Chapter 16
Jed helped Abbey to the floor in front of the fireplace. She was still giving Jed instructions on a possible delivery, all the time praying that Millie would make it in time.
"Go upstairs and get some towels. Then find two clean shoe strings and find a bottle of alcohol to sterilize the scissors. Don't use your scotch either," Abbey directed.
"Okay."
"Damn!" as another contraction hit. 'This is not good.' she thought. Abbey only hoped that there would be no complications. Apparently, it going to be up to the two of them to deliver their baby.
Abbey knew that Jed was scared that he would have to deliver his child, but they really had no other option at the moment.
"God, please give me and Jed strength to do this. All I want is a healthy baby. And a husband that doesn't faint on me."
"Did you say something Abbey?" as Jed reentered the room.
"No. Just talking to myself. Damn! Another one." She paused while the contraction passed. "They're only a few minutes apart. Jed, I need you over here." Abbey lay back on the blanket and began to focus on her own problems. She had to concentrate now on getting this baby here.
A cool cloth on her forehead brought Abbey back to reality. "Thanks, hon. I'm just so hot," as she stripped the gown off. Sweat glistened on her body as she concentrated on breathing through the rapid fire contractions.
Jed sat by her and held her hand while being totally amazed at her strength and determination. He had been denied this when Liz was born as fathers were banned from the delivery room. Jed brought her hand up to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss. "I love you Abbey."
Abbey heard him and just nodded her head. She was too busy concentrating on each contraction as it began, peaked and went away. Concentrating on breathing, not on the pain. She would never turn away pain meds again.
After one particularly intense contraction, her eyes flew open. "Jed, I think it's time. I'm feeling pressure. I need for you to check for the baby's head."
"No. It's not time. It can't be time. It's only been a couple of hours since you started this. It can't be happening so soon."
Abbey realized what was happening. She couldn't lose him now. "Jed!" Her tone was strong. She had to get him back. Abbey looked into his eyes. "Jed, you have to do this. You have to. There's no one else."