Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 4

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Book Description
Heather and Jeff have always been in love. Yet to find herself pregnant now, at eighteen, before she even starts college and he joins MIT for a master’s degree… Talk about the wrong time. Besides, the news might kill her father who is battling cancer.
Although the decision to give up her baby is breaking her heart, Heather contacts an adoption agency. But Jeff absolutely refuses to consider her solution. How can they save their relationship and their baby’s future?

Chapter Four

Seething at Heather’s dismissal of his fatherly right, Jeff called Madelyn. “Why are you encouraging Heather to get rid of our baby?”

“Nothing of the sort, Jeff. She trusted me with her secret and I plan to be at her side to make sure no one takes advantage of her.”

“I always considered you to be a sensible person, a doctor I respect.” His heart churned with resentment. “Yet you’re not even trying to stop her from doing that crazy thing,” he almost yelled. “Instead, you’re taking her to an adoption agency.”

“Calm down, Jeff,” Madelyn replied in a gentle but firm voice. “I’ve already talked to her, advised her, but she’s convinced she’s doing the right thing. I hope she’ll soon come to her senses. Meanwhile, I’ll stick by her and accompany her.”

He felt embarrassed at unleashing his anger on her. “Which agency? Give me the address.”

“I’d rather not have you come.”

“For heaven’s sake, Madelyn, it’s my baby too. I should have my say in his future.”

“I know, but according to the agency, putting a baby up for adoption is the mother’s decision. They don’t require the father’s signature.”

“Damn.” He almost threw the phone, and then closed his eyes and forced himself to regain his composure. “Still, I want to be present.”

“You may not like the place or the people, and you may lose your temper—”

“Of course I won’t like them, but I’ll keep my cool.” Like a lion in a cage, he paced his small living room where his girlfriend had announced her big news. “Please tell Heather to text me the agency’s name and address. If she doesn’t within the hour, I’m confessing the whole thing to my parents and yours.”

“You know you wouldn’t.”

“Just tell her I am at the end of my rope. Bye, Madelyn.” He heaved a long sigh. When would this nightmare end?

His baby was not a nightmare. His baby would bring joy and love. Jeff knew it. He felt it deep in his heart and would do everything in his power to prepare for the baby’s arrival.

Jeff stood at the door of his bedroom and surveyed the small area already cluttered with a double bed, a night table, a chest of drawer and a desk. There was hardly any space left. Where would he put a baby crib? If he squeezed it in between his bed and the wall, they would have to scramble onto the bed to reach the crib.

Frustration coursed through him. He spun around, considering various options. Get rid of the chest and use the space for the crib. Move the desk to the living room and remove the chair. He huffed. There was no room for a baby in his bachelor cabin. And even less for a young family. It was one thing to share a passionate tumble with his girlfriend and another to ask her to live here with a baby. Damn it, was she right?

He would find a solution. Soon.

The phone interrupted his musing. She did call.

“You’re a jerk. A lowly sleaze.”

“The address, Heather.”

Her voice a crisp murmur, she gave him the information. “If you come, that’ll be the end between us.”

“If you give my baby up for adoption, I’ll make your life a living hell. But I won’t let you.” He couldn’t believe the nasty words they were hurling at each other. Last night he’d been dreaming of having Heather join him in Boston, of sharing two years together before getting married.

And now… But he wouldn’t let her carry on her thoughtless plan. He’d create space, a warm cozy house where she’d be eager to live.

It had taken him two months to transform the barn into living quarters. He’d build two new rooms, a baby room and an office. Adding two rooms wouldn’t be such a big deal. The money he’d saved for sharing fun time with Heather in Boston would come in handy now. Maybe he’d request help from two amazing handymen, his brother Bert and his best friend Josh. He could trust them to keep his secret and work diligently at his side.

Comforted by his reasonable solution, Jeff sat at his desk, tabulated his priorities, and organized a schedule. By the time his son arrived, they would have a comfortable house to welcome him, with a pretty baby room painted in sky blue and furnished with a white crib, a changing table, and a rocking chair for Mommy to nurse him.

A clear image of the area formed in Jeff’s mind and helped him loosen up. On one wall he would draw teddy bears, cars, boats and airplanes to provide a cheerful mood and inspire his child’s curiosity, and on another wall he would line up the alphabet in capital letters and the numbers from one to ten. Already a proud dad, Jeff chuckled, imagining his son singing “ABCDEFG…”

***

Heather spotted Jeff waiting for them on the sidewalk in front of the adoption agency. So handsome in a pair of navy-blue pants and a white button-down shirt. His neatly combed golden strands shone under the blazing sun, and he displayed a three-day stubble with a growing goatee that gave him a more mature appearance. The subtle but enticing scent of his lemon cologne tickled her nose. Yet Jeff’s blank face revealed no expression, no frown, no smile, only a direct steely gaze.

