4 comments/ 21387 views/ 4 favorites A Christmas Wish Ch. 01 By: sweeteuphoria Note from the author: I would like to thank michchick98 as well as l8bloom for their patience with me during the writing and editing of this story. You guys are great! Thanks! I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy Holidays and don't forget to vote! ~~~~ Josh and Megan have been married nearly fifteen years. Both are well established in their dream careers and financially content. They have more friends than either could ever ask for. But something was missing, something that would make their family complete-a child. ~~~~ When Megan and Josh were in their early twenties and college was finally out of the way, they began trying to conceive on their wedding night; deciding it was the perfect time for children to enter the picture. They weren't quite as well off as they are now, however, they had a nice home and money in the bank. They had dated since high school and were ready to start a family. "I want to have children while I'm still young enough to do things with them," Megan told Josh whenever the topic came about, which was quite often especially when all their married friends were starting their families. Megan discovered she was expecting about six months into their marriage. She was thrilled, to say the least. "I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, just as long as it's healthy," she told her mother as the two looked through baby magazines. Josh did everything a loving husband could do for his wife after he learned the great news. He offered to cook dinner if she wasn't up to it. He would hold her head when the morning sickness controlled her. He avoided all potential arguments, never letting them start in the first place. He was so excited about becoming a father he could hardly contain himself. He remembered back when they were first engaged and she spoke of having a large family. "Oh, that would be great! They would always have someone to play with. Not like when I was a kid," he said as they window-shopped for baby items, picturing the two of them walking down the street with the most popular carriage or driving in a minivan filled with car seats. Things were going smoothly until her second trimester. On a scheduled visit to her doctor she learned the devastating news. During the ultrasound the doctor discovered the baby wasn't moving and no longer had a heartbeat. She had miscarried their first child. The news shook them both for quite a while. Whenever Megan would see something referring to pregnancy or a baby she would break out in tears. The feelings of despondency lasted for months, but they didn't give up. Her doctor said there wasn't any harm in trying again, so they did. In the mean time Josh and Megan concentrated on their careers and saved as much money as they could. ~~~~ After the third miscarriage, Megan's doctor suggested artificial insemination and a surrogate. Megan wanted no part in this. "I want the baby to be mine, not someone else's," Megan cried out as the doctor discussed the alternatives with them. "I know you want a child, Josh, but I want our child, not your child created with another woman. I hope you don't think I'm being selfish here, but I want you to understand where I'm coming from. What if we go through with this and the woman decides she wants to keep the baby?" The doctor gave Megan and Josh a list of other obstetricians for a second opinion. Josh called a few and sadly the same information was heard over and over again; Megan was unable to carry full term and in no way should she try to become pregnant, because it might cause her harm. More importantly, the baby would most likely not survive. Megan was crushed to learn that she couldn't ever become pregnant. All her hopes and dreams of having a family were cut to shreds by the doctor's diagnosis and she started to sink into a depression. ~~~~ "Honey, won't you reconsider artificial insemination? Amber volunteered and the doctors said that since she's your twin it would be the closest thing to having your own." Her husband pleaded time and time again. The last time Josh brought up the conversation Megan broke down, "Okay. I will consider it." Later that day she phoned Amber to set up dinner plans. "We have something to ask you, sis," Megan said timidly then confirmed the time and place for dinner. "We'll see you there at seven. Bye Amber." "Josh, will you hurry up and get ready? I don't want Amber to be waiting too long! If I know her she's already there, waiting for us." "Yes hon, I'll be right down," Josh bellowed, irritated at the fifth attempt to get his tie just right. "Oh screw it, I don't need one tonight." He pulled the tie from his neck and headed downstairs. "Okay! Are you ready to do this?" Megan asked, her heart pounded fiercely, hands trembled. "Give me those keys sweetheart. You're in no condition to drive." Josh said and she handed him the keys as they walked to the car. "Where are we going again?" he asked as he put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. "We're going to dinner with Amber, silly." "Well, duh. I mean where? Where did you make the reservations or don't we need them?" "We don't need them because we're just going to that Chinese place up the street from her house. You do remember where she lives, don't you?" Megan asked jokingly then giggled at her husband's nervousness, yet felt the same way. "Okay, okay I got it, but no more questions okay?" "Sure thing Dear. Just let me do all the talking tonight, okay, Josh?" "No problem! I'll just be there for moral support, sweetie. This is between you and your sister." Upon arriving at the restaurant, Josh jumped out to get Megan's door and helped her out. Customers were leaving as they approached the front door and combined scents of the different foods served permeated the air. "Mmm, that smells good, doesn't it?" Josh commented as a gentleman held the door for them. Once inside, Josh panned the room for in search of Amber. "There she is. Over in the corner." Megan grabbed her husband's hand, pulling him behind her. "Hi, sis. Have you been waiting long?" Megan asked as she took a seat at the table then picked up a menu. "So what looks good tonight?" she asked, no one in particular. "Will you stop that? What are you so nervous about, Meg? What did you wanna talk to me about that we couldn't do over the phone?" Silence fell over the table as Josh looked at Megan who looked at Amber then back at Josh. Josh nudged her gently and gave a better now than later look as he cocked an eyebrow toward her. "Okay, here it is Amber," Megan started after a deep breath and then continued, "You know how much Josh and I've wanted a child of our own right?" she paused awaiting acknowledgement. "Well, the doctors are now telling me I will never be able to carry full term and if I try it might be harmful to my health or even the baby." Megan's voice now shaky, tears formed in her eyes, yet she continued again without hesitation. "So Josh and I discussed it and we would like to know if you'd consider being the surrogate mother for our baby. I'm guessing your genes are the closest to mine since we are identical twins and all." Megan paused to take a breath and sip some of her water. Before she could start to speak again, a teary-eyed Amber leaned across the table and nodded as she reached for Josh and Megan's hands. "I was wondering how long it would take you to ask me. I suggested it to mom a long time ago but she insisted that you didn't want a baby if you couldn't deliver yourself so I didn't say anything to either of you about it. I would love to carry your baby for you, Megan, what an honor! Thank you for thinking of me." ~~~~~ "Josh, could you guys come over for dinner tonight? I have something to show you. It's a paper I received from mom's lawyer. I wasn't sure what it was all about so mom had the lawyer call me and explain it," Amber rambled on not allowing Josh to give an answer. "What do you need an attorney for, Amber?" Josh finally had a chance to speak when she paused to take a breath. "Oh it's nothing that important, just papers explaining my legal rights as a surrogate. Didn't you guys get one? When I went to see your obstetrician for some tests he said I should read it over, sign it and then keep it in a safe place. I just don't want to keep anything from the two of you is all," Amber said before she repeated the dinner invitation. Josh confirmed her plan and told Amber that they would be there as soon as Megan got home from work. "Dinner's almost ready, but while we wait I want to show you that paper I told Josh about," she said as she pulled the envelope from her purse, took out the papers and handed them to Megan and Josh. "It's a legal form that says I am voluntarily donating myself as a surrogate for the two of you. I will carry your baby and relinquish all rights to the baby once it's born. There is some other legal mumbo jumbo too, but that's the basic idea of the contract. I will leave it with you to look over and if you have any questions you can call mom's lawyer. He has offered free advice and counsel for us." Amber