“So, what now?”
“Because your blood pressure is staying up and you’re considered early term, I think the safest option is to go ahead and deliver the baby now. I’m recommending that we induce you today.”
“Today?” My eyes widen as my heart leaps into my throat.
“I want to reassure you, this isn’t an emergency, Charley, but we don’t want to wait for it to become one. Your baby is at a great gestational age, and this decision is all about staying ahead of any potential complications, for both of you. So what we’ll do is get you checked in to Labor and Delivery after this, and the team there will begin the induction process. Do you have any questions or anything you’d like to talk through before we move forward?”
“Wow, uh…” A chill races down my spine as my mind catches up to what she’s saying. I feel like a fish out of water, with the way my mouth opens and closes, trying to find words. “What about her?” I ask, nodding toward Ellie Mae, who’s completely unaware of the panic growing inside of me. “And Graham isn’t here. Can we hold off until he gets here? And what happens once I’m checked in? How does induction work?”
“Great questions,” Dr. Mitchell says softly. “Of course, we can wait for Graham to get here. Once you get checked in to Labor and Delivery, we’ll start monitoring you and baby; checking your vitals, doing a quick ultrasound or listening to the baby’sheartbeat, and get you settled in. We will likely then begin with a medication to help soften and open the cervix. After that, we’ll start a medication called Pitocin through an IV to help get your contractions going. The whole process can take some time, especially with a first baby, but you’ll be closely monitored throughout, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Our goal is a safe, smooth delivery for both you and baby.”
I nod, my mouth dry, heart beating a mile a minute.
Today. I’m having this babytoday.
“I’ll give you some privacy so you can call Graham and whoever else,” Dr. Mitchell states as she stands. “And while we wait, I’ll give Labor and Delivery a heads-up. I’ll be just outside if you need me, Charley.”
“Thank you,” I murmur quietly.
As soon as she leaves, I swallow thickly and grab my phone. With shaky fingers, I find the inn’s phone number and press call. Asking for Graham, the new front desk lady places me on hold, and it feels like an eternity before his deep, comforting voice comes through the line.
“Hey, everything okay?” There’s concern in his tone. I hardly ever call him at work.
“They’re inducing me,” I say quietly, hating the way my voice trembles. “Because of my blood pressure.”
“Right now?” he blurts out.
“Not right this second, but yes, soon.” Pressure builds behind my eyes. “Graham, can you please get here? I need you.”
“Of course, I’m coming, Sunny,” he says reassuringly. “I’ll let my boss know, then I’ll call my dad and see if he can come grab Ellie Mae.”
“Thank you.” I swallow down the lump in my throat, not wanting to fall apart in front of her. Then a thought pops into my head. “The car seat, Graham. I don’t have the car seat, or the hospital bag. I have nothing.”
“It’s okay. I’ll ask one of my sisters to stop by the house on their way to the hospital. We’ve got time, Sunny. It’ll be okay.”
“Thank you.”
“Breathe, you got this. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
We hang up, and as if Ellie Mae can sense something’s up with me, she climbs off her chair and comes over to the exam bed I’m sitting on. She steps up on the stool and rests her head on my left leg.
“Looks like you’ll get to meet your brother or sister soon, sweet girl,” I tell her, bringing my hand to her back.
Waves of emotion crash into me, all at once. I’m scared because this isn’t how it was supposed to happen. What if something goes wrong?
I’m nervous. I don’t know what to expect. But underneath all of that, I’m also emotional because the time is here, and soon I will be holding this little baby in my arms for the first time.
About twenty minutes later, Graham rushes through the door, and it feels like I can breathe again. He pulls me into his arms, still in his work uniform, smelling like fried food mixed with his natural musk. “You okay?” he asks after he kisses the top of my head.
“I’m not ready,” I murmur. “I’m scared.”
Graham picks up Ellie Mae before bringing his hand to my cheek. “Youareready, Sunny, and I’m not leaving your side, I promise.”
Soon, we’re brought into a new room, the one I’ll be giving birth in. Graham’s stepmom picks up Ellie Mae, and I get choked up saying bye to her, knowing the next time I see her, she’ll be meeting the baby. After the nurses get me hooked up to the monitors, they give me the medication Dr. Mitchell told me about to help my body dilate and, suddenly, everything feelsreal. Obviously, I’ve known this day would come, but it’s not a far-off date anymore… It’s right now.
“We’re having a baby,” I say to Graham when we’re alone again.