Early in the morning, he’d called Madelyn and offered to pick them up. Her sister had declined and arranged to meet him at the agency. But he hadn’t contacted Heather herself. Not hearing from him for three days had been close to hell. She loved Jeff and couldn’t imagine herself without him or with anyone else.

“Hi,” Madelyn said when they reached him.

“Hi,” he answered with an icy tone, without reaching to kiss Heather. It was the first time in the two years they’d being dating that Jeff hadn’t greeted her with a kiss, or a hug, or a touch. Her heart squeezed with pain and she realized he might seriously resent her.

Without adding another word, he opened the door of the four-story building and let them pass. They found a plaque on the wall indicating the agency’s location on the third floor and took the elevator. The waiting room reminded Heather of a doctor’s office, furnished with chairs and side tables covered with magazines. She signed in at the reception window.

A moment later, a tall, middle-aged woman walked to them with a big grin. “I’m Norma Benson. Ms. Heather Ramsay, I presume.” She proffered a hand at Madelyn who grabbed it for a handshake.

“I’m Dr. Madelyn Ramsay, and this is my sister Heather, who called you.”

“Welcome to our agency, Dr. Ramsay, Heather. And the gentleman is…” Norma narrowed her eyes.

Jeff arched an eyebrow and turned to Heather.

For the life of her, she couldn’t utter a sound and kept fiddling with the straps of her handbag. Why had he insisted on coming and embarrassing her?

“I’m Jeff Bolin, Heather’s boyfriend. The baby’s father.”

“The fath… Oh.” Norma’s gaze flipped from Heather to Jeff. “How honorable of you to share the responsibility and decision of putting the baby up for adoption. Many young fathers choose to disappear and leave the moms to deal with the problems.”

“We are here to study the situation before making any decision. Right, sweetheart?”

Taken by surprise at his unexpected cooperation, Heather frowned. What game was he playing now?

“Very wise attitude, Mr. Bolin,” Norma said, although her questioning look attested to her unease. “Please follow me.” She led them to an office with an oblong table and a screen on the wall. Bottles of water waited in front of each seat.

Heather sat beside Madelyn, but Jeff walked around the table and took the chair next to Norma.

“I will ask you a few questions.” She opened a laptop. “When is the baby due?”

“December,” Heather said.

“A Christmas baby,” Jeff blurted.

Heather felt like slapping him for his insensitivity. She was giving away the baby. It was certainly no Christmas gift.

“Who’s your doctor?”

“I haven’t seen a doctor yet. It’s next on my list of things to do,” Heather answered in an apologetic voice.

“It’s important to make sure the baby is growing normal and healthy.”

A shiver slithered down Heather’s spine. “Normal and healthy?” she murmured. Oh God, it would be horrible if she were cursed with a sick baby no one wanted.

“I’m sure our baby is healthy.” Jeff’s voice had lost its frigid tone.

“We’ll need a health report.”

“If we decide to sign up with you, we’ll give you all the necessary reassurance,” he uttered with a razor-sharp voice.

“Heather, please fill in this form and sign at the bottom,” Norma instructed as she slid an open folder with a bunch of papers across the table.

Madelyn leaned over to read while Heather entered the information. Jeff sidled behind Norma and skirted around the table to study the file. “Before you sign anything, Heather, we have to know who will take our baby.”

“Sorry, sir, we can’t disclose any name.”

“I was hoping I could have news about the baby, visit him sometimes,” Heather said with a pleading voice.

“We will send you a report after a couple of months, but you can’t see the child or have any contact with him. He will become someone else’s child. I’m sorry. The parents’ names and contact information will remain secret. These are regulations necessary to protect the privacy of the adoptive parents.”

Heather folded her arms on her stomach as if to shield her baby from an uncertain future. “Oh God, what if he’s not happy or well-taken care of?” She felt Jeff’s fingers squeezing her shoulders.

“We make sure we place the babies with excellent families. After waiting for years to have a baby, the adoptive parents are often the best parents in the world.”

“How do we know that they are a loving couple?” Jeff asked. “We need some proof.”

“I can show you videos with information about prospective parents on our waiting list.” She turned on a projector connected to her laptop. A big house with a beautiful yard appeared on the screen. “First couple, mid-thirties. He’s a contractor and she’s a teacher. She plans to stay home and take care of the baby. They live in Montana.”