said. "Do you mind if we take this home to look over?" Megan asked her sister. "Of course not. Take your time," Amber replied, listening from the kitchen as she brought the food to the table. "Come eat while it's still hot." ~~~~ Once home, Josh and Megan read through everything, "Well, it all looks okay to me, sweetheart. Do you have any questions for the lawyer or Amber?" "Well, there is this one thing here," Megan said as she pointed to the part that concerned her. "What's that?" "This part about giving up all legal rights to the baby after it's born. I only have one concern about that. Say something unthinkable should happen to us, where would the baby go if Amber gives up her rights?" "I will call her and together we can visit the lawyer and ask him, okay?" ~~~~~ "Oh! I never thought of that, Josh. Of course I'll go with you to talk to mom's lawyer. Are you going to come get me or should I meet you there?" Amber said when Josh called and told her about the discrepancy Megan pointed out. "We're on our way right now and will swing by to get you on the way, sit tight." "I'm sure glad I had you guys look this over before I gave it back to mom's lawyer signed." Amber said as they all got out of the car at Smith and Dean Law Office. "Hello, you must be Josh and Megan," the lawyer said as he pulled up another chair for Amber then took his seat behind the big oak desk. "What concerns do you have regarding this contract?" Amber began with the concerns that Megan brought up to her after reading over the contract with Josh. "It says here I will give up all parental rights. I don't have a problem with that. Well I didn't until my sister brought up a good question. What would happen to the baby if something were to happen to Josh and Megan?" Amber asked as she held her sister's hand, patiently awaiting an answer. "That's a fine question. What have you two decided?" the lawyer asked looking at Josh and Megan. "I - - we - - " Josh and Megan began together, but Josh gave Megan the floor and she continued, "We would only want Amber to have the baby. After all she is the biological mother." The lawyer directed the next question to Amber, "Do you agree with those terms?" "Of course I do, this is my sister's baby we are talking about here. Yes I'm carrying it, but it's theirs. I wouldn't want to have to go to court to keep the child in the family if it came to that." Amber said slightly upset, yet relieved when the lawyer typed an additional page to the contract and handed it back for all to sign. "Oh, it's been such a long day between working and this; I think I wanna go back home and rest. Tomorrow's the big day. I'm gonna do my best to give you guys a baby!" "Your appointment is in the morning right?" "Yeah, first thing. I know they open the doors at eight thirty." "Okay then, we will pick you up at eight o'clock. The roads will be congested with the morning traffic, so this will give us plenty of time to get there, park and get into the office. You take care of yourself and we'll see you in the morning," Megan told her sister as they pulled into the driveway. ~~~~~~ At the clinic the happy couple along with Amber waited to be called into the exam room. "Mr. Josh Hill?" "Yes, I'm coming," he said to the nurse's call. As he walked to the door he thought about his choice of words, "Hmm, not a good answer in these circumstances was it?" he whispered to Megan, slightly embarrassed. "Hey don't worry about it baby, I don't even think she heard you," Megan replied as she smiled at Josh and wished him luck. "Mr. Hill, here's your container. You can go in that room right at the end of the hall. The directions are on the wall by the light switch." The nurse said with a smile, then walked back to the waiting room to call Amber and Megan. "You are gonna come in with me aren't you Meg?" Amber asked holding her sister's hand tightly. "If you want me to sweetie." "I can't believe that woman - Of all the nerve. Like I really need directions for what I'm about to do, geez!" Josh said as he prepared himself for the procedure that would hopefully give him a child in nine months ~~~~~~ When Josh finished his duty he handed the specimen cup to the nurse waiting outside then he joined Megan and Amber in the exam room after getting dressed. The procedure had already taken place and Amber was about to get dressed by the time Josh arrived. "So, how are you feeling?" Josh asked as the nurse pulled the curtain aside and exited the room. "I'm feeling fine, you missed everything. So now if you'll excuse me," Amber said with a raised brow as she grabbed her pants. "Oh yeah. Sure, um -- I'll be right outside, um - - " Josh stammered being caught off guard as the embarrassment flooded his face and he backed out of the room. "Man! That was quick!" "Everything went fine sir. Amber is due back in thirty days to see if a pregnancy has occurred. I don't think you have anything to worry about here. Amber is a healthy young woman. If the pregnancy is detected she should give birth sometime in December," the doctor said as he waited in the hall for the next patient to undress. "Okay, anyone up for some breakfast?" Josh asked as he escorted both women to the car. "No, not me. I think I just wanna go home and rest, if you don't mind." Amber said with a yawn. "I took the day off and I just want to relax." ~~~~~~ "Hey girl, are you ready for your appointment?" Megan asked when she called her sister to let her know they were on the way to get her. "Sure thing! I hope this worked. I don't feel any different, but then again I've never been pregnant so I don't know for sure what I'm supposed to feel like," Amber said with a slight giggle trying to lighten the mood in the car as Josh drove to the clinic. "So Doc? Do we have a baby on the way or what?" Josh asked in excitement as Megan called him into the exam room. "Congratulations, mom and dad! We have a pregnancy here! The tests came back positive!" the doctor said as he shook Josh and Megan's hand. Megan and Amber glanced at Josh, "This is it baby," Megan said as Josh pulled her close and blew a kiss to Amber as she rubbed her belly, repeating Megan's statement to herself. ~~~~~ "Oh my gosh! I can't believe it's your seventh month already!" Megan said while she rubbed her sister's protruding belly when Amber took a short break after attempting to put on her socks. "Have you guys been thinking of names yet?" "We have but Josh wanted me to run them by you first before we made a final decision." "So, what did you have in mind, Meg?" "Well, if it's a girl we were thinking of calling her Peggy and if---" "Oh my God!" Megan was interrupted in mid sentence. "I can't believe you wanna name your baby after a cartoon character?" "A what?" "You know, Peggy Hill. From King Of The Hill?" "Oops, I didn't think of that," Megan said with a giggle and then continued, "Actually I was thinking after mom's middle name." "Please! Don't name her after mom. Remember what she said about being teased as a child and never forgiving either of us if we named any children after her?" Amber cried out almost laughing. "Okay, well I was only joking with you sis. How about Erika or Grace and her middle name would be Rose?" "Oh those are beautiful names. I like them both, Megan!" "If it's a boy Josh wants to name him after his grandfather Henry, but I told him I didn't think so. What do you think about Henry?" Amber didn't have to verbalize her answer, for her face said it all. "Okay, like I said Henry is out. What about Douglas or Sean or even Ethan and his middle name would be Brian if we chose Douglas or Quinn for the other two." "Well?" Megan asked still awaiting an answer from her sister. "Hey, Amber, Amber? Oh no! Amber, what's wrong?" Megan cried out when Amber wouldn't answer. Megan shook her sister's arm gently not wanting to startle her if she'd just fallen asleep, but that didn't wake her so she shook harder; still no response. "Oh God no!" she cried out again reaching for her cell phone and pressing the number for Josh. "This is Josh, I can't come to the phone right now." was the message on the other end. "Answer damn it!" Megan cried into the phone then dropped it on the floor as her sister slumped over on the sofa. She picked up the phone and dialed 911 telling the operator the problem with her sister. "Ma'am, please remain calm. I'm sending someone to you right now. I will stay on the line until help arrives." The operator said and then there was silence. "Hello?" Megan called out into the phone, but the operator didn't acknowledge her. She called a second time, "Hello? Hello?" The operator still hadn't acknowledged Megan's pleas for help. Megan hung up the phone and dropped it in her purse. "Oh Amber, hold on. I'll get help for you," she said as she picked her sister up and dragged her to the car and carefully slid her in the front seat. Once she secured her sister she ran to the driver's side and jumped in. Not bothering to secure herself, she sped off towards the hospital. "Hold on Amber! We're almost there she said in a panic. "Just a couple more bloc - -" Out of nowhere a truck came barreling through the intersection, broad-siding