The Quiet Voice | Complete

Chapter 31

Chelsea drove the short way to the hospital in a blur, barely able to contain her excitement, she prayed out loud.

Oh Lord, please be with Hannah. Please calm her nerves as she goes through this important moment in her life, alone and afraid, unsure of her baby's future. Please give her strength and may a wave of calm wash over her. Please be with her baby as he enters this world. Please let him be healthy and perfect in Your image. Please take control of the delivery and guide the doctor's every move. Oh God, Your will be done.

She phoned Hank as soon as she left Astrid's office, only saying that she was on her way to the hospital. His excitement matched hers and he agreed to meet her there. They both wanted to be there for Hannah and to witness their future little angel's birth.

Chelsea easily found a parking bay and rushed to the maternity ward, fighting off the nausea she'd been experiencing the entire week, her nerves getting the better of her again. Praying that she wasn't too late to see Hannah before her delivery. The nurse at the nurse's station showed her to Hannah's room. She had made it in time.

Chelsea cautiously entered Hannah's room, not wanting to cause a disturbance, should the doctor or nurse be examining her. Hannah was alone in the room, eyes showing fear as her hands bunched up the top sheet gently resting on her legs.

"You made it!" rushed out of Hannah's mouth, before she could contain herself, "I was so afraid that you wouldn't be here in time."

Chelsea rushed over to Hannah's side and took her hand. "Of course, I'm here. There's nowhere else I'd rather be." Chelsea lovingly squeezed Hannah's hand, trying to calm her.

"Is the other couple here yet?" asked Hannah, tears threatening to escape and wash over her cheeks. "Astrid hasn't given me any details about them yet. My little angel is far too excited to come into this world. He's far too early. I still have just over three weeks to go."

Chelsea only then realised that she hadn't shared the great news with Hannah yet. Oh Hannah, our Father is so faithful. He saw deep into our hearts and answered our deepest desires.

"Oh dear, I haven't told you yet...," began Chelsea as a nurse entered the room.

"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I need to check on baby and see if he's ready to make an appearance yet," teased the nurse as she happily entered the room. Hannah's labour pains suddenly started coming stronger than before. "Okay Hannah, we're about ready to take you to the delivery room. Your little man is ready and eager to meet you. Are you ready to go?"

Hannah started to tremble, afraid to be facing this all alone. God, please be with her, prayed Chelsea.

"Chelsea, will you please be with me in the delivery room? I can't do this alone." Hannah's trembling hand reached out for Chelsea. Chelsea once more moved closer to the bed and took Hannah's hand in her own.

"It would be my honour," replied Chelsea, beaming as a tear trickled down her cheek. "I'll wait outside your room while you prepare to go into theatre. I'm right outside. I promise I won't leave. You won't face this alone."

Hank arrived as Chelsea moved into the passage, closing the door behind her. He scooped her up in his arms and hugged her so hard she struggled to breathe. He noticed that she looked pale and exhausted. All the worries obviously getting too much for her.

"What's going on? Why are we here?" Hank pulled away and couldn't get his questions out fast enough, firing them off, all at once, at Chelsea. So much had been running through his mind as he drove to the hospital. So many questions. So many silent prayers. So many dreams threatening to be shattered.