Page 64 of The Homecoming

“It would.”

Without questioning a word, her mother left the room.

“You gave me quite a scare,” Brandon said.

The world was still fuzzy. “You delivered him,” she said to Brandon. The dark stain spattered down the front of him caked into his pants on his knees. “Is that blood?”

Brandon nodded and scooted his chair closer to the bedside as he looked at her. “It’s yours. You lost a lot, but they’re giving you some back.” He gestured to the needle sticking out of her hand and the red liquid in a tube taped to her skin.

“When did that happen?”

“Almost immediately,” he whispered. “I opted not to point it out.”

She absorbed what he said. “You pulled him out?”

He nodded. “You lost consciousness, and I didn’t have a choice. I got him out; the cord was wrapped around his neck. The dispatch lady warned me it might be. Cut the cord with my knife.” He sighed and appeared drained. “I wiped up his face and smacked his back until he started screaming and wrapped him in my over shirt by the time Weasel, the entire police force, and an ambulance arrived.”

“Weasel was there?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yeah, he’s currently swearing his way through emergency services.”

“You saved us,” she whispered, tears escaping the corner of her eyes.

“I pulled my head outta my ass,” he smiled.

“I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough.”

“You can start by never,everdoing that again.”

She smiled. “I’ll try my best.” She lifted her hand to him, and he took it in his own. “Go home, get cleaned up, and get some rest. You look like hell.”

“Girl, have you seen a mirror?” he asked.

She spotted Hannah in the corner of the room, knowing her wedding was in two days. “What are you doing here?” She motioned to Hannah. “You should be busy with your wedding. Oh my god, your wedding, I hope I didn’t ruin your—”

“Stop,” Hannah cut her off. “It’s fine. Nothing’s ruined, calm down.” She crossed the room and sat at the foot of the bed. “Everything’s taken care of. The rehearsal dinner is tomorrow night. Besides, I had to come out here and make sure you and the baby were okay.”

Autumn exhaled, but knew Hannah wasn’t just a client. Her friend was getting married. “But I’m going to miss your wedding.”

“And for the best reason ever,” she smiled. The door opened and Autumn’s mom filed inside, followed by a nurse pushing a clear bassinet with a little bundle in a blue hat.

Everyone in the room emitted simultaneous coos.

“We’ll all go and give you two some time,” Hannah suggested.

Rebecca came over and hugged her. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thank you,” she replied. “Hey Brandon,” Autumn called as he returned to her bedside. “What’s your middle name?”

He appeared puzzled. “Maxwell.”

She smiled as the nurse placed her baby in her arms. “Everyone, meet Daniel Maxwell McMillan.”

***

Autumn’s cell phone displayed a number she didn’t recognize. She held her breath and hoped it was Daniel. How would she tell him? She answered, but the strained voice on the other end was Jason.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “Are you and the baby alright?”

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