeling the best I've felt in a very long time.”

“If you're sure?”

“I'm sure.”

“OK, I'll call the office and let them know I'll be back in a week. And call the airlines and cancel our upcoming flight.”

“Thanks babe. Now, let's take our girls to the beach.”

I lather Hope with sunscreen and pack her a bottle. Then I take the beach bag and fill it with a blanket, towels, a book, sunglasses, water and snacks. We walk down to the beach, spread out the blanket on the warm golden sand. It's another beautiful cloudless day. A big orange ball beats down its rays warming everything in its path. The salty waves play tag against the shore. Hope lies under the umbrella with Angel placed gently beside her. It can't get any better than this. Oh, yes, it can.

“Hey, Steven, can you get me a Pina Colada? A non-virgin one this time!”

“And that you are!”

“Steven!” She says flirtatiously as she slides her body next to him smothering her love with kisses.