Page 41 of Muskoka Miracle (Muskoka Shores #7)

“Y ou’re looking really well, Sarah,” Dr. Feldman said in their next appointment.

“Did you say swell? Because swollen is how I’m feeling.”

“What do you mean?”

Sarah waggled her fingers. “I can’t wear my rings anymore.” It had taken ages to get her engagement ring off, even with all the lubricants they could find.

“Let me see your ankles.”

Sarah stuck out her jean-clad leg, tugging at the hem.

Dr. Feldman frowned, the first time she’d ever seen a frown from her, and Sarah knew a fissure of fear.

“What is it?”

Dr. Feldman’s face blanked. “I know we’ve still got four or five weeks to go, but I’d like you to do another blood fasting test.”

“Why?”

“It might be nothing, but it’s best to rule out risk factors associated with gestational diabetes. Your last result was a little high, remember?”

“Right,” she lied. She didn’t remember. The last few weeks had rushed by in a blur.

Between finishing and submitting the songs for Dan’s album, to a Valentines’ date he managed to fit in around his games, Musko-cheer meetings, Boyd’s son’s christening, Sam’s wedding plans, and planning for the baby’s arrival, she barely remembered her results.

“Can you do that tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?”

“If you do it tomorrow, we can schedule an appointment the following day, as soon as the results come in. Can Dan come in too?”

“He’s playing in New York at the moment.”

“Ah.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, you’re perfectly fine. I don’t want you to stress, remember?”

“It’s hard not to stress when you’re saying things like this.”

“Like I said, it’s probably nothing, but best to rule out anything that might make delivering a challenge because your baby is too big. Speaking of, have you started those pre-natal classes?”

“Yes. Dan loved it.” Watching his face had been fun. Nice to see the men who’d attended finally starting to understand what giving birth meant.

Dr. Feldman smiled. “Many of the women say the same.” She printed off a form. “Take this downstairs and make your appointment so the lab can test you first thing tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Sarah stood, a little unsteady. “Are you sure there’s nothing for me to worry about? You’ve always been open and honest with me.”

“There’s nothing to worry about, Sarah. If you get that urine test sample done tomorrow.”

After arranging the appointment, she returned home in time for another virtual Musko-cheers meeting.

But this one saw Jackie and Toni visit her apartment, and she’d set up the laptop in the dining room so they could conduct their meeting.

She was slower to move now. The baby had decided to suddenly pack on weight these past few weeks, so she felt puffy and gross.

Thank goodness Jackie and Toni understood that pregnant women didn’t have to have clean and tidy houses. Well, tidy ones, anyway.

Dan was now paying for a cleaner, and since he’d started putting together some of the baby gear their place was really cramped.

She’d moved her keyboard to the living room, but now things looked untidy.

And considering there was still a baby room to paint, and the car seat to organize, it felt like there was still so much to do.

It was a good thing Jackie was organizing the baby shower this weekend.

“How are you managing?” Jackie asked.

“I’m a little achy most days. And I’m suddenly fat.”

“Lucky you,” Toni said.

“Only because I threw up half my body weight for the first five months.”

“That’s unfun,” Jackie sympathized.

“I remember waddling around, and Joel, my brother, making fun of me.” Toni wrinkled her nose. “Second time around was a lot easier, probably because I knew what to expect.”

They swapped baby stories for a little while until the others could join for the online meeting.

It was nice when Dan was absent to have the opportunity to do this. To meet with friends, to feel their support, to have them pray for her.

They caught up with where things were at—Lincoln’s newly-formed Muskoka Hearts Foundation had bought the property, and Rachel’s contractor husband was gathering quotes to renovate.

Jackie, Serena, and Anna were all involved in different aspects of the various legalities of setting up a registered charity and a special needs home, while Staci, Toni, and Sarah were focused on public awareness and fundraising, thanks to their profiles and fan bases.

How much they could raise awareness when things were barely decided remained to be seen, but this was a long game.

The discussion concluded with prayer and a final jest from Rachel, which drew everyone’s laughter, before Sarah’s yawns drew Jackie’s insistence that they finish.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem weary.”

“It’s just been a big day. Dan will be back tomorrow night.” Late, but he’d be back. Then they could enjoy their reunion, and he could opt not to go to the following day’s optional skate.

She yawned again.

“I’m going to take that as our cue,” Jackie said.

“Yeah, super subtle, Sarah,” Toni teased.

“Thanks for coming here.”

