Chapter 3
Lauren’s first sight when she opened her eyes were pink long-stemmed roses in a vase on her tray. She reached for the note in front of them.
Good morning, Sunshine. Congratulations on making it through the hard part. David and I are hanging out in the NICU. Can’t wait for you to join us.
She smiled at the sweetness of the note, then read it again. It was clear. For the first time in months her vision wasn’t blurred. Her head still hurt, but it was only a dull ache.
“Well, hello there, Sleeping Beauty.” Cindy walked into the room with a meal tray. “You missed Prince Charming by about an hour.” She placed the tray beside the flowers and busied herself taking Lauren’s blood pressure. “You have a wonderful man. We’re all swayed by his good looks and love and devotion to you.”
“We’re only friends.” Lauren’s fingers caressed the edges of a petal.
“Friends don’t give that much all the time. Rumor has it he hung out with David yesterday before leaving. He returned at six a.m. looking his dapper self with coffee and donuts for all of us and roses for you before hurrying off to the NICU like a proud dad.” Cindy wrote the stats on Lauren’s chart. “Your blood pressure is down considerably. Hopefully it will be back to normal in the next few days.” She pointed to Lauren’s hands. “Even your swelling is down.”
“My headache isn’t as bad and my eyesight is better.” Lauren stretched. “I’d love to take a shower before I go see them.”
“That should be fine, after you eat breakfast and pump. We’ll also disconnect your IV.” Situating the table in front of her, Cindy removed the lid from the plate.
Lauren chuckled at the bowl of Jell-O and chicken broth in a mug. “Wow. That looks interesting.”
“We need to get your system back in order before you get the good stuff,” the nurse said. “Bon appetit!”
It wasn’t easy choking down the broth, but once that was done, Lauren showered and changed into her own maternity pajamas.
“You look wonderful, Mrs. Riley.” Daryl, Adam’s former bodyguard, greeted Lauren when she stepped out of her hospital room door.
“Thanks, Daryl. I feel so much better.”
“Do you want a wheelchair?” He began looking around.
“I’m happy walking, if you don’t mind taking it slow.”
“Not at all.” He motioned for her to lead the way. “Mr. Stevens is down there with David. I’ll head home for a few hours once I deliver you to him.”
“Absolutely. You didn’t have to stay all night—”
Daryl rested his ginormous hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be here until both of you go home.”
She patted his hand. “We appreciate that.”
Entering the NICU, she greeted the nurse attending the baby closest to the door and headed toward David. Her grin spread at the sight of Tyler sitting in a rocking chair. One hand supported David’s head and neck, the other his tiny bottom. David was swimming in his blue preemie outfit, but with the sleeves rolled, his tiny fists poked out. His gown was pulled up enough so the blood pressure cuff on his ankle didn’t get caught. Holding him against his chest, Tyler rocked slowly.
“We’ll hang out together a lot, do guy things.” Tyler stared into David’s face as he spoke. “I’m not the best at sports, but I’ll teach you how to throw a football. Danny’s great at baseball, so he can teach us both. Mom says she prefers soccer, so I’ll study up on that one, too. And there’s tennis. Your daddy always whipped me when we played. That and racquetball. Guess he was good with a racquet.”
Lauren smiled, remembering the first time she saw the two of them on the court. Adam had Tyler panting for breath and sweating like he walked out of a sauna.
“Yeah, your old man was pretty amazing. I knew him for a long time.” The tone of Tyler’s voice softened. “I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. Even when he toured, he’d call once a week, so I knew he cared.” Tyler chuckled. “He even called me on his and your mom’s honeymoon.”
That was Adam, Lauren thought. Always concerned for Tyler.
“He was brilliant, too, on the piano and in every aspect of life. He read through the entire Bible every year and always offered biblical advice, even when I didn’t want to accept it. I never thought I could teach a Bible study, but reading it with your dad helped me understand God gives wisdom to us when we ask for it.” He paused, rocking for a minute before continuing. “One day I’ll read the Bible with you, like I do with your mom.”