Megan's car and forcing her to spin out of control. A dazed Megan sat up in her seat. Her car was crumpled and resting on the curb. Pedestrians and shoppers ran toward the noise on the corner. Everything was spinning as she tried to focus. "What the hell happened?" she asked herself as people ran toward her, but all she could hear was yelling and mumbled voices. Then she remembered where she was and where she was going. When she looked toward her sister, all she saw was blood. There were blood splatters on the roof, on the side window and windshield. It hadn't occurred to her that the passenger side of her vehicle was right beside her shoulder now and her sister had literally been crushed by the impact. When the emergency crews arrived, they tended to Megan first because she was most accessible, and when the second ambulance and fire department arrived, they tended to the truck driver and Amber. The wrecking crew removed the truck that had impacted the side of Megan's car so hard it made the vehicle resemble an accordion. The Jaws of Life had to be used to extricate Amber from the totaled vehicle. Confused and dazed, Megan finally was jolted back to reality when she saw her sister being pulled from the wreckage. Covered in blood, her lifeless body lay limp as it was placed on the ground. "Don't put her on the ground! Can't you see she's pregnant?" Megan cried out as the police officers pulled her away from the scene. A Christmas Wish Ch. 01 "Ma'am, we need you to calm down." An officer shouted to her in hopes of distracting her long enough to get some information. Megan didn't want anything to do with the officer she only wanted to help her sister. "Help her damn it! Can't you see she hurt? What's wrong with you people?" Megan's cries were heard for blocks as she pleaded with the emergency crews on the scene and tried effortlessly to push herself away from the police and paramedics. ~~~~ "Excuse me, sir? Is this Josh Hill?" "Yes, who's this?" Josh replied after being called to the office phone. "This is officer Duncan of the Oakland County Police department. I'm sorry to inform you there has been an accident. Your wife has been taken to Beaumont Hospital, sir. Sir? Sir?" Positive identification of the occupant in the vehicle wasn't known at the time the officer made the call so he just told Josh about his wife. Josh immediately hung up the phone and rushed to the emergency room to be with her. After he saw that she was okay, just a bit shaken and with a mild concussion, the officers were able to pull him away with more information as well as questions. "Excuse me sir? If you wouldn't mind answering some questions for the officer who first arrived on the scene of your wife's accident, we can get things cleared up here and you can go back to your wife." The officer asked patiently, knowing that Josh's life had just been turned upside down. "Right this way," he said when Josh shook his head in agreement. He was still unaware that Amber had been in the vehicle with Megan at the time of the accident, but he would soon find out. "No. Not at this time sir. I am unable to give any details regarding the victims of that accident," Josh heard one of the doctors that had examined his wife tell a man who appeared to be in distress standing behind the officers. Josh looked at him with concern then was pulled to the side by another officer. "I'm sorry sir. We know this is a shock. No one expects to be standing where you are right now," the officer started, but was interrupted by a very upset and confused Josh. "What the hell happened? Did they catch the person who did this to my wife? I feel like I'm in a horrible nightmare," he said then began to shake uncontrollably as the realization set in. "Let it all out sir, we understand." The female officer said as she comforted Josh and walked him over to the seating area for more privacy. "From what we know right now according to witnesses, your wife had the right of way through the intersection when she was broad-sided by a truck that ran the red light. The driver of the truck has been arrested for drunk driving. He was treated for a head injury and taken to the precinct. What we don't know is who the other person in the vehicle was." The male officer said as he pulled out his little pad of paper to look over his notes. "Other person? What other person?" Josh asked not even thinking it could be Amber, the woman carrying his child. "Sir, there was an unidentified woman in the passengers seat of the car your wife was driving. A pregn- -" "Oh dear God! No!" Josh cried out and fell to his knees. "I need to see her. Where is she?" Josh was beyond consoling with the news of his wife and then his sister-in- law, not to mention the fate of his unborn child. The police officer asked the doctors where the woman had been taken, knowing she was pronounced dead at the scene. The doctors escorted Josh and the officers to a room down the hall. "She's in here, sir," was all that was said and Josh pushed the door open to find a body lying stiff on the stretcher, a white sheet with droplets of blood covered her face. "Are you ready to ID the body, sir?" the doctor asked. A Christmas Wish Ch. 02 Josh knew it had to be Amber because of the bulge beneath the sheet. "Oh God, it can't be. Tell me this isn't happening." He said as the doctor escorted him to the gurney and pulled the bloodstained sheet back revealing the face of the woman beneath it. "Oh God! What am I gonna tell my wife?" Josh cried and then fainted after telling the doctor her name. When Josh came to, he was in a chair and his wife was by his side. She knew the fate of her sister but had yet to see her. "I want to say goodbye. I have to see her." She cried to her husband who stood with her when the sheet was once again pulled back. "The baby? What about the baby?" She cried again as she hugged her sister's body. "Oh Amber, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." She sobbed as the doctors took her back to her room. ~~~~ Megan was released that afternoon with strict orders for her aftercare. "We are never going to have children of our own are we?" Megan asked her husband as he carried her into the house. "We have to let mom know about Amber," she added in a somber tone, grieving for her sister and her baby. Josh held Megan as he unlocked the door then entered the living room. He walked to the stairs to take her to their bedroom, but she insisted she wanted to stay down stairs. "Just put me on the sofa. I want to be down here when mom comes over," she said, trying to think of what she was going to say to her mother. "Oh, my baby girl. Are you all right?" Megan's mom asked when she arrived at the house. "I'm okay mom, but Amb - -" she began to say but broke down in a pool of tears on her mother's shoulder. "It's all my fault. If I 'd waited for the paramedics to come she'd still be here with us. If I would have been more careful and paid attention I would have seen- -" she trailed off hating herself for the death of her sister. "Nothing is your fault, dear. You were concerned about your sister and did what came naturally. I would have done the same thing if I were in your shoes, Megan. Oh, it's gonna be all right dear, just let it out. That's it; just let it all out. I'm here for you, baby girl," her mother said as they cried together. After hours of sobbing and blaming herself for the accident, Megan eventually fell asleep. Her mother slid over and covered her daughter with the throw that lay on the arm of the sofa then headed into the kitchen to speak with Josh. "How are you holding up, Josh?" "I'm doing okay now, I guess. I couldn't believe it when my boss came and told me there was a cop on the phone. An accident never even entered my mind as to the reason for their call." He said then reached for the pot of coffee and two mugs. He gave the first mug to Peggy and returned to the table with the second mug for himself. "The important thing is how are you holding up?" "Oh, I'm getting by," Peggy replied, wiping more tears from her eyes. "I'm more concerned about Megan." "When I got to the hospital Megan was alert, but she still had no idea about Amber and the baby. Oh, mom, I wished right then and there I could have taken her sister's spot. I'd give anything to have her and the baby here instead of me." He began to cry. "There, there son. Megan needs you here with her. You will grieve together and then eventually move on." Peggy gave him a comforting hug, finding it easier to hold herself together if she concentrated on Josh and Megan. "But the baby? This was our last chance of having a child. I'm not sure Megan is going to come out of all this wanting to adopt." "You are probably going to think it's too soon or that I'm rushing things, but we have to begin arrangements for the burials. I will call the funeral home and start things, but they are gonna want to speak with you about a casket for the baby. Unless you want the baby buried with Amber." "I don't think Meg would want to put Amber through that, do you? Oh, listen to me. I guess I can't get over the fact that she is dead. She wouldn't feel a thing, would she? But