“So far away?” Heather choked on the sip of water she was swallowing.

“Second couple. Very wealthy, in their forties. Two grownup daughters. They want a son. The baby will be quite pampered in their mansion.” Several more slides followed, all presenting big houses belonging to rich middle-aged people who’d be eager to welcome Heather’s baby. “By the way, do you know the baby’s gender?”

“No.” Exasperated by the woman’s assumptions that money topped a single mother’s priorities for her child, Heather couldn’t wait to get out. “I’m feeling nausea coming. Can we take the flash drive and watch it at home?”

“At home? We usually don’t —”

“Yes, please,” Madelyn interfered. “We’d better leave before Heather vomits on the floor of this room.”

“Huh…just sign here, and initial there.” Norma shoved a pen in Heather’s hand but Jeff snatched the papers from the table.

“We need time to look at the flash drive, study the couples and discuss. We’ll get back to you, Ms. Benson. Come, sweetheart.” He pulled out Heather’s chair, wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her out of the room.

“Thank you, Norma,” Madelyn added politely. “As Jeff said, we’ll be in touch.”

“You shouldn’t have brought him along. These young bulls create a mess and continue to muddle things when they are not welcome.”

“Goodbye,” Jeff threw over his shoulder.

Heather couldn’t help but admire his poise. She’d expected him to cause problems but he’d been calm as if he had initiated the meeting with the adoption agent.

“Ride with me, Heather. I missed you.” He leveled a gaze full of longing on her when they stepped onto the sidewalk, and her heart beat a happy staccato.

“I missed you too. Madelyn, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I have errands to run. See you later.”

Heather slipped into the passenger seat of Jeff’s car and buckled her seatbelt with a sigh of relief. Her boyfriend didn’t resent her.

Without wasting time, he drove away.

“I wanted to take you to lunch but you said your stomach is unsettled.”

She chuckled. “Not at all. It was a way to get out of that place. The woman was grating on my nerves with her show of wealthy houses.”

Jeff nodded with understanding. “Hamburgers okay?”

“Perfect.”

He parked his old Chevrolet in the Rock Burger parking lot. They got out of the car and strolled to the fast food place, hand in hand.

After placing their orders, he carried the tray with their food and soft drinks to the table she chose next to the window. The view of a pond with a family of geese paddling in the shallow water brought a smile to her lips.

“They’re so cute. The father leading and the mother turning, now and then, to watch her brood.”

“Laws of nature. Even the birds follow it.”

“Jeff.” She covered his hand on the table. “I don’t want you to think I don’t care about the baby. Because I do.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “My decision is breaking my heart, but I know it’s for the best. I don’t want to get attached to this baby and spend the rest of my life crying.”

“I understand.” Jeff grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Listen, what do you think if we take a break from that subject and enjoy life for a couple of days? No more talk about future, study, work or baby. Just a few days to relax and go out together.”

“I’d love that. Where would we go? To your lodge?”

“No, my lodge is not a fun place.”

“It used to be. We created wonderful memories there.” She winked at him. “First kiss under the big oak tree in the backyard. First—”

“Okay, okay. No need to go into details. I have a good memory.” They burst out laughing together. It felt so good to have her Jeff back. “I wanted to take you to Cumberland Lake to relax. We could walk, swim and kayak.”

“Hmm, why not?”

“And next weekend we can attend your friends Olivia and Lucia’s party.”

“I already sent my apologies. I wasn’t in the mood for a big birthday and graduation celebration when I received their invitation.”

“How about reconsidering? It’s a pool party, a huge affair at the Herberts for the twins. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

She grimaced and lowered her head. “I have trouble fitting into a bathing suit. People may notice.”

“No need to swim. Just wear a pool outfit. We’ll dance and have a good time. Please, sweetheart. We can’t lock ourselves away because—”

“You don’t have to. Nothing has changed for you.”

“Wrong. I love you and share all your feelings.” He stopped her protest with a raised hand. “But we said we’re taking a break from all that talk.”

“Correct.” Suddenly hungry, she bit into her sandwich with gusto. “I’ll talk to Olivia Herbert tonight and tell her I can’t miss her party.”

If he wanted to go to the party, she’d go with him and stick by his side. Jeff was her man and she’d do anything to keep him. Too many of her dear friends wouldn’t mind snatching the good-looking agricultural engineer who’d just garnered a scholarship at MIT.

(To be continued on 12-5-2016)

Holiday Babies Series

With high moral values and a strong sense of unity, the Ramsay family counts five daughters—Madelyn, Roxanne, Heather, Claire, and Tiffany, and their mother Barbara. Later, stepdaughter Monica Roland joins the clan.

