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“Okay, I’m on my way.”
I end the call, a rush of excitement filling me. I laugh, because holy shit, it’s finally happening. I scribble out a message for Luke, letting him know where I am and leave it on the counter, then I pack a few things in my bag, just in case I have to stay over.
It’s nearly nine by the time I’m in my car, heading over to their place. At this time of day, the drive across town is an easy one, so I’m there within fifteen minutes, screeching to a stop out in front of their house. I jump out of the car and race inside, not even bothering to lock it. Anyone who steals my shitbox gets what they deserve.
Matt stands out the front, with the door wide open, waiting for me. I race past him and find Annie lying on the couch, her face red as she puffs in and out. The poor thing looks so tired and miserable already. I feel sorry for her because she’s got a long way to go before this is over, and my brother clearly isn’t being much help.
“Are you okay?” I ask, crouching down beside her. I quickly take her pulse while she clutches her stomach, groaning as another contraction hits her.
“Fuck, it hurts so much,” she cries.
“Have you called the hospital?” I ask Matt.
He nods. “Yes, but the contractions are still too far apart. They said there’s not much point in us coming in yet.”
I nod. “How far apart?”
“Fifteen minutes.”
“Yeah, if you went in now, they’d probably just send you back home.” I squeeze Annie’s hand and give her a smile. “Could be a little while yet.” I glance around. “Where are your parents?”
“They took an overnight trip out to Vegas,” she says, gritting her teeth. “To be honest with you, I’m as glad as fuck. I’ve got enough to deal with without adding them to the mix.”
I giggle and get to my feet.
“Maybe run a bath?” I suggest to Matt. “Sometimes that can help move things along, or at the very least, ease the pain of the contractions a little.”
Matt nods, looking relieved that he can be of some use. He disappears, so I sit with Annie, trying to take her mind off the pain.
“How are things with Luke?” she asks, hissing as she tries to maneuver onto her side.
“Good,” I admit. “Really good, actually.”
She smiles at me and takes my hand, giving it a squeeze.
“Great, I’m so happy for you. If anyone deserves to find someone, it’s you. You’re such an amazing person,” she says, tears forming in her eyes. I giggle because Annie sure gets emotional when she’s in pain.
“Thanks,” I say.
“Matt and I wanted to ask you something.” She glances at Matt, who has just walked back in the room. He raises his eyebrows, suddenly looking nervous.
“I thought we were doing this after the baby was born,” he says.
“Well, I want to do it now,” Annie growls. I laugh and shake my head at Matt. Never argue with a pregnant woman. “We want to ask you if you’d be our baby’s godmother,” Annie says as she takes Matt’s hand and looks up at him with love.
“Really?” I ask. My eyes well with tears. “You’ve got no idea how much that means to me.” I’m so happy, but I’m also feeling bittersweet. This could be the closest I ever come to becoming a parent myself, and it would take a tragedy happening to both of them. “Of course, I will,” I say, my voice trembling.
Tears roll down my cheeks. I don’t bother trying to hide the fact that I’m upset because let’s face it, it would take a lot of effort to stop the waterworks at this point.
“Are you okay?” Annie frowns. She glances at Matt, worried. “I didn’t know whether to ask you or not…” She shakes her head. “You hate the idea, don’t you? Oh God, I’m the worst person in the world,” she says, throwing her hands over her face. I kneel down in front of her and take hold of her hands.
“No, don’t do that,” I say, looking her in the eye. “You’ve got no idea how happy you’ve made me. I’m thrilled that you both trust me with something like this. Honestly, I’m just…” I shake my head. “Thank you.”
She smiles, her own eyes glistening with tears. I hug them both, my stomach all churned up.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Matt asks me softly.
I do my best to glare at him.
“Don’t you start. I’m fine. Have you called Mom?” I give him a look, knowing he probably hasn’t. He hangs his head. “I’ll go outside and do it now if you like. Which hospital is she going to?” I ask. “I’ll tell Mom that I’ll text her when we’re on our way.”
