A married woman steps in to help her neighbor deliver her baby at home, only to find out the child’s father is her own husband.
Sarah Harper had been friends with Erica Vernon for over six years. The Vernons had moved in next door to Sarah and her husband Kieran during the same week they had gotten married, and the two couples quickly bonded over their shared experiences.
But within a year or two, Sarah began to notice cracks in the Vernon’s relationship. Lester Vernon’s jealousy and suspicion seemed to be suffocating his wife, making her life unbearable. Sarah felt for Erica, believing her to be just as loyal to her husband as she was to Kieran — or so she thought.
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As time passed, things only grew more uncomfortable. The loud, angry arguments from next door became impossible to ignore, and the two couples began distancing themselves from each other.
Sarah often noticed Erica looking sad and tearful, and although Lester was always polite and cordial toward Sarah, he never allowed her the chance to speak on behalf of her friend.
One day, Sarah ran into Lester at the supermarket and decided to confront him. “Lester,” she said cautiously, “I know this isn’t really my place, but it’s hard to watch you both so unhappy. Have you considered couples counseling? Erica really loves you…”
Lester stared at her for a moment, then replied coldly, “Listen, Sarah, if I were you, I wouldn’t be defending Erica. You think she’s your friend, but she isn’t.” With that, he turned and walked away.
Just three weeks later, Lester left Erica, and Sarah was stunned to find out her friend was three months pregnant. “But Erica, did you tell him?” Sarah asked in shock.
The truth always has a way of coming out when you least expect it.
Erica sobbed uncontrollably. “I did, Sarah, but he said it wasn’t his, that I’d been cheating! I can’t have this baby alone, I just can’t!”
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Sarah lifted her chin with determination. “You won’t be alone, I promise you, Kieran and I will be with you every step of the way!” Erica, overwhelmed, threw her arms around Sarah, crying with gratitude.
Later that evening, Sarah filled Kieran in on what was happening next door. “I told Erica that we’d be there for her, that we’d support her through the pregnancy.”
Kieran didn’t seem thrilled at the news. “Honestly, Sarah, I wish you wouldn’t act so impulsively! It’s a big responsibility, and I don’t even know the woman that well!”
“We’ve lived next door to her for six years, Kieran!” Sarah replied. “She’s my best friend, and I thought you liked her!”
“Not really,” Kieran admitted. “She’s fine, I guess, but she’s always been more your friend than mine.”
“Oh, honey,” Sarah said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on him. “Please be kind to her. She has no one!” With a playful glint in her eyes, Sarah kissed the side of his neck, teasingly nibbling at a spot he always called his “lucky bump.”
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“You little tease,” Kieran muttered, his voice low. “You always know just how to get me!”
Sarah giggled, playfully licking her “lucky bump.” “Your mom told me it’s the only thing that works on the Harper men, so I figured I might as well take full advantage!” The night ended in passionate love-making, and Kieran agreed to help Erica in any way they could.
As a result, Sarah became Erica’s primary support. She went with her to all her doctor visits, ultrasound scans, nutrition consultations, Lamaze classes, and even the natural childbirth course that promised to guide moms and their helpers through an unmedicated, hospital-free delivery.
“Not that I plan to have this baby anywhere but a hospital with plenty of pain relief!” Erica laughed. “But it’s good to be prepared!”
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It turned out to be fortunate that Sarah had been so involved, because one afternoon, Erica called her, gasping for breath. “Sarah, I think it’s time!” she cried. Sarah hurried over, her heart racing, and was stunned to find her friend lying in a pool of fluid.
“Your water’s broken!” Sarah exclaimed. “I’m calling the hospital.”
The hospital informed her it would take at least thirty minutes—or possibly longer—for the ambulance to arrive. In the meantime, Sarah did her best to make Erica comfortable.
As she did, Sarah noticed that Erica’s contractions were coming closer together. A wave of panic washed over her when she glanced down and saw that the baby’s head was beginning to crown. “Erica,” Sarah shouted, “the baby’s coming!”
“He can’t!” Erica screamed, clutching her stomach in desperation. “It’s supposed to take hours!”
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“Well,” Sarah said, “ready or not, he’s on his way!” She quickly dashed off to grab hot water, a warm blanket, scissors, and some cord. Kneeling between Erica’s spread legs, she urged her to push.
Sarah held her breath, watching intently as the baby emerged from Erica’s strained body. With gentle hands, she caught the newborn and carefully placed him on the soft blanket while she tied off and cut the umbilical cord—just as she’d learned in the natural childbirth class.
She lifted the baby up and beamed at the exhausted Erica. “It’s a boy!” she exclaimed. “A beautiful, perfect baby boy!” As Sarah began to wipe him down tenderly, she noticed something that made her pause—the baby wasn’t quite as perfect as she’d thought.
On the side of his neck was a small, hard bump, an unmistakable bump. A ‘lucky bump.’ Staring down at the innocent little creature in her arms, Sarah felt the weight of understanding crash over her.
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“Lester…” she murmured. “Lester was right, wasn’t he, Erica? You were having an affair, and it was with my husband.”
Erica gasped, attempting to sit up. “Oh no, Sarah, I swear—never…”
“Don’t lie to me!” Sarah snapped, lifting the baby in her arms. “I have the proof right here.”
“Don’t hurt him!” Erica screamed. “Yes, he’s Kieran’s. We’ve been lovers for six years. I’ll tell you everything you want to know, just please… don’t hurt my baby!”
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“I would never harm your baby, Erica,” Sarah said sharply, her voice filled with disdain. “I’m not like you. I don’t tear apart other people’s happiness.” With that, she gently placed the baby in Erica’s arms and left her to wait for the ambulance alone.
That night, when Kieran came home, he found the house eerily quiet and empty. Sarah had vanished without a word, filing for divorce shortly after. It took her years to rebuild her trust in others, but eventually, Sarah met an incredible man, and they remarried.
Now, Sarah is a content woman, expecting her second child with her new husband, looking forward to a future filled with love and happiness.
