Chapter 8

After several minutes of stunned silence, I was finally able to think coherently. I felt fuzzy and I had to take deep breaths to try and clear away the mental cobwebs. A quick mental inventory told me that I had escaped with no serious injuries, and I quickly undid the seatbelt that had undoubtedly taken care of me. Of course, that realization made me remember that DeeDee and Linda hadn't been buckled in and I immediately turned to the back seat.

I heard Linda groaning and I saw that she had been thrown to the floor with DeeDee partially covering her.

Fighting to keep calm, I got out and opened the back door then had to scramble to catch DeeDee as she tumbled out, unconscious.

"Oh, God –" I carefully laid her on the ground and turned to see Linda pulling herself up and out. When she tried to bear weight on her left leg, she immediately grimaced and sank down next to DeeDee.

"Are you okay?" I asked, not sure what to do first.

Linda winced as she massaged her left ankle. "I think so. My ankle got twisted when we impacted and then DeeDee slid on top of me." She flexed her foot and winced again. "I think it's just a bad sprain – I'll be okay. What about DeeDee?"

I turned back. She hadn't moved.

"Why is there blood on your arm?" Linda asked, pointing to my right, even as she moved to check for a pulse on DeeDee.

Startled, I glanced down and rubbed at the sticky red blood congealing across the length of my forearm. I didn't see any injury and quickly shook my head. "It's not my blood," I said, even as I jerked my gaze down to DeeDee.

She didn't have a mark on her, so Linda and I gently log-rolled her to one side. I held her in place, while Linda checked carefully and finally found the source of the blood.

"There's a cut on the back of her head. I don't think it's too serious, but we need to get going," she announced, rocking back on her heels. She looked over at the jeep and I followed her gaze. It didn't take a mechanic to see that the jeep was not drivable.

"Now what?" She asked, her tone sounding petulant to my ears, as she brought her hands to her hips.

I clenched my jaw in anger. "Damnit!" I huffed as I stood up. "Should have just stayed where we were!"

"Are you blaming me!" Linda exclaimed, her voice rising in anger.

"No! I'm not blaming you. This isn't you're fault. It isn't anyone's fault."

(Except maybe Steve's,) I thought, but did not say. Damnit, here I was blaming a dead man, when I needed to take care of his wife and as yet, unborn child.

"Look," I said, lowering my tone, "We don't have time to just sit out here and bicker. We did what we thought was best and it didn't work out. Let's just get back to the house; otherwise we're going to be delivering this baby in the woods."

Linda ducked her head in shame. "You're right – I'm sorry I snapped at you. Let's get going, huh?" She hobbled back to the jeep and crawled in to get her medical bag and DeeDee's case.

I stared down at DeeDee's very pregnant body then looked up the road, mentally calculating the distance back to the house. It was about a mile back to the driveway, and another quarter of a mile up to the house, but I thought I could cut through the trees and hopefully shorten the distance. Thankful for once to be tall, I hefted DeeDee into my arms and awkwardly raised myself to a standing position, feeling her head resting against my chest. I stumbled before figuring out how to balance her weight and walk at the same time.

Chapter 9

Linda's eyes were wide with disbelief. "Are you really going to carry her the whole way back?"

"You got a better idea?" I huffed, already starting to sweat as I struggled up the incline. "'Cause, I gotta tell you, I'm open to suggestions at this point, seeing as how I think I've felt two contractions already."

"You'll never make it, Macho Man," she said with a snort, not quite mocking me.

I wasn't going to waste my breath arguing with her. Calling upon my inner stores of testosterone, I growled low in my throat, shifted my grip slightly and kept moving.

With a sigh of resignation, Linda limped behind me and we slowly made our way back.

I guess it must be true about the power of adrenaline, because somehow I kept going. Time became meaningless as I just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I know my arms were shaking uncontrollably from the strain, but it didn't mask the contractions I could feel tightening DeeDee's belly with alarming frequency. I'm pretty sure it was the contractions and not any special ability on my part that got me from the wreck back to the house.

Linda wisely kept silent. I figured that she had enough to worry about, dealing with her own discomfort, the heavy bags and knowing that she had a baby to bring into the world under less than ideal conditions.

Finally, we made it. My body was one gigantic ache. I was sweating profusely and all my muscles and joints were throbbing but I was relieved beyond belief to be back at the house with no sign of Lloyd Perry and his goons.

I tripped as I went through the front door and would have fallen flat if Linda hadn't been there to keep me upright. I shuddered at the thought of crushing DeeDee under me if we'd gone down. Somehow, I managed to stay upright just long enough to get to the bedroom and place DeeDee on the bed. Dog-tired, I collapsed next to her, my heart threatening to pound out of my chest and breathing like I'd just run a marathon. Which, I suppose, in a way, I did.

But this was more of a triathlon and now we were on the final stage.

Linda came out of the bathroom, drying her hands and set about getting out her supplies. "Rick, go get cleaned up while I check DeeDee. If she doesn't wake up pretty soon, I'm really going to need your help."