still, I can't hear Megan say she'd want the baby's body removed from Amber. I will talk with her when she's awake, okay?" ~~~~ "What on earth was she thinking?" Megan asked Josh when he told her about the conversation he had with her mother while she was asleep. "I would never want Amber to go through that, even if she supposedly can't feel anything. It was her baby as much as it was ours. The baby stays with her and I don't want to discuss it any further," Megan shouted in anger, but more in sadness as the memory of the accident rushed back to her. "If mom wants help with the arrangements we will help her, but they stay together. Do you hear me? I hope you agree with me on this." The funeral arrangements were made and the service was held four days after the accident. Josh did his best to console Megan and her mother during the service but when they returned home he lost all control. He didn't know what to do or where to turn. He'd lost yet another child. As he thought back to the many miscarriages his wife had he didn't recall the pain, the emptiness, the loneliness, ever feeling like this before. Josh took the remainder of the week off from work to be with his family. As time passed Josh returned to work and Megan was beginning to drift away. The Christmas holiday passed without a gift shared or a tree decorated. Peggy called her daughter to wish her a Merry Christmas but repeatedly got the answering machine. Josh and Megan were still grieving. ~~~~~ "It's been eleven months since the accident mom, but she still refuses to talk about her feelings with me." Josh phoned his mother to ask her advice about Megan. "I found a support group but she refuses to attend the meetings. She has buried herself in her work and we hardly ever talk anymore. I don't know how long I can deal with this. I understand she is hurting, but so am I," Josh whimpered, unable to contain his emotions any longer. He let all his pent up emotions spill out at that moment, revealing private things about their sex life, or the lack of it. "Every time I try to get close to her she pulls away. It's like she blames me for what happened because I wasn't there to answer the phone when she called that morning. I just don't know where to go or what to do to help her anymore. I can't take the loneliness and honestly, I've been thinking of asking for a divorce, since she obviously doesn't want to be with me anymore." "I understand and I will have a talk with her tomorrow. I'll pick her up for lunch and we'll have a heart to heart talk. We haven't done that in a while." Peggy knew exactly how he felt because she had done the same thing to her husband after she'd miscarried a child. Megan was headed to work when her phone rang. "Hello." "Hi Megan, it's mom. I'm coming over to have lunch with you today. Don't worry; I've cleared the afternoon with your boss. He agrees with me that you've been working way too hard. I'll pick you up at noon today," Before Megan could give a reply the line went silent. "Damn her. Doesn't she see that I don't want to talk to anyone? Doesn't she realize that's why I've been ignoring her and everyone else all this time? No one understands me, what I'm doing and why I have to do it," she mumbled to herself angrily. "Oh, this is a nice place," Peggy said as she and Megan followed the hostess to their table then continued. "They have good food and quick service so I won't keep you all day and when we are finished you can go home and spend some quality time with your husband," she told her daughter who still somewhat ignored her. "Okay. That's it. I've tried to be understanding of your loss, but you aren't the only one who lost something that horrible day. I lost a daughter and a grandchild. Your husband lost a friend and his child too. So get off your pity boat and take care of your husband, or he is going to leave you." Her mother spoke sternly, yet lovingly. She knew it was time for her daughter to stop thinking of herself and make time for others who shared in her grief. "Oh mom, I'm sorry. I guess I just didn't see anyone else's pain through my own. I know Josh has to be suffering with this as much as I am. I will go talk with him tonight when he gets home from work." ~~~~~ The drive home allowed Megan time to think of what she'd done to her husband and mother since the loss of her sister and unborn child. She thought of all the times they could have helped one another through this tragedy they all shared. "How could I have been so selfish?" she thought to herself as she neared her home. When she turned the corner that led to their house she noticed Josh's car in the driveway. "Mom was right. He is here for me. He's always been here for me. I just hope I can make things right between us again. I don't want to lose him, too. I just couldn't bear losing the only man I've ever loved." She wept to herself as she pulled into the long drive. As her car came to a stop she shifted into park, got out and without even closing the door behind her, ran into the house to find Josh. He lay so peaceful on the sofa that she hesitated to wake him, but she wanted to talk, really talk with him this afternoon. Not just talk to him like she had for the past year. She set her purse on the dining room table and walked to the foyer to hang her coat in the closet. With the thud her coat made when it hit the floor Josh jumped up. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Megan said as she gazed at her husband. "So how was lunch with your mom?" he asked as he stood to help her with her coat. "Lunch went fine." Megan slid her hand in his and smiled lovingly at him and they walked back to the sofa. "I've been so hard on you, and I'm truly sorry, Josh. I guess I just never thought this was as hard on you as it was on me. Mom had a nice long talk with me and made me understand how my actions have pushed you away. I'm sorry. Can I make it up to you? Is there still a chance for a future for the two of us?" Megan's emotions, now sympathetic towards her husband, poured out of her. "I love you more than anything Josh. It just took my mom to make me realize that today. I can't live without you in my life." "I love you too, Meg, but it's been a long time, and I am still hurting. You've pushed me so far away I don't know if we can get back to where we were before all this happened." He bowed his head in his hands. "Is it because of the accident? You think it's my fault that we lost the baby, don't you?" Megan began to take offense instantly. "No! Stop saying that! I don't blame you. You didn't do anything wrong. Just stop it now!" he yelled at her as his fists clenched in anger. "I'm hurting because you wouldn't let me help you. Not because I blame you for anything. I'm hurting because you pushed me away instead of going through this mess together as a loving couple should." He paused to gather his thoughts. Megan released his hand, stood and walked a few steps away from him, "Oh God! What have I done to us? Why am I like this? It's been too long to still be feeling this pain, this anger and the emptiness. I wish it were me that died instead of my sister, then you and mom wouldn't have had to go through all this for so long," She sobbed and fell to the chair across from the sofa. This wasn't how Josh wanted her to feel, but he was glad she let her emotions show. He knew she was still suffering, but he didn't know exactly how. "This is the first step to recovery, baby," he told her. He walked to her, scooped her in his arms and brought her back to the sofa. "Let it out sweetheart, let it all go. It's time to move on," he whispered. He pushed her hair from her eyes, grasped her face with both hands and pulled her to his chest. "I still love you if that's what you are worried about. I never stopped loving you sweetheart," his words rang softly in her ear. ~~~~ Josh believed he finally had his wife back. The woman he'd fallen in love with so long ago was finally back with him. He felt at peace for the first time since the news of the accident and he felt joy in his heart once again. "We will make this work baby, don't worry," he whispered into her ear as he scooted off the sofa and scooped her in his arms. Josh carried her up the stairs to their bedroom. He laid her on the bed and slid in beside her. With soft gentle kisses he began at her temple and across her forehead, down to her eyes. This time she didn't pull away. Instead she pressed her body against his. She felt the warmth of his body and it soothed her. For the first time in almost a year, his touch actually excited her. She felt relaxed and at ease. Still fully clothed, Josh and Megan began to reunite. Megan stunned him when she began to slide her trembling hands beneath his shirt and he felt her loving touch once again. "Are you sure you want this?" he asked, his breath heavy with the excitement he'd longed for. "I've neglected you for too long already, Josh. Please let me do this for you?" she asked, her voice deep with desire and compassion. She rolled him onto his back and straddled his waist as she continued to remove his clothing. Her hands were trembling when she reached for the waistband of