Chapter 43

She wanted him desperately tonight. She was in labor. If Jeremy had been her husband he would have been here to hold her hand and she would have clung to him. Loving him so much she wouldn't have been frightened at all. For the first time for a long while she felt a sick, crying need for him. She wished to God he were not so far away and that he knew.... Knew what was going to happen to her tonight.

Tonight she was going to have his child.

Perhaps not tonight, but tomorrow. People said this could go on for hours. So far she had only had two proper pains. She called down to Joey a note of high pitched excitement.

"Joey, the baby won't arrive before you get back, will it."

He laughed back at her.

"Afraid not, Penny. I can't promise you it will be as quick as that"

"I don't think I want it to be" she called. "I want the nurse to be here"

"I will have her here in no time. Hold on" came Joey's voice. "And don't get yourself worked up. Ther