Semua Bab Decisions I made : Bab 221 - Bab 230

By the time they got Lela to the hospital, there was no question that something was happening. The contractions had become stronger and closer together during the drive, and by the time the nurses got her into a room, Lela was exhausted. She was pale, sweaty, and barely had enough energy to answer the questions being thrown at her. Jack stayed beside her the entire time, holding her hand and trying desperately to keep his own fear from showing.The doctors decided that Lela was progressing quickly and that they needed to move things along. Her water was broken, and almost immediately, Lela knew something wasn't right. The pain intensified so quickly that she couldn't catch her breath between contractions."I can't do this," she cried."You can," Jack told her, even though his voice shook. "I'm right here.""I can't.""I'm here."She gripped his hand."I hurt so bad."The epidural was administered, but it seemed to come far too early in the process and did not give Lela the relief ever

Jack waited until Lela had calmed down enough to breathe normally before he reached for his phone. He didn't want to make the call in front of her, but there was no way around it. If there was even the slightest chance of keeping him home, he was going to fight for it.He stepped toward the window and dialed his first sergeant.The call was answered quickly."First Sergeant speaking.""First Sergeant, it's Jack."There was a brief pause."Congratulations, Sergeant. I just got word. How's Mom and baby?"Jack looked back at Lela."Both are okay.""Good. I'm actually on my way to the hospital."Jack frowned."You're coming here?""Of course. I'm coming to welcome the newest member of the family."Jack smiled despite everything."Thank you.""I'll talk to you and Lela when I get there."Jack lowered his voice."First Sergeant, sir...""I know.""You know?""I know about the deployment."Jack closed his eyes."Sir, I just had my daughter.""I know.""My wife needs me.""I know."There was

The happiness of bringing Lillian home lasted only a short time before reality began creeping back into the room.For the first two days, Lela tried not to think about it. She wanted to enjoy every second of having her daughter home. She wanted to wake up in the middle of the night and hear Lillian making those tiny newborn noises. She wanted to watch Jack stumble out of bed, still half asleep, and immediately check on the baby before he even remembered what day it was. She wanted to watch him learn how to change diapers, warm bottles, fold tiny blankets, and hold his daughter against his chest while walking around the living room.But there was a clock hanging over all of it.Jack was leaving.Two days after they brought Lillian home.The first night home, Lela barely slept. She would wake every time Lillian made a sound, check that she was breathing, adjust the blanket, and then stare across the room at Jack sleeping beside her. She knew he needed the rest, but she couldn't stop loo

Morning came before either of them were ready.Lela woke to Jack's alarm and immediately knew what day it was. For a moment she kept her eyes closed, pretending she hadn't heard it. She wanted to freeze time. She wanted the clock to stop. She wanted to stay underneath the blankets with Jack's arm around her and pretend that the outside world didn't exist.But the alarm continued.Jack reached over and turned it off.Neither of them spoke.Lela finally opened her eyes.Jack was staring at the ceiling."Morning," he whispered.Lela swallowed."Morning."He turned toward her.Neither of them smiled.Today was the day.Jack sat up slowly and rubbed his face."I don't want to get up.""Me neither."He looked at the clock."We don't have much time."Lela immediately felt the tears coming."I know."Jack leaned over and kissed her."I love you.""I love you too."He got dressed quietly.Lela watched him put on his uniform.She had seen him do it countless times before, but that morning every

The next afternoon was supposed to be simple.At least, that was what Lela thought when her father announced that everyone was going shopping.She was sitting in the living room with Lily sleeping against her chest when Paul walked in with his car keys."We're going to Gymboree."Lela looked up."Why?""Because Lily needs clothes."Lela glanced down at the baby."She has clothes."Paul shook his head."She needs more.""Dad, she's barely been home a week.""Exactly."Victoria laughed from the other side of the room."Don't argue with him. You won't win."Lela sighed."I know."Gymboree was a disaster almost immediately.Paul walked into the store like a man on a mission.Lela followed behind him, already nervous."Dad.""What?""Please don't buy everything.""I'm not."She smiled."Thank you.""I'm buying what she needs."Lela should have known better.Ten minutes later, Paul had an armful of tiny dresses, shirts, sweaters, pants, pajamas, socks, shoes, and outfits so small that Lela