his jeans and she heard him chuckle quietly. "Oh, you think that's funny do you?" she asked, tickling his sides; her arousal deepening with the sensations he delivered as he squirmed beneath her. When Josh tried to roll her off him, she pushed him back to the bed and resumed removing his jeans. In one motion, she brought his jeans and boxers down to his ankles. She pulled off his shoes without untying them, and then pulled his jeans and underwear off, tossing them to the side and running her hands up his muscular legs. "You have me at an unfair advantage," he breathed, feeling her warms hands wrap around his rapidly growing shaft. "How so?" she replied, watching as the clear droplets of his arousal formed at the tip of his engorged member. "You're still dressed," he hissed, drawing in a harsh breath when he felt her lips wrap around the head of his cock. He thrust his hips upward, pushing deeper into the sweet, warm wetness of her mouth. She held his hips with her hands as her supple lips molded around his girth. "God --- Megan --- " he breathed, feeling himself dangerously close to release. Megan felt his body tremble and brought one hand up to caress his sac, feeling his body jerk from the sensations she was creating with her fingers and her mouth. "Get those clothes off woman!" Josh demanded. She paid him no attention. "Unless you want dessert before your dinner I'd suggest you ease off Meg dear," he added as his feeble attempt to get away failed. But she got the hint that time and released his length slowly, deliberately teasing him all the while as her tongue tickled the sensitive underside of his shaft. She slid to his side and he rolled on top of her. Aroused beyond control, he tore her clothes to shreds. He consumed the vision that lay before him with all his senses on fire. Megan hadn't seen this side of her husband since their honeymoon, she loved it. "Oh baby; yes," she growled as his assault took their passion to a new level. Once her clothes had been removed, Josh rose and stood between her ivory thighs. He leaned down, and with her legs entwined in his muscular arms; he pulled her to the edge of the mattress as he gazed upon her beauty. Yes, after all this time he still thought of her as beautiful, and he wanted her, craved her, and most of all, loved her. Josh knelt between her thighs and inhaled the delicious scent that fragranced the air before he teased her. Merely the warmth of his breath caused her to squirm. Her hips rose, inviting him further. She wanted more. She wanted to feel her husband's mouth against her hot sex. She whimpered in ragged pleas for him to devour her, but he wasn't quite finished with the tease yet. She'd done it to him and now it was payback time. His tongue darted out gently at first, however, picked up force as he dove into her quivering wetness. He could feel her muscles tighten around the pointed spear when he pressed against her sensitive spot. Megan grabbed handfuls of sheet on either side of her as Josh teased and tortured her sex. When he thought she could handle no more he slowly relaxed his tongue and let it slide from her. Delicate kisses guided him toward her full, lustrous lips as he positioned himself over her once again. Her tired legs grasped his shoulders and she crossed her ankles behind his head. This allowed her to relax a bit, yet be ready to pull him deeper when the time came. Josh positioned the head of his throbbing shaft at her slick opening and embedded his entire length effortlessly. In the stillness he felt her clench him. She felt his girth stretch her as quivering muscles succumbed to the unfamiliar, yet thrilling invasion. The slightest movement of her clenches drove him insane with desire. He had to have her, now. It had been so long a wait for this moment to finally arrive and he hated to let it pass so quickly, but he was in pain, he needed release. With each thrust Josh brought Megan closer to her peak. The engorged spongy tip of his cock grazed against her g-spot with just the right amount of pressure and it didn't take long before she was swimming in waves of ecstasy as her orgasm washed over her. As he pummeled into her she hugged him tighter with her legs and lifted her ass to take him deeper. That single movement took him over the edge and from deep within he felt the jolt of pure pleasure surge through him. One last thrust and he pulled back hard, releasing his rigid spurting shaft from its confines. Megan lifted her head as she watched his seed squirt rapidly from the slit in the spongy head. Trails of glossy liquid covered her stomach and breasts, and then he collapsed on top of her. His chest was heaving from the powerful experience and his head spun in tremendous content. "How are you feeling, Darling?" Josh asked as his breathing normalized. The scent of passion lingered in the air. "I couldn't be better! That was wonderful, baby," Megan replied as she returned from the high of her release. "I just have one question though. Why did you pull out so soon?" "I didn't want you to have any more worries, you know, about what the doctor had said about becoming pregnant again. I wanted to give us both the release we so desperately needed, but without the concerns that followed," Josh said as he pulled his wife in for another heated kiss. It went deeper than he expected it would after such a workout, but he wasn't going to complain. ~~~~ A year after the accident, Megan called her doctor to schedule an appointment for a full physical and to discuss methods of planned parenthood. "It's not that we want to plan it doctor, it's that we want to avoid a pregnancy. Like you said a few years ago, you didn't think my body could handle carrying a child full term and it might have adverse effects on my child and me." "Josh doesn't want me to have a hysterectomy and I don't want him to have a vasectomy so we were wondering about the complications of the pill?" After a long talk with her doctor they decided the pill would be her best option. He gave her a seven-day sample pack to start her off and a prescription to last six months. "I'll see you back here just before the prescription runs out Megan." ~~~~~ Megan and Josh's lives returned to normal. They both returned to work and their marriage was back on track. They celebrated the holidays with family and friends again. "It feels god to be living life again, especially with you, Josh," Megan said as they prepared for a vacation after the New Year. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay here in the states and save the money?" "Are you kidding me? I can't think of anything more important than starting over with you and I have the perfect place in mind. You just relax and leave everything up to me. We have plenty of money so don't worry your pretty little head about that, okay?" Josh replied as he parked his car at the airport and retrieved the luggage from the trunk, stealing a kiss along the way. A Christmas Wish Ch. 02 "Are you sure you packed everything you need before we get on the plane, love?" he asked jokingly, knowing she was the best at making lists and packing things. He snickered at her when she made her usual "Trust me" face. Hand in hand they walked into the terminal. ~~~~~ "So, are you sure those pills the doctor gave you will work?" he asked, knowing the relief it would bring being able to make love to his wife whenever and wherever he wanted; without the worry, especially where he was taking her. "Yes, now stop being paranoid. He said they are 99.9% effective if taken as directed. I've already been on them for months and nothing has happened yet, so just stop with the worrying okay?" Their plane landed in Los Angeles and they headed to the international terminal. "Where are you taking me, Josh?" Megan pleaded for any clue of their destination. "You'll find out soon enough," he said as they boarded the plane that would take them to Tahiti. ~~~~~ Once the plane was airborne, the questions began again. This time she wasn't being so obvious about her intentions hoping he'd let something slip. "So, where did you hear about this place we're headed?" "A guy from work brought his wife here after their last kid graduated from college. He said it was the perfect place to start over again," Josh said with a smirk, knowing she wanted more information than that. "Trust me, sweetheart. The moment you step off the plane, you'll stop all these questions and just enjoy yourself. And me for that matter," he added with a snicker. "Would you like a cocktail sir? Ma'am?" the stewardess asked about half an hour after they were in the air. "I'd just like some water, thanks," Josh replied. "Same here, thanks." Megan nuzzled closer to her husband's shoulder, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep dreaming of what lay ahead. A Christmas Wish Ch. 03 As the plane landed Josh gently shook Megan's arm, "Honey, we're here. Time to wake up, sleepyhead." Dazed and tired, Megan woke with a yawn as she watched passengers file out of the plane. They remained until everyone had exited. Then Josh stood to help Megan with her carryon bag and then led her into the airport. "Just follow me and stay close. I don't want to lose you in here, this place is huge." Josh said as he grasped her hand and held her close as they walked to the exit to meet their ride to the resort. "What about our luggage?" Megan asked as they walked outside. "Don't worry, the resort is handling that for us, isn't that great? We don't have to wait in that long line and search for suitcases. The concierge said they would deliver the bags to us in our room." Josh told her after he spotted their ride. "C'mon, over here. Are you ready to start our vacation of a lifetime?" He pulled her close for a heated kiss as the driver walked around the vehicle to open their door. Megan was speechless, not only from Josh's kiss but the scenery as well. The weather was balmy, yet a comfortable temperature. The sky was the deepest blue she'd ever seen and the contrast of the fluffy white clouds looked as if they were painted by hand and stuck up there for the effect. As they waited for two other couples taking the same vacation to get seated, the driver introduced himself. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. I would like to welcome you to Tahiti. I will be your driver and my name is Nick," the driver said as he pulled away from the airport heading for the first stop. Megan couldn't believe her eyes. She was still sleepy from the long flight yet she didn't want to close her eyes and miss anything. The scenery was spectacular. Plush green velvet blanketed the mountainside as far as the eye could see. The flowers were bright and vibrant and there was a smell of sweetness to the air. "Okay, ladies and gentlemen, if you would please follow me," Nick said as he led them to the helicopter that would take them to their first Island. "Have a wonderful stay." Nick waved to them as the helicopter took off. ~~~~~ "Oh my God! Josh, how did you plan all this without my knowing?" Megan asked as he carried her to the building where they would spend the first three days of their trip. "I just wanted us to have a fresh start. I knew we both needed something to get our mind off the past and plan for our future together." "I can't believe how romantic you are. I love you Josh Hill," Megan said as she observed her new surroundings. "So, this will be home for the next three days? I absolutely love it!" She cried as she embraced Josh. The large hut style building set off the beach was secluded from a string of other huts. The interior was like that of a five star hotel, hut style. There weren't any carpets but the wood floors were polished, almost appearing as if they were wet. There was a sitting room, a kitchen, a bathroom and secluded bedroom. A porch extended the sitting room to the sand when the doors were opened. Megan was in heaven. Josh was just happy to see her finally enjoying herself. "So, should we break in the room?" Josh asked biting his lower lip. If he remembered correctly, this always excited his wife to no end. To say the least, he remembered correctly and she ran up to him and jumped into his arms, covering him in kisses as she pressed her body against his. "I'm ready when you are. I don't know about breaking in the room but I'm sure willing to break in the bed," she said seductively, then pressed her lips to his and sucked his lower lip into her mouth gently. Unlike the animalistic passion they shared before she went on the pill, this night was delicate, romantic and full of seductive surprises for both Josh and Megan as they "made love" for the first time in a long time. ~~~~ Josh and Megan seldom left their hut on the Island of Moorea during their three-night stay. However, they did get in some sight-seeing and beach activity during the early hours of the afternoon on their second day. The time passed quickly and before either realized, it was time to go to the second island, Bora Bora. Once again, Nick picked them up and dropped them off at the helicopter pad for the remainder of their vacation. This island was more beautiful than the last. Megan didn't think that was possible until she saw it with her own eyes. The sand seemed softer to her bare feet, and whiter, too. It was the off-season so congestion from visitors was sparse. "I can't believe it! It looks like we have the whole Island to ourselves, Josh," Megan said as she ran down the beach to the pier that led to their home for the next four days. "We're staying there?" Megan asked quietly, stunned by the view. "Yes, Dear. Right at the end of our very own pier," Josh told her as he pulled her into him and nibbled on her neck and ear as she gazed out over the sparkling blue water. This time they didn't have to leave their hut at all. Room service was delivered for breakfast and dinner and the view was so spectacular neither wanted to leave anyway. The interior of the hut was immaculate. The set up was similar to their first hut, except this one had a spa and a king sized bed. The couple opted to forgo the massages that were included with their package. "I can give her a massage, but thanks anyway." Josh told the bellhop. "Oh Josh, I can't believe we are here. It's so peaceful. Thank you for bringing me here. I love you so much." Megan said lovingly as she clasped her hand in Josh's and led him to the spa. The temperature of the water was invigorating until Josh adjusted the faucet, using more hot water than cold. Megan slid in first but waited for Josh to take his seat before she repositioned herself in his lap, her back against his chest. Ever since their days of dating Megan had loved this position. Each time, Josh would begin at her neck and in small circles massage gently, down her neck across her shoulders to her arms and then around to her front, paying special attention to her breasts and sensitive nipples. This was her night. Everything he did, each movement was intended solely for her pleasure alone, although he did find pleasure in pampering his wife. After a fair amount of gently pleasing her nipples, Josh would heighten the pleasure with just the right amount of pain. The moment Megan's hands would reach for the edge of the spa so she could arch her back and push her breasts outward, Josh would ease his cock into her waiting pussy. Nothing was rushed during this time, yet each movement was executed with precision to deliver a powerful orgasm. As his cock brushed against her g-spot, the fingers of one hand would stimulate her clit as the other hand alternately teased her protruding nipples. Josh would then use his forearm to lift his wife, only to gently release her so she would slide back down his length. Megan was in heaven. Stimulation in several areas at once had her panting and squirming until eventually she would tense, and then as if she had a time limit before they had to get out of the spa, she would ride her husband furiously until her orgasm rocked through her. With a pounding heart and gasps, which answered that fateful question, "Did you cum?" Megan melted against Josh as both came down from the high of their release. Then it was time to get out of the spa and take things to the bedroom. Their time on the second island passed much too quickly, just as before. And far too soon it was time to head home; yet, it allowed plenty of time for Josh and Megan to rekindle their relationship and their love life. ~~~~ Once home again Josh and Megan soon settled into a comfortable routine of work and play as they continued rebuilding their relationship. "Oh God!" Megan exclaimed after coming from the bathroom, bloodstained jeans in her hand. "I don't know what's wrong, but I have to call the doctor right away." As she reached for the phone Josh took her soiled jeans to the laundry room and placed it in cold water. "What did the doctor say?" "He wants me to come to the hospital right away." "The hospital? Why there? Why not his office? What's wrong? Damn it! Tell me what he said!" Josh's tone a little harsher than it should have been. "I will tell you when you calm down. You don't see me all in a panic, do you? Okay, are you calm? Are you gonna let me finish now?" Megan grabbed her shoes and purse. "He's not at his office today. He's scheduled at the hospital. Remember he's a surgeon as well as my doctor." "Okay. I'm all right now. I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. I didn't mean to scare you, sweetheart. Are you ready to go now?" Josh asked as he searched for his keys. "Yes, I'm ready to go now, but I will drive. You are still too upset to be behind the wheel anyway." Megan drove to the hospital and asked for her doctor at the emergency room information desk. After the woman paged her doctor and learned what was troubling Megan, she was told to sit in a wheel chair and taken into the back. "Someone will come out and talk to you as soon as we know what's going on with your wife, sir." The nurse said calmly. As Josh waited for news concerning his wife, the receptionist gave him a stack of forms to complete for insurance purposes. Then he phoned Peggy, who came immediately. When Peggy walked through the doors of the ER, her face as pale and she was trembling. "I feel sick to my stomach, Josh. Please tell me what's happening with my baby