Page 10 of Airborne
“With the many sick people surrounding us, I’m afraid the virus will hurt my baby.” Heather swiped at a tear. “I don’t sound positive.”
“I pray your baby is healthy and perfect. Your husband has reason to worry.”
His ocean-blue eyes and light-brown hair flashed across her mind. The sight of him still stole her breath despite their problems. “I haven’t told him. We separated over a month ago.”
Mia’s features saddened. “I’m so sorry. You should tell him. Children change how husbands and wives view the problems between them. With a baby, commitment deepens, and couples are open to communicate and resolve their issues.”
How many nights had she lain awake and silently begged for Chad to love her? Begged God for him to change? “The key word is commitment. My husband values his work above everything, but I thought love was enough to keep my spot secure. Even if he was aware of the pregnancy, he’d be upset with me. I followed the necessary precautions, but he’d accuse me of trying to trap him. Not my style.” She shook her head. “I’ve said too much.”
“You’re terrified about circumstances beyond your control.” Mia’s empathy offered sincere comfort, insight that Heather appreciated.
“I am. I can raise my baby alone—except I hadn’t expected exposure to a devastating virus.”
“Do your parents live close? I’m sure they’d help.”
“They live in Houston, and they’ll be overjoyed with a grandchild.”
“You haven’t told them either?”
“I decided to wait until after my trip. My goals were to build confidence in my ability to function as a single mother.” Mom had often said Heather couldn’t function without organization, a schedule, and an idea of what would happen moment by moment. “My parents claim I mastered the art of order and levelheadedness. If I confessed my sketchy future, they’d be rattled.”
“Do you always put others before yourself?”
“Whenever possible, but I’m not always successful.”
“You love your husband very much.”
“Does it show?”
“Yes. Your face softened when you said his name.”
“Are you a counselor?”
“Just a wife, mom, and an engineer with life experiences. The three roles are a constant juggle. I’m a typical engineer but emotional at times.” Mia shoved a slight smile into her words.
Heather attempted to keep a professional facade. “Chad’s one fault is his career takes so much of his time. Unfortunately, he’s certain I’m holding him back.”
“Have you discussed counseling?”
“He refuses, doesn’t see a reason to prolong the inevitable.” She swung to Mia. “His words.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry to burden you. How are you? Are you nauseous?”
“My head hurts, but my stomach is fine.”
“Try to rest. Soon we’ll be bombarded with a team of medical personnel, doctors, and CDC disease detectives. My guess, they will be dressed in full containment gear.” Heather grimaced. “I keep talking on about trivial things. I’ll be quiet and stop bothering you.”
Mia dabbed at her nose, and red stained the tissue despite her tilted head. “I thought I’d run out of words to pray, but you, your baby’s health, and your personal problems will reach heaven’s gates.”
“Thank you.” Tears pooled in Heather’s eyes. Drat hormones. “God put us together so we could stay strong.” She held Mia’s hand... minus a glove.
The flight deck garnered the passengers’ attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, the ATC has ordered us to hold here for an additional thirty minutes. Once we have an update, we’ll get back to you.”
A sandy-haired man behind them in economy shouted obscenities about the delay. Nathan hurried from the galley to him. Heather refused to gawk. No point.
More time loss. More worries. The hours and days ahead loomed with a ghastly unknown—a nightmare.