Christmas Babies: Can a career fill her life? (Madelyn and Dr. Nick Preston)
Valentine Babies: Can he love a woman expecting another man’s baby? (Roxanne and Dr. Greg Hayes)
Mother’s Day Babies: Never too late to find love and happiness. (Barbara and Lou Roland)
Wedding Surprise: Is it the worst or best wedding surprise? (Claire and David Wheeler)
Christmas Papa: Who’ s my papa, Mommy? (Monica and Michael Wheeler)
On Christmas Eve: We want a mommy for Christmas. (Tiffany and Dr. Matthew Alonso)

Posted in Anthology, christmas stories, Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, USA Today Bestseller | Tagged adoption, Anthology, babies, box set, brides, career women, christmas stories, college student., contemporary romance, doctors, holiday, pregnancy, short stories, USA Today Bestselling authors, wedding | Leave a comment

Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 3

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Chapter Three

Heather had expected Jeff to argue against her decision but she’d never thought he’d be so negative. Couldn’t he understand she was doing this to allow him to fulfill his dreams, to protect their love and future? Dad had been thrilled to learn Jeff’s good news. She’d bet his parents must have been in seventh heaven for Mr. Bolin to call Dad right away and share his pride in his son. She couldn’t let Jeff destroy all the good feelings with a bad decision.

Besides, he might resent her later if she let him drop out of the prestigious MIT. Of course it wasn’t easy for him. Or for her. When she thought of the baby, she felt like curling up in a corner and crying her heart out. Was she a monster to give up her own child?

“I’ll make sure he’ll have a wonderful home,” she muttered under her breath while driving home.

“Who?” Claire asked, her eyebrows arching dubiously.

“Her dearest Jeff. Who else?” Tiffany answered from the backseat.

Bummer, these girls were so annoying with their sharp hearing and unrestrained curiosity.

Claire shrugged. “Right now, his lodge is rather microscopic, far from a wonderful home.”

“Haven’t you read that love is blind?” Tiffany snorted. “These two are in love, lovey-love. They can’t see beyond their own noses, which are usually too close together, if you ask me my humble opinion.”

“Enough, you too. No one wants your opinion.”

“Seriously, Heather, you’re becoming a pain in the patootie.” Claire sighed. “Even Jeff is fed up with you. Everyone at the pool noticed how you upset him.”

“Will you shut up once and for all, or I’ll drop you here. And you can walk the rest of the way home.”

“And Mom would kill you for sure,” Tiffany yelled from the back.

Darn, couldn’t they keep quiet? Heather bit her lip not to shout that she hated them, she hated Jeff, and mostly she hated herself.

Fighting the tears threatening to spill, she pressed her foot on the accelerator.

“Slow down, you’re going to kill us,” Tiffany screamed.

But Claire patted her arm. “Calm down. You’ve been a live wire. Is something wrong?”

Damnit, that did it. The tears rolled onto her cheeks and sobs shook her.

“Are you crazy? You can’t drive in this shape. Stop at the side of the road.” Claire was right.

Heather had better control herself if she didn’t want to cause an accident.

“Okay, I will.” She hiccupped and pulled to the side of the road. Her head dropped onto the wheel and she hauled in a few deep breaths.

“Care to share what’s going on? Maybe I can help.” Claire’s gentle strokes on her back helped her calm down. Her cries subsided.

“Thank you. I’m better now.” She started the car and took off slowly. Good God, she’d almost endangered her sisters and the baby. Bad enough she was giving him away, no need to traumatize the new life growing inside her. From now on, she promised herself, she’d think of the baby’s health and safety before all else.

At home, she parked the car in the garage and followed her sisters inside the house. Sure enough, they found Madelyn in the hallway. “Had a good time at the pool?” Big Sis asked.

“At the pool, yes, but on the way back, Heather wasn’t feeling well,” Tiffany said with an important air.

“What happened?” Madelyn raised her eyebrows with concern.

“Nothing happened, for heaven’s sake.” When would these girls learn to be discreet?

“You should give her a check-up, Maddy. Methinks she had a fight with Jeff and is now going into a depression,” Tiffany declared with a serious pout. “She couldn’t stop crying.”

“Thanks for telling me, Tiff. I’ll take care of that. Come to my room, Heather.”

“Gladly.” At least she wouldn’t have to listen to the little pests’ rant.

“Or better, we’ll go to your room. I’ll show you a few things on the computer,” Madelyn added after the two young ones had disappeared into their rooms.

“What things?” Heather couldn’t wait to see what Madelyn had uncovered about adoption.

