Page 50 of Billionaire Hunt

“Emmaline!” I said, so happy for reinforcements. She gave me a smile and went over to Lacey.

“You can leave now. We’re all leaving,” Lacey said. Jude shot Emmaline a look that clearly said help me. I briefly looked around and wondered where Oliver had disappeared to.

“Come on, you. Let’s go have a baby.”

Lacey’s eyes filled with tears. “But I’m not ready yet.”

“Well, that baby’s clearly not waiting.”

“I know that she’s ready...but I’m not. I’m just not.”

Emmaline grabbed Lacey by her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “A mother is never really ready, but you got this, Lacey, and we’re going to help you. Every step of the way.”

Lacey instantly stopped crying. She gripped Emmaline’s hand and was about to say something when another contraction rocked her body.

She squatted again, looking almost Zen now. When the contraction was over, she gave us a shaky smile and said, “You’re right. I got this.”

“Cool, so I’m going to go find Oliver. I’m sure you guys can handle it from here.”

“Don’t go too far,” Lacey said, reaching for my hand and squeezing it. “I’m about to be a mom and I want you to witness it.”

“I won’t miss it. I promise.”

“Now, let’s go get that epidural. Where the heck is the anesthesiologist?” I heard Lacey saying as she headed toward the nursing station. “Take charge.” Lacey was back.

Jude and Emmaline walked on either side of her. She was in good company, I thought as I turned away determined to find Oliver to pass the time. Everyone else was busy, so I figured I would just look for him downstairs.

I made my way from the maternity ward and didn’t see Oliver anywhere. Where the heck was he? I didn’t think he would be so squeamish, but apparently he was. I found him outside standing in front of some sort of memorial.

“Hey there, you’re missing the drama upstairs. It’s pretty epic.”

He didn’t respond and that’s when I noticed his lips quivered a little.

“Oliver, are you alright?” I said, reaching for his shoulder.

He shook his head.

“What’s wrong?” I asked concerned.

“I didn’t know they moved the memorial here. I wasn’t expecting to see it here. In fact, I’d never seen it until today. They must have moved it here because of all the remodeling.”

It was then that I saw the name in front of the gigantic statue that featured a woman sitting on a bench, holding a book in her hand, legs crossed, looking peaceful. Engraved on a stone in front of the statue were the words “In loving memory of Ophelia”. It was his deceased wife’s memorial.

“I guess Jude knew it was here, but it caught me by surprise.” He smiled and looked up at me. His eyes were damp and red. My heart hurt for him, for this man who clearly still grieved the loss of his wife.

I didn’t know what to say so I stayed silent. It seemed like I was speechless a lot today. But I needn’t have worried, Oliver knew exactly what to say.

“It’s fitting though, isn’t it? The hospital where she died would also be the hospital where our grandchild will be born.”

“The circle of life,” I found myself saying. I felt that sounded stupid. I couldn’t believe I was quoting the Lion King. And then I remembered that it wasn’t even 6 AM yet. My brain was still asleep. And apparently, kind of worthless right now.

“I’m sorry. I’m not very eloquent right now.”

He shook his head. “Hon, you could be speaking Latin for all I know right now and it wouldn’t even occur to me.”

I placed my head on his shoulder and said, “Let’s go get some coffee and then head back up to see Lacey.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he said, giving the statue one last long look.