His Perfect Love

Chapter 12

A kick in the stomach made Riley pause and gasp. She lowered her hand to the sore spot and rubbed it gently.

"Are you all right?" Allison asked.

"Yes, I just felt the baby kick, and it hurt."

Riley and Allison were at Becky's house for the sewing circle. They were working on quilts to sell for fundraising for the church. Becky sat on the other side of Riley and gave her a concerned look.

"I'm fine, really," she reassured everyone.

"Glad to hear it. Speaking of babies, I have some news to share," Becky boasted.

"What is it?" asked Allison.

"Bryce and I are expecting!" declared Becky.

"Congratulations!" all of the ladies said.

"You must be so excited," said Justice.

"I am! Bryce can't wait to be a father. He desperately wants a son, but I'm kind of hoping it will be a girl," Becky gushed.

"Wouldn't we all," said Oakley.

Riley didn't say anything. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if she had a husband that would be beside her during this. Would he want a boy, or a girl? Could he not wait until he could swing the child around in the air, listening to the laughs and giggles, or hold him or her when he or she was hurt or sad? Her heart felt as though it were being squeezed painfully.

Becky turned to Riley, "Is pregnancy difficult?"

Riley thought for a moment. "It can be. It's not exactly fun at times. But with your husband at your side it will help you."

"Where's your husband, Riley?" Becky asked bluntly.

Riley froze at the question. She was grateful when Allison spoke for her.

"She lost him," Allison whispered softly.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"At least you'll have a part of him," Oakley broke in.

Riley's head spun and she took a deep breath to clear her lungs. She lurched out of her seat.

"Will you excuse me for a moment?" she said as she rushed forward.

She hurried out the door, hearing the springs creak and the door bang shut. She braced her hand against the house, then slid her back down until she was sitting against the outer wall. Her emotions were raging and she felt like crying. Tears glistened in her eyes and she blinked, water spilling over her lashes. She closed her eyes, willing her mind to go blank. A hand rested on her shoulder and she jerked. Allison was standing over her.

"What are you doing out here?" Riley asked, voice thick with tears.

"I wanted to make sure you were well."

"I'm fine," she lied.

"No, you're not," Allison sat down next to her.

Riley sniffed and looked down at her hands in her lap.

"I don't know what's wrong."

"Maybe I do. I know that you pretend to be tough and that you are perfectly fine, but I know you're not. It's okay to be sad, Riley. It's okay to cry. In fact, it's good to share your emotions and feelings with someone else when you're hurting. That's how we feel better."

"I don't think I can do this," Riley admitted.

"Yes, you can. You are not alone, Riley. You will always have me. And you will always have God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. 'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong,' 1 Corinthians 16:13. Which means to be alert, continue in the faith, to have courage, and be strong."