Linda Goodnight - Baby Bond  

Chapter Eleven

R ain pounded the window next to Cassidys bed. Lightning flickered, followed by a rolling boom of thunder.

Over the baby monitor she heard Alex begin to cry. With a sigh, Cassidy rolled over for a look at her alarm clock. The number four glowed red. She groaned aloud. Alex had been doing much better, usually sleeping until six, but the storm must have wakened him.

The crying grew louder. She cocked her head to listen. Though he was probably hungry, this cry sounded different. He must be scared. Poor lamb.

Cassidy shoved back the sheet and padded through the dark apartment into the nursery. The angel night-light glowed, guiding her inside.

Shh, darling boy, Im here. Shh. She switched on the small, dim lamp next to the changing table, blinking for a few seconds. In the shadowy room, the baby-scented air hung cool and damp. Thunder rattled the windows. Lightning flickered like flames of fire across the floor.

Cassidys nerves jittered. Nic was on duty tonight.

As she lifted the baby from the crib he quieted, but a new worry eclipsed all others.

Youre hot. She frowned and pressed a cool hand against his forehead. Too hot.

After carrying him to the changing table, Cassidy took his temperature and replaced his wet diaper. He fussed, whimpering, almost a moan. The sound frightened her.

Holding the thermometer toward the lamp, she squinted at the digital readout. One hundred and one point four.

Her mind worked, trying to remember the books shed read. Was that high for a baby? Was it in the danger zone? She knew normal but how high was high?

For a moment, she considered phoning Rosalie. Then, with a heavy heart, she remembered. Even she had come to count on the wisdom and strength of the Carano matriarch. Little wonder the hospitalization and diagnosis were so difficult for Nic and his siblings. She had to believe Rosalie with her valiant spirit and powerful faith would beat the disease.

Alex started to cry harder. Though he was hot, his skin prickled in the cool night air. Cassidy quickly slid his feet and arms into a pair of cotton pajamas and then hurried to the telephone. With the receiver in hand, she paused. Who could she call? It was far too late to contact anyone except Nic and he was on duty. Even if he knew what to do, he couldnt rush to her rescue this time.

Finally, she phoned the hospital emergency room and spoke to a nurse who advised her to give the baby some acetaminophen and take him into the pediatricians office in the morning if he didnt improve. Not especially comforted, but somewhat relieved, Cassidy did as the woman suggested, fixed Alex a fresh bottle and sat down to rock him. At times like this, she realized why God intended for children to have two parents. Moral support took on an entirely new meaning at four oclock in the morning.

The minutes crawled on while outside the storm raged. Thunder rumbled like a distant airplane. Lightning flickered through the blinds, illuminating the babys fretful expression. Cassidy rocked and prayed. At seven, Alexs temperature had not improved but hed fallen into a fitful slumber.

After placing him in the crib, she reached for the telephone once more, this time dialing her boss. He wasnt going to be happy but she had no choice.

Shane, this is Cassidy Willis.

Yes? The art directors voice was cool.

I wont be in to work this morning. Maybe not this afternoon, either. Alex is sick.

A long silence hummed through the receiver. Cassidys fingers tightened. Her boss had been less than cordial of late. Shane, are you still there?

I heard you, Cassidy. A loud sigh expressed his annoyance. Look, weve got a problem here.

She had a problem. A sick baby. I wouldnt take off if it wasnt necessary. Youve worked with me long enough to know that.

Six months ago, I would have agreed, but youve changed. Your production has decreased, youre missing work when we need you most and, frankly, I need someone I can depend on.

The words were clipped and sharp as though hed been storing them up, prepared to unleash the volley at the right time. Apparently, this morning was the last straw.

A child cant help getting sick. She kept her tone even but her insides shook. Other mothers have to deal with this.

Thats the point. They deal with it. Someone else looks after their sick kids while they work.

She didnt have anyone else. Even the day care wouldnt take Alex with a fever.

Im still making the adjustment to motherhood, Shane. Cut me some slack. In time conditions should improve.

We dont have time. Were on deadline.

He was being especially difficult this morning. She was tempted to ask if hed had his coffee yet. Ill work late tomorrow.

I need you here today. The frosty tone was unrelenting.

I understand that. I wish things were different but I cant come in. She disliked missing work, but what else could she do? Alex had to come first. Im sorry.

So am I, Cassidy. This is a business. We have deadlines and clients who expect top-of-the-line, on-time work. If you cant do your job, perhaps I should look for someone who can.

Cassidy stiffened, incredulous. Are you threatening to fire me?

His huff of frustration grated on her nerves. Im stating facts. You have choices to make. Come to work or dont. Keep your job or dont. Your choice.

The threat scraped through her like nails on a chalkboard. Decide between a sick, orphaned baby and her job? What kind of choice was that?

Three months ago, the decision would have been swift and easy. She would have done anything to feather her career cap. This morning with her arms still achy and damp from holding Alexs hot, fussy body, she had to do what was right and best for him, regardless of the consequences.

Suddenly, the job wasnt so important, the drive to the top less enchanting.

You know what, Shane? Youre right. I have a choice to make. Drawing in a deep, quivering breath and praying like mad, she jumped into the abyss. I choose Alex.

Dont be stupid, Cassidy. Im not asking you to give up the child.

No, but youre asking me to choose work over a sick baby. I wont do that. Now, if youll excuse me, I have a pediatrician to visit. And you have a position to fill.

With a trembling hand, she hung up the phone and blew out a long, shaky breath. Now shed done it. She was jobless. She not only would never climb to the top of her game, she had jumped off the middle rung and removed the ladder.

Her grandmother would have a fit.

Tears pushed at the back of her eyelids. She blinked them away. The decision was made and shed worry about the results later. Right now, her nephew was burning with fever, his eyes glassy and bright, and she was the only one around to help him.

That was far more important than designing a logo for a chain of restaurants.

By the time shed changed and fed Alex, who ate little, the worst of the thunderstorm had passed and a steady shower of rain washed the morning. Cassidy debated on carrying an umbrella but between Alex, his diaper bag and her purse, she had no hands left. Making sure Alex was covered, Cassidy backed out of her apartment for the mad dash to the parking lot.

The smell of rain on warm concrete mixed with the exhaust fumes of passing cars. Cold rain pelted her from above, prickling the skin on her arms. Her hurried steps splattered droplets onto her pants legs.

As she bent forward to place Alex in his car seat, water dripped from the car roof down the back of her shirt. Gasping at the sudden cold, she shivered.

Footsteps sounded to her left. Then something popped at her back. Though she could only see his navy pant legs and gleaming black shoes speckled with water, Cassidy knew her visitor was Nic, still dressed in work uniform.