All the nights Tyler sat by her hospital bedside reading to her came to mind. Peace would settle in her heart, making it possible for her to fall asleep regardless of the magnitude of the pain.
“He was also smart enough to ask your mommy to marry him. She’s pretty amazing herself. I’ve never known anyone like her. She’s so filled with God’s love it overflows. I started memorizing scripture because I want to be able to quote it like she does when times are hard.” Tyler stroked the top of David’s head with his thumb. “And when she smiles, well, it makes me feel all warm inside. It’s been a long, hard year, but it’s a joy to see her smile again.” David squirmed in his hands. “Yeah, she’s smiling because she’s happy you’re here. We all are. Your daddy would be, too. He knew you were coming. I know he’d like to be here with you. I wish he was.” Tyler paused. “I even told God I’d rather He take me and leave your daddy, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.”
Lauren teared up imagining Tyler praying such a prayer.
“So, I’ll do my best to take care of you and your mommy. You two mean the world to me. As much as she lets me, I’ll be around.”
“Hi.” Lauren walked to Tyler’s side and rested her hand on his shoulder.
Tyler glanced up with a smile and then looked back to David. “There’s the most beautiful woman in the world, who happens to be your mom.” He stood, careful of the tubes and wires. “Have a seat, Mommy. We’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival.”
Lauren carefully sat in the chair.
“You okay?” Tyler frowned.
“Sore from the c-section, but not bad. The first thing I saw this morning were your flowers and note. And they weren’t blurry.”
“Praise God.” He gently placed David in Lauren’s arms. “You look fabulous.”
“Crazy what sleep, a shower, and giving birth do for you.” Lauren immediately lifted her son and kissed his cheek. “Hi there, David. It’s so good to see you.”
“Headache?”
“Very mild. Nurse says my blood pressure is almost normal.”
“Well, that’s an answer to prayer, isn’t it, buddy?” Tyler gently touched David’s arms.
“I’ve never been in so much pain in my life.” Lauren began to rock.
“I know.” Tyler pulled up a chair to sit beside her.
She gazed into David’s face, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand. “Even though the pain was horrific, I’ve never felt so blessed.” The silence grew before she shifted her gaze to Tyler. “God gave me peace that surpasses all understanding, like the day Adam died, but for three months. As the pain increased, so did God’s grace. He lifted the pain so I could breathe or brought sleep upon me. When everyone came to see me in the dark room and read scripture to me, my mind couldn’t ponder it, but the words quieted my heart. Then you played Adam’s album.” She turned back to David to hide her tears. “Crazy how I could worship in the midst of all the pain.”
She slowly brushed her index finger over David’s hand. At first he jerked his hand away, but as Lauren continued to stroke it, he relaxed, eventually wrapping his fingers around hers. “God showed me life isn’t about escaping the pain. It’s not about waiting for things to get better. It’s trusting in His sovereignty, His goodness and grace. He’ll never leave me and will continue to hold me together day after day. Every time the pain of loss comes, God will grant me peace if I reach out to Him. I focused so much on what I’d lost the past six months, but in that dark room after delivery when I felt like I was on fire, He reminded me of all He’s given to me—peace, security, every financial blessing, a chance to minister to and bless others, words of encouragement to share, Adam’s son.” She slowly raised her eyes. “You.”
Tyler shook his head. “I would have been screaming and cussing if I was in that much pain. The least I could do was hold your hand.”
“Thanks for being here.” A grin appeared on her face. “I like having you around. I’m sure David will, too.”
Tyler closed his eyes as he leaned in to kiss the top of her head. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Every two hours David could be held for twenty minutes. In between, Tyler walked Lauren back to her room to rest and have her liquid meals. He didn’t mind her slow pace. It was a blessing to see her up and moving after so long in bed.
“Shelly’s coming by tonight,” Lauren said after reading her message during dinner.
