Chapter 20: Devastation

Two months later
Cole rolled over in bed at the sound of Emerald’s cries. Where was Harper? He groaned, “Harper.” No reply. He sat up; then he remembered: today was the day. Ever since Harper proposed to him two months ago, he’d been looking for a ring. He’d finally found one three weeks ago and had it customized. He was supposed to pick it up today. As for their living arrangements, Harper had gone back to school. He’d sold his house and rented an apartment in New Jersey so they could be close. She moved in with him. And this morning, she had an early class, so that meant he had Emerald all to himself. He got out of bed and went to Emerald’s room. “What is it princess?” he asked. Emerald held up her doll with a broken arm. Cole winced, “We’ll get you a new one, okay?” Her tears dried up and she nodded. “Come on, time to get ready. We have to go pick up the stuff for mommy’s surprise today.” Her doll was forgotten, “The ring!” she said. He nodded. He was pleasantly surprised that she hadn’t told Harper yet. Emerald wasn’t good with secrets.
He got her ready, then himself. Their first stop was breakfast. After a fun father-daughter breakfast, he took her to Walmart and got her a new doll-the exact same one. And being the doting father he was, he also got her some accessories. Finally, they went to the jewelry store. The older woman, Maisley, who helped him pick out the design, smiled when he came in, “Mr.Martinson and Emerald.” “Hi!” Emerald said. Maisley smiled at her, “Hi dear. Ready to see that ring?” Emerald nodded. Maisley brought out a velvet black box Cole picked Emerald up as she opened it. Cole was speechless and Emerald gushed over it. It has a platinum band that appeared like vines intertwined. One vine was covered in tiny jewels. At the top sat the finest quality diamond in a platinum case. Engraved on the inside was “Harp”. Maisley looked at him, “I take that speechlessness as a good thing.” He nodded, “She’s going to love it.” “I should hope so. It cost a pretty penny.” Cole grinned, “She’s worth it.” Maisley nodded, “That’s the spirit. Well then, she’s all your’s. Pre-congrats on your engagement.” “Thank you very much.” He took the ring and then they headed out. On the way back, he picked up the roses he ordered.
When he got back he noticed the police at his door. His heart clenched. He pulled Emerald out of the car and walked over, “Officers. What can I help you with?” “Are you Cole Martinson?” “Yes, sir. What’s going on?” “You were on the emergency call list for Harper Turner.” He took a calming breath, “That’s right. She added me about a month ago and I added her to mine. Is she okay?” “We tried to give you a call but you weren’t picking up.” “I probably left my phone here at home. I was in a rush to get out of the house.” The officer raised a questioning eyebrow. Cole pulled the ring box out of his pocket. “We picked a ring for mommy!” Emerald clarified. The officer nodded, “Congratulations but I think it might have to wait. Miss. Turner is being taken to the hospital from a car accident.” Cole would’ve fainted right then and there if he wasn’t holding Emerald. “Where?” he croaked out. The officer gave him the information and without waiting another second, he returned to his car.
He drove like a madman to the hospital. The ring and roses were forgotten for the moment. When he arrived, he took Emerald in and found Harvey and Kira waiting in the waiting room. “Cole,” he said in greeting. “How is she?” he asked. Harvey took a visible swallow, “Pretty bad-that’s what the doctor said. She was hit from the driver’s side by a car who ran the red light.” Cole clenched his fists. Harvey and Kira were visiting for the week, that was why Cole was going to propose now so they’d be here, but it looked like that wasn’t going to happen. Kira took Emerald from him, for which he was grateful. They waited in the waiting room for about two hours before the doctor came out. He looked grave. “Are you all family?” he asked. “I’m her brother, this is my wife, this is her daughter and her fiance.” Harvey knew about the spontaneous engagement two months ago. The doctor nodded, “She’ll be able to pull through, miraculously.” Cole sighed with relief. “However,” the doctor began. Cold dread began to seep into Cole’s veins. “She was pregnant. We couldn’t save the baby. I’m very sorry.” The doctor gave Cole a sympathetic look. Cole felt numb. No, they hadn’t known she was pregnant prior to now but they’d already agreed that if she was, they’d keep the baby. But to find out that she was only to be told the baby was dead was too much. He could feel the tears well up in his eyes. He wanted to shout how unfair this was. He wanted to cry. He wanted to hit something. But he didn’t do any of those things; he simply sat there in numb shock, unshed tears glistening in his eyes.