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“We love you, and we’re sorry if taking over your room made you feel like this isn’t your home anymore,” he said.
Her throat felt thick with emotion. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.”
“I’m not mad at you guys for wanting to get in shape and using my room to do it. I was surprised, that’s all. And I haven’t lived at home for a long time. It’s your house.”
“It’s our home.” Mom lay her hand over Jamie’s belly. “All of us.”
The dam broke then, and Jamie collapsed into her mother’s arms.
“Oh, sweetie.” Mom rubbed her back and comforted her, and Dad came to stand with them and lay a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s a baby,” Jamie whimpered. “I saw it on the screen at the clinic. It had a little round head and a body and arms and legs. And I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go through with it.”
“It’s okay, Jamie.”
“I don’t want to end my pregnancy.” The words came from a place of truth and lifted a weight she hadn’t known she’d been carrying. She let go of her mother and rubbed the wetness from her face with the sleeve of her shirt.
“So, what does this mean?”
“It means I need to tell Duncan.”
Chapter 13
The past ten days at her parents’ house had been just what Jamie needed as she worked up the courage to return home and spill the beans to Duncan. Mom and Dad were supportive and encouraging, doting on her, taking her out, spoiling her. They also got her in to see their family doctor at the last minute, who did an in-office ultrasound to confirm what Jamie already knew and started her on prenatal vitamins.
More and more, she could see the profound change in her parents and the way they lived. She often found them reading their Bibles—sometimes together, sometimes separate. Mom walked on her treadmill to Christian music. There was no longer alcohol in the house. And there was a new kind of joy that showed from the inside out, which made her exceedingly curious.
This curiosity was what brought her to the third-row center pew at a little Baptist church in Hershey, flanked by her parents. She had been introduced around when they arrived and had watched their interactions with church friends with great interest. There was genuine caring among them, and her heart warmed to see her parents so happy.
As Jamie people-watched and waited for the service to start, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see a familiar face.
“Hi, Jamie,” Gloria said. “It’s so nice to see you here.”
“Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”
“How are you feeling?”
Jamie glanced around, feeling a little self-conscious. “Fine.”
“We’ve been praying for you this week.”
“We?”
“Your mom and I are in a women’s prayer group, and you’ve been at the top of our list.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Her throat tightened as she glanced at her mom. And why were her eyes suddenly stinging with tears?
“Your mom tells me you made a decision.”
Jamie nodded. “I did.”
“I’m happy to hear it.”
She didn’t voice her decision, and Gloria didn’t ask, but she was sure her mom had already shared the news. “Thank you for all your help, Gloria.”
Gloria lay a hand on her shoulder. “You’re welcome.”