Fertility: A Novel (39 page)

Harry had expected pushback from his second proposal: that Arkin Worldwide pony up for medical expenses should Sarah suffer long-term impairment from her injuries. Over his attorney’s protestations, Arkin calmly accepted that proposal as well. His acquiescence left Harry scratching his head, wondering if he and Grant had unwittingly left something on the table.

But Sarah wasn’t concerned. On the contrary, she was pleased with their advocacy. She followed Harry’s counsel and accepted the Arkins’ monetary offer. The money was deposited into her bank account within days of her signing the agreement. To make the deal sweeter, Harry and Grant waived their usual fees as a professional courtesy for a valued colleague.

She didn’t know if it was survivor’s guilt or something loftier, but Sarah was determined to devote the settlement money to helping some of the people who had suffered as a result of the accident. She would set aside a small sum for Anna as compensation for her rocky start to life, and then place the balance in trust for the children of the construction workers who had perished in the crane accident.

But she couldn’t fulfill her plan without help. For that, she had to turn once again to Harry. When Sarah told him her idea, he wondered if the accident hadn’t injured more than her leg. However, her point-by-point argument for using the money as “a force for good” persuaded him that her wits remained intact. He agreed to contact the families and make them aware of the largesse of an anonymous donor who wanted to honor their loved one’s sacrifice and ease the way of their children. Playing the representative of a generous benefactor would turn out to be a singular experience for Harry, and one that, much to his surprise, he would rather enjoy.

* * *

As the date for Sarah’s discharge approached, Devorah flew back to New York to be her helpmate for Sarah’s first weeks back home. That simple act of generosity provided a lifesaver to the Abadhi family, allowing them to sense terra firma for the first time since the accident. Sarah was able to return to her apartment, where she could be with her child both day and night. Eva took up her teaching duties once more, just as the new semester was starting up. Both Eva and Joseph savored the rhythms of daily life they’d abandoned during their family emergency. The simple pleasure of waking up in their own bed allowed them to hope that their terrible siege was coming to an end.

* * *

Once Sarah was back in her apartment, Rick became a regular for dinner. More often than not, Jeff tagged along. The two mavens of takeout alternated with Devorah in providing the meal and libations. The foursome enjoyed many a congenial evening together. It soon became apparent that Jeff had more than a passing interest in Devorah and, much to his amazement, his interest seemed to be returned in kind. That their best friends hit it off delighted both Rick and Sarah.

After dinner one night, Rick and Sarah excused themselves to give Anna her bath. They got set up in the bathroom with everything they needed for their task: towels, baby shampoo, fresh clothes and diapers. They put on the heat light to warm the air as Sarah undressed the unsuspecting Anna. Rick examined her umbilicus and deemed it to be healing nicely. Then, with Sarah seated next to him, he did the honors of submerging Anna’s tiny body in the warm water of the oversized bathroom sink. The baby’s eyes grew wide and her arms flailed as the water hit her skin.

Sarah took charge of the shampooing, while Rick kept the suds away from Anna’s eyes. The baby wriggled and splashed in the sink, sending water to distant corners of the bathroom. Every fold and crevice was washed. Once the joint determination was made that Anna was clean, Rick carefully scooped up her slippery body and deposited her onto the waiting towel draped across Sarah’s lap. Anna kicked wildly and looked all around as her parents diapered her and dressed her in a fresh flannel nightshirt. The final step was executed by Sarah, who combed the baby’s full head of hair.

Both Sarah and Rick marveled at how hard it would have been to bathe their tiny infant had the other not been there. It struck Sarah that the bath was likely a fitting metaphor for the process of raising a child.

* * *

The plan that had been hatched while Sarah was still in rehab was to have a home health agency send aides to her apartment once Devorah returned to Chicago. However, as Rick fed Anna a bottle after dinner one evening, an idea struck him: He could take over when Devorah left. He was eligible for the hospital’s childcare leave. He certainly could handle Sarah’s medical needs and the care of a healthy newborn. He decided to pitch his idea to Sarah, hoping Devorah and Jeff would rally to his cause.

As the others were collectively solving the Sunday crossword puzzle, Rick cleared his throat for effect and began. “I don’t mean to interrupt your weighty collaboration, but I’d like to make a proposal.”

