The Choice

Chapter 34

My eyes blink open, and it takes a moment, but my vision is clear. I see the white walls in front of me. The small TV in the corner is playing, but I can't hear it. I look at my arm, the IV sticking clear into it. 

I listen to the machines. My heart is keeping a steady beat, along with the baby's, and the sound of the monitor is somewhat calming. I look up, and my blood pressure is in a normal range as well. I smile, and my hand moves down to my belly, and I receive a good morning kick from the little boy growing inside of me. 

"Good morning," I whisper. 

The door to my room opens, and Paige pops her head inside. "Hello," she smiles.  "I brought a banana nut muffin and some decaf coffee." She holds up a bag and a plastic coffee cup. "Don't worry, I had it cleared with Andy before bringing it."

I stretch my hand out. "Wow, you're a lifesaver."

Paige sets the coffee and food on my bedside table, and she gives me a hug, making sure she's careful. "How are you holding up?" she asks. 

I take the coffee, taking a slow sip and savoring the taste. "I've been better," I say, tracing my finger around the lid. "Any news about Ezra?"

Paige shakes her head. "I haven't talked to Andy. Last I heard from him there was a rush of incoming people, so he's been crazy busy."

I sigh. "I'm trying my best, but I feel stir crazy. I don't want to stress, because I know it isn't good for the baby, but I wish I knew something."

Paige gives me a small smile. "I think no news is probably good news," she says, and her eyes are wide and hopeful. 

"I hope you're right," I say. I take a bite of the muffin. "Enough about me, though. How have you been? I know it's been awhile."

"I'm sorry about that," Paige says, a small frown hinting on her face. "I've gotten crazy busy lately."

"I've been busy too," I admit. "How's Clay?"

Paige crinkles her nose. "It's so weird to hear you call him that."

I laugh a little. "How so?"

"That's what you called him before I found out he was my dad," Paige says. "I guess it's not weird. It's just, well, we had this entire shift in our relationship, but it feels like everyone else didn't. If that makes any sense."

"It makes perfect sense, honestly." I take another sip of my coffee. "So, what are you calling him now?"

"I feel like we're getting close, but I still call him Clay. Dad sounds so weird after all these years of not really having one. I think I'll get there one day, though," she says. 

"So, I know Clay has already met Andy, but have you formally introduced them yet?" I ask, one of my eyebrows raised. 

Paige sips her coffee, a smile appearing on her face. "Yeah. Clay's definitely taken on the overprotective role. I'll admit, it's kind of nice. I've always wanted a dad that would do that."

I smile. "How's your mom handling things?"

"She's doing alright. She and Clay have talked a few times. I think she's still processing things," Paige says. 

"Understandably," I say, with a small eyebrow raise. 

The door opens, and I see Andy's smiling face walk in. "Good morning ladies," he says. 

"You seem chipper," Paige says. "That means good news, right?"

Andy kisses Paige on her cheek.