“I found an agency that looks quite reliable.” She sat at the desktop and entered a link while Heather locked the door to avoid unwelcome interruptions. “Here, read this and then you’ll call them and get an appointment.”

“Thank you, Maddy. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Pregnancy can make the expectant mother very nervous. So you shouldn’t put more stress on yourself. Take one step at a time. First, you have to gather all the information, then explain it to Jeff. And then both of you will discuss the adoption benefits and come up with the right decision.”

“I already told him my decision. But it upset him. He started yelling and left. I was so disturbed I couldn’t help crying while driving home.”

“It’s not your decision alone. Jeff has to agree.”

“He’s too stubborn.”

Madelyn held up both hands impatiently and sat on the bed. “Stop arguing. Read the information they give you on this site. And then call them.”

An hour later, Heather noted an address on a paper. “I’m meeting a Norma Benson in two days at the agency. Will you come with me?”

“What about Jeff?”

“The woman said she doesn’t need to see the father. It’s my decision alone.”

“Seriously? I’m stunned. I don’t want you going to meet these people all alone. I’ll come with you.”

A bang on the door interrupted them. “Mom said dinner will be served in ten minutes. Be downstairs,” Claire said without bothering to open the door.

“We’re coming. Now put a smile on your face and let’s go.” Madelyn didn’t wait for her.

A smile? When she felt like crying again? She washed her face, changed her clothes and combed her hair on her shoulders. A touch of makeup would give her a cheerful appearance. She ran down the stairs but stopped mid-way, struck by the smell of garlic and rosemary emanating from the kitchen. She splayed one hand on her midriff and pinched her nose with the other.

Oh no, why now? Afraid of vomiting on the stairs, she rushed back to her room.

“Heather,” Mom called.

“Oh God, help me.”

Her door burst open. Madelyn walked in with a small towel. “I saw you on the stairs. Put this on your face and slowly breathe. I wet it with alcohol. And take this pill. It will calm down the nausea.”

Grateful, she nodded and obeyed.

“Lie down on the bed. I’ll tell Mom and Dad to excuse you for a few minutes. And I’ll increase the AC ventilation.”

“Thanks,” she murmured and sprawled on her bed.

Ten minutes later, she felt better and went down to the kitchen. By then, Mom had switched off the stove. The air-conditioning blew cold air and the food odors had subsided.

“Sorry, Dad. Jeff called unexpectedly.” She hated herself for lying but what else could she say? Certainly not apologize for almost vomiting.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. He must be so excited.”

“You should have asked him to come for dinner,” Mom said.

“You know, Mom,” Tiffany started but got pinched in her side. “Ouch.” She lowered her head and remained silent.

“Did you have a good time at the pool, girls?” Dad asked.

“Very good time,” Heather hastened to answer before Tiffany could put her foot in her mouth and relate Heather’s argument with Jeff, or whatever she’d heard of it. “Claire and Tiff did great in their training. I’m sure they’re going to win next month’s competition. Claire, tell Mom and Dad about your diving and swimming.”

Claire cast her a knowing glance and launched into a lengthy story about their prowess. Interested in her daughters’ sportive accomplishments, their mother didn’t notice when Heather slid her food into Madelyn’s plate with a pleading look, and ate bread only.

“Your turn, Heather.” Dad’s loving gaze and proud smile filled her with guilt. Any report she’d give about her day would be laced with lies. But their father insisted on a family conversation where each member shared news about the day.

“Let’s see. Nothing really interesting today, apart from Jeff visiting and coming with us to the pool. We all enjoyed a swim. Claire, Tiff and I raced and I won. It was fun watching Tiffany hanging on Jeff’s neck while he swam the length of the pool. That’s about it.” At least this was the truth.

“I like this boy. One day he’ll make a terrific dad.” Her father’s compliment banged on her stomach like a baseball bat, roiling her emotions.

Stunned, she drank a sip of water, hiccupped and prayed for her food to stay put. If she dared throw up, Mom would take her straight to Dr. Newman.

“Don’t we all know who’d be delighted with this compliment?” Madelyn caught Heather’s hand and laughed. “Why don’t you give him a call, sweetie? I’m sure he’d love to know we all appreciate him. Go, go.”

She nodded, threw Madelyn a grateful look, and rushed out of the dining room, taking the stairs two at a time. “Be back in a minute.”

In her room, she inhaled and exhaled, then lay on her bed and pressed the towel moistened with alcohol on her face as Madelyn had shown her. Better, much better. The pungent smell calmed the nausea. Not ready yet to tackle the family gathering, she went to the bathroom and tried to throw up. Nothing came out. The crisis had passed. To be safe, she poured more alcohol on her small towel and shoved it in her shorts pocket.

