Excuse me, Mr. Owens. I know Im not to disturb you, but there is an Angela Dolenz on the phone for Mr. Dolenz and she says its urgent, the secretary said as she opened the door slightly.
Mike felt the dread in the pit of his stomach roll in waves through his entire body as he watched Micky excuse himself to go answer the phone. If Angela was calling and saying it was urgent, something bad had happened and in just a few moments he would find out what it was.
Daddy, Mom and Ally were in an accident. Aprils with Mom. Shes going to be all right. Angela started to cry then and Micky felt sick.
Daddy, she said through her tears. You need to get Mike back here as soon as possible. Allys in surgery right now. They had to deliver the baby because of her injuries.
Micky listened to what Angela had to say and was glad for the chair behind him as he sank into it, his heart sinking too.
What happened, Angie?
Moms car was hit by some guy who ran a red light. He hit Allys side. Oh, Daddy. I dont think its good. Bridget is with her in surgery. Since shes a med student they let her go in. Angela was still crying but able to explain things to Micky.
And Moms okay?
Yeah, she had some cuts and bruises. One really bad cut but shes all right. Ally took the brunt of the crash.
Well be there as soon as we can. You hang in there. Love you, Micky said.
Love you, too, Daddy, Angela said before hanging up the phone.
Micky sat for a moment after hanging up the phone wondering how he was going to break this news to his best friend. He finally got up and went to the office, taking a deep breath before opening the door.
Mike, come here. Excuse us, Mr. Owens, Micky said.
Mike followed Micky out of the room.
What is it, Mick? He dreaded the answer by the look on Mickys face and the tears he saw glistening in his eyes.
Mike, Angela said that Susan and Ally were in an accident.
Mike felt his knees giving way and he sat down in the nearest chair.
Ally took the worst of the hit, Micky explained.
Is she..? Mike couldnt say the rest of what he was thinking.
No, Mike. Shes in surgery right now. They have to take the baby. Bridget is with her.
Is everything all right? Mr. Owens had gotten concerned and come out to check on them.
We need to get home as soon as possible. Theres been an accident. Well have to continue this meeting another time, Micky said, taking charge of the situation.
Of course. Ill call the airfield and make arrangements for you to use our plane. It will be faster than booking a commercial flight, Mr. Owens said as he reached for the phone.
Thank you, Micky said as he took the paper Mr. Owens had written the information on. We really appreciate this.
Micky went to the chair Mike was sitting in. He hadnt moved since Micky told him the bad news. Micky squatted down to Mikes level.
Mike, we need to go now. Come on.
Mike looked at Micky with a blank expression and got up and followed him out the door.
Mike was quiet the entire trip back home and Micky was worried. He knew Mike well enough to know that he would be trying to tell the pilot how to fly and how to get there faster. Instead he sat, quiet as a mouse, looking at the clouds roll by.
Mike, Micky said, lightly touching his arm. Mike, are you doing okay?
Mike turned and stared at Micky for a moment then said, Micky, what if they are both gone by the time I get there? What will I do then? The baby is too young to be born. I love them both and I dont want to lose them. I loved Melanie, too. He turned back to the window. Everyone I love ends up dying.
At Mikes last words, Mickys heart broke for his friend. He wished he were the one feeling so bad so Mike wouldnt have to.
Thats not true. Bridget is alive and well. So are Susan and I and Ally and the baby are still alive, too. Everything will be okay. I just know it. He hoped his words came out sounding like he meant it when in fact he wasnt sure what was going to happen and he was scared.
Mike turned back to Micky and gave him a weak smile. Thanks, buddy."
~Chapter Three
As soon as they got to the airport, Micky called Angela to tell her they were on the way. She was waiting for them at the front desk of the hospital and took them to the surgery waiting room.
When they arrived at the waiting room, Bridget rushed to Mike.
Daddy, she said throwing her arms around his neck. Im so glad youre finally here.
Mike hugged her back tightly. Whats the news? he asked watching Micky go to his kids.
I was with Ally for the C-section to deliver the baby. Youve got a son, she said, smiling and linking her arm with his. When I left, Ally was still in surgery. She had some major internal damage. Im not sure of everything. The doctor will talk to you soon.
Can we see the baby? Mike asked.
Soon. They have to check him over yet. Maybe by the time Allys out of surgery we can go.
They joined the others and Mike asked Micky about Susan.
Shes on her way down here now. She had some cuts and bruises and the doctor said she could come down here with us, Micky answered.
Angela looked up and saw Susan, a bandage on the right side of her face and neck, slowly coming down the hall, leaning on April. Micky noticed her and hurried to her side, giving her a hug.
Oh, Micky. Im so glad youre here. I saw the car coming but I just couldnt stop in time. If only we had stayed at the house longer or not gone out at all. Ally would be safe at home, she said through the tears that were falling from her eyes.
