For your holiday reading pleasure I’m presenting a snippet from my contemporary romance novel, The Journey as Cassie and Jeremy’s Thanksgiving celebration takes an unexpected, and frightening, turn.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Marina Martindale
***
“Happy Thanksgiving, Jerry,” said David as he stepped inside. “I’ll bet you’re glad to finally be home.”
“You got that right. I think I’ve finally got my life back on track now.”
David presented Jeremy with a bottle of white wine. “I brought a little something to go with dinner, and I have some ginger ale for Cassie.”
They went into the kitchen where Cassie greeted David with a hug while Jeremy put the bottles in the refrigerator. She then excused herself, saying she needed to change, while the two men headed into the living room to watch football. As Cassie headed back toward the kitchen doorbell rang again. Ian and Gillian had arrived. Ian joined the men in the living room, while Gillian followed Cassie into the kitchen.
“That sweater looks gorgeous on you,” said Gillian as she put her bowl of fruit salad into the refrigerator.
“Thanks,” said Cassie. “It’s nice and cozy too.”
“Can I help you with anything?”
“Thanks, Gillian, but I think I’ve just about got it. Everything should be ready in another couple hours or so. I’ve got some snack trays in the fridge that I need to get out, but first, can I fix you anything to drink?”
“Just a soda, thanks.”
As Cassie reached into the cupboard for a glass, she suddenly stopped and placed both hands on her belly, crying out in pain.
“Oh my god!” Gillian rushed up to her, trying to hold onto her as she doubled over. “Cassie, what’s wrong?”
Cassie took a deep breath. “I don’t know. All of a sudden, I felt a really sharp pain.”
Jeremy burst in. Ian and David were on his heels.
“What happened?”
Gillian helped Cassie back up. Both women had horrified looks on their faces.
“I just had a contraction,” said Cassie, “but it’s way too soon.”
David stepped forward and scooped her into his arms. “We need to get her to the emergency room. Now.”
Jeremy stayed behind him as they rushed out the front door. Gillian quickly turned off the stove and oven before hurrying to join the others.
“We’ll take her in the minivan,” said Ian. “The hospital is only a few minutes away.”
Jeremy helped David load her in the van as Ian hopped into the driver’s seat and fired up the engine. A minute later they were on their way.
“Is everything okay back there?”
“So far, we’re good, Dad. She hasn’t had another one.”
Jeremy had his arms wrapped tightly around Cassie. Her head leaned into his chest. He stroked the side of her face and looked at David, who saw the fear in his eyes.
“Hang in there, Jerry. It’s probably false labor. They’ll give her something to stop the contractions. She’ll be fine.”
Cassie fought to keep her composure. “What about my baby?”
David patted her arm. “I’m sure he’ll be okay. Just try to stay calm.”
They remained silent for the rest of the drive. Thankfully, the holiday traffic was lighter than normal, and they arrived at the hospital within minutes. Ian pulled up to the emergency entrance and waited as two younger men helped Cassie out of the minivan. This time Jeremy picked her up and carried her inside while David ran up to the admissions desk. A minute later a nurse arrived with a wheelchair and whisked Cassie away. A badly shaken Jeremy took a seat in the waiting room while a clerk brought him the usual paperwork. David sat down next to him.
“She’s in good hands. She’ll be all right.”
“But what about the baby, David?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t see any reason for us to think the worst right now.”
The Journey is available on Amazon, and other online booksellers.