I was too nervous to ask just what kind of help I was going to be called upon to give, so I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed and did as I was instructed. Remembering that I had gone off without my luggage, I checked in the closet and found a small stash of Steve's clothes. Grimacing at the necessity of wearing them, I nonetheless grabbed a pair of shorts, sweats and a t-shirt and hurried to the shower.

The last thing I saw as I closed the bathroom door was Linda shining a penlight in DeeDee's eyes.

Chapter 10

"Rick! Hurry up – I need you out here!" Linda's voice called out, urgent but controlled.

(This is it!) I thought as I hurriedly dried off, got dressed, yet wanting nothing more that to stand under the hot water just five more minutes. Anything to avoid what I prayed would not be another tragic event.

I rushed over to the bed and saw that Linda had laid out blankets and towels and placed various medical items within easy reach.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked anxiously, although I was trying to appear calm.

"You're going to have to help DeeDee push. She still hasn't come around and the baby's going to need all the force I can get behind it. The head is already down in the birth canal – I don't think I could do a C-section now if I –was- in a hospital."

I felt my blood drain to my feet and I think I actually got a little light-headed. "Just how am I supposed to help her push?" I managed to get out.

"Don't be such a wuss," Linda chided me. "Sit behind her." She pulled DeeDee forward enough for me to slide in so that DeeDee's back was flush against my chest and my legs were positioned along the outside of hers.

"Okay, now tuck her head down and use your chin to keep her in position and grab behind her knees. Fold yourselves over when I tell you," Linda directed, as she took her position between DeeDee's legs and placed one hand on DeeDee's belly. I couldn't see her other hand, but her next words let me know where it was. "It's almost time," she said softly, "I can feel the head – it's right there."

I closed my eyes, not yet ready to see this. I concentrated on the woman in my arms, feeling the softness of her skin, smelling the floral scent of the shampoo she used and marveling at how incredible it was that she fit so neatly along my body.

"Okay, Rick – now!"

I took a huge breath, grasped her legs securely and pulled them up towards me as firmly as I dared. My eyes were squeezed tightly shut as I pressed down on DeeDee's head to keep us tucked. (Oh, God,) I thought, (please let this work.)

Chapter 11

Desperately, I hung on, feeling my strength fading and exhaustion creeping in. With my eyes still closed, it felt like a fog was starting to roll in and envelope me. Distantly, I realized that Linda was telling me to relax; that the contraction was over.

I let out the breath I'd been holding and slumped backwards. DeeDee's head lolled against my chest and my concern about her prolonged unconscious state began to escalate. I was about to question Linda when she suddenly ordered me back up.

Quickly, I scrambled to push us forward and adjusted my grip at DeeDee's legs.

"Come on, Rick –" Linda encouraged me, "Come on – you can do it."

When I heard her talk to me like that, I had an almost out-of-body experience – it was disorienting. Holding onto DeeDee, using my muscles to push a baby out of her body – it was downright weird. So strange and yet, I was completely awed by the power that coursed deep in her belly. I felt I was simply the tool to harness that power.

I just couldn't look. Not yet.

"It's coming, Rick. Hang on – don't move." Linda's voice was calm, in control and it kept me confident.

Without warning, DeeDee began to stir; a low moan escaped her lips. Startled, I loosened my hold.

"No!" Linda snapped. "Don't let go, Rick – I've almost got the head out!"

I nodded in understanding and took a brief peek over the swell of DeeDee's swollen belly. I caught a glimpse of wet, black hair, molded against the head – no face was visible yet.

DeeDee's movements became more purposeful; her cries of pain tore at my heart, but Linda cautioned me not to release my hold. "Talk to her, Rick – try to get her to wake up and focus. Tell her the baby is coming – but keep this position."

"Got it," I told her and turned my attention to DeeDee. She was crying and her hands were prying at my arms.

"Ssh," I said, my lips at her ear, "DeeDee – it's Rick. Can you open your eyes? Open your eyes, DeeDee – it's time. Your baby is almost out." I kept my voice low, trying to mirror the tone that Linda had used before.

Just as I thought she was going to settle down, she screamed – the sound reverberating in the small room.

"The baby's out!" Linda called out joyfully. "It's a girl!"

Without stopping to think, I released DeeDee's legs and jerked my head up in time to see Linda place a tiny baby, glistening with amniotic fluid, on her mother's belly. The baby cried lustily as Linda vigorously toweled her off and my eyes felt as wide as saucers as I stared in open-mouthed awe. Just moments ago, she'd been in her mother's womb and now she was here – alive. I just sat there – unaware of anything but the new life in front of me.

Linda cooed softly as she quickly measured, weighed and expertly affixed what had to be the smallest diaper I had ever seen.

"Welcome back, DeeDee," Linda looked up and said with a relieved smile.

My whole body jerked when I realized that not only had DeeDee stopped struggling, but that she was awake and I hadn't even realized it.

