Finding Grace: The Guardian Chronicles Book One

Chapter 69. Hello Daddy*

Chapter 69. Beautiful Words by the Afters

Evan tried to stir from the haze pain had left her in. Jean's blood had given her some strength, but had also intensified the strength of her contractions. The only saving grace was that they had begun to spread out more so she had a break in between each one. Nathan had helped Jean to change out the bloody linens from under her, both of them so gentle. Now, Nathan sat beside her, holding her left hand in both of his, letting her squeeze with each contraction. She had focused her eyes on his serious young face every time her pain began to build, while he gazed back at her patiently.

Jean had gathered the sterilized water Xavier had prepared, as well as the towels and was currently in Emil's closet, trying to pick the right blade to use. He had explained to Evan that the silver blade would not only be able to cut her skin, but it would also burn as it did so. She remembered the unpleasant stinging she had experienced just brushing against the silver shards in Emil's belly. This thought brought her mind to Emil. She worried about if she would see him again. The thought of losing him was more than she could stand in her exhausted state. She could not stop the tears that leaked from the corners of her eyes.

"Evan, are you okay?" Nathan asked as he watched the drops run down toward her ears. He brushed them away.

"I'm worried about Emil," she whispered.

"He'll be okay. He always is. You just need to try to relax until he gets back, and you can have the baby," Nathan assured her.

Jean came from the closet. "Is there a problem?"

"Evan is just worried for Emil. I told her it'll be okay."

Jean came to the side of the bed and looked down at his dearest friend's wife. "Listen to Nathan. He knows what he's talking about."

Nathan ducked his head abashedly.

Evan squeezed his hands, gently this time. "What would I do without you? You've helped me so much already."

Nathan gave her a lopsided smile. "It's my fault you're as sick as you are."

"No it's not! I've had blood, and I'm still sick," Evan said, a grimace contorting on her face as another pain built.

"I think it's time, Evan. Are you ready?" Jean sat next to Evan on the bed, brushing her hair back from her face.

"No, I'm not, but you're right. I know it is actually a bad sign when labor starts to slow down like this. I haven't been feeling the baby move lately. I can still feel her heartbeat, but it is getting slower. It's time," she replied. Evan tried to send another image to Jean and was relieved when he nodded.

"You'll be okay, Evan. That I know. It might be a long road, but you will survive this," Jean said softly. He kissed her on the forehead and stood. "You will need to help her Nathan. This is not going to be easy. Are you ready?"

Nathan nodded and moved closer to Evan.

"Xavier, it's time! Come in here please," Jean called out.

Xavier had succeeded in getting as many packs of blood into the warmer as he could carry, and had gone for more and placed them in the warmer in Jean and Hawk's apartment. He figured at the rate Evan lost it, she might need several units. He hurried into the bedroom and went to Evan's right side next to Jean.

"Thank you, Xavier. You did everything you could, don't feel bad," Evan said when she saw the worried wrinkle on Xavier's otherwise smooth face.

He just shook his head. "You're a remarkable woman, Evan."