Page 25 of Her Baby His Gift

Her mouth felt like sandpaper.Why can’t I do it? Why can’t I say yes?Not only were her palms sweaty, but Harlem’s body felt hot all over. She didn’t want to lose Damian, with more time she might fall in love with him. Harlem just wasn’t sure she could go along with his plans for the rest of their lives either. She was not ready to make a decision.

Damian’s phone continued to buzz. Then, all of a sudden, Harlem’s cell and office line began to ring too.

That’s odd. It was after hours. Who could be calling us both at the same time on our anniversary?She glanced over at the potentially life-saving object. “Seriously, maybe one of us should answer our phone.”

Uneasiness swept over Damian. Everyone knew about his plans with Harlem. He tore his eyes away from her and pulled his phone out of his suit coat pocket. Irritated, he answered. “This is Dame.”

Harlem could see by the change in his expression that something was seriously wrong.

Slowly, he stood. “What hospital?”

Her body went from hot to cold.

“We’re on our way.” Damian disconnected the line. “That was Carter. Nate and Melody were in a car accident.”

“Oh, God.” Harlem quickly grabbed her purse from off her desk. “How bad?”

“Not good.” Damian reached for Harlem, and they ran out of her office.

For now, the decision about their future was temporarily put on hold, and for that, Harlem was grateful.

******

They rushed into the emergency room of Loyola University Hospital. Damian and Harlem were immediately met by Carter.

Worried, Damian asked. “How are they?”

“Nate has a mild concussion and a broken arm. Melody was unconscious when they brought her in. We don’t know how bad, but . . .

Nervously, Harlem urged Carter on. “But what?”

“She’s in labor. They’re going to have to take the baby via emergency cesarean.”

“My God. It’s too soon. She’s only twenty-four weeks.” Harlem couldn’t believe this was happening to Damian’s business partner and his wife. Damian squeezed her hand to reassure both himself and her. “They are going to be fine. All three of them.”

Carter wasn’t so sure. Nate would lose his mind if anything were to ever happen to Melody or the baby.

“Did anyone contact their families?” Harlem asked.

Carter nodded. “I called their parents. I’m sending my plane for them. They should be here in the next few hours.” Carter figured Harlem had to be really worried. She’d spoken more to him in the last few minutes than she had over the past six months. He was Damian’s friend, and Harlem kind of came along with the package. He hated the way she always looked down on him and the way he chose to live his life. She was the poster child for boujee.

Harlem was indeed surprised at how Carter was stepping up.“I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.”The man was actually thinking of someone other than himself.Harlem turned to Damian. “I’m going to head over to the waiting room.”

“I’ll be there in a sec. I need a quick word with Carter.”

Harlem nodded and left.

“What the hell happened?” Damian asked. “And why do I get the feeling you were downplaying the seriousness of Melody’s situation? Is there something else I should know?”

“They were hit almost head-on by a drunk driver. Mel's injuries are severe. I didn’t want to say much in front of Harlem. I know how sensitive she is about drunk-driving after almost losing her father in an accident. Anyway, I’ve already made a few calls to make sure that Nate and Melody have the best care possible.”

“I didn’t think this night could get any worse,” Damian said.

“I take it Harlem wasn’t too pleased with your promise ring.” Carter figured Damian’s plan wasn’t going to go over well.

“We have shit to deal with. We’ll figure it out.” Damian was confident about that.

Carter wasn’t so sure they would figure things out. Damian needed a woman who would cater to his every need. Harlem was not that person. Carter kept his thoughts to himself. “Let me call my assistant so she can finish arranging the hotel and ground transportation for Nate and Melody’s parents.”

---