Chapter 28
Sherry lay across the bed after waking from her nap. She didn’t feel refreshed, having tossed and turned for most of the past two hours. She actually felt worse. The afternoon had trudged by, and she had nothing to show for it. She wanted to be at the office, but Madeline had killed that job. Sherry acknowledged that although Madeline’s interference had nudged her out of DMI, she was planning to leave soon, anyway. This pregnancy was much more difficult than the last one, and the sensation of being overwhelmed was constant. Seven months along and her nerves were shot.
She grabbed a magazine from the nightstand and flipped through the pages. A few minutes later, she nestled into the stack of pillows and balled up in the fetal position. Boredom was hounding her every second. She reached over to grab the phone. Hopefully, Dave was coming home soon. She yearned for his company. She dialed his number at the office.
Her husband answered.
“I’m so glad you answered. Thank goodness,” she said, not hiding her relief.
“Why? Is everything all right?”
She could hear the concern in his voice, and it was soothing. That was what she needed, reassurance of her husband’s love. After the run-in with Madeline this afternoon, her confidence had been bruised, but a few words from Dave and she was bursting with joy. She smiled within.
“Don’t worry. I’m well. You don’t have to dote on me,” she said. “I was just a little tired.”
“Take a nap.”
“I tried, but it didn’t work out too well.” The picture of Madeline kicking her out of the office wanted to take hold again, but Sherry resisted. She wasn’t going to let doubt creep in, not while Dave was near. “I’m not used to napping during the day. I’m used to being at DMI working with you.”
“Hmm, how about that.”
“But I’ll have to find other activities to fill my day, at least until the baby comes.”
“Sherry, I have something important to talk to you about.”
Due to the change in his tone, she instantly began to worry. “What is it?”
“I’d prefer to tell you in person.”
“Dave, you’re scaring me,” Sherry said, sitting up in the bed, drawing a pillow to her stomach, and clutching it tightly, as though it represented her grip on maintaining the joy she was finally feeling.
“There’s no need to be scared. It’s a family matter that we’ll need to discuss when I get home. And then we have to make some decisions.”
“When will you be home?”
“I’m planning to leave in a few hours. I should be walking in the door between seven thirty and eight.”
She glanced at the clock. It was only five o’clock. A few hours was going to be like an eternity. She was already dreading each minute but didn’t want him to feel pressured to get home sooner. Her greatest wish was that Dave could spend more time with her so they could be a true family, but that wasn’t possible for now. She accepted his priorities but didn’t like how it made her feel. Sherry put up a good front and acted as if she didn’t have any doubts. This night was no different than last night or the one before that.
“Take your time. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get home,” she said, rubbing her belly. “Me and baby Mitchell will be happy to see you.”
They exchanged loving good-byes and ended the call. Sherry wanted to relax and maybe take another nap, but Dave’s tone wasn’t easy to forget. She racked her brain about what Dave wanted to discuss. She figured it had something to do with Madeline. It always had something to do with Madeline. Sherry pulled the pillow to her chest and rocked back and forth, fighting with her emotions. She had to stay calm for the baby. The memory of losing her first baby was too raw and served as a constant reminder of why she had to avoid danger at all costs. She rubbed her belly gently, incessantly, yearning to connect with her baby, one who would love her unconditionally, the one she wouldn’t have to share with another woman. She slid down under the covers and let the indescribable love for her baby wipe away the looming fear.