Chapter 49

Jacob paced outside the emergency room, peering through a small window that gave him a general view of Stefani lying in bed, her complexion pale, her face contorted in a wave of agony as she grasped her stomach. The imagery of her in this manner, weak and in pain, made his chest constrict, his heart heavy with helplessness. It had all happened so suddenly, she had been okay one minute and was doubled over in pain the next. He hated that he could do nothing for her at the moment but wait.

Behind the glass, Stefani shifted uncomfortably, her hands pressing into her swollen belly. She was pregnant, and they had been so excited, but now… Jacob swallowed hard, fighting back the rising fear. What if something was wrong with the baby? What if something happened to Stefani?

Jacob hadn't noticed Summer and Steven hurry into the waiting room. Summer was the first to speak; her voice was soft yet laced with concern.

"Jacob, what happened?" she asked as she glan