Its okay, Suzy. Micky held her, letting her cry as tears filled his own eyes.
Mike watched the two of them, a mixture of emotions taking over. He was happy that Susan was fine, jealous that Micky was able to hug and talk to his wife, and angry that Ally was in surgery fighting for her life.
Susan walked to Mike and stood in front of him, taking his hand.
Mike. Im so sorry. If I could go back and start today over again, I would make sure we stayed home. I never meant for this to happen.
Susan, its not your fault. It was just an accident. He gave her a hug and said, Im glad youre okay.
Finally after an hour a doctor came through the double doors leading to the OR.
Mr. Nesmith?
Mike stood and quickly went to the doctors side.
Im Mike Nesmith.
Mr. Nesmith. Im Dr. Reynolds, the doctor said, shaking hands with Mike. Your wife is out of surgery and they are taking her to the ICU right now. You have a son. He is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and you can go see him as soon as you want. His doctor will talk to you then.
Your wife suffered numerous injuries. We had to stop internal bleeding and remove her spleen. Her right arm and leg were both broken and she has some deep cuts and bruises. She is stabilized, but shes not out of the woods yet. The next twenty-four hours are crucial.
Mike took in all the information the doctor gave him. He couldnt believe Ally had been through so much and Susan was sitting in the corner, talking to Micky.
Can I see her? he asked.
Only for a little while. I must warn you, she is on a ventilator to help her breath.
A ventilator? Shes not breathing on her own? Mike thought he would be sick right there.
She is breathing on her own but the ventilator is helping to keep her breathing steady. She wont need it long if everything goes well, the doctor answered. Are you ready to go?
Mike nodded and took Bridgets hand, taking her with him. They quietly followed the doctor to the elevators and went to the next floor. They came to the ICU and went down the hall to the last door. Dr. Reynolds opened the door and they all went inside, Mike and Bridget waiting just inside while the doctor checked Allys vital signs.
When he was finished, he came back to Mike and said, Shes doing fine. Go ahead and talk to her. Shell know youre here, but dont stay too long. With that, he went into the hall and left them alone.
Mike slowly walked to Allys bedside. The sight before his eyes was almost too much to take. The beautiful, lively, happy young woman he had left just two days before was now lying lifelessly in a hospital bed hooked to several wires and hoses. Her face was slightly swollen and bruised, her arm and leg in casts. The only sounds in the room were the intermittent whoosh of the ventilator and the rhythmic bleep of the heart monitor.
Bridget stood at the door as she watched Mike take the lifeless hand of his wife and softly speak to her.
Ally, its me. We have a baby boy. I havent seen him yet. They say hes tiny. Youll have to get better soon so you can see him, too.
Bridget couldnt take it anymore and turned away from the scene, her tears flowing freely. She remembered another time not so many years ago when her father spoke soft, gentle words to her mother as she lay in a hospital bed dying. That time he had been saying goodbye and this time Bridget prayed he didnt have to do that again.
Bridget and I are going to go see the baby now. You rest and work on getting better. Ill be back. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. I love you.
Bridget was still facing the door when he quietly stepped behind her and placed his hand on the back of her neck.
Lets go see your baby brother, he said as he smiled at her. She put her arm around his waist and hugged him as they left Allys room.
Bridget showed him to the NIC unit and they talked to the head nurse there. She gave them each a paper gown and mask to wear then showed them to the baby.
Mike looked down at the tiny baby boy lying in the glass incubator, tubes and wires attached to him also. Never in his life had he felt so helpless.
He needs a name, Dad, Bridget said.
Mike tried to remember if Ally had ever said if she had a favorite name for a boy. What do you think of Bradley Christopher? I think I heard Ally say she liked that name.
I think thats very nice. Bridget smiled and looked down at the baby. Hello, Bradley. Im Bridget, youre big sister.
Mike chuckled and smiled at her.
Excuse me, Mr. Nesmith? someone said from behind him.
Yes, Mike said turning to see who was there.
Im Dr. Green. Your son is quite a fighter. Hes improved since he was brought here. I think hell be fine. I have confidence in him.
Hell be okay?
I cant say for sure, but he is doing remarkably well right now. He still has a lot of growing to do, hes only three pounds, five ounces. You can slip your hands through these holes, Dr. Green pointed at the armholes in the side of the incubator. And you can touch him. Human contact is very important to his progress. Have you decided on a name yet?
Yes, Bradley Christopher. His mother picked it out earlier, Mike said as he ran his finger along Bradleys arm.
Very nice. Well start using his name. The nurses will have the birth certificate paper work for you later on. You are welcome to come up here anytime and I encourage you to come often. He will respond to the contact. Dr. Green smiled and patted Mike on the back. Ill talk to you again soon.
