Baby Love (Baby #2)(84)

I didn't pretend to understand the medical terminology. It sounded to me as if Maggie could be on borrowed time. I needed some of that time. I was determined to have it.

"Is she coherent Trey?"

"I don't know about that. They started her on intravenous antibiotics at the infirmary. The jail chaplain went with her to the hospital and she is to contact me as soon as Maggie is stabilized. She understands that you are a relative so it is possible you will be permitted in on the ICU."

"Trey sweetie - please do your best. I have to talk to Maggie. This may be my last opportunity."

"I understand baby. I will call you just as soon as I hear from the chaplain. I'm not letting you go up there by yourself though. Do you have someone to watch Preston?"

"Jean's just finishing up here. I'll see if she can stay over."

"Okay sweetie; make those arrangements and wait to hear back from me. I love you Tylar."

"I love you Trey."

I busied myself with getting dinner prepared. I had gone online to a great website called, 'Pinterest' and found all kinds of great tips for cooking. I was all into making crock pot stuff so I found a recipe for roasted chicken and dressing that could be made in the crock pot. I prepared it according to instructions and went about my usual business.

Jean had finished the cleaning just as Preston awoke from her nap. She went ahead and changed her while I showered and dressed. Preston was in her playpen playing when I emerged, Jean had dressed her so cute in blue jeans and an Atlanta Falcon's sweatshirt. Trey had purchased the sweatshirt for her awhile back. Jean had piled her baby hair into another 'Pebbles' ponytail.

She scrambled to her legs holding onto the netting of the playpen as she pulled herself up. She was smiling and gibbering at me.

"Hi sweetheart," I gushed at her going over to where she was. "Did mommy's baby have a nice nap?"

"Maamaa"

I looked at her and she was holding her arms up.

"You just called me 'mama' Preston. What a good girl," I crooned scooping her up.

We settled back on the sofa. I switched the television on and channel surfed for something other than any of the multiple ESPN channels Trey subscribed. Preston was tugging at my blouse with her little fingers. I unfastened the buttons, and unhooked my bra giving her access. She eagerly cuddled up against me and began nursing.

Jean came into the room and asked if I wanted her to puree some of the boiled turkey and sweet potatoes that I had cooked.

"Yes Jean I would appreciate that. I also want to thank you for all of your help these past few weeks."

"I love caring for Preston and for you and Trey too for that matter," she said with a smile.

"I was telling my daughter Cathy just last week how much I was going to hate it when you moved out to the county in a few weeks."

"Jean - Trey and I have been meaning to discuss that with you. I apologize that we haven't done it sooner. Would you consider moving out there with us? The house is plenty big and you would draw a full-time salary."

"Why Tylar I don't know what to say," she said, starting to get a bit choked up.

"I'm so honored that you would ask me. Of course I would love that. I love my daughter Cathy - don’t get me wrong but sharing an apartment with her and her husband Hank these past few weeks hasn't been the ideal situation."

"Fantastic," I said. "Then its official and I for one couldn't be happier Jean."

I finished nursing Preston and got her settled in her playpen. I was showing her how to put a ten piece wooden puzzle together when Trey called on the landline.

"I've been trying to call your cell," he said.

"Sorry Trey - I must've have left in the bedroom after my shower."

"Good you're ready then. I'm on my way to the apartment. I should be there in five minutes so walk out front and I will pick you up there. We're on our way to the hospital. Maggie is lucid and this might be the best opportunity you will have to talk to her."

I made haste to let Jean know that I was leaving. She had been perfectly willing to stay as late as I needed her to stay. I had filled her in a little bit on the details. She was a compassionate person.

I grabbed my jacket and gave Preston a kiss and was out the door. Once on the elevator I had a few moments to reflect on all that was happening.



I realized that I had no clue how I would react when I saw Maggie again after all of this time. I had no idea what emotions would rise to the surface. I hadn't seen her for more than a year though it appears she had never been far from me at times. There was a possibility she would not give me the information I wanted knowing the depths of her hatred. Trey had just pulled his Mercedes up to the curb when the doorman opened the door for me and I stepped out onto the sidewalk.

"Hi baby," he said as I got in and fastened my seat belt. "Are you ready for this?"

"I've been ready for this for a long time Trey. I'm scared and anxious. I'm not sure what to expect."

"That's natural sweetie," he said.

"Let me fill you in as far as what I know. The chaplain said that Maggie is resting comfortably. She is still on IV antibiotics and some pain meds as well. If they can eradicate the infection from her blood before it kills off her organs she will survive."