Loving Tenderness by Gail Gaymer Martin

the waiting-room wall clock, then checked his watch. Time seemed to stand still. Philiphad paced the floor from the moment Andrew had arrived, and no matter what he said Philip wouldn’t sit.
    “You’re wearing out the carpet,” Andrew said. “Let me get you some coffee.”
    Philip only shook his head. “What’s taking so long?”
    He strode across the room to the desk, and Andrew’s heart broke watching his brother’s anguish.
    Marriage and family had begun to settle in Andrew’s thoughts. He’d always told himself that he had nothing to offer a woman, but Hannah seemed different. She had none of the expectations most people had of the Somervilles. She’d come from a family with so little, yet she’d done her best and made a life of nothing. Why couldn’t he do the same?
    Hannah always made Andrew smile. He knew why she’d offered to come to Philip’s: she’d figured he’d be useless babysitting his niece, but he’d fooled her. He’d seen the surprise on her face when Ellie had bounded into his arms. He didn’t want to be cocky, but he’d proved to himself that the past hadn’t totally destroyed the love of family. Envy had wheedled its way into his thoughts, but hadn’t destroyed the love he still felt for Philip. He’d just had a difficult time showing it.
    JJ had been an eye-opener, too. Sure, he figured loving his niece was natural, but loving a child who was no relation, that was another story. But that’s what had happened. He found himself doting on the young boy.
    Andrew shifted his gaze and noticed a surgeon in the hallway outside the waiting room. Philip seemed to notice at the same time. He darted across the room and met the man before he came through the doorway.
    Nailed to his seat, Andrew watched the drama unfoldand finally could no longer contain himself, but rose and joined the two men.
    “She’s not out of the woods,” the physician said.
    Fear surged through Andrew. The baby or Jemma? He clamped his mouth closed rather than interrupt their conversation.
    “We’re doing all we can, but it will be twenty-four hours or more before we can be certain.”
    “The baby?” Andrew whispered, giving in to his uncontrollable worry.
    Philip’s head gave a slow shake. “It’s Jemma.” His voice trembled, and tears sprang to his eyes.
    Jemma? Dear Lord, no. Andrew’s prayer flew to heaven.
    “Your son is in good health,” the physician continued. “You can see him in a few minutes. I’ll have a nurse let you know.” He took a step backward. “I’m sorry, Mr. Somerville. I wish I had better news.”
    Philip stood frozen in place as the doctor turned and left.
    Andrew stared at his brother in disbelief. “What happened?”
    “She reacted to the anesthesia and stopped breathing.”
    Andrew didn’t understand, but it wasn’t time to ply his brother with questions. He rested his hand on Philip’s shoulder.
    Philip continued without question. “During an emergency they have to use general anesthesia and that has a risk factor. She went into respiratory arrest.”
    Respiratory arrest. The words cut through Andrew’s heart and his defenses. Without thought, Andrew drew his brother into his arms and embraced him. Philip pressed his face against Andrew’s neck and sobbedwhile tears rolled from Andrew’s eyes and joined Philip’s.
    “Heavenly Father,” Andrew whispered through his sorrow, “be with Jemma and hold her in Your healing hand. You can make all things right, and with You, nothing is impossible. Lord, we understand Your will. Your needs are first in our lives, but Father, please remember Ellie and their new son…” A son. The word hadn’t sunk in until now. “…their new son who needs a mother so badly, and Philip who wants his wife by his side.”
    “Thank you,” Philip murmured as he pulled back and withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket. He wiped his eyes, then blew his nose and grasped Andrew’s hand. “It’s good to have you here. This means more to