Sarah and Jeff looked up while Devorah filled in the answer to a clue, “State capital whose name derives from the French for ‘wooded area.’ B-O-I-S-E.”

“I’m all ears,” Sarah said.

“Well, I was just thinking that instead of hiring strangers to come in and help once Devorah goes home, why don’t I just put in for a leave and take over for her?”

The question caused Devorah to look up from the puzzle, while Jeff was left speechless. Sarah was intrigued. “You? You want to cook, clean, buy groceries, do laundry, make formula and wash bottles?”

“What? You don’t think I can do it?
I
can do it,” he said, patting his chest. “What I don’t know, I’ll figure out. More importantly, I’m a pediatrician who specializes in trauma. You and Anna will have the finest medical care at your beck and call. How can you refuse an offer like that?”

Jeff remained mute, astonished that Rick was willing to take an extended leave from work to do domestic duty. Devorah raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders. “He’s right, Sarah. He’s at least as qualified as the aides from the agency.”

“That’s some ringing endorsement. I thought you’d be in my corner,” Rick said, doing his best to look wounded.

“I am in your corner. I’m endorsing you,” Devorah insisted. “And Sarah, his fee will be much cheaper than the agency’s. Think of the money you’ll save. What a bargain!”

“That’s right,” Rick concurred. “I’m qualified and a bargain.”

Sarah looked at Rick and then at Devorah. They were both nodding their heads and smiling at her. At that moment, both she and Jeff had the same idea.

“Did you two cook this up together?” Sarah asked.

“No way,” Devorah said. “This is all his idea. But I like it.”

“So what do you think, Sarah? Say the word and I’ll put in for a leave. I’ll do it first thing tomorrow morning.”

Jeff finally weighed in. “Sarah, for so many reasons I won’t go into now, I never thought I’d live to see this day, so for my sake, please say yes. I can’t wait to see him make dinner.”

“Well, Rick,” Sarah began, “you make a good point about your medical expertise. And I take Devorah’s point: The price is right. So, I would say, if you’re willing to sleep on the couch — just as Devorah’s been doing — you can have the job when she leaves.”

The couch. Not his first choice, but it would have to do. “You’ve got yourself a deal,” Rick said. “You won’t be sorry. Concierge medicine will have nothing on me.”

* * *

Three days later, with his application for leave in the works of the hospital’s HR bureaucracy, Rick flew off to Michigan to see his mother. It was Susan’s birthday and a party had been surreptitiously planned by her friends. When Rick called to say he was coming home for the weekend, Susan was delighted.

She picked Rick up from his early morning flight, and readily agreed to his suggestion that they get some breakfast before heading home. The Neptune Diner would forever be etched in Susan’s memory; it was there that she learned she was a grandmother. Rick had to say it more than once and produce pictures before she believed that her son was not only the father of a newborn girl, but happily so. He did his best to convey the outlines of his relationship with Sarah. Susan had only one request: that he promise to arrange a visit as soon as he thought it wise.

News of her grandchild, coupled with the party — which she enjoyed after getting over her initial shock — made Susan’s sixtieth birthday a happy one. The following day she went to a baby boutique famous for designer clothing, picked out five outfits in progressively larger sizes, had them gift-wrapped and gave them to Rick as he packed for his flight back to New York.

When Rick returned laden with gifts, Sarah was so touched she wanted to thank Susan herself. Rick checked with his mother, and a visit on Skype was set for the following morning. Sarah dressed Anna in the smallest outfit sent by her grandmother. Rick, anxious for Sarah and his mother to like one another, grew restless as he waited for the appointed time.

He needn’t have worried. Their meeting via Skype was a success. For Susan, Sarah embodied her long-held hope that Rick might find someone to make a life with. Seeing her granddaughter on her computer screen was nothing short of surreal — thrillingly so. As for Sarah, she was amazed to see a woman who looked not a whit like her son, but who shared with him the gift of rapid-fire repartee. The short visit featured good cheer all around. Even Anna cooperated by looking directly at the camera and turning up the left side of her mouth. Her grandmother was only too happy to deem it a smile.