~Chapter Four
Two weeks had passed with Bradley improving greatly. Dr. Green was excited about his progress and convinced that Mike would be taking him home soon.
The only improvement as far as Ally was concerned was that she was off the ventilator. She still had not awakened since the accident and the doctor tried to reassure Mike that her body was just trying very hard to heal itself.
After sitting with her for a couple of hours, Mike had decided to go to the cafeteria for some coffee and food. As he was walking down the hall, he noticed the hospital chapel. The doors were open and he stepped inside. He took in the beauty of the room. There was a colorful stained glass window at the front and the setting sun was glowing through it making it glisten like jewels. The room was small, with two rows of five benches each. He walked down the aisle and sat in one of the middle benches. There was no one else in the room, yet he didnt feel alone. He lifted his eyes to the cross hanging on the wall beside the window.
Mike remembered the last time he was in a church. It had been Melanies funeral. And the time before that had been their wedding. He smiled slightly to himself as he thought how his mother would be on his case about going to church more often had she still been alive. He certainly missed her. She had been an important part of his life, since it had been just the two of them as long as he could remember. He missed Melanie, too. He hoped he would not be missing Ally.
Mike leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands and prayed silently.
God, I know I havent been close to you but I need you now. I need the strength to get through this ordeal. If you see fit, Id love it if you would send Ally back to me. And if its not in your will for her to live, I pray you give me the strength to deal with her leaving. Whatever your will, I pray its soon, whether it be to take her home with you or to send her back with me. The waiting is the worst. Im tired and Im sure Allys tired, too
Thank you for sending her to me. I have never been happier and for that Im grateful. Thank you for Bradley. Hes going to be all right and Im so in awe of him.
Whatever you have planned, Ill accept it.
Mike lifted his head from his hands, wiping his eyes. He was amazed at how much better he felt. He sat back in the padded seat and let memories of Ally play in his mind.
Mike.
He turned around to see Allys mother, Jan, standing beside him.
Hi. Have a seat, he said scooting over to make room for her. She and Allys father, Ken, had been staying with him since two days after the accident.
Jan sat down next to him. Ive been looking for you, she said, patting his knee. She was ten years older than he was although she didnt look it. How are you?
Im holding up all right. He gave her a smile. Have you seen Bradley this afternoon? Hes looking much better. Dr. Green said he should be out of the incubator in a few days and then we can hold him with out any restrictions.
Jan noticed how that made Mikes whole demeanor change. It was good to see him happy about something.
I saw him just a minute ago. He does look better. I came to tell you that Ken and I have to go back to Sacramento but we will be back soon.
Mike looked at his mother-in-law and chuckled. It will be lonely without you but Ill manage.
Jan smiled and stood to leave, Mike following her to the door. Just outside, they saw Ken hurrying down the hall in their direction.
There you are, he said as he approached them. We need to go if we are going to get home before tomorrow morning. He turned to Mike. I just came from Allys room. Shes starting to move around and make sounds. The doctor says shes trying to come around. It may take hours, days or weeks, hes not sure but hes confident she will wake up soon.
Mike felt a huge wave of hope and anticipation come over him. He might finally get his wife back.
Id better go talk to him. You two have a safe trip home and Ill call you if anything changes before you get back. See you later. He then hurried off in the direction of Allys room, all thoughts of coffee and food forgotten.
~Chapter Five
Over the next two weeks, Ally continued to move around and make sounds as if she were trying to communicate although she was not awake. She could sometimes answer yes and no questions by squeezing someones hand.
Bridget came as often as she could and divided her time between Ally and Bradley. He had been taken out of the incubator and Mike and Bridget could cuddle with him and feed him.
Susan spent as much time as she could with Ally. All of her injuries but the large, deep cut on her neck and face had healed and she felt as if it was her fault Ally was in this situation.
Ally had been moved to a private room and Mike was sitting with her, strumming the guitar he had brought to pass the time, when she lifted her hand to her head.
Oh, she said in a hoarse whisper. Mike. Mike are you here?
Mike almost threw his guitar across the room as he stood up and went to her side.
Ally, honey. Can you hear me? he said, taking her hand.
Mike? Is that you? she said struggling to open her eyes.
Yes, its me.
What happened? she put her free hand to her stomach. The baby, she cried.
She jerked her hand away from his and felt her stomach. My baby. She opened her eyes and looked at her flat stomach where her baby should have been, tears spilling over her cheeks.
Ally. Ally, look at me. Mike grasped her chin and forced her to look at him. Ally, the baby is fine. We have a son. His name is Bradley Christopher. Hes in another part of the hospital.
Hospital? she repeated, suddenly aware of her surroundings. What happened?
