Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(12)

Margie says, “It’ll be okay. Do you have the pictures of Jamie?”

“I do, they’re in my purse. I also included some newspaper articles of the accident and the obituary.” I put my hand on my stomach to calm the kicking. “I think the baby’s upset.”

“Where’s Robert? You need to probably get going.”

“I’m here,” he says, straightening his black tie.

I hear a car door shut and look out the kitchen window. Bruce is also straightening his tie as he walks up to the door.

“Good morning, Bruce,” Robert says, as he opens the door.

“Good morning. How are you both holding up?” He asks as he walks into the house. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you have company.”

“Oh, Bruce, please come in.” I introduce him to our parents before we leave. On the drive to the hospital, Robert and I sit in the back of his Mercedes. Taking deep breaths to try to calm my nerves, I decide it’s useless. I hold the stack of gifts and drum my fingers repeatedly on the top gift.

On the drive there Bruce tells us who all will be in this meeting. The other family and the girl involved in the baby swap, their attorney, the CEO, president, and the hospital attorney, and us. I remove the pictures and articles from my purse and hand them to Bruce. “When you feel the time is right, give these to the family.”

He takes them and smiles sadly. “I will.” I watch as he carefully places them in his inside suit pocket.

We stop by the florist first, and Robert and I get our flowers for Jamie. We visit with her as Bruce waits in the car. He constantly looks around and I wonder who he is looking for. There were no news reporters at the gate when we came in, or at Jamie’s cemetery plot. Bruce said he called the Chief of Police at the Police Department and asked them for security around the cemetery today. I guess being a judge has its perks.

We kneel down on her grave and I cry. I pray to God and talk to Jamie. I pray for strength and I tell Jamie how much I will always love her. I tell her she is my forever, no matter what. Robert wipes down her granite tombstone and I pick away the leaves and weeds. Robert says, “We love you, Jamie,” before we leave.

Robert holds my hand and stares out the window. He says nothing on the way there.

“They instructed us to park in the employee lot,” Bruce says.

I open my eyes and take notice that we are already here. My heart beats a little faster and the baby kicks a little harder. Robert places his hand on the spot the baby is kicking. “His movementsl are strong,” he whispers, “I can see them through your clothing.”


“Yes, they are.” I look down and my sundress moves with every kick. “They are starting to become painful.”

Bruce parks the car and I scoot out of the car on Robert’s side. I hand Robert the gifts, and take some deep breaths, as Robert holds my hand tightly.

“Are you all right?” Robert asks. Bruce stops are looks at me.

“I'm all right.” I try to assure them both.

“Leah, if this is too much for you, say something,” Bruce insists.

“I’m fine.” I plaster on a fake toothy smile and everyone laughs.

“Well, if it becomes too much…”

“I will, Bruce, thank you.”

We walk into the hospital and are met by what looks like hospital security.

“Robert and Leah Grether?”

“Yes,” Bruce replies.

One of them asks, “And you are?”

“Their attorney, Bruce Myles.”

“Judge Myles?”

“Yes.”

“Follow us.”

We follow behind them down the hallway before we enter into a small conference room. I quickly look around the room for a little girl. Three men dressed in suits are sitting at the large oval table. They stand immediately when we enter. My heart beat quickens and I can feel my blood rushing through my veins in my neck. I hear my heart pulsating in my ears. I can’t understand what is being said. I smile, shake their hands and nod while I hold onto the chair for support. Robert wraps his arms around me and pulls out the nearest chair for me to sit on.

“Are you all right?” Robert leans in and whispers into my ear.

I nod. “I need some water.” I rest my hand on my belly to calm the baby.

“Leah needs some water, please.”

I drink the water that someone hands to me and it helps.

A man in a gray suit stands up and says, “We’re still waiting for the other family.”

Robert sits on one side while Bruce takes the seat on the other side of me. I drink some more water, hoping it’ll calm my racing heart. I sit and listen while Bruce and Robert talk to the men at the table. I don’t say anything, I can’t speak. I holding onto the bottle of water and pick at the label. I’m afraid they’ll ask me some questions and I won’t be able to talk.

The door opens and the room goes quiet. Robert immediately holds my hand. I want to look, but I can’t. My mouth goes dry and I lick my lips. The sound of blood swooshing in my ears is the only thing I can hear. Robert stands and urges me to do the same. I stand on wobbly legs and pray they can support my weight. I haven’t looked towards the doorway. I’m scared, frightened, and excited, all at once. My daughter is here and that gives me instant courage. My daughter.