Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)(37)

For the first time Cole realized something about Elise and his mom. They were kindred spirits. Both pretty with beautiful brunette hair. Both artists. Both of them dreamers and doers and people who wouldn’t give up on their passions. And both bent on finding their own way. Even in the face of great consequences.

No wonder God had brought Elise into his life.

His mom explained that she had no choice but to keep her baby. “The first time I held Cole I knew. He was mine forevermore. He had always been mine.” A depth filled her voice. Cole had never heard her talk like this. His mother wasn’t finished. “God hadn’t only spared my little boy’s life. He had spared mine. Because if I would’ve aborted that child . . . that gift . . . I would’ve hated myself for the rest of my life.”

An awful realization seemed to come over Elise. “You mean, like every time it would’ve been his birthday?”

“And every Christmas and summer vacation.” Cole’s mother slid forward again. Her voice was intense. “Every time I looked out the window at the morning sun, I’d wonder where that baby was. Why I hadn’t done everything in my power to protect him.” She stopped and lifted her eyes to the window, to the sky beyond. Then she turned to Elise again. “I thank God every day for Cole. For the fact that God talked to me and because He did, Cole is alive today.”

Cole looked at Elise. It was a lot for her, he could tell. She closed her eyes and hung her head. Cole wondered if she might be changing her mind. Maybe doubting her decision. Finally she looked at his mom again. “So . . . you don’t think I should have an abortion?”

“Elise.” His mom stood and crossed the carpet to the sofa. She took the spot on the other side of Elise. “The cells inside of you are a life. A baby.”

“But I don’t want a baby.” Elise’s answer came rapid fire. “The . . . the situation was terrible. Worse than whatever happened to you in Paris.”

His mom’s smile was colored in sadness. “Maybe. But it’s never a good situation when you wind up pregnant and considering an abortion.”

An awkward feeling came over Cole. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear many more details. But he stayed quiet, waiting.

“I volunteer at the crisis pregnancy center, Elise. Week after week I see women who’ve already had an abortion and now they’re pregnant again.” She paused, her voice filled with passion. “The truth is that when a woman goes into an abortion clinic, there are two victims. One doesn’t come out. One does.” She looked at Elise for a long moment. “Keep your baby, Elise. Every child is a gift from God. And if you choose, you could always place your child up for adoption.”

Adoption. Cole let the word ricochet in his heart. What if his mother had done that? They wouldn’t even know each other. And he would’ve missed out on being a Baxter. He would’ve never known his dad, Landon.

His mom was still talking. “Elise, I don’t know if you should raise your baby or place the child in an adoptive home.” Her voice grew soft again. “This will be one of the biggest decisions of your life.”

“H-how am I supposed to do that?” Tears fell onto her cheeks. “I want to go to NYU. To study art.”

Gently, his mother reached out and took Elise’s hand in hers. “There’s only one way to make a decision like that. You talk to God about it.”

“It’s been . . . a long time.” Elise sounded ashamed. “Prayer works, though. I believe that.” She looked at both of them. “Cole prayed for a patient of mine. That her family would show up before she died.” Elise paused. “And they did. It was a miracle. I just found that out.”

“They did?” Cole felt a surge of hope. “They showed up?”

“Yes.” Elise turned to him. “It’s just . . . why would God listen to me now?”

Cole’s response was instant. “Because He loves you.” Like it was the most natural thing, Cole covered her hands with his own. “Come on. We could pray now.”

Elise hesitated. Fresh tears gathered in her eyes like all of this was a battle too great for her to fight alone. Then finally she squeezed her eyes shut and hung her head.

His mom nodded to him. “Go ahead.”

“Okay.” Cole hesitated. This was easily the most important prayer he’d ever spoken. Give me the words, God. Please. He sat up straighter and closed his eyes. “Lord, we come to you with so many emotions. And so much at stake.” He paused. “Elise is going to have a baby. You know that, of course. But Elise doesn’t know what to do next.”

He was still for a moment. God’s presence was here. Cole was sure. “Please, will You give Elise clear direction? If she is supposed to raise this child, then put that on her heart. And if she’s supposed to find another home for the baby, please make that clear, too. Because right now, You’re the only One who can. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

When they stood, Elise hugged his mom. She wasn’t exactly crying, but tears kept sliding down her cheeks. Even so, it seemed the fear and uncertainty from earlier were gone. “I have a lot to think about.”

“You do.” His mother hugged her again. “I’ll be praying for you. And believing. That God will lead you where He wants you to go.”

On the ride home, Cole’s conversation with Elise was limited. She reached for his hand halfway there and that was enough. What could either of them say? Elise had the decision of a lifetime ahead of her. The silence was more important than words.