“Great. I’m sure she’s excited to see you. She was pretty worried about you,” Tyler said while eating his roast beef sandwich from the cafeteria. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to head home after I walk you back to the NICU. Think I have some sleep to catch up on myself. Daryl will be back tonight.”
“Okay.” Lauren stared at the mysterious chunks floating in the yellowish liquid in her mug. “Sorry about yesterday. I mean, you didn’t need to go twenty hours without sleep and food, too.”
“We do this together, right?”
Lauren raised her eyes to him.
“I’m not deserting you now, either.” Tyler wiped his mouth. “If you want me to stay, I’m fine sleeping in this ultra-comfy recliner.”
“Oh please.” Lauren rolled her eyes. “That has got to be the most uncomfortable chair around. You look ridiculous hanging out of it at night.”
The corner of Tyler’s mouth turned up. “I’d do anything for you. Surely you know that by now.”
“I do.” She knew he stayed because he cared, not out of obligation. “I appreciate you being here. I’ll be fine at night now that the pain is gone.”
His smile widened. “Gone?”
“C-section pain is trumping head pain, which is a good thing.”
“It is.” Tyler lifted his water bottle. “Cheers.”
Lauren clinked her mug against his bottle, suppressing a gag when the smell reached her.
“Drink up.” Tyler nodded.
Lauren wrinkled her nose. “Yes, Dr. Stevens.”
David was tucked away in his incubator when Lauren’s phone vibrated.
I’m here!
“It’s so good to see you,” Lauren greeted Shelly with a hug in the NICU waiting room.
“It’s great to see you not in excruciating pain.” Shelly sized her up. “You look good. The swelling’s down.”
“I feel so much better. Like a new person.”
“How’s David?” Shelly asked.
“Little, but fighting.” Lauren sat in a blue plastic chair. “He has Adam’s determination. And long, slender fingers. Maybe he’ll be a pianist like his dad.”
Shelly sat beside her. “I’m so glad you guys are okay.”
“Sorry I was such a wreck yesterday.” She rubbed Shelly’s arm. “How are you?”
Shelly frowned. “I broke up with Brandon.”
“No,” Lauren said. “What happened?”
“He’s taking a youth pastor position in Arizona and going to seminary out there.”
“That’s much closer than Detroit. An hour flight, six-hour drive.”
“But it’s not here.” Shelly brushed a tear from her cheek. “I’ve gained a lot of perspective in the past several months, heck, in the past forty-eight hours. I belong here.”
“Shel, come on, I’m okay.” Lauren took her hand. “You can’t stay for me.”
“It’s not only you. My parents aren’t getting any younger. They’d never move. And I love my job. For the first time in my life I look forward to going to work. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so spectacular. The Angel Houses are making a real difference. I have a front row seat to all the good being done through your and Adam’s generosity, God being glorified, and people coming to Christ on a daily basis.” She gazed toward the NICU. “And I’m staying for him. How could I not be here to see David grow up? He’s our miracle baby. I’ve prayed for you to have kids almost every day over the past five years. I love that little guy even though I’ve only known him like one day.”
“But you love Brandon.” Lauren frowned.
“I think I loved the idea of a husband more. Brandon’s a great man of God and will make someone a great husband, but he doesn’t totally get me. He talks about me quitting my job and leading Bible studies. That isn’t me or my desire. He hates country music—”
Lauren laughed. “I hate country music.”
“I know, but I don’t have to live with you.” Shelly shook her head. “He’d rather read a book than go to a movie. He also doesn’t like cats.”
“Seriously?” Lauren raised an eyebrow.
“I know. At first I thought, ‘Okay, Lord, no one’s perfect,’ but then I started praying, and last night when we were talking, I got this confirming feeling that he’s not the one.” Shelly sighed. “Maybe God has the perfect guy for me already in LA. I’ll know he’s the one because he’ll never want to leave.”
Lauren leaned her head against Shelly’s. “I would be heartbroken if you moved, but we’d come visit at least once a month. And you could telecommute.”
