Against the Odds A Love Story

Chapter 27

Anticipation makes one day seem like forever. But passing time always brings the unexpected.

Twenty-seven

For the remainder of my pregnancy, my days consisted of television, rented movies, crossword puzzles, books, magazines, and knitting baby booties and sweaters. Caroline taught me how to make them. I caught on easier than I thought I would and got pretty fast at it. Since we now knew we were having a boy, everything I knitted was blue. I never knew there were so many shades of blue. Caroline managed to find them all.

During the first few weeks, Caroline came to check on me twice a day, bringing me meals from her home. She always visited for a few minutes. While she was there, she checked the house and made sure things were done.

While Hayden appreciated his sister-in-law for helping, I knew he felt a little frustrated that he couldn't be home with me more. And after what happened with Debra, I think his need to be with me was even greater. He was still having a hard time with it all.

Hayden told David how he felt. After discussing the options, they decided to hire another worker to take a lot of the work Hayden normally did, including any hay deliveries that had to be made, and Hayden was able to be home with me for most of the day. I couldn't believe he did that for me. I was so tempted to feel like a burden again, but Hayden knew me, and he would have none of that. He assured me that his place was by my side. He wanted to be there for me. He was truly the most amazing man I had ever known.

By the time I finally hit the eight month mark, I felt as big as a house. I was completely miserable, and despite applying a little makeup in the mornings after I showered, I had never felt so unattractive in my life. I was sure that if I had been able to be up and active, it would have made a huge difference in how I felt.

I think one of the worst things for me for the past month was the restriction of physical intimacy. I missed that part of our marriage more than I could say. Hayden assured me he was fine and it didn't matter, but  sometimes I couldn't help wondering if he just said that for me. Each time I started to feel that way, I immediately kicked myself for it. Hayden had never been anything but honest with me, and I knew deep down nothing would ever change his love for me.

All in all, it seemed that each new day was an emotional roller coaster ride. But I also kept reminding myself every day that it wouldn't be much longer, and I would soon have our precious little boy in my arms. I knew when that day finally came, all of the discomfort and emotional trials would be worth it.

~ ~ ~

Life is filled with both joy and sorrow, and we are meant to experience both. This is something I've always known. But Hayden would tell me sometime in the future that this particular day, and the week that followed, was the happiest and the most painful time he had ever experienced.

“Come on, baby,” Hayden said, sauntering into the bedroom that evening. “I've got a surprise for you.”

“Really?” I needed something to perk me up. I'd had a particularly down day. I had also been feeling slight contractions throughout the day, which Dr. Salem said was normal. He did tell Hayden to call or bring me in if they got any worse. Since I was only two weeks away from my due date, the doctor didn't see any complications with the baby if he came early. The prospect of going into labor was exciting, but I still had my moments.

Hayden lifted me effortlessly in his arms. “I'm taking my wife out for a romantic evening.”

“Really?” I repeated again, excited about what he had planned. He nodded and smiled. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.