Part 38 (1/2)

Another contraction hit, and Kari thought she might pa.s.s out from the pain. The doctor gripped her hand as she rode it out. Then he angled his head, studying her tear-streaked face. ”You okay?”

Kari nodded. ”I'm ready to meet my baby.”

He grinned. ”That's a girl. Listen, you have some family out in the hall. Shall I let them in?”

”Sure.” She tried to smile.

When the door opened, Ashley and Cole filed in with her parents. They were followed by Brooke and Peter, both wearing their white coats and ear-to-ear grins. Behind them was Erin with word that Sam would be by later, and at the end of the line was Luke with an entire bouquet of white roses. They gathered 342 around her bed, laying their hands on her knees and shoulders and smoothing stray pieces of hair off her sweaty face.

The pains were coming faster, harder, and under normal circ.u.mstances Kari knew she would not have wanted company. But these were the people she loved, her family-the ones who had stood by her all her life, whether they agreed with her or not. As long as they were willing to be there, she would not consider asking them to leave. Besides, they wouldn't stay long. They had planned that only her mother would stay with her through the delivery.

The group was quiet, all eyes on Kari, when her dad cleared his throat and took her hand. ”We didn't want you to be alone in here.”

Kari swallowed and waited until she could speak. ”Thanks.” ”They came as soon as I called.” John glanced at the faces. His chin quivered as he looked back at Kari. ”No matter how long it takes, we'll be outside the door if you need anything.”

She nodded, unable to do anything but groan as another wave of pain crashed over her. When it pa.s.sed she met the eyes of each of her family members, her breathing labored, sweat beading on her forehead. ”I love you guys.”

There were smiles and whispers of ”We love you too” all around her, and again her father took control. ”We need to go. Let's pray for Kari and the baby.”

Everyone nodded and no one, not even Ashley or Brooke or Peter, showed any signs of hesitation. One by one they joined hands until the only broken link was between Luke and Ashley, who happened to be standing next to each other. Finally Luke smiled at his middle sister and reached out his hand. And with that the circle was complete. Tears shone in every eye, and Kari felt her heart lift at the love she felt amidst her family.

Her father looked at each of them, one at a time, then bowed his head. ”Lord, you are gracious and merciful in all things, even this, the pain of new life.

Father, we ask you to let the baby come quickly and without stress or trouble of any kind, and we pray 343 0.

that you keep both Kari and her child safe in the process.” His voice cracked, and Kari felt the familiar wetness fall upon her face. She knew her father must have been deeply touched by the way they'd all come together here. Especially Luke and Ashley. ”I've prayed it a million times before, Lord, but let me say it again. Thank you for my family. Other than you, Father, they're the most important part of my life.”

Almost as soon as the prayer ended, Kari jerked into another contraction, and this time her dad motioned for the nurse to join them. The woman entered the already crowded room and checked the readouts from the monitor. ”Okay, Kari, I think it's time.”

The others filed out of the room-all except her mother, who held her hand and walked beside her as she was moved into the delivery room. Kari was grateful they had planned it this way.

The final phase of labor seemed much shorter than the first, and within thirty minutes the doctor was urging her to push one last time. As she did, Kari felt a great sense of relief. Seconds later the room was filled with the bleating sound of a beautiful, newborn cry.

”Congratulations, Kari.” The doctor held up the squirming baby, and Kari could hardly believe it was really happening. ”It's a girl.”

A cry escaped from Kari's throat. She fell back exhausted, overwhelmed, elated.

Her mother was at her side, squeezing her hand and kissing her forehead. ”Oh, sweetheart, she's beautiful.”

”I knew she was a girl. G.o.d told me months ago.” Kari smiled and noticed that she was no longer crying. Instead, an unspeakable joy coursed through her heart and soul, a joy of relief and awe and amazement at the miracle of life.

”There's something very special about a daughter.” Her mother brought her face up against Kari's. ”I remember exactly what you're feeling now.” She paused, and her happy tears felt damp against Kari's cheek. ”Now you know why I love you so much.” ”Her name's Jessie Renee.”

344 ”That's beautiful, Kari. Your great-grandmother would have loved her.”

A delivery-room nurse appeared at her bedside with the infant clean and wrapped in a blanket. ”Thought you might like to meet your daughter.”

Gently, as if the baby might be made of gla.s.s, Kari took her and held her close.

”Oh, Mom ... there's nothing like it. I can't believe how she feels in my arms.”

Kari stared at her tiny daughter, awed by her. She had been wrong the night of Tim's death. The best part of life wasn't over. Hope lived on-her baby girl was living proof.

G.o.d's plans for her were not dead; they had merely been revised, made new.

As new as the precious life in her arms.

Strange sounds filled the morning air, but Kari couldn't force her eyes open.

What was it? Almost like someone was singing ... no, humming ... right here in her hospital room.

The tune was familiar, and though she was still half asleep, she finally recognized it.

Great is Thy faithfulness, to G.o.d my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compa.s.sions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

The humming became clearer still, and Kari figured her father must be in the room. It was his favorite hymn, the one he always sang when G.o.d's hand was so clearly at work among them. The humming continued into the chorus, and since Kari was almost fully awake, she joined in.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

345 Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

She opened her eyes then, and her heart stopped. How did he ... ? Who'd told him about ... ? It wasn't possible.

The man sitting in the chair beside her, rocking little Jessie as carefully as if she were his own, was not John Baxter.

It was Ryan Taylor.

Kari's heartbeat returned, and she stared at him, unable to speak.

”She's beautiful, Kari.” He smiled at the baby through wet eyes. ”She looks just like you.”

Kari blinked so she could see through her own tears. ”Ryan ... I don't ... how'd you know?”

”My mom told me about Tim.” He gazed down at the infant and kissed her downy forehead. ”I made her promise to tell me when the baby came, and I guess she talked to your dad. He called yesterday around noon, after Jessie was born.” He looked up and met her eyes. ”I caught a flight a few hours later.”

She studied him, not sure she understood. ”Why?”

He ran a big finger delicately along the baby's brow and looked from Kari to little Jessie and back. ”A long time ago you told me something I'll never forget.”

”I did?” Kari's heart was beating almost out of her chest, and she couldn't keep up with the emotions that a.s.saulted her. Ryan nodded. ”You told me love is a decision.” He paused and glanced at her tiny daughter. ”I thought I loved you, Kari.” His eyes found hers again. ”But it was a selfish love. Not the kind of love that honored you.

Definitely not the kind of love you had for Tim.”