Novel Excerpt part one (fiction)

Emily Hunt sat at her computer. The phone startled her.

“You better come now. She just had a contraction.”

Lucy’s voice, rich and sixty, was usually a source of comfort for her niece-in-law. On that night it carried all the calm of a roller coaster, a little wild and out of control.

“Coming,” said Emily. “I’ll be right there.”

Still clutching the phone, Emily hurried down the hall, and burst into her husband’s study. A big yellow Lab and three whippets skittered after her, their toenails trying to find purchase on the old hardwood floor. The dogs had been sound asleep in Emily’s computer room. They entered Emerson’s den, doing the wake-up-shake-all-over with sleepy eyes and tails wagging, eager as ever to join in the fun.

Emily held the phone up as an explanation. “Zelda’s in labor. I’m on my way. Are you okay with the dogs?”

Emerson looked at his wife and smiled. She was so excited that he could feel waves of electricity surrounding her. He loved her.

Illustration (C) W.F. Renzulli, MD

(C) Patience Renzulli, all rights reserved

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