Forty-one and having a baby! James shouted at Emily. Women your age are grandmothers! Dont be ridiculous. You already ignore what we thinkfine, I get it. But have you even considered this child? I dont want to be hooked up to an IV at her wedding! And what if something happens to us while shes still young? Sort this out. Or Ill divorce you!
Emily had been married to James for twenty years. Shed wed him when she was just a student, barely out of her teens. All this time, she believed he was her rock, her protector. Never had she imagined hed turn against her.
Recently, their family erupted in scandal over an unexpected late pregnancy. James was adamantly against another child.
Emily, have you lost your mind? he snapped. You want to be a mother now? Weve got three wonderful sonsOlivers at university, and Thomas and Henry are finishing secondary school. Thats not enough? What will the kids think? That weve gone mad?
James, Ive always dreamed of a daughter, Emily insisted. If Gods sending us this child, why shouldnt she be born?
And if its another boy, do we try for a fifth? he shot back.
Its a girl. I just know it.
Even the boys didnt support her. When the twins, Thomas and Henry, found out, they refused to share their room. Oliver, the eldest, voiced his concern too.
Mum, arent you scared at your age? What if something happens to you?
Everything will be fine, Emily assured him. Im not that old!
This wasnt the first time shed faced resistance. When she was pregnant with the twins, James had been unhappy then too. Oliver was three, money was tight, and they lived with James parents. Emily often clashed with her mother-in-law. But when the doctors said it was twins, everything changed. James mum gave them money for a house deposit, and he became more attentive. Surprisingly, the twins were calm babies, and Emily even got some sleep. Oliver adored having siblings and helped out, giving her a break.
This time, Emily hoped things would magically fall into place. But by the third week, she was sick at work. Shed been a manicurist for over a decade, used to the chemical smellsbut now, even the sight of polish bottles made her nauseous. Pills didnt help, and she had to quit. Too weak to cook or clean, she lay in bed all day.
Groceries became a financial strain, frustrating James and the boys. With her income gone, money was tight. James, an EMT, worked double shifts, and Oliver took evening classes while working at an electronics shop. Emily saw the disapproval in their eyeseven her parents said it was too late and dangerous.
Neighbours whispered when she went out. She felt utterly alone.
At her next scan, the doctor studied the monitor with a grim expression, murmuring numbers to the nurse. Emily lay still, barely breathing. After half an hour, she couldnt take it anymore.
Doctor, is it a boy or a girl?
A girl. But theres a problem.
Emilys heart lurched. Whats wrong?
Dont panic, but I have to tell you. The baby has a neural tube defecta serious condition. By 23 weeks, the tube should close, but hers hasnt. She could be disabled.
Emily broke down. Isnt there anything we can do? Medication? Surgery?
The doctor looked away.
Dazed, Emily left the hospital, barely registering her surroundings. She sat in the car, sobbing uncontrollably before finally going inside.
James was home, microwaving dinner. The boys were out.
Perfect timing, she thought.
I had the scan, she began. Its a girl. But shes illa neural tube defect.
James stiffened. What did Dr. Harris say?
Nothing useful. He suggested termination. I refused.
Youre insane! Do you know what this means? Shell be disabledif she survives. Were going back tomorrow. Ill get the paperwork myself.
No. I wont do it.
Then dont expect my support! James stormed to the bedroom, yanked a suitcase from the wardrobe, and started packing.
James! Emily cried. Youre leaving? Running from this? Shes yours too! How can you abandon us?
I wont watch you sufferor her. Think about our boys! Have you ever seen kids like this? My mum had a disabled son after mehe lived six months. That nightmare destroyed her. She never wanted more kids. Neither do I. And Im taking the boys.
He grabbed his coat and left.
James mother, Margaret, was stunned when he showed up with his suitcase.
Fighting with Emily?
Worse. Shes keeping a disabled baby against my will. Im filing for divorce.
James, a mother and child are one. Its her choice. Calm downhave some tea.
He sat heavily. Mum would you have had Ivan if youd known?
Of course! I prayed hed survive. Back then, they couldnt operate. And ultrasounds arent perfecthas Dr. Harris ever been wrong?
James remembered a neighbours baby misdiagnosed with a heart defectborn perfectly healthy. Complaints about Harris werent rare.
The next morning, James went to the cliniconly to find the ultrasound machine broken. The nurse sighed. Third time this month. Cheap equipment.
Doubt gnawed at him. He called an old colleague at a private clinic and decided to take Emily there.
She was shocked when he returned. Get ready, he said stiffly. Were going private.
The private doctor studied the screen intently before smiling. Everythings normal. Shes developing perfectly. Want to hear her heartbeat?
James burst into tears. Emily, relieved, asked about the earlier diagnosis.
Her neural tube is closed. Shes healthy.
The weight lifted. James hugged Emily, kissing her cheek.
Multiple follow-ups confirmed their daughter was fine.
When little Charlotte was born, healthy and bright-eyed, even the sceptics celebrated.
She looks just like you, Margaret told James, cradling her granddaughter. Im proud of you, son.
James adored Charlotte, spending every free moment with her.
Care to watch TV with me? Emily teased.
Later, hed say, bouncing Charlotte. Weve got things to do, dont we, princess?
Even the boys, whod sworn they didnt want a baby, set up a rota for walks with their sister. Emily trusted them completelytheyd take good care of Charlotte.
