His heart stopped. “Angela,” he whispered as the surgical instrument slipped from his hand.
The baby monitor suddenly sounded an alarm indicating that the infant’s heart rate was dropping dangerously.
Jonathan forced himself to focus as a powerful determination replaced shock.
“Give me another scalpel,” he ordered firmly. “We are saving both of them.”
The surgery became a desperate battle as the placenta proved dangerously attached to the uterus.
“Placenta accreta,” Jonathan muttered while requesting additional blood supplies and preparing for a hysterectomy after delivery.
Moments later he lifted the tiny infant from Angela’s body, but the baby was silent and blue.
“Neonatal team now,” he shouted.
After several terrifying seconds the baby finally released a small cry that quickly grew stronger.
Jonathan felt tears blur his vision.
“Hello Matthew,” he whispered softly. “Your father is here now.”
Three exhausting hours later Angela’s bleeding finally stopped and her condition stabilized.
When she opened her eyes at dawn she immediately searched the room in panic.
“My baby,” she whispered weakly. “Where is Matthew.”
“Right here,” a familiar voice answered.