On a sudden impulse, she called Jeff and related her conversation with her parents. “Dad said you’ll make a terrific father.”

“Ah.” A big exhale followed. “Glad you came to your senses, sweetheart.”

“What do you mean? I haven’t changed my mind about the adoption. Tomorrow, I’m meeting with a social worker.”

“Don’t you dare go behind my back and give up my baby.”

“It’s in my body. You can’t order me. Bye.” Trembling with aggravation, she flipped off her phone, breathed the alcohol from the towel, and closed her eyes to recover her calm.

How dare he? Why couldn’t he understand she was suffering too?

They made a mistake and she was trying her best to fix it. Loving a baby was not enough. He needed care they couldn’t give him. But Heather would make sure to show her baby the biggest proof of love by securing his future with caring parents. Even if the decision broke her heart and sleep eluded her at the thought of losing him.

(To be continued on 12-2-2016)

Holiday Babies Series

Posted in Anthology, christmas stories, Contemporary Romance, holiday | Tagged Anthology, babies, bride, Christmas story, doctors, Holiday Babies Series, New Release, Romance, Sweet Romance, USA Today Bestseller, wedding | Leave a comment

Holly Jolly Christmas Ch. 2

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Mona Risk

Holly Jolly Christmas

CoverFinalMD-HollyJollyChristmas Prequel to Holiday Babies Series

by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
Mona Risk

Chapter Two

“I want the baby to be raised by a couple who can provide love, security and a family atmosphere,” Heather declared, hoping she would not burst into tears after the statement that tore at her insides. “If they allow us to see the baby once in a while we would be so happy,” she added, hoping beyond hope she could still be part of her child’s life.

Madelyn studied her for a moment then lifted her hands. “Are you sure you won’t regret this decision?”

Leaving the bed where she felt trapped under Madelyn’s scrutiny, she walked to the window and cleared her throat. “I gave it a lot of thought. I’m convinced it’s the best thing for the baby, for Jeff, for me, and for our parents.”

“Knowing Jeff, I’m surprised he’s agreed to give up his baby.”

“I didn’t inform him of my decision yet.”

“You can’t make any decision without discussing it with him. He has to agree first.”

Heather spun toward her sister who insisted on complicating things. “The baby is here.” She pointed to her belly. “In my body. So it’s my decision.”

“No, my dear. If you put Jeff’s name on the birth certificate, then he’s the father and he has his say in the matter. Heather, you can’t organize things in your head without learning the procedures. I am going to inquire about the formalities and let you know.”

“Thank you.” A big sigh escaped Heather. She lowered her head and immediately raised it, refusing to feel defeated. “I browsed through the Internet for information because I don’t want to tell anyone about…about this.”

“You don’t plan to inform Mom and Dad?” Madelyn’s lips pinched in disapproval.

Why couldn’t her smart sister understand her reasons?

“No. I don’t want Dad to get worse because of me. And Mom would be furious.”

“Sweetie, Dad won’t get worse because of you, but because of the cancer spreading. His doctors are doing everything for him. Now, he and Mom will probably be upset as soon as they hear the news, but then they can help you. You have to realize that in a month you won’t be able to hide your condition.”

“Yes I can. No one will learn anything. I have it all planned.”

“Seriously? How?” Madelyn crossed her arms on her chest and tilted her head.

“I’m starting college at UK in late August. I’ll be on campus. No one will see me here. For the coming months, I’ll make sure I wear loose printed shirts on top of my pants. Like this one. No one will notice. Jeff didn’t.”

Dr. Madelyn huffed in frustration. “Because you’re still in the fifth month. You’re going to balloon very suddenly.”

“Stop trying to upset me.”

“Heather, calm down. I am trying to make you see the big picture. Your decision will lead to problems if you try to handle it on your own.”

“Well I trusted you with my problem because you are a doctor and you’re going into a residency in pediatrics. So help me and give me the name of a gynecologist in Louisville.”

“Okay, I’ll look into that. But one more thing to keep in mind. Dad has only a few months left,” Madelyn warned with a sad voice. “If you disappear during this time you will regret it later.”

“I thought about it.” Tears rolled down Heather’s cheeks. “I will visit him at the hospital on the days of his chemo and hold his hand. I’ll wear a big scrub top. Oh, Madelyn, I screwed up.” She smacked her forehead. “I’m trying to fix things.” How she hated herself. She had to deal with huge problems of birth and death while her high school friends were celebrating graduation at parties, concerts and picnics.

