by Simmons, Pat
“I guess you are ready to see your baby,” Mrs. Roberts said, standing.
Beaming, Solae jumped to her feet. “Yes, I am!”
“Follow me.”
The two left the office and walked across the hall. Mrs. Roberts blocked Solae’s view as she opened the door to what appeared to be a lounge. Nobody was there, at least from what Solae could see until the caseworker stepped aside.
Sitting quietly on an older woman’s lap, the child’s inquisitive eyes watched Solae. The baby had thick, jet black hair and brown skin that almost matched her complexion. The red corduroy outfit with a matching cap reminded Solae of a Christmas package. She appeared indifferent to Solae as she took a seat next to her.
“I’m Mrs. Dodson, the foster parent. You’re getting a well-mannered baby, dear.”
“Thank you.” Solae’s vision blurred as she was overcome with tears of joy. When the foster mother put her baby on her lap, Solae sobbed uncontrollably. Now she wished her parents had come. The moment was more overwhelming than Solae had expected.
Mrs. Roberts stood by her side and patted Solae’s shoulder. “That’s okay, dear. Happy tears are good. The baby will be a blessing, you’ll see.”
Composing herself, Solae nodded and reached for her baby. At first, she resisted moving from her spot on the woman’s lap.
“It’s okay, precious. I’m your new mommy, and I’ll be the best mommy.”
The baby smiled.
Solae continued to coax her until the baby willingly came to her. “She’s mine.” Bouncing her, she peered into her face, still deciding if she looked like a Jennifer, Sydney, Stacey, Nicole or something exotic. She nuzzled the child’s neck. She smelled fresh. “You’re so sweet like Hershey’s kisses.”
Hershel. Should she? Solae smiled. “I’ll call her Hershey for now.” She stood and shifted the baby to one side.
Mrs. Roberts smiled and clapped her hands. “Yes, she’s definitely sweet like a piece of candy.”
Candy—Candace. That was another option. The women escorted Solae and Hershey to her car and made sure her daughter was strapped inside the car seat in the back before offering her hugs.
“Good luck,” Mrs. Roberts said.
“Who needs luck when you have a good God,” Solae corrected and got in behind the wheel. “Jesus, thank You for not forsaking me. You are faithful even when I gave up hope. Thank You, in Jesus’ magnificent name. Amen.”
Once she secured her seatbelt, she called her parents. “Hershey and I are on our way.”
“Hershey?”
“That’s what she reminded me of when I saw her—a sweet treat.” Solae giggled. “I like the nickname, but I’m leaning toward Madison.”
“Hmm. I wonder what your inspiration was for the nickname.” Minerva chuckled. “Okay, your dad and I will be waiting!” They disconnected and Solae pulled off.
Solae hadn’t been on the interstate twenty minutes before traffic began to slow. Thank God Hershey wasn’t fussy. Smiling, Solae began to sing praises as she inched along. Finally, she was able to pick up speed.
When Solae glanced in her rearview mirror, she noticed an SUV coming behind her with too much speed. “Slow down,” she said as the driver slammed on his brakes, but it was too late. He collided into the back of Solae’s car.
“Jesus!” Solae screamed as her car spun around before it crashed, then everything faded to black.
Chapter 20
Hershel thought it was time for him and the boys to surprise Solae this coming weekend. He had four days off and he would use one of them to sleep before getting on the road. Hershel put his scheming on hold when the warning alarm sounded throughout the fire station.
“Engine 8, Engine 10, Engine 7, Rescue 72, Battalion 5, 1-76, car crash, Select Fire 4, Fire 4,” the central dispatcher announced over the speakers.
While hurrying from the kitchen, Hershel nodded to his brother, Felix, and Allen. “Let’s go.” Switching to channel four on the scanner, Hershel learned there were injuries and persons trapped inside.
With their sirens blaring and lights flashing, they headed toward the situation, and as customary, Hershel prayed for God’s mercy to protect life and property. When the crew arrived on the scene, through the mayhem, Hershel took a look at the accident scene.
