Christmas Angels

Chapter 10

Josh slept through the rest of the night, completely exhausted after having so little sleep during the past two days. When he finally did wake up, he was unsure of where he was. Then, it all came back to him, and he struggled onto his feet. Still groggy, he did the best that he could to freshen up before hurrying back to Marianne's room in the ICU. There was a vending machine in the visitor's lounge and he grabbed a muffin that was sealed in cellophane and a black coffee in a paper cup to take with him. The coffee was dreadful and the muffin was less than fresh, but he needed the energy to get going again. Besides, he thought ruefully, it would just make real food taste that much better, by comparison, the next time he had some.

He stopped at the nurse's station to ask about Marianne's progress, and the nurse on duty smiled and told him that he would find that she was doing well and yes, he could go right in to see her. There was no longer a requirement for a mask or latex gloves. He walked into Marianne's room and was amazed to see her turn her head and smile weakly at him. The respirator was gone, though she still had an intravenous needle inserted into the back of her hand and leads to an EKG unit were attached to her chest.

"Hi," she said, lifting her hand slightly.

"Marianne! You're awake!" Josh cried, hurrying to her bedside. He leaned over her, kissed her forehead and hugged her to him.

"How is Angela? Have you seen her? Is she healthy?" Marianne asked anxiously.

"Oh Marianne, she is beautiful. She looks just like you! She is so tiny and sweet. I only saw her through the glass of the nursery yesterday, but today I will hold her in my arms, I believe. She was doing very well, just had to be under observation for 24 hours. I can't wait to see her again. I hope they can bring her to you today, too. Has the doctor been in to see you yet?"

"I don't think so. Not while I have been awake, at least."

"How are you feeling? You were still unconscious when I left you late last night. I just had to get some sleep", Josh said, sheepishly.

"Of course you needed some rest. I feel awfully weak and I'm having some pain from the operation, too. The nurse told me that was to be expected. She said I am showing a very strong come-back from a pretty serious crisis. She also said that Angela is just fine and that they will bring her to me as soon as the doctor gives them the OK. I feel so empty and uneasy now without her, Josh."

"I'm so glad to hear they are happy with her progress, Marianne. Don't fret, though. I'm sure you will have her with you very soon. Should I go to the nursery and check on her?" Josh asked hopefully.

"You are so devious, Josh. Go and see our daughter and tell her all about her beautiful, sweet mother. Just don't spoil her too much before I even see her", Marianne said, wincing slightly when she laughed.

"I'll be back in a flash," Josh said. He kissed her on the forehead once more before he left the room.

When he was gone, Marianne closed her eyes again, completely exhausted by their short exchange. She thanked God for Josh and for granting them a healthy baby. She was determined to recover and love them both. A minute later she was asleep.

Josh made his way to the nursery and checked in at the desk. The same nurse that had been there the day before informed him that Baby Cromwell seemed to be perfectly healthy and that he could go right in and he could even hold her now. She buzzed the staff and they opened the door for him, handing him a gown to wear over his clothes. He sat in a chair and a nurse brought the tiny bundle that held his daughter. She gently placed Angela in his arms, showing him how to hold her securely against his chest.