"Oh my God – is she okay?" DeeDee breathed, her voice weak and laced with fear. She struggled to pull herself up and didn't seem to notice that I helped her. She only had eyes for the baby that Linda quickly swaddled and placed in her arms.

I couldn't observe DeeDee's face, but when she cuddled the baby to her, I was able to see the tiny miracle with large bluish green eyes that blinked owlishly back at me, unable to focus.

"She's perfect," Linda reassured DeeDee, as she peered into her eyes, I guess to make sure that she was okay. Then she turned her attention to me. "Is my big, macho cousin crying?"

I grabbed a clean towel next to me and wiped my face then stared back at her unabashedly unashamed. "You did a great job – thank you."

Linda quirked her lips. "Couldn't have done it without you, you know. I'm really proud of you."

"Uh – excuse me," DeeDee diverted her attention from the baby to Linda and me. We looked at her expectantly. "Would either of you be willing to tell me just what all I missed, including the birth of my daughter and why in the world I have a headache the size of a small city?" She seemed to be realizing that we were back in the house. "Hey, weren't we on the road out of here?"

Linda and I chuckled ruefully and took turns filling DeeDee in.

"Congratulations, DeeDee," I said, giving her a gentle squeeze.

She smiled back at me radiantly. I scrutinized every inch of her face – flushed cheeks, dark circles under her eyes, lips parchment dry but back to her eyes – they were warm and radiant and wet with tears. I reached up to wipe them away.

"Thank you. For everything. Both of you. I can't even think what I would have done if you hadn't come," she whispered hoarsely.

I shook my head. That scenario didn't bear contemplating, as far as I was concerned. "Do you have a name for her?"

DeeDee looked down at her daughter, smiling through a fresh bout of silent tears. "Olivia. Steve wanted Olivia if it was a girl."

I rolled the name around in my mind, trying it on for size. Olivia. I liked it.

When Linda informed me that she still needed to deliver the placenta, I decided it was time for me to make a quick getaway. I –was- a wuss and proud of it when it came to this stuff. A baby was one thing, and I may have missed most of it – but I really didn't think my services would be required at this stage. I carefully extricated myself from behind DeeDee and thought I would make a clean getaway, when Linda asked me to hold the baby.

"Why?" I blurted, without thinking how it might come out.

Linda rolled her eyes. "DeeDee and I are going to be a little busy with this last part and then I'm going to help her take a shower herself and get the bed remade for her."

Suddenly feeling awkward and nervous, I reached out for the tiny bundle in DeeDee's arms and she almost reluctantly handed her newborn over to me.

"You – you won't drop her, right?"

I caught the twinkle in her eye and realized she had more faith in me than I did. With a gulp, I gingerly held her baby girl as if it was a ticking time bomb and went over to the rocking chair by the window. Moving slowly, I managed to sit down without dropping her and clumsily turned the bundle so that she was now in the crook of my left arm.

And then I looked at her. I really looked at her. She was beautiful and suddenly I couldn't take my eyes off of her. My right hand strayed up to ever so gently caress her downy soft cheek, the tip of her tiny upturned nose and across her satiny smooth lips.

Little Olivia was truly a miracle, completely unblemished by the cruelty of man. She was pure innocence and as yet untouched by the horror and tragedy subjected to her mother on the day of her birth.

When I felt her impossibly small hand touch my fingers, I maneuvered them so she could grasp my pinky.

I'm pretty sure that when those baby fingers wrapped around mine, I fell head over heels in love with little Olivia. Totally and completely. She stared up at me and I down at her and I suddenly saw her life flash before my eyes. Everything that her father was going to miss.

It hit me hard. My chest grew tight and my eyes welled up with tears. I vowed then and there that I would do whatever it took to make sure this precious creature was taken care of. I would lay down my life for her.

I don't know how long I sat there, holding her, but I must have dozed off. Obviously I hadn't loosened my hold on her, because when I felt her move, I clutched her protectively to my chest.

"Whoa – easy, Rick – " Linda admonished me. "It's okay – just me."

Reluctantly I released her and noticed that the bed was empty and the sheets had been changed.

"Where's DeeDee?" I asked, resisting the urge to reach up and rub at my burning eyes.

"About to take a quick shower. And I'm pretty sure she's gonna want the baby back when she's done."

I couldn't help but notice her eyes were gleaming. (Busted,) I thought a trifle sheepishly.

Linda checked the now sleeping baby over. "Why don't you see if there's anything to eat, that's quick to fix. I know we're all exhausted, but we should try and get some nourishment. DeeDee especially needs to get her fluid level up so she can breastfeed."

I nodded and headed for the kitchen.

Exactly one hour later, we had polished off 6 cans of various soups and crackers and we were ready for bed. Linda and DeeDee would stay in the master bedroom with the baby and I would settle in on the too small couch. As exhausted as I was, sleep was hard to let in. I was too nervous that Lloyd was still out there – somewhere.

We had to get out of here. Soon.