The car reminded him of Solae’s silver Mazda. He immediately got briefed. “She’s alive,” one of the paramedics advised him.
His crew immediately used the Hurst tool. The Jaws of Life ripped open the driver’s door. The paramedic secured the woman’s neck on the stretcher. His mind must really be on Solae, because the victim reminded him of her, but she was in Chicago.
“Wait a minute.” Hershel took a closer look and his knees weakened. His breath left him momentarily. Oh my God, Solae. He had seen some horrific scenes on the job, including mangled and charred bodies of children and complete families that perished, but he barely had enough strength to stomach the sight of the woman he loved, injured.
“Solae,” he whispered.
She moaned. “My baby…my baby….my baby.”
John Snowe turned to Hershel. “Captain Kavanaugh, you know the victim?”
Hershel swallowed. “Yes. We’ve dated.”
“My baby…” Solae continued to moan.
“She doesn’t have any children. She’s delirious.”
“Think again, Captain; we just pulled a baby out of the back seat.”
“What? Is the child alive?”
“Yes. Car seats do save lives,” Royce advised. “I better call Candace.”
“You might want to call Julia first and have her go over there,” Hershel advised.
“You’re right.”
“I’ll contact her mother,” Hershel said as he stayed by Solae’s side while she was loaded into the ambulance.
“My baby.” Solae voice was faint.
“Shh. The baby is okay,” he cooed, then turned to the paramedics. “Where ya heading?”
“Barnes trauma.”
Stepping aside, Royce watched the paramedic drive off, then pick up speed. “Lord, forget the property. Please save her life and this baby.” How could he continue to work the scene when the woman he loved was fighting for her life? The good news was she was alive.
“You okay, bro—Captain Kavanaugh?” Royce nudged him.
“No, I’m not.” He walked away, confused and in shock as he located Solae’s mother’s number.
“Hello?” She answered cheerfully.
“Ah, Mrs. Wyatt-Palmer?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“Hershel Kavanaugh….” He paused. “Is Mr. Wyatt-Palmer at home?”
“Yes, he is. Would you like to speak to him?”
“Well, both of you. I’m working the scene of an accident…It was Solae.”
Mrs. Palmer screamed. Hershel exhaled as he heard her piece together “accident and Solae.” Immediately, her father got on the line.
“This is Washington Wyatt-Palmer. What is going on?”
After Hershel repeated what little information he knew, they asked, “What about the baby?”
Hershel was becoming annoyed for being out of the loop. Whose child was it? “The baby is alive. I don’t know the extent of any injuries because the car seat protected him—”
“Her,” her father corrected. “That’s my grandbaby. Where is she?”
“She’s en route to Barnes Hospital.”
Click.
Where did she get a baby? Is that why she moved to Chicago? Solae never mentioned a baby. What was going on? Hershel planned on getting answers soon, but first he had to finish his job. Walking back to the crash site, Hershel looked at the mangled car and praised God that Solae had survived. When his crew began to mop up the scene so that the restricted lanes of traffic could be opened, Hershel prayed.
“Man, Julia said Candace fainted. I’ve got to go see about my wife.” Royce looked as frustrated as him. “They’re heading to the hospital.”
“I’ll call for
backup so we can get out of here.” Hershel accomplished that, explaining the circumstances.
“I understand, captain,” Battalion Chief David Lark said. “I’m on it.”
By the time his crew made it back to the engine house, two relief crew members were driving into the lot. Hershel thanked them.
“Any time, Captain. You’ve covered for us many times,” one of them said.
He and Royce showered and changed quickly as if they were responding to a call. “Ready?” Royce came to his side and slapped him on the shoulder.
“Yeah,” spilled out of his mouth, but in all honesty, Hershel wasn’t sure. “Let’s go.”
“I’ll drive.”
“Good idea, because I’ll be praying,” Hershel said as he got into the passenger seat of his own vehicle.
