One Night. One Mistake. Surprising Consequences.
An Accidental Pregnancy...and that's not all.
by
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN After going the prior thirty-six hours sleeplessly, Winnie finally slept a little that night; Jim didn’t but tried not to wake her. The next morning found both up before 5:00 a.m.: Winnie had the Channel 3 morning news and Jim had a surgery case at 7:00 a.m. They agreed to join up after the day’s work and take an inventory. Luckily, Jim was able to focus that morning while operating; that afternoon, though, his thoughts wandered. They usually came down to him hoping that Winnie would have a miscarriage. I don’t want the responsibility of another child at this point. I’m just divorced, Eve is off to college, and I’m on a new path for my life. I like Winnie a lot; she’s beautiful, and I’m really attracted to her. But I don’t know her well enough to marry her, or to make a commitment for the rest of my life, or for the next eighteen years, or whatever. I’m not ready to even move in with her. If she takes it to term and keeps this baby, I really don’t want those obligations and responsibilities that come with parenthood, even if we’re not married. Even if she hooks up with another guy, I’ll still be financially responsible for this kid. This pregnancy is unintentional and not because we want a child. It’s a mistake, and I don’t want people to even know that she’s pregnant. His thoughts went on, No way would I leave her high and dry, though . . . what a worthless bum! She could put it up for adoption, or get an abortion; if she miscarries, that would be a godsend. <><><> Winnie’s thoughts rolled around in her head that day too. I never thought I’d get pregnant like this, but here I am: I don’t want to be pregnant, and I don’t want this baby. At least it turns out that Jim hasn’t dumped me, and he’s a good man. I could possibly even go for him, but when I brought up the possibility of marriage, he didn’t say anything. And I don’t know if I’d marry him anyway. I doubt he’d marry me; he just got out of one marriage and isn’t chomping at the bit to do it again. Oh, what am I gonna do? I’ve ruined my life. Her thoughts went on: I could give it up for adoption—that’s what Michelle did with me, and it worked out quite well for both of us. Or I could keep this baby and raise it all by myself—how bad would that be? This could be my last chance to have kids . . . what if I’d be unable to get pregnant again? Mom and Dad would help me. If not with Jim, maybe I could find another guy like Charles and get married. Of course, I’m no spring chicken anymore, and with that baggage as part of the package, a good man may not want to marry me. Damn! I don’t want anybody to know I’m pregnant. People will be thinking, ‘She’s pregnant, not married, and doesn’t even have a fiancé or boyfriend.’ Maybe I should just get an abortion and start anew—a fresh start. Wait!! Me—considering an abortion?! What am I thinking?! Such thoughts spun around inside Winnie’s head all day long.
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About the Book
In 1996, 17-year-old Michelle becomes unintentionally pregnant during a wild spring break. An abortion is considered but, in the end, she and her family hide the pregnancy and arrange a closed adoption. The biological father never knows. Meanwhile, Festus "Plato" Firkin and his wife, Eleanor, are struggling with infertility. Adoption gives them another path, and Michelle's newborn daughter becomes Winnie, the child they love and raise as their own. Years pass. Families grow. Lives move forward. But DNA has a long memory and, from the blind side, an esteemed, well-known couple is floored by a medical test result. Something is not right, and everything changes. Blending irreverent humor with suspense, this emotional drama includes dilemmas, ethics, personal choices, and not telling the whole truth. Relationships and love are on the line in this family multigenerational story.
About the Author
Andrew L. Morrison, MD discovered his passion for medicine during his first clinical rotations in obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. He ultimately pursued psychiatry, where he earned honors and awards recognizing his contributions both locally and nationally. His debut book, The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide for Patients and Families, received praise and commendations from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. When asked what he is most proud of, Andrew's answer is simple: his three children and eight grandchildren. Although his family unanimously agrees that singing and dancing are not his strong suits, he happily continues to do both. He is also proud to support Special Olympics, with a portion of this book's royalties being donated to the organization.