Chapter 48

Annelise was softly humming to herself as she drove to pick up her boys from daycare. She gently rubbed her belly while waiting at a red light. She was definitely showing more than she had with Henry, but she didn’t mind one bit.

She loved being pregnant. The knowledge that she was carrying her children made her feel invincible. She was already daydreaming about the next child they would have. Not that she had shared this with Michael, who was still reeling from the news of twins.

She loved to tease him that he had taken weekend getaways to a whole new level, and he swore that unless they had permanent birth control in place, they were never going back to Paris. End of discussion.

Leslie had given birth to her and Craig’s little girl, Whitney, the week before, and she was beautiful. Henry and Ollie were so gentle with their cousin, which only reinforced Annelise’s belief that they would be the best big brothers. Annelise couldn’t be happier.

Naomi and Jonathan were overjoyed with the sudden influx of grandchildren and new additions to their family. JJ and Grace had a small, intimate wedding on Grace’s property with just their families and a few close friends.

Grace was a simple woman and didn’t want all the frills that Annelise and Leslie had for their weddings. She wanted their wedding to be in the field at her house, and the reception was held in the large barn she owned.

It was a perfect early June wedding, and Annelise found herself tearing up watching how happy and in love they were. She loved seeing her big brother walking on clouds.

Annelise parked and went inside the daycare, first picking up Henry and then Ollie, who chattered non-stop the whole way home, telling his mom all about his day.

They arrived home to an excited Goat, and the three of them wrestled and played while she prepared a salad for dinner. Michael came home early, and after greeting the boys, he kissed his wife deeply and rubbed her belly.

“How are my girls today?” he asked sincerely.

“We are fine. How was work?” she asked, her heart swelling a little bit more every time he asked that since they found out they were having girls.

“Jonathan is driving me and Christopher crazy with his push to diversify into more green energy. I understand why he wants it, but the investment is insane!

“And it’s such a gamble, and no matter how much we tell him that, he’s adamant about doing it. I just keep seeing dollar signs flashing before my eyes!” Michael groaned.

“You are brilliant, and he trusts you, so just keep doing what you do, love,” she assured him. He kissed her nose and then went to change. He came down to find Annelise on the phone and noticed a tremor in her voice.

“Are you sure, Aunt Peg? I mean, I,” Annelise asked, looking at Michael helplessly. He felt a knot of worry in his stomach. He asked if she wanted him to talk, and she nodded yes. “Aunt Peg, please talk to Michael. I can’t think right now!”

Michael took the phone and squeezed her other hand. “Hey Peg, what’s going on?”

“Oh Michael, I’m so sorry to do this to you both. Neil has had a really bad stroke and is in the hospital,” she said, sniffing. “He isn’t expected to make it past the weekend.”

“Well, shit…,” Michael said. “Do you think if we come up that either of them would see Ani? You know she is pregnant, and I don’t want to upset her.”

“I think Kim would really appreciate that... And I think Neil needs to see Ani... He had been asking for her…,” Peg said sadly.

Michael cursed under his breath as he heard that. “Ok, text me the details, and I’ll look into flights and let you know when we are arriving.”

He hung up and looked at Anelise, who was still pale and had tears in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her tightly to him as she cried, soaking his shirt.

Once she had regained some control, he looked at her, “Ani, do you want to go?”

She nodded her head. “I think so...I mean maybe we can find some way to come together…”

He nodded and picked up his phone. “I’m going to call Ashley, and see if she can watch the boys here. I know she started classes last week, but the boys can go to the daycare while she is at school. I know Naomi is still helping Leslie with Whitney.”

She nodded as Michael got on the phone with Ashley, explaining the situation, and then started looking for flights.

Ashley said she’d be over within the hour. Michael found a flight that left at eight that night and booked the last two seats in first class; Annelise would need the extra leg room. He told her to go pack a bag as he closed his office door to call Naomi.

“Hello, dear,” she answered and Michael could swear that she always smiled when she talked to her family, and it made him feel more relaxed.

“Naomi, I just wanted to let you know that Ani and I are flying up to Chicago tonight.”

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Peg called, and apparently Neil had a stroke, a severe one, and it’s not looking good.”

“Oh no! Is Ani ok? Are you ok?”

“I’m fine, but I’m really worried about what we are going to find when we get up there. I don’t want them upsetting Ani in the slightest! And you know what happened the last time they were together,” Michael said.

“I know, dear. But you and Ani are very different people now, so much stronger and self-assured. I know you are worried, but Ani is a strong and capable woman. Just remind her that often and get her out to walk and not stress,” Naomi suggested.

“You’re right, thanks for the pep talk. Ashley is coming to stay with the boys while we are gone. Can you or Johnathan check in with her to make sure the boys aren’t running her ragged?” Michael asked.

“Of course, sweetheart. Keep us updated, ok?”

After hanging up, Michael texted his secretary to let her know the situation and put an out-of-office notice on his email. He went up to see Annelise trying to decide what to pack in the small bag.

Michael could see Anelise wrestling with a whirlwind of emotions. He quickly packed his bag, and they headed downstairs just as Ashley walked in.

Ashley was the kind of little sister anyone would be lucky to have. She was mature beyond her years, in her sophomore year at Vanderbilt, and living in Leslie and Anelise’s old condo with a couple of her close friends.

She was studying to become a physical therapist and was doing great. She adored her niece and nephews and was always ready to spend time with them.

“Alright, I’ll take care of the boys. Just go. Let me know if you need anything, but stay as long as you need to sort things out, Ani,” Ashley said, pulling her into a hug. Anelise hugged her back tightly, her love for this young woman growing every day.

“Thanks, Ash,” Michael chimed in, giving her arm a comforting squeeze as she hugged his wife. He handed her the insurance cards, some emergency cash, and a credit card, then guided Anelise to the car.

Once they arrived at the airport, he managed to get her to eat a little before their flight. He’d left a message for her doctor, just in case.

“Michael, I’m so scared!” she confessed as they flew north.

“I know, sweetheart. But remember, this is our life. They can’t change anything or hurt us. And remember, I’m here for you, whatever you need; food, massages, ass-kicking, you name it, I’m your guy,” he reassured her, pressing a kiss to her hand.

“You sure are!” She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder.

After landing, they rented a car and drove to the hospital, checking into a hotel just down the street.

It was past ten when they finally went to bed, knowing the next day would be emotionally draining. Michael updated Peg and agreed that they would come in the morning.

Anelise was up early, her nerves and emotions running high. Michael took her to breakfast and got her settled with toast and tea to soothe her stomach.

Afterward, they walked to the hospital. Using the room number Peg had given him, they made their way to the critical care unit and paused outside the door.

Michael pulled her into his arms, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, “You’re a strong woman. You’ve got this, and I love you so much!”

She took a deep breath, hugged him tighter, and knocked on the door. The door opened, and Peg greeted them with a weak smile and a hug. They stepped inside, and Anelise saw her parents for the first time in nearly three years.

Kim had aged gracefully, but the fatigue was evident. Anelise was taken aback by her father’s appearance. Whether it was the stroke or something else, Neil Morgan looked frail and pale.

She tried to hide her shock, but she wasn’t sure if she succeeded.

“Hi, Mom…,” Anelise said softly.