It seemed as if every light was against them en route to Barnes Hospital in the city, stretching out the eighteen-minute ride from North County to twenty-six minutes. Hershel said one last prayer as Royce parked. When the brothers stormed inside, Julia, Trent, and Candace were huddled together. The uncertainty on their faces scared Hershel.
“How is she? Have you heard anything?” Hershel asked randomly to anyone who had answers before turning to Candace. “Did you know anything about this—Solae being home and the baby?”
Shaking her head, Candace appeared just as dazed as him as she flew into her husband’s arms and began to sob.
He needed answers. “Where are Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt-Palmer?”
“They’re next door at Children’s Hospital,” Candace mumbled as she wiped at her tears. “I’m waiting to see Solae.”
“Do you mind if I see her first?” Hershel asked.
He sensed Candace was about to protest, but she didn’t. Considering the two were close as sisters, Hershel thought he was going to have to reason with her, but Candace consented. “O-okay.”
“Thank you.” Hershel exhaled, then began to pace the room. Solae never mentioned anything about a baby, coming home, or anything. The room held an eerie quietness as they eyed the door, waiting for someone to brief them.
Finally, a doctor of Indian descent walked in the room. Everyone gathered in a military formation.
“Is this the family of Miss Solae Wyatt-Palmer?”
“Yes,” they answered on one accord.
Introducing himself as Dr. Gaitan, he began to explain Solae’s injuries until Hershel stopped him.
“In lay person’s terms, please?”
“Miss Wyatt-Palmer has a mild concussion and a strained shoulder in addition to some minor bruises; her prognosis is good. However, we would like to observe her overnight. She will need plenty of rest…”
“Can we see her?”
“Certainly. She is being transported to a room now. A nurse will advise you when she’s situated.”
After Dr. Gaitan left, Hershel joined the others in an audible sound of relief and sent praises up to God. While Royce hugged his wife, the only thing Hershel could think about was cuddling Solae before scolding her for scaring him to death.
The Palmers still had not returned when the nurse advised them of Solae’s room number. Solemnly, they stepped on the elevator and rode to the fourth floor and located her room.
“You go first, but I really want to see her.” Candace nodded and folded her arms. “One minute, then I’m coming in.”
Hershel couldn’t contain his smirk at the fireball of a sister-in-law. “Thanks.” Opening the door, he quietly walked in. The beeping monitors and the IV drips usually didn’t bother him, but seeing Solae as the patient was heartbreaking. She appeared asleep. The last time he had seen her in person was on the last day of her job before she moved. She was vibrant, warm, and healthy. Their few FaceTime chats didn’t count. Somehow, even with a dingy hospital gown and bruises on one side on her face, she was a vision of beauty to him.
Stepping to the bedrail, he took her warm hand in his. Her engagement or wedding ring should have graced it some time ago. Hershel accepted the responsibility for that. He swallowed. “Solae,” he whispered, “Baby, it’s me—Hershel.”
Solae didn’t open her eyes, but she moaned. “My baby…my baby…”
Hershel had no answers for her. He didn’t believe in telling people what they wanted to hear, even if it was false. Lord, what do I say?
He was spared responding when he heard commotion outside her door before her parents walked in with a baby that resembled a doll to him. Smiling, Mrs. Wyatt-Palmer cradled the child as she stepped closer to her daughter and brushed a kiss on her forehead before acknowledging Hershel.
Giving them space, Hershel quietly disappeared out in the hall.
“Well, how is she?” Candace demanded.
Before he could open his mouth, Candace crept inside, leaving Hershel with his brothers and sister-in-law.
Julia rubbed his arm. “She’s going to be fine. The fervent prayers of a righteous man, asking for God’s will are top priority.”
“Thanks.”
One by one, everyone went in to see Solae and came out except for her parents. He received pats on the shoulder and hugs. They all gushed about the baby.
“I’m an aunt.” Candace grinned before she and the others left for home to check on their families.
Hershel slipped back inside the room. Although Solae’s eyes were open, she still had a dazed look about her. Her mom and dad remained at her bedside. The baby appeared to be asleep.
