LAST HEART

XXII

Caleb gently shook his wife awake. She stirred but did not wake at first, only to wake up after he shook her two more times. He was going on a four day business trip and did not want to leave without saying goodbye to her.

' When did you say you'll be back again?'

' In four days baby and I am sorry I have to leave while you're dealing with this pregnancy.'

' I hope it's the last business trip because you've had too many of those this year and I am starting to think you're seeing somebody else.'

' You know I'd never do that to you. I love you and our babies too but I hope it's the last one too.'

He said walking with her under his armpit towards the front door. She stopped between the doorway since she was not dressed and bid him farewell with a kiss.

' Take care of yourself and C.J and the girls while I am away.'

' You return to us in one piece.'

She kissed him again before he got into the passenger seat and his driver drove off. Feeling exhausted, Amore locked her front door, checked on her sleeping kids and went back to bed herself.

Caleb's parents walked into the hospital and hugged their son as soon as they found him in his room. It was sad to see him in that state but knew that he had to go through it to get better.

' Thank you again for coming to see me. I really needed family support.'

' Baby why did you not tell us as soon as you found out. We could have helped, found better medical help for you.'

His mother cried

' Mma here is the best medical help there is in the country. I thought I could do this alone but after so many treatments I realized I needed family support.'

His father stood up from her chair, visibly agitated and began pacing up and down the hospital room, against his mother begging her to calm down

' Where is that wife of yours. She's the one who should be here taking care of you. Supporting you.'

' Amor doesn't know that I am here. I have kept this from her since I found out and I would appreciate it if both of you don't tell her about this. I will tell her at my own time when I think she's ready.'

' Son where does your wife think you are right now?'

His father asked

' I was going on a four day business trip.'

His father silently shook his head, thinking how his son was going about this the wrong way but figured he had his reasons.

' At first I thought I could get treatment and I would tell her after but then she got pregnant. Her pregnancy is high risk and any stress can cause her to fall into premature labour. '

The nurse walked in and greeted the family with a smile before she checked on the machine and walked out.

' So please this stays between you and I. Till I am ready to tell her. Although I hope and pray, that I will have to tell her after the doctor gives me a clean bill of health.'