You were in the car with Susan when someone ran a red light and hit you. Mike watched Allys face as she remembered everything.
Where is Susan?
Shes fine. Shes home with Micky, he answered.
Thank, God, she said leaning back against her pillow. We have a son? Is he all right?
Yes. Hes perfect. Tiny, but perfect, Mike answered.
I want to see him.
Ill get the doctor and well see if you can, Mike said, giving her a kiss on the forehead. Ill be right back.
He went out the door to the nurses station.
Where is Dr. Reynolds? Ally is awake and she wants to see the baby.
The nurse he was talking to smiled a huge smile. Shes awake and seems to be all right?
Yes, she remembers everything that happened, Mike answered.
Great! Ill get the doctor right away. She hurried off to get the doctor while Mike returned to Ally.
Sitting in the chair beside her bed, he took her hand. Its so nice to have you back. I was afraid youd never come back.
How long was I out? Ally held Mikes hand and realized that her arm ached.
Almost five weeks.
I can remember being in the car with Susan. We were laughing and talking then all of a sudden, she slammed on the brakes. I saw the car coming at us but she couldnt stop in time. Ally closed her eyes, recalling the events that brought her to the hospital. The last thought I can remember is wishing my baby would be okay and that you knew how much I loved you.
Ally looked at him with tears in her eyes. I do love you, Mike.
Mike leaned to her. I love you, too. He kissed her gently on the lips.
Doctor Reynolds walked in the door and to Allys bedside. Hello, Mrs. Nesmith. We were afraid you were going to be a permanent resident here, he joked as he checked her blood pressure and other vitals. How are you feeling?
I feel tired, believe it or not. My arm aches, too.
Feeling tired is normal for someone who has been in a coma. Your arm hurts because it was broken as was your leg, he said pointing to the cast on her left leg. This cast will be coming off soon.
Can I see my baby? Ally asked.
I dont see why not. Ill go talk to the nursery nurse right now and see what we can arrange. With that, he left the room.
Tell me about our baby, Ally said, smiling at Mike.
They delivered him by C-section when they brought you in. Bridget was with you then stayed with Bradley while you were in surgery. He was tiny, three pounds, six ounces. The first time I saw him, he was in an incubator with tubes and wires attached to him, but hes much better now.
They talked a while longer about the baby, Allys parents and Susan. Then the doctor returned.
The nursery nurse is bringing the baby to you. Shell be here shortly. If you need anything, just push the call button. Ill leave you alone now, the doctor said smiling as he left the room.
~Chapter Six
Oh, Mike. Hes beautiful, Ally said as she held Bradley close to her chest.
Yes, he is. Mike watched Ally as she touched his small face and talked to him.
Mike, Ive been thinking about something. Before you left for Nashville, you seemed to be concerned about me and the baby. What was going through your mind?
Mike shrugged. Im not sure. I just had this feeling that something wasnt right and that I shouldnt leave. I thought maybe you would go into labor while I was gone, but I never dreamed that something like this would happen.
Ally smiled. The power of love. They both started laughing.
Yeah, I guess, Mike said. Im just glad everything worked out.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ally stayed in the hospital a few more weeks, getting physical therapy for her arm and leg and being monitored for any problems. The doctors made arrangements so Bradley could stay with her even though he was strong enough to go home.
Finally, Dr. Reynolds was satisfied with her progress and released her from the hospital.
Hello, Ally, Susan said as she and Micky walked through the door of Allys hospital room.
Hi, guys, Ally said, looking up from her spot on the side of the bed.
Ready to go home? Micky asked, sitting in the chair beside the window.
I have never been more ready for anything in my life, she answered standing and slowly making her way to the bathroom to pack her things.
Is that limp going to get better? Susan asked as she watched Ally lumber along.
The therapist said it will get less noticeable but will never completely go away. Ally came out of the bathroom holding her brush and comb.
Micky smiled at her. Well, I guess we can limp together.
I can only hope that my limp becomes as unnoticeable as yours, Ally said returning to her seat on the bed.
Just then Mike came through the door with Bradley bundled and ready to go.
Were ready, he said letting the bag he was carrying fall from his shoulder to the bed. He handed the baby to Ally and pushed the call button on the bed rail.
Is the car at the door? Mike asked Micky.
Yes, your chariot awaits, Micky said as he stood and went to look at Bradley. Mike laughed at his friends comment.
The door opened and a nurse pushed a wheelchair in the room.
Ready when you are, she smiled.
Ive been ready forever, Ally said.
When Ally was in the chair and holding tightly to Bradley, the nurse wheeled her out of the room, Mike Micky and Susan following. They all climbed into Mickys car and drove off to Mike and Allys. After so many weeks of stormy weather, they were glad to be getting back to their normal life.
