The Heartbeats Collection by Lorana Hoopes

Author:Lorana Hoopes [Hoopes, Lorana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lorana Hoopes

Two days before the wedding, the center’s grand opening arrived.

JD and I stood inside the center looking around at the finished product. “It’s so amazing.” I squeezed JD’s hand. The main office was warm and inviting with a soft mauve color on the walls and carpet. Comfy chairs and even a few rockers filled the waiting room, and on the end table were packets from nearby adoption agencies and churches. The exam rooms had each been painted a different color and decorated in childlike themes to entertain any children that might come with mothers. We had hired a wonderful staff of Christian men and women, and I couldn’t have been prouder of JD.

“Come on, we better get outside before they come looking for us.” I followed him to the back exit where we pushed open the rear door and snuck around to join the crowd in the front of the building.

Thankfully, the weather had smiled upon us today. Though still chilly, it wasn’t raining, and the crowd looked warm enough in their coats and scarves. Scott waved as we rounded the corner and jogged to meet us. “There you are.” He handed JD a pair of scissors. “The people are getting restless, my friend.”

JD took the scissors and stepped onto a nearby bench to be seen as he addressed the crowd. “Welcome everyone; we’re so pleased to open Faith Pregnancy Center and be able to give women quality care and alternative choices to abortion.” Applause erupted from the crowd. “Please feel free to take a tour and take a business card to share it with a friend.” He cut the giant red ribbon that stretched across the front door, and the crowd cheered.

As the people began to file inside, a pain flared in my side and I sucked in a breath.

“Are you alright?” There was a thread of fear in his voice that sent tremors through my body.

“I think so.” I rubbed my side, trying to convince myself that the pain hadn’t been that bad. “Maybe just Braxton Hicks contractions.” I wasn’t due for another month, so I doubted it was real labor. I wasn’t sure if Braxton-Hicks started that early, but it was the most plausible explanation I could come up with.

The tendons in his neck strained against the skin as his eyes traveled my body.

“I’m sure it’s just stress from being so worn out.” I hoped I sounded reassuring; I didn’t want to ruin his big day. “I’ll probably be fine if I just go lie down.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I feel better already. I bet I’ll be right as rain tomorrow.”

I hugged him goodbye, trying not to grimace as another pain laced my side, and then waddled to my car. Though I hoped it was nothing, a harbinger of dread fluttered at the back of my mind.

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