“I’m heading to Muskoka tomorrow,” Jackie said, “but you’ll let us know if there’s anything we can do, right?”

She nodded, and closed the door. Glanced at her phone. Dan had a game tonight, but he might be free to talk now. The way she was feeling now, she’d probably be too tired to stay up late tonight. Good thing the man understood her need for sleep these days.

She dialed, but had to leave a message, which she did, then wrote one too.

Hey, love you. Hope tonight goes well. Talk soon xx

Then she stumbled back to bed, closing her eyes against a headache.

* * *

The chance to connect with his Original Six buddies during the season didn’t happen as often these days.

That was the challenge of finding time squeezed between families, games, and differing time zones.

So the fact so many of them ‘just so happened’ to be free on a weekday afternoon felt like a God-thing.

Dan was supposed to be having a pre-game nap, but he’d much rather talk to these guys.

Brent Karlsson from Detroit, Beau Nash from Montreal, even former Boston-player Mike Vaughan had dialed in from over in Calgary.

He’d see New York’s Tim Carruthers and TJ Woletsky tomorrow night in the game, but they’d find a moment to catch up.

Both had lots to share, with Tim’s IVF twins, and TJ’s new son.

“So, how is that amazing wife of yours doing?” Beau asked. “Maggie wants to know. And she says that Sarah and the baby are in her prayers.”

“Ditto with Holly,” Brent said.

“And Bree,” Mike added.

Dan smiled. He still recalled the time when he’d first admitted to falling for the lead singer of Heartsong, and how the wives of these guys had instantly made Sarah feel welcome.

“The latest result is that the left side of the heart is nearly where it should be—”

“Praise God,” Mike said.

“Amen.” Dan praised God every day. Every hour. “God is so faithful, we keep seeing little miracles like this every time. The water on the brain they were concerned about is healing. And it doesn’t look like spina bifida will be an issue anymore, either.”

“That’s awesome,” Beau said.

Dan nodded. Beau had long supported kids’ hospitals, since his nephew had died several years ago.

“They’re still talking about having a neonatologist team on standby, but that’s tricky, as Sarah’s previous surgeries means she’s not a straightforward candidate for a cesarean.

” That, and her utter refusal to countenance more surgeries. Thank God Dr. Feldman had understood.

“Apart from that, she’s doing well, getting tired, and is looking forward to a baby shower coming up this weekend.” It was a shame her family couldn’t be here for that. He’d offered to pay for their flights again, but Lindy and Bek had said they’d be back for the birth in April.

“And the doctor?” Beau asked.

“Dr. Feldman has been great. She keeps telling Sarah to relax, but her blood pressure isn’t coming down much. She’s over it.”

Brent nodded. “I remember Holly being the same. You can’t keep a good woman down.”

Or a busy one.

“But you do need to be careful,” Mike warned. “Stuff can happen unexpectedly.”

And Mike should know. His wife, Bree, had been pregnant with twins when her low iron levels led to complications that saw her admitted to the hospital early. It had been a scary time for them all.

“We’ll be praying for you,” Beau said. He was a father of two, after marrying single mom Maggie a few years ago, and had another on the way.

“Thanks. We appreciate it.”

“Yeah, Bree said she’s sorry she can’t make it, but she’s got a basket of awesomeness—her words—coming your way.”

In the apartment that was already too small. Dan chuckled. “Tell her thanks.”

“And Holl said if ever Sarah needs to get her Aussie on for a chat, then she’s more than willing and able,” Brent added.

“I’ll pass that on. I think Sarah would love that.” His lips tweaked. “That’s gotta be easier than moving to Australia.”

“What?” Beau exclaimed. “No way. Are you moving?”

“Really?” Brent asked. “I’ve actually wondered how that would work.”

“No. Well, not yet. I’m just looking at post-hockey options.”

“So you really are thinking of retiring,” Mike said.

“My body is sore,” Dan admitted quietly. He might be a veteran who got his own hotel room while on road trips, but he didn’t want anyone on the team overhearing this. “And I’d rather finish on top than outstay my welcome.”

“You’re the best thing about that team,” Beau scoffed.

“So Sarah keeps saying.”

“It’s good to have a wife who is your biggest cheerleader.”

“Amen.”

He and Sarah might not have had an easy run this past couple of years, and there had been times when she definitely hadn’t wanted to cheer him on, but he knew the love that they shared was a miracle, and something that God had ordained.