“Thanks, but you’re stuck with me.” Shelly pushed back gently. “You’re like my sister, my flesh and blood. I’ve walked with you through some pretty crazy hard stuff this year, but the thought of losing you...” Another tear fell. “I love you. Where you go, I’ll go. Your people will be my people. Right?”
“Yeah. I love you, too. I don’t know what I would have done without you this past year.” Lauren hugged Shelly. “I selfishly want you here to see David grow, spoil him, and watch chick flicks with me.”
“Sounds like a good plan. No more drama for a while though, okay?”
Lauren chuckled. “I don’t know, Shel. I’m beginning to think life is one big drama. I guess as long as God is the author and director, we’ll be okay.”
“Hey, Lauren.”
The girls broke from their embrace at Danny’s voice.
“Hey, Danny.” Standing, Lauren wiped the tears from her eyes and then hugged him. “Tyler left a while ago.”
“I know. I texted him. I wanted to come and pray with you. And David, if possible. Plus I need my car. How are you?”
“Much better. My blood pressure is down. Headaches are pretty much gone.”
“You look fabulous.” Danny nodded toward Shelly. “How are you, Shelly?”
“Better now that my best friend isn’t screaming hysterically.” She rubbed her eyes as she stood. “Sorry. We were having a girlie moment.”
“Totally understand.” Danny smiled. “I have three sisters.”
“Three?” Shelly asked. “You’re the only boy?”
“Yeah. They were all living in the midwest until last year. I finally got my youngest sister, Lydia, to move to San Diego a few months ago. I’m still working on the other two and my parents. Gotta move them out here since I’m never leaving.”
Lauren and Shelly discreetly glanced at each other.
“A little crowded in LA though, don’t you think?” Shelly pursed her lips.
Danny shrugged. “I’m used to it. Plan on it taking an extra twenty minutes, crank up the music while you sit in traffic, and it doesn’t seem too horrible.”
“What kind of music do you listen to?” Shelly asked. “Christian?”
“Most of the time. I still have some country albums from my younger years. Sometimes jazz when I’m writing.”
“Younger years?” Shelly’s high-pitched laugh told Lauren Shelly thought Danny was cute. “You aren’t that old.”
Danny shrugged. “Thirty-one this year.”
“I forgot you’re our age.” Lauren leaned against Shelly.
He stroked his shaven cheeks. “It’s my baby face. Makes people underestimate my age. I thought about growing a beard so producers and directors would take me more seriously.”
“No!” both girls blurted out.
Danny chuckled. “Tyler laughed at me when I tried. Besides, things seem to be falling into place, so I think I’m good.”
“I’ll go in the NICU and clear it for you to come in. Since you’re an ordained minister it should be fine,” Lauren told Danny. “Shel can keep you company.”
“You’re ordained?” Shelly sat. “So, you went to seminary?”
“I did.” Danny ran his hand through his blonde hair as he sat beside her. “In Chicago, Moody Bible Institute. After coming back to the Lord, I wanted to give Him my entire life. I figured that was a good place to start.”
Lauren removed her phone from her pocket once out the door of the waiting room.
Danny and Shelly...did you ever think? she texted Tyler.
The reply came as she entered the NICU. Ha. Can’t say I did, but I can see it working. I approve of her for him. :)
Does he like cats? Lauren asked.
Loves all of God’s creatures. Even saves spiders that make their way into the theater.
Lauren smiled. Sounds like a match. We’ll see what God does with it.
We’ll have to invite them over for dinner when you get home. Bed is calling to me. Tell David I miss him. See you in the morning.
K. Lauren sat in the rocking chair beside David’s incubator. We miss you, too. Sleep well.
Though the beeping of the monitors grated on her nerves, it was oddly soothing. Every beep meant he was breathing. As she studied her son’s tiny body, Lauren recounted God’s miracles—getting pregnant after five years, God sustaining her for almost thirty weeks, all David’s organs developed. Now the headaches were fading, her vision was better. So much healing. So many blessings.
“Thank You, Lord, for ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. Thank You for his dark hair. Thank You that he’s part Adam and me.”