I had a crimson maternity suit prepared for the meeting.

It was not armor.

It was clothing in which I hoped I could stand without tugging at the sleeves.

Then, before the scheduled closing meeting, the baby changed the plan.

PART 5 — The Meeting I Could Not Attend

The first pain made me put down the pen.

I waited, wondering whether I had been sitting too long.

Then another tightening came, stronger, and I stood carefully.