Read Online Amaryllis by Nikita Lynnette Nichols - Free Book Online Page A

corner and not letting me give up on God when I wanted to. I especially thank you for threatening to send me home without pay that time I told you that I didn’t want to come into your office and pray about my situation.”
    They both laughed and Chantal kept on sharing. “I was actually angry with you for getting in my business, but now I can see that God has placed you in my life for that particular reason. I can’t thank Him enough for sending me you, my angel. I love you, girl.”
    Just when Michelle thought she couldn’t cry anymore, even more tears fell down her cheeks. “Oh, Chantal, you don’t have to thank me. But I have to be honest and tell you that you got on my nerves feeling sorry for yourself, but I did what I had to do to keep you strong. It wasn’t easy holding you up, but God gave me what I needed in order to do what I had to do. I won’t even bother telling you how much I fasted on your behalf for God to hurry up and bring this baby forth; ’cause you won’t believe me. I actually gave up chocolate for a whole week for you and you know that you must be someone special for me to do that, ’cause I don’t even give up chocolate for my own issues.”
    Chantal put her arms around Michelle and squeezed her tight. “I appreciate you for giving up the chocolate.”
    â€œYou’d better,” Michelle teased.
    Chantal brought a serious expression to her face. “There’s something else I need to tell you.” She looked into Michelle’s eyes with a sullen expression. “I’ve gotta take a leave of absence, effective immediately.”
    Michelle’s eyes grew wide. “What? Why?”
    â€œI’m six weeks pregnant, but I’m already three centimeters dilated, which means that my cervix will have to be sewn shut at ten weeks to keep the baby from making his or her appearance too soon. My doctor wants me on complete bed rest until I’m seven months, and at that time, I’m gonna have to be induced because the weight of the baby will be too heavy on the stitches.”
    Michelle wore a horrid expression. “Seven months? Isn’t that too early to deliver?”
    â€œWell, my doctor says that chances are good that the baby’s lungs will be developed enough so that he or she can breathe on its own. We may be able to wait longer than seven months, but that depends on the weight of the baby. I promised him that I was on my way home and into bed, but I just had to come by here and tell you about my miracle first.”
    â€œWell, in that case, go home and get into bed.”
    â€œWhat about the Henderson case? I didn’t finish typing the brief on it. I was gonna finish it this afternoon.”
    â€œThat’s no longer your concern, Chantal. You are officially on maternity leave; now go home,” Michelle demanded.
    â€œBut what about—”
    Michelle shooed Chantal out of her office. “What about nothing. Go home and relax. I’ll call you later, then you can fill me in on everything that needs to be completed for the Henderson case.”
    â€œMichelle, I hate to leave you like this when so much is going on. What are you going to do without a secretary?”
    â€œI’m going to cry, but I’ll figure something out. I don’t want you worrying about that.”
    â€œIf I take my laptop home with me, I could work in bed.”
    â€œAre you crazy, Chantal? That’s not a bad idea, but are you crazy? The only thing you should be concentrating on is what color to paint the nursery.”
    Michelle helped Chantal carry a few personal things to her car after she had finished packing up her desk. “How will you tell Doug the good news?”
    â€œI think I’ll bake a cake and put Congratulations, Daddy on it and sit it on the kitchen table.”
    â€œOh, I like that. Make sure to call me when you both come down from the high and tell me about