Page 74 of Pieces into Place
Isla felt as if the air got sucked out of her lungs. Although she knew c-sections were common, Isla had never had anyone in her family experience one. Much less it be her child getting ready to be put under the knife. She watched as Avery’s words slowly registered with Blake and Alexis as Alexis looked down at her. Alexis nodded, seeming to silently let Blake know she was on board. Blake looked at Vera with tears in her eyes.
“Mama,” her voice cracked slightly, “I’m scared.”
“Oh, honey.” Vera rushed to the bedside, embracing Blake as they both cried. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I think it’s the best decision for you and the baby. I know it’s scary, but Dr. Jacobs is amazing and you’re going to be in great hands. And Mom and I are going to be right here, okay? We got you.”
After Blake and Alexis agreed to the cesarean, everything moved fast again. There was a flurry of nurses into the room as Isla and Vera stood out of the way. Granted, Isla felt as if she were holding Vera back from stepping in but, selfishly, Isla needed her wife at that moment. Without Vera’s arms around her, Isla was sure she would crumble into a million pieces.
Before they wheeled Blake off to the operating room, Avery gave Isla and Vera the chance to hug Blake one more time. Isla went first, holding onto Blake as tightly as she had that day in the courtroom when she’d lost custody of her. The idea of her daughter being somewhere she couldn’t be, going under the knife in a major surgery… it was almost impossible for Isla to keep it together.
“I love you, Blake.”
“I love you too, Mommy.”
“I’m going to be right here waiting when you get out, okay?” Isla smiled as she brushed Blake’s hair off her face and kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
Reluctantly, Isla let go of Blake, not wanting to delay the surgery. As Vera took a moment with Blake, Isla pulled Alexis into a hug.
“I’ll let everyone know. You just focus on Blake and your daughter, okay?”
“Okay,” Alexis nodded against Isla. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Watching Blake be wheeled down the hallway felt like Isla was watching Ben drive away with her all over again. She and Vera followed behind them until the door markedauthorized personnel only.Vera hesitated, but Isla pulled her arm back.
“Come on.” Avery motioned for Vera to join them. “You or Isla. Come on.”
Vera looked to Isla. “You go.”
“No.” Isla firmly shook her head as she put her hands on Vera’s chest. “You go. You can tell her what’s happening, and she needs that. Her and Alexis both do.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Go be with our daughter.”
The two embraced tightly as Isla steeled herself to go through the surgery alone.
“Mackenzie.” It was Melanie’s voice that pulled them from their hug. She motioned for Vera to join them. “Let’s go.”
“I love you.
“I love you, too.” Vera kissed Isla quickly before jogging down the hall to catch up with them.
As the door swung shut behind them, Isla put one hand on the door and the other on her heart as her tears poured out of her eyes. She felt beyond helpless, knowing there was nothing more she could do. Blake was now fully in Dr. Avery Jacobs’s hands.
“Mom!” Mason’s voice echoed down the hall as Isla turned toward it. She barely had time to brace herself before Mason hugged her. The hug kept all of Isla’s pieces from falling apart, and Isla had a feeling Mason felt the same way.
“How did you…?”
“Aunt Mel texted me like a half hour ago. She told me she thought they were heading for a c-section and I should come. I was putting Silas to bed, but I got here as quickly as I could.”
“Oh, Mason.” Isla kissed her cheek several times. “Thank you for coming. I needed you.”
“Where’s Mama?”
“Avery let her go back with them.”
“That should win her some brownie points with Mama.”