“Calm down, sweetie. A pregnancy can make you very nervous. I will help you. I promise.”

“Thank you.”

“Go talk to Jeff now. But first eat something and take a vitamin. You lost weight, which is not good for the baby. I will bring you a bottle of vitamins, especially for pregnancy.”

“Thanks.” Not ready to argue with Jeff now, she headed to her room and closed the door behind her.

A few minutes later, it burst wide-open, with Claire and Tiffany barging in. “Mom said you have to drive us to the swim club for our diving training.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.” Claire stomped the floor.

“Mom said you should swim with us and bring us back,” Tiffany added.

Her young sisters, fourteen and eleven, adored her and would stick to her all day if she let them. Right now, she felt like kicking them out of her room. “Okay, okay. Wait for me downstairs.”

“What’s the matter with you? You’re no fun anymore,” Claire complained. “This house is becoming a prison. Mom is too busy taking care of Dad. Roxy already left for her new job, and we can’t disturb Maddy as usual.” Claire clamped her fists on her sides. “Now even you are ignoring us.”

“I’m not ignoring you. I just have my own pro…huh, stuff to think about.”

“No, you just prefer to be with Jeff and kissy-kiss.” Tiffany danced from one foot to the other and blew kisses.

“You little monster, what are you talking about?” As if she needed these girls to add their teasing.

Claire shrugged. “We saw you behind the pool shed.”

“And now, Claire wants to do the same with Brian.” Tiffany laughed while Claire smacked her butt.

Oh God, no, please. She couldn’t stand another sin on her shoulders. The girl was only fourteen.

“Stop it, you two. Get your bathing suits on. We’re going to the pool. I’ll wear mine.” She pushed them out of her room and grabbed her one-piece bathing suit. Good thing it still fit her. She shed her clothes and watched herself in the long mirror affixed on the door. Thank God her belly didn’t show any roundness yet. She quickly threw on a beach dress that flared at mid-thigh.

Just as she opened the door, her mother’s voice reached her. “Heather, honey, Jeff is here to see you, in the family room.”

Darn! Why now?

“Coming, Mom.”

***

A bomb bursting in his tiny living room wouldn’t have shocked Jeff more than the news that he would soon become a father. When Heather had jogged away, he hadn’t tried to follow her. She wanted to be alone, and he needed time to adjust to the situation and ponder his options. Ignoring the heat, he had dropped onto the bench on his front patio and stared at the two bushes of red roses decorating the corner of his lodge. For a change, their rich color and warm fragrance failed to soothe him.

Of course, he would marry Heather as soon as possible, but he had to plot their future and list his priorities. He’d counted on his fingers: a job for him, a quick wedding, a doctor and a hospital for the delivery, insurance to buy, an evening program where he could prepare his master’s degree. In addition, to how and when to announce the news to their folks.

Still mad at himself, he’d punched his palm. Would he ever forgive himself for throwing his innocent girlfriend into such a life-changing crisis?

No need to procrastinate. He had stepped into his miniscule kitchen to swallow the rest of his cold coffee. He should hurry up and organize things to allow Heather to relax. Determined to look at the positive side, he’d slipped on his sneakers and grabbed his keys and glasses. But he hadn’t run like Heather. Instead, he had slowly strolled, trying to find an answer to every new question popping into his mind.

By the time he’d arrived at the Ramsays, he’d been confident he could handle the future. As usual, Barbara Ramsay had greeted him with a welcoming smile. “You can wait for Heather in the family room. I think Claire and Tiffany are with her.” Heather’s mother treated him like a son and never worried when her daughter went out with him. He hoped he wouldn’t lose her trust when he confessed their story.

David Ramsay appeared behind his wife. “Hey there, Jeff. Congratulations. I was on the phone with your father a moment ago. He shared your good news. So proud of you, son. Heather must be thrilled for you.”

Jeff caught a glimpse of Heather with Claire and Tiffany behind her at the family room door, the three of them in swimming attire.

“Thank you, sir. But I… huh… I have to think about it. I may not accept it—”

“Not accept it? You must be joking. A scholarship at MIT. Grab it with both hands, son. It’s a guarantee for a bright future.”

“Jeff plans to accept it, Dad,” Heather said. “He’s just overwhelmed at the moment. Jeff, I have to take the girls to the swimming club for their training. Want to tag along?”

As if he had a choice. “Sure. See you later, sir.” When they settled in the Ramsay van he added, “We need to talk.”

“They want me to swim with them. We’ll drop by your place to get your bathing suit.”

“Whatever.” He swallowed a sigh, not liking her procrastination on such a serious subject.

