Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT THE BABY STOPPED MOVING
At twenty-nine weeks, Grace woke in the middle of the night with a strange feeling.
Something was wrong.
She lay still.
Waited.
Usually, the baby moved when she changed positions.
Usually, he kicked when she drank cold water.
Usually, he seemed determined to turn her ribs into a playground.
But now there was silence.
Grace sat up.
Placed both hands over her belly.
“Oliver?”
Nothing.
Fear rushed through her.
She called her obstetric team.
They instructed her to come in immediately.
Grace dressed with trembling hands.
Then called Declan.
He answered on the first ring.
“Grace?”
Her voice broke.
“The baby's not moving.”
A pause.
Then his voice became calm.
“Where are you?”
“In my room.”
“I'm coming.”
Within minutes, Declan was at her door.
He drove her to the hospital.
He stayed beside her during the examination.
The medical team connected the monitors.
Grace stared at the screen.
Then the room filled with the rapid sound of a heartbeat.
She began crying.
The doctor smiled.
“His heartbeat is reassuring.”
Grace covered her face.
Further monitoring showed that Oliver was doing well.
The doctor explained that changes in movement should always be evaluated, and Grace had done the right thing by coming in.
Declan sat beside her.
He didn't tell her she was overreacting.
Didn't laugh at her fear.
Didn't make the moment about himself.
He simply held her hand when she asked him to.
Later, Grace looked at him.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
“For what?”
“Coming.”
His expression softened.
“Of course.”
She hesitated.
“Declan.”
“Yes?”
“I'm scared.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“Not just about the baby.”
He waited.
Grace swallowed.
“I'm scared of trusting someone again.”
Declan looked at her.
“Then don't rush.”
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
“You don't owe me trust because I helped you.”
Grace stared.
May you like
He smiled gently.
“If you ever decide to give it, I'll do my best to deserve it.”