girl." "All I know is what I saw. She's okay as far as I know. As a matter of fact she drove us here. Anyway, she was in the bathroom putting towels away or something and all of a sudden I heard her cry out '"Oh no!"' She returned to the living room with blood soaked pants in her hand and called her doctor who told her to come here immediately. Then they wheeled her back there and I haven't heard anything else since then. That was over two hours ago. I wasn't worried then, but I'm starting to worry now. What could be taking so long unless something is terribly wrong?" Josh panicked and began to ramble on. ~~~~~ "Okay Megan, are you ready to hear the results of your tests?" her doctor asked. His smile turned to a look of concern when another nurse brought in more results. "I want Josh in here with me. Is my mother here yet? I know Josh called her." Megan asked worried about the results. The doctor left to get Josh and Megan's mother and then started with the test results. "At first we thought that perhaps you hadn't taken your medicine as directed, which would explain the hemorrhaging, but then we did a couple more tests and guess what young lady?" "What?" "Well it seems that you are pregnant!" the doctor said surprised himself of the news. Initially the look on Megan's face was sheer horror but then as she said the words over in her head, she began to smile. Josh was just numb. He didn't want to go through yet another miscarriage, but he did want his wife to be happy. If trying to carry this baby to full term would make her happy, then he would deal with whatever lie ahead, because he loved her that much. "Well, it's up to you, Megan. You know the consequences of this pregnancy, are you willing to take the chance, or we can terminate it right now?" the doctor asked and waited patiently for her response, although he already knew what that would be. "Yes," she said without even looking at her husband or mother. "Yes, I'm ready. I want this baby so much doctor. I know I will have special rules and will do whatever you say, except terminate it." Megan was sent home with specific orders to remain in bed except to get up for someone to change her sheets and to come to the hospital for her check-ups. "I don't want anything to go wrong this time, so on the days of your appointments, I will send an ambulance to pick you up and bring you back home. Is that understood?" The doctor looked at Josh sternly and then back at Megan to make certain they knew what they were getting themselves into. Megan's mother volunteered to help Josh out whenever she could and even agreed to pay half of the bill if he wanted to hire a full time nurse to look after her daughter. "Let me check into what the insurance will pay on that first, but thanks for the offer, mom." Josh held his wife's hand. "Do you have any questions before I release you, Megan?" the doctor asked "Just one. How am I going to go to the bathroom if I can't get out of bed?" she asked slightly embarrassed. "I will explain that to Josh, he'll help you and when the time comes where you're too big to turn over easily I will insert a catheter." ~~~~ Josh and Peggy were sent home with Megan's instructions and were told to call the front desk when the house was ready for Megan. As soon as the call was received Megan was moved from the ER to the ambulance and brought back home. The paramedics carried her into the living room where Josh and Peggy had set up a make shift bedroom. They moved the sofa and replaced it with her bed along with other things on the list that she might need. "Okay, Mrs. Hill, we will be back in two weeks to pick you up for your first check-up, okay? If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the number on the back of that card we gave your husband and an ambulance will be here in no time." The paramedic wished them the best of luck and headed back to the ambulance. ~~~~~ Seven months passed and Megan was still with child. She felt fine and each visit to her doctor brought her that much closer to her dream of motherhood. Josh busied himself with setting up furniture in the nursery, and Peggy stopped by daily to check on her daughter as well as bring Josh dinner. "Sweetheart? Are you feeling okay?" Josh asked Megan when she appeared to be in a daze during a conversation they were having about curtains for the nursery. He watched her closely for further symptoms, but as quickly as the first signs appeared they disappeared and he didn't give it another thought. That is until two days later when she did it again, this time the symptoms lasted longer and Josh became concerned. "Peggy, I'm calling the ambulance. I think something is wrong!" Josh said trying to remain calm and care for his wife. "Hey, something's wrong with Megan!" Josh yelled into the phone when the hospital dispatcher picked up. "I need an ambulance at 134 Clifton Avenue, stat!" he said as he checked on Megan a second time to see if there had been any changes. Nothing. "I need to have Doctor Phillips paged and meet us in the ER. Something's wrong with my wife, Megan Hill." Josh ended the call when he saw the flashing lights of the ambulance. "What's wrong sir?" the paramedic asked as he and his partner wheeled the gurney into the house. "I'm not sure, she's not responding. At first I thought she was sleeping, but that's not the problem, I know it." Josh said in a panic. "Meet us at the ER," the paramedic began to say only to be interrupted when Josh demanded he ride with his wife. "Her mother is meeting me there, I'll have a ride home, but now I'm riding with you. I'm not going to leave Megan for a minute," Josh grasped Megan's hand. ~~~~ The doctor met Josh and the ambulance at the ER as expected and a team of doctors rushed Megan into the back. Someone came out to speak with Josh to get as many details as he could remember then ran to the back with the information. Several hours later the doctor called them to the back and told them Megan had been admitted into the intensive care unit on the sixth floor. "She's in a coma. We believe it was caused by diabetes." "She doesn't have diabetes," Josh stammered, confused that the doctor had mixed up his wife's chart with another patient's. "She's never had diabetes, doctor. What's going on here?" Josh was beginning to panic. He knew he never should have let his wife decide to keep the baby when they first learned she was expecting. "If this kills her I'll never forgive myself," he cried silently in the corner of the waiting room as Peggy spoke to the medical staff in the ICU. She returned to Josh and attempted to console him. "There was nothing you could have done that would have changed this. The doctors said some women develop a hormone that controls the amount of insulin a body will accept and Megan had that hormone. However, they did say they can control her diabetes and once under control she will most likely come out of the coma on her own." Josh never left her side. He read to her and sang to the baby growing inside her. It took several weeks, but eventually the doctors and nurses had everything under control. "Once she is stabilized, we will watch for signs of improvement. All her organs are functioning, so we have no immediate concerns with the baby, but we will do an ultrasound weekly to avoid potential problems." "Hi, Mr. Fox. This is Josh Hill. I need to take a leave indefinitely," Josh told his boss and then explained the circumstances in more detail. "We'll be praying for her, son. You just go and take care of your wife. I'll take care of the paperwork for the insurance and family leave," his boss said. Josh thanked him and returned to his wife. It had been almost six weeks to the day that Megan was brought into the hospital. Josh seldom left her side. His vigil continued around the clock; he talked to her and told her all the things they had yet to do, and recalled the memories of their last vacation. Sleep came often for Josh, but only in spurts for brief periods of time, never for an entire night. At the end of the sixth week, when his body couldn't take anymore, Josh fell asleep as he leaned against the side of Megan's hospital bed. His head rested on the mattress and his torso pressed against the rail--his hand still around hers. He wasn't asleep for long when he felt someone touch his hand. He jerked up but no one was there. Still feeling sleep call him, he rested his head on the rail and drifted into sleep once again. Within what seemed like only moments, Josh felt a pressure on his hand a second time. This time he sat up and looked directly at Megan's hand. Did she move? Did she move her fingers, or am I just imagining all this? He thought to himself as he glanced around the room. When his eyes locked with hers, he jumped up and ran out of the room. "Doctor! Nurse! Anyone, come now! She's aw - - ake!" he stammered in his cry for help. He hoped for the best, yet worried it was all just a horrible dream, and that his world would continue to crumble around him. He stood back and let the doctors examine Megan. "That was her hand you felt, son," the older doctor said as he tried to explain the situation to Josh. "She's