“I didn’t know Solae was coming home or adopting a baby. Why didn’t she tell me?” he couldn’t help but feel hurt for not being her confidant.
“My daughter got the call yesterday and today she officially became a mother. It happened so fast, just like this accident. Washington and I were waiting at home for her. When she didn’t come home right away, we figured she had stopped by Candace’s to show off our little angel.”
“What’s her name?” Hershel pointed to the child in a hushed voice.
“Madison.” Mrs. Wyatt-Palmer beamed proudly at her first grandchild. “But…Solae’s been asking for her by her nickname, Hershey.” She winked.
Hershey. She was his namesake. He asked for permission to hold the baby. “May I?”
“Of course.” She stood and carefully placed the baby in Hershel’s arms.
Tears began to stream down Solae’s face when she asked for Hershey again.
“She’s okay, babe. I have her,” Hershel said in a soothing tone as Solae eyed the little girl. “I like her name.” He grinned. “She’s beautiful. You’re going to make a wonderful mother.”
“But I almost killed her,” Solae said softly.
When it seemed like she was about to fret, her parents joined him at her side. “This child came from the Lord. Don’t let the devil shake your faith,” her mother hushed her.
Solae nodded, closed her eyes, and drifted back to sleep.
“We’re going downstairs to get a bite to eat,” her father advised as he reached for his grandbaby.
“I’m not going anywhere. Do you mind if I hold her?”
Her father seemed reluctant until his wife came to his defense. “Hershel has small children. I’m sure he’ll be okay for a few minutes. If you run into any problems, you have our number.” After each one kissed Hershey on her forehead, they left.
With the baby safe in one arm, Hershel scooted the chair closer to Solae’s bed and stared into the face of Hershey, who made a sucking sound with her lips, but didn’t stir otherwise. Watching both ladies sleep, Hershel had very little doubt of his next move. “I always wanted a little girl.” Although he hadn’t thought of adopting, he would have a daughter if Solae would allow him. There was no reason for them not to be married soon—maybe by Christmas.
Chapter 21
For more than a week since leaving the hospital, Solae was touched by Hershel’s presence at her mother’s house and in the hospital. She praised God that her baby had survived, scratch free and was doing fine. The police said Hershey was lucky. Solae kindly inform
ed them that her daughter was blessed.
“The next time I come, I want to bring the boys,” Hershel insisted. He had just gotten off work and his eyes were bloodshot, yet he made a detour to see her and Hershey. That touched Solae.
“I would love to see them.” Although her shoulder was still sore, Solae cared for her baby’s needs as much as she could. Even now Hershel had propped a pillow on her lap so she could feed Hershey before he left.
“Babe…” He paused. “Despite our differences, you’re the only woman for me. The ring is still waiting. Hershey needs a father and my boys need a mother.”
Solae lifted a brow. “Are you proposing?”
“You deserve better than this. I want that moment to be memorable for us. I’m only reminding you because you accused me of keeping you in the dark. Not this time, I want you to know I want to marry you as soon as you say yes—maybe by Christmas.”
Although she was touched by his declaration, during the course of the last months, it had somehow lost its punch. “I love you, but now I need time. I’m still adjusting to being a mother for the first time. I never thought I would be so happy changing stinky diapers or getting up in the middle of the night, but I want these first-time moments right now.”
“So, what are you saying? You don’t want to marry me?” Hershel looked irritated to say the least.
“I’m saying I’m not in a rush anymore. I’m satisfied, I’m content, and I’m in a good place right now. I don’t have as much free time as a single mom to date right now.”
“What!” Hershel exploded then quieted when he saw that his temper startled Hershey. “Listen, I know you love me or you wouldn’t be calling Madison ‘Hershey’ which I’m elated about. We’ve already done the dating part. Call it what you want, but we’re in a relationship. Let’s make it official. ”
Solae shifted and cringed. Hershel was there at her side to support Hershey. “I’m not saying I don’t want to marry you ever, but my priorities have changed. I have a daughter now.”
