Page 42 of Holiday Haven

“Adam, wait.” She caught the sleeve of his leather jacket. “What is it? What's wrong?”

“Jillian might be losing the baby.” His terse voice cut deep. “I have to go.”

“I'll come with you.” She didn’t hesitate to make the offer because she’d switched to work the day shift due to a sick call. She had only lingered to spend more time with Joy. “It will only take a minute for me to grab my purse and my coat from the locker room. “

“No.” Adam’s curt tone stopped her, especially when he pulled out of her grasp. “There’s no need for you to be there. It’s better if I go alone.”

Better to go alone? For whom? Stunned, she stared at him as he strode out of Joy’s room without looking back.

His abrupt dismissal hurt. More than she'd ever thought possible. What was going on with him, anyway? Once again, he had emotionally withdrawn from her, shutting her out of his life during a time of crisis.

Did she need any more proof that he wasn't interested in a long-term relationship? Seemed as if he'd made his intentions crystal clear.

Feeling sick at heart, she sank into the rocking chair.

Adam didn't need her. And he certainly didn't love her.

Not the way she loved and needed him.

* * *

Adam strodedown the hall of Trinity Medical Center to the waiting area on the seventh floor where the labor and delivery unit was located.

He wasn't surprised to see most of his family had already gathered there. His parents were seated next to each other, his father's strong arm hooked around his mother's slim shoulders. Amber and Nick were there, along with Andrea and her husband Stuart. Shannon sat next to Bethany and Ben, Andrea and Stewart's two kids. Even Austin was there, looking grim as usual.

The mood in the room was understandably somber. His mother's eyes looked suspiciously bright, as if she had been crying. Even the kids were unnaturally quiet. Taking up a position at the back of the room, his back pressed against the wall, he was glad he hadn't taken Krista up on her offer to skip work to come with him. The situation here with his family was awkward enough.

He knew, more than anyone, just how helpless Alec was feeling right now.

“Have you heard anything yet?” He asked, breaking the silence.

“No.” Amber lifted her head from her husband's chest, lines of concern bracketing her mouth. He understood this was probably hitting her hard, since she was pregnant as well. “Alec said he'd let us know when he has news.”

“A little spotting doesn't necessarily mean the pregnancy is in trouble,” his mother said in a soft tone. “I had spotting with my second pregnancy, too, and Andrea is proof that everything worked out in the long run.”

“I didn't know that,” Andrea said. Adam figured his mother was trying to remain positive for Shannon’s sake. “I will be more than happy to find out we've all been sitting here worrying over nothing.”

He would, too. But didn't believe it. The nauseous feeling in his stomach reminded him too much of the past. Glancing at Amber and Nick, he could see his younger sister didn't believe it either.

Time seemed to stand still. Or maybe it just moved with excruciating slowness. Every time he glanced at the clock, it was barely a minute since the last time he checked.

After what seemed like forever, Alec walked in, his shoulders slumped and his expression grim. He went straight over to Shannon and pulled her into his arms for a big hug.

“I'm sorry, Jillian lost the baby,” he said in a choked voice.

“No!” Shannon cried, burying her face against Alec’s chest, her little shoulders shaking with sobs.

“Shh, it's alright,” Alec soothed, maintaining a brave front, although Adam could tell his brother was close to losing it. “The doctor says there's a reason this happened. The baby wasn't strong enough to survive. Jillian is fine. The doctor said we can try again in a few months.” He smoothed the hand down Shannon’s hair. “Don't cry. We’re going to be okay. Our baby is in heaven with God.”

Adam tore his gaze away, unable to bear his brother's pain. The situation with Jillian was very different from what he'd experienced. She'd only been nine weeks pregnant, not eighteen as Danielle had been.

And more importantly, Jillian hadn't lost her baby as a result of a man’s carelessness.

“Are they going to discharge Jillian?” Amber asked, her eyes damp with tears.

Alec shook his head. “Not yet. They want to keep an eye on her for a while.” He glanced at his daughter. “Shannon, honey, do you mind staying overnight with Aunt Andrea and Bethany?”

The little girl sniffled and swiped at her eyes. Bravely, she shook her head. “No, I don't mind, Daddy. If that’s what you think is best.”

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