trying to come back to you, but her brain isn't quite ready yet." ~~~~ Two more weeks passed, yet she was still in a coma. The doctors monitored the development of her baby closely. "It's almost time for her to deliver," Josh overheard a nurse tell the intern. The two walked into the hall and continued the conversation. Josh wanted to know what was being said so he walked to the door to listen. He caught only a few words; "cesarean," "natural birth," and "hope for the best." The nurse noticed Josh as he listened in and returned to the room, ready to answer his questions. "Okay Mr. Hill, you know the baby is due any day now. Do you have any questions?" she asked him before she went into Megan's diagnosis and plans for her delivery. Josh had many questions. So many things were unclear that he didn't know where to start. He paced the room with his hands at the sides of his head. "Come, let's sit and I will tell you what the doctor's plans are." The nurse spoke in medical terms that confused Josh and he stopped her in mid-sentence. "Wait," he stood from his chair and grabbed his head once more. "Tell me in English, please. I don't understand all this medical talk." A Christmas Wish Ch. 03 "Okay, Mr. Hill, this is where we stand right now. The doctor is concerned about the baby. If Megan doesn't deliver on her own, we will have to take the baby by cesarean section. We will give her another week and watch to see if her water breaks. All other organs are functioning as they should, so we are hoping this will occur naturally as well, but if it doesn't, we'll have to go in and take the baby. We don't foresee any complications for your wife or the baby if that happens, but we would like to avoid any unnecessary trauma if at all possible. Do you understand?" The nurse paused briefly to allow Josh time to consume all the new information and then she continued, "If a cesarean is needed, we will need your consent, just so you know." Once again she asked if he had any questions. "No," was his reply as he stood and walked back to Megan's bedside. He sat and grasped her hand once again. "Oh sweetheart, it's almost time for the baby to come," he whispered. He brushed her hair and fluffed her pillow the best he could without moving her. "It's almost Christmas, darling," he told Megan as he watched the staff change her bedding. In previous pregnancies, Megan had never carried the child this far. Was this God's way of making certain she would give birth? Josh wondered to himself as he sat by her bedside, their hands inseparable. It was Christmas Eve. The doctors and nurses as well as Peggy and Josh watched patiently, waiting for any signs of a beginning labor. Holiday cheer could be heard echoing through the halls. This holiday hadn't stopped because of Megan's uncertain future. Even Santa Claus paid a visit. It was his last stop before heading home. He approached the door and with a soft rap on the glass captured Josh's attention. "Come in, Santa," he whispered, not moving from the bedside. The man dressed as Santa walked slowly and quietly toward Megan. He grasped her free hand, leaned toward her ear and said, "Santa knows your Christmas wish already. You don't have to say another word, nor dream another dream. Merry Christmas, my dear child." With that, he kissed her forehead and placed his other hand on her belly. He closed his eyes for a moment, merely seconds then opened them, gave Josh a smile and left the room as quietly as he entered. No one will ever know what the man said so silently or who he said it to at that moment, but within thirty minutes, Megan's water broke and she went into labor. With the marvels of modern medicine and the grace of a higher power, Megan delivered a healthy baby girl six hours later. After Josh cut the cord and the baby was cleansed, she was wrapped in a warm blanket and placed on her mother's chest. "Even if Megan doesn't realize what has happened today, she is bonding with her daughter. I can feel it." Josh held the baby against his wife. "Thank you," he said, looking out the window into the night sky. Peggy was there for the delivery with camera in hand and captured the event for her daughter. "That is such a precious picture, Josh," Peggy said as she snapped several shots of the new family. After the pictures had been taken Josh returned his daughter to her own bed and then taken to the nursery for her feeding. Torn between wanting to be with her granddaughter and her daughter, Peggy sighed in exhaustion, "I should be with her." "She's in good hands Peg," Josh comforted her. "Besides Megan needs you too." Two hours after the delivery, as if the man in the red suit had asked God for a miracle, Megan opened her eyes. She turned her head and locked eyes with her husband, then smiled at him. "Where am I?" she asked, her voice crackling. "You're in the hospital sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine from now on." Josh motioned his hand toward the nurses and doctors watching in disbelief outside her room. The medical staff on duty rushed in and after examining Megan only had one thing to say. "It's a miracle! There's no medical explanation. Her condition couldn't have cleared up so quickly." Josh stepped to the side, allowing the staff to do what they needed to do. "Can you bring the baby back in here?" He walked toward the tiny bed, which held his daughter. He gently picked her up and held her tight. When the last nurse left the room Josh carried the baby to Megan. He leaned down and placed the small infant in her arms. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart! You did it. This is your daughter, our daughter, Amber Grace Hill." Speechless, Megan wrapped her arms around the soft, warm blanket and pulled her daughter to her cheek. Megan held her daughter for quite some time. When Josh sat beside her on the bed she whispered softly, "Oh my precious angel. We have waited so long for you to come to us. You are perfect. I love you." ~~~~~ Megan was released four days later with a clean bill of health. The diabetes she developed while with child had normalized after Amber's birth. She no longer needed medications to control her insulin and all symptoms of the coma were gone. She needed some therapy to restore specific functions she'd once had, but all in all she was healthy. Her doctor wished the family well and asked permission to take a photo of the happy healthy family. Of course they granted his request. After the picture was taken he told them their ride home was waiting for them at the entrance to the ER. Her doctor wasn't going to take any chances and when Megan was wheeled around the corner she saw the waiting ambulance, fully equipped with a car seat for the new baby. "All set to go?" the paramedic asked, then he assisted Megan inside, followed by Josh and the baby. Megan had no recollection of her coma or the birth of her daughter. She did know she was happy to finally be going home to her own house, her own bed, with her husband and baby girl. Peggy had what some would call a sixth sense, and after the news of Santa visiting and the safe delivery of her first grandchild she rushed to her daughter's home and decorated the living room. Up went a tree and all the trimmings she could find. "This is going to be the best Christmas. I can feel it!" Not knowing exactly when her daughter would return home in what condition, Peggy left the bed where it was but she changed the sheets and put the dirty linen in the laundry. Her adrenaline so strong, she managed to get everything completed in just a day. She'd hesitated telling Josh what she'd done, figuring she would explain it later if things hadn't worked out. By the time Josh called her about Megan's recovery she had transformed the living room into a festive scene. The house was cleaned and ready for Megan's arrival. Even meals for the next few days were in the freezer. The ambulance pulled up into the driveway. Before the paramedic could get to the back, Josh opened the doors and was taking the baby from the car seat. Peggy met them as Josh fumbled with his house keys. "I'll get that Josh," as she unlocked the front door. Josh handed the baby to Peggy so he could help his wife into the house and when they saw the living room tears filled their eyes. "A-hem," Peggy cleared her throat. When Josh looked up at her she pointed to the archway just inside the door. Mistletoe hung over their heads, decorated with ivy, berries and gold ribbon. Josh didn't say a word; he just pulled Megan close to him and gave her a kiss she would remember forever. Peggy placed Amber in her cradle and wished the paramedic Happy Holidays then closed the door. She wanted to give Josh and her daughter some privacy. She knew what was about to happen and didn't want to leave the baby alone, so she carried her granddaughter upstairs to the nursery and sat in the rocker. "Welcome home sweetheart. I love you. Merry Christmas!" he whispered. His lips were so close to hers as he disengaged the kiss. He was so close she could feel the heat rise and she pulled him back in for a continuation of that kiss plus much more, lasting well into the night. The End