Full Circle

Chapter 10

Clint was on his feet as soon as he heard the growl of the Jeep engine. He could see the lights in the distance and he knew Garth was coming as fast as he could, but to Clint it wasn't fast enough. Garth had barely brought the Jeep to a stop beside the camp when Clint yanked the door open, motioning his replacement out, and jumped inside.

"What's going on? I've been scared out of my mind since Carli radioed."

Garth gunned the engine and cranked the wheel, heading back the way he came.

"She wasn't feeling well today and when Paula woke her up for dinner she had a stomach ache and a headache. Paula called Peterson's office and they told her to head for the ER. They diagnosed her with pre-eclampsia and were prepping her for a c-section. The doctor said they had to deliver now or they could both die." Garth explained.

Clint's gut twisted at the thought. This was not what he'd wanted to hear. "I should've stayed."

Garth glanced over at him as they bounced their way back across the fields. "You couldn't have stopped it from happening."

"I know. But I should be there now! Not here!" Clint cried angrily.

Garth kept his mouth shut and kept driving.

Clint stared ahead, watching as the beams of the headlights sliced across the empty terrain. Lord, save them. Please don't take them away from me.

If he'd thought the wait for Garth seemed excruciating, the time it took to get to Miller General was even worse. When Garth finally pulled into the parking lot they both hopped from the Jeep and headed for the entrance at a jog. Clint couldn't get there fast enough.

When they finally found Paula she was curled into one of the most uncomfortable looking chairs in the waiting area, staring at the TV.

"How is she?" Clint cried, stepping in front of her. He nervously ran a hand through his hair, not caring how dirty and dusty he still was from the drive.

Paula looked up at them with a smile. "She's fine. They were in just a few minutes ago to say she was in her own room and recovering well. She's sleeping off the meds so I haven't seen her yet."

Clint sank into a chair, weak with relief. Thank you Lord. "And the baby?"

"Jackson was born at 8:32 p.m. weighing four pounds and two ounces. No major health problems but he'll be in the NICU for a while on oxygen."

"Why did this happen? She was on medication."

Paula shrugged. "It stopped working. Dr. Peterson said that's how it works with pre-eclampsia, that's why they monitor it so closely."

"I should've been here. I feel like I let her down when she needed me the most." Clint lamented.

Paula reached out to touch his hand. "You didn't let her down. None of us knew this was going to happen. She knows if you could've been here, you would have."

Clint sighed. "I know. I know. I'm glad you guys were here."

They sat in silence for a moment, Clint willing his heart to stop thudding in his chest.

"Have you called home?" Garth asked.

Paula nodded. "Jill is calling the Reeses. She said they would fly out as soon as possible."

The room fell silent again. Clint's heart ached. He wanted to see Gabby. He wanted to see the baby. He wanted to know for himself that they were all right.

A nurse appeared in the doorway, surprised by the added guests. "I came to let you know that Gabby is all settled in her room. She's still drowsy but the anesthesia is wearing off. She's been asking for Clint. Is he here?"