Taking a Chance Read Online Free PDF

I finish, I can meet you.”
    “I’ll wait. I have a few things I need to get done before we go, so take your time.”
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    Eager to get to the hospital, Maddie rushed through her work as fast as she could. A couple hours later, Maddie put on her sandals and caught herself checking out her image in the full-length mirror. She laughed.
Yeah, Maddie, I’m sure the doctor will be paying attention to what you’re wearing.
She shook her head and walked out of her room.
    Maddie dropped her mom off at the front door of the hospital with the gifts they had brought. As Maddie approached the door, she noticed her mom’s mood had changed.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “I talked to Scott. He said Ashley had a great night, but Lola had a rough night. They moved Ashley out of the NICU and she’s in the Level II nursery. Lola will need to be here at least a few more days so they can monitor her. Scott said she’s not in a great mood and may not want visitors for very long.”
    “Well, the good news is now we only have to worry about one. Lola is strong, so we know she’ll amaze the doctors and recover quicker than they think.”
    Even Maddie did not believe her own enthusiasm, but she didn’t feel like dwelling on the situation. A nurse was in Lola’s room running tests, so they left the bags of gifts inside the door and headed toward the nursery to see Ashley. Maddie saw Scott first and grabbed her mom’s hand. She was glad she had thought to pull out her camera and took the picture before he had any idea they were there. He was gazing at his daughter and already wearing the proud father look.
    Maddie hugged Scott tightly. “I’m so happy Ashley is doing much better! Can you believe how fast she recovered? She’s tough just like Daddy. Have you had a chance to hold her yet?”
    “Yes, a little while ago. They want her to sleep before they bring her out again, but you should be able to hold her soon. Mad, it feels so great holding her!”
    Maddie saw the love and pride in his eyes and smiled back. “We dropped gifts by Lola, but a nurse was in the room and we didn’t want to interrupt. Has Dr. Anderson been by to see her yet?”
    “Why do you ask, Maddie?” said Scott with a sly smile.
    “I want to be sure Lola is on her road to recovery, so she can go home soon.” Maddie played the concerned sister-in-law card, hoping it would distract him. Apparently, it was successful as the three of them made their way back to Lola’s room without another word about it.
    Maddie was holding up the last pink outfit for Scott and Lola when she heard Dr. Anderson’s voice. Her stomach fluttered at the sound, a feeling she was just starting to experience again. Maddie began to wonder what she had been missing these last months or even years. She turned to smile at Dr. Anderson.
    “Good morning. I would like to examine Lola. Scott, you’re welcome to stay.”
    As Maddie made her way toward the door, Dr. Anderson turned to her. “I hear your goddaughter is doing well this morning and she will be able to go home as soon as Mom is ready.”
    “She’s so beautiful. I can’t wait to hold her.”
    “I’m sure we can do something about that. I’ll see what I can do after I’m finished here.”
    Maddie glanced at her brother with excitement. She practically skipped out of the room with her mom following behind.
    Dr. Anderson came out of Lola’s room and eased the door shut behind him.
    “Things are going well, but not as quickly as I would like. Lola will need to stay a couple more days and she needs to get some rest right now.”
    “Thank you, Dr. Anderson. We appreciate everything you’ve done,” said Nina.
    “Absolutely, that’s what I’m here for. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your names yesterday.”
    “Nina, proud new grandmother, and this is my daughter, Maddie.”
    Dr. Anderson shook Nina’s hand and turned toward Maddie. “Now, Maddie, I promised you I would get your goddaughter in your arms, so