Twenty minutes later, they sat on the ledge by the pool and watched the girls dive under their trainer’s supervision. Heather clapped her hands at each performance and he followed suit. Once the girls finished their diving, they insisted on having him and Heather swim with them. He indulged them and forced himself into a fast crawl to drown his irritation.

Soon, Tiffany hung upon his shoulders and let him drag her around the pool. He imagined little arms wrapping around his neck while he taught his own child to swim, and a warm feeling invaded his chest.

Losing a scholarship at MIT was a small price to pay for gaining a loving family with a beautiful young wife and a baby. He had no doubts Heather would share his eagerness to marry soon. At least they wouldn’t have to sneak out to be together.

With Claire and Tiffany around, he gave up on any serious conversation and climbed out of the pool to sit on the ledge. “Aren’t you tired, girls?”

“Not at all,” Tiffany said with a scoff. The young sisters had often been a pain in his side, always sneaking in on him and his girlfriend at the wrong time and giggling as if they’d discovered a treasure chest.

“Want to come out, Heather? You shouldn’t exert yourself so much.”

“Why not? I’m not sick, for heaven’s sake.”

Claire snorted. “Heather is a better swimmer than all of us. Haven’t you seen the three dozen medals she won with her swim team? Hey, sis, want to race me to the other end?”

Of course he’d seen her medals and cheered at her competitions. But today, she shouldn’t be racing, not when she was carrying his baby and should avoid strenuous exercise.

“I’m in,” Heather answered right away.

Had she lost her mind?

“Me too,” Tiffany added.

“Please don’t.” He scrambled to his feet, stretching out an arm to pull her out of the pool. “You can’t—”

“Will you stop ordering me around?” Heather glared at him and dove underwater.

“Heather…” Exasperated, he huffed and watched her swim a perfect crawl, while her sisters vainly tried to catch up with her. Why was she acting like…like a careless eighteen-years-old girl? Maybe because she hated her new condition and resented him for causing it. Damn, he hoped she wouldn’t consider an abortion. At a loss about figuring out her way of thinking, he raked his fingers through his wet hair.

She’d mentioned asking Madelyn to help her. Madelyn was a doctor. She sure wouldn’t encourage getting rid of a baby. Damn, damn, damn, he had to talk to Heather, and if she kept avoiding a serious discussion about their future, he’d call Madelyn.

When she swam back next to him, he leaned over the side. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Can’t I relax for a moment?” She groaned, visibly annoyed with him. But he’d lost what little patience he’d been trying to hang onto.

“Listen, if you insist on ignoring me, I’m going straight to your sister and my parents.” Maybe that would get her attention.

Her eyes widened and filled with tears. “You can’t do that. Please, Jeff.” She hauled herself out of the pool and sat next to him, covering his hand with hers and making him feel like trash for hurting her. But he couldn’t back up now, not until she shared her feelings and decisions with him.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Either we are together in this or…or I’ll take the lead and make the decisions.”

“What decisions d’you want to make?” Her soft conciliatory tone didn’t fool him.

“Tomorrow we’ll go to the Jefferson County Clerk’s office and get the marriage license. I looked it up on line. We’re both over eighteen so we don’t need anything but our driver’s licenses as ID. No blood test. And then we have thirty days to get married. You choose the date, the place, and the guests.” Relieved that she hadn’t interrupted him, he added, “So, when d’you want to get married?”

Her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. “Didn’t you listen to what I said at your lodge? You’re going to MIT and I’m going to UK. That’s all.”

Her sweet stubbornness eroded his patience. “Seriously? And what happens when the baby comes out?”

“By then Madelyn will have found a loving couple to adopt him—”

“No way. Never,” he bellowed.

Claire and Tiffany, and some other kids in the pool, spun to look at them.

“Calm down and be reasonable,” Heather urged. “Please, Jeff.”

“No way,” he repeated in a lower voice. “I can’t believe you’d abandon our child.” Was this person the same girl he’d always loved?

“I’m not abandoning him. I’m giving him to a reliable couple who’d be able to love him and care for him better than us.”

“I’ll never let anyone take my child. Never. You hear me? Never.” Unable to control his rising temper, he jumped to his feet, grabbed his clothes from the chair where he’d left them and slipped on his shorts and shirt.

Reeling from Heather’s horrible decision, he walked out of the swim club and hailed a taxi to go home to his lodge and collect his thoughts.

How had his world turned upside down in a few hours? Going from a carefree student announcing his biggest achievement to a torn father-to-be about to lose his child. He could give up a scholarship at MIT, but he would never give up his baby.

(To be continued on 11-29-2016)