Page 108 of Walk on the Wilder Side

“Yes. Good idea,” I said, my stunned mind still reeling from the news.

The three Widows all rose at once, and in an instant, I was wrapped up tight in their warm embrace.

“She’ll be okay, Sylvie,” Doris said first.

“We’re gonna get you home to her. I promise,” Marge said.

“I’m not there. I should be there with her right now.” Tears broke loose and started streaming down my face. “My baby needs me.”

Alice squeezed me tighter. “Take comfort in the fact that Blake is there, and Tom will be there soon. And we’re going to get you there as fast as we can.”

I closed my eyes for a moment and sank into their comforting embrace, then with a deep breath, I sniffled and cleared my throat. “Okay. Now is not the time to fall apart. We have to get to the airport and get home right away. The flight is about sixteen hours, and with travel time and waiting, it will be almost twenty-four hours before I can get to her.” My heart clenched thinking about the length of time it would take to reach her.

“Then we’d better get moving. Okay!” Marge clapped. “Hustle up, ladies! Let’s make a plan! Alice, use your tablet to find the next flight out of here.”

“On it.” She hurried over to the bed.

“Doris, call the lodge and tell them we need a ride to the airport stat. We’ll go now so we don’t get snowed in.”

“Going!” she rushed off toward the phone.

“Sylvie. Just take a breath and try to relax. I know this is scary, and I know you’re probably dying inside right now, but panicking won’t change anything. Take a deep breath and know that she’s in good hands and we’re going to get you there as soon as we can. Okay?”

I nodded, and the tears started streaming once again.

As I stood there, stunned, while my Widows rushed around me, I tried not to let my mind race off with all the worst-case scenarios that could be going on. I grabbed my phone and called Blake, hoping that he could give me more information. When he answered, panic laced his voice.

“Sylvie? Thank God,” he said.

“What is going on, Blake? Tell me everything.”

“She developed preeclampsia. They are doing everything they can to treat it and not have to deliver the baby early, but if they don’t have things under control by tomorrow night, they are going to have to do an emergency c-section.”

“Oh, my God,” I whispered into the phone. “Is she okay? Can I talk to her?”

“She’s with the doctors getting some treatments done right now to get her blood pressure down. They are worried about organ damage.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “Oh, my God. My poor baby.”

“She’s okay right now, Sylvie. She’s in good hands with great doctors. They are going to do everything they can to fix her so she can carry to term, but if things don’t turn around, then we need to deliver early.”

“I’m trying to get home as fast as I can. Please tell her that I will move mountains to get back there. If we fly out tonight, we’ll be there tomorrow night. Just tell her to stay strong. Mommy is coming.”

“Thank you, Sylvie. She’ll be so happy to know you’re coming. She loves you so much.”

The tears broke loose as I nodded, choking out, “I love her so much too. Tell her I’m coming. And Blake, please keep my baby safe.”

“I will. She’s the love of my life. I’ll make sure she and my baby are in the best of hands.”

“Thank you, Blake,” I said. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Travel safe, Sylvie.”

We hung up as Alice shouted. “The airport is still open! There is a flight leaving in four hours.”

“Book it!” Marge shouted.

“Done!” Alice spun back to the tablet.

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