* * *

Once Rick took up residence on the couch, both he and Sarah took things slowly, fearful of asking too much of one another and running their newfound connection off the rails. Rick concentrated on being a genuine help, following Sarah’s directions for shopping, laundry and even cooking. It was a crash course in domesticity, but his motivation made him a quick study. As hard as it was for Sarah to be helpless, she was moved by the way Rick came to her aid. And watching him lovingly care for Anna made her swallow hard more times than she could count.

Rick was pleased with how things were going in every way but one. Early in Sarah’s recuperation at home, Eva, Joseph and Bubbe Rivka established the pattern of visiting at least once every weekend. Whenever Joseph was in the three-room apartment, he seemed to keep Rick under surveillance. So when the family arrived, Rick would often excuse himself, going for a long run along the river and buying himself some time away from Joseph’s watchful eye.

On one Sunday run, Rick was surprised to hear someone call his name. He looked around. There were no other runners or bikers on that stretch of the path, but there was a man sitting on a nearby bench. Rick did a double take when he realized it was Sarah’s father.

“Oh, hello there, Mr. Abahdi. I didn’t notice you.”

“I thought I’d get some air, and also take the opportunity to catch you before you headed back to Sarah’s. Please sit down for a moment.”

“Oh, sure,” Rick said, trying his best to appear relaxed.

“Look, Rick, I’ll get right to the point. I don’t relish butting in between you and Sarah, but I have only one daughter. You’ve been very generous with your time during these last weeks. It’s a good start in making up for the way you abandoned her.”

Rick smarted at the characterization of their split. “Mr. Abadhi,” he began.

“Please let me finish what I have to say,” Joseph said evenly, his eyes fixed on his target. “I don’t pretend to know what went on between you two. Sarah told me she let you off the hook and you left. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all water under the bridge. I’m worried about what happens now and in the future. I’ve got to look out for the interests of my daughter and my granddaughter.”

“Naturally,” Rick said, tamping down the urge to defend himself.

“When Sarah told me about her pregnancy, I wanted to take the guy who was responsible and beat him to a pulp — and, believe me, I’m generally a peaceful man. The idea of my single daughter being left with all the responsibilities of raising a child while the
momzer
— excuse me, the bastard — was off living a carefree life…well, it infuriated me. However, since you’ve resurfaced, you haven’t behaved like the lout I imagined you to be. On the contrary, you’ve been very attentive to Sarah and Anna’s needs. Believe me, I’ve been observing very carefully.

“But here’s the point. Sarah’s been through a lot. Eva and I have never known her to be depressed. She was a resilient child, not the type to stew over things. But the accident…well, it threw her. Although she’s coming around, she can’t suffer another blow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes, I think I do.”

“So here’s the bottom line: If you hurt my daughter you’ll have to deal with me. Am I being clear?”

As a father now, Rick could understand and even admire Joseph’s effort to protect his daughter. Rick would do that and more to shield Anna from harm. Still, Joseph’s threat grated on him. The months after he and Sarah had split had hardly been a walk in the park. And, since the accident, he’d done everything he could to make things right. But while he knew he had his licks coming, he also knew he had to respond — respectfully — to Joseph’s challenge for going forward.

“Yes, you’re being very clear. Let me be clear as well, Mr. Abadhi. I have apologized more than once to Sarah. Regardless of the fact that she released me from my responsibilities, I was wrong to leave her when she told me she was pregnant. You are also due an apology. Now that I’m a father myself, I can only imagine how you felt about the — what did you call me?”

“I believe the word I used was ‘
momzer
,’” Joseph said.

“I can imagine how you felt about the
momzer
who left your daughter. I’m sorry I caused you so much distress. But make no mistake. I’m in love with Sarah. I hope for nothing more than the day when she will feel the same way about me. We have a lot to make up for. I’m aware of how much. But I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to work things out. I’m doing everything I can to make that happen.

“You should know that regardless of whether Sarah comes to return my feelings, I plan on being a father to Anna, not just financially but in every sense of the word. I see what a great father you are to Sarah. For most of my life, I didn’t have a father. I can’t say I know much about what it takes to be a good one. But if I work at it, and — if I’m lucky — with Sarah’s help, I hope Anna will come to feel about me the way her mother feels about you.”