Page 158 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

He sat up, showing off those gorgeous abs. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“We have to go! It’s baby time!”

I was already out of bed. I had a full outfit ready to go right down to my comfy shoes. Cash teased me about being prepared like a fireman. I was. And I was so glad I was because I honestly didn’t know if I would have put on matching shoes. I was calm and freaking out at the same time.

Cash got dressed while I brushed my teeth. Melody was the one having the baby, but I had packed a bag and left it by the door. Water. Snacks. Lip balm. Massage oil. I was ready. I was prepared to stick by her side for the long haul.

Cash grabbed the gift bag we had put together two weeks ago. Bag was probably not the correct word. It was a huge basket filled with all of Melody’s favorite snacks, face masks, a cozy blanket, magazines, and yes, the T-shirt for Austin.

It said World’s Okayest Dad, which Cash personally chose. I thought it was perfect and it would make him laugh.

“Ready?” he asked.

“So ready. Let’s go.”

The drive to the hospital was a blur. Cash drove calmly while I fidgeted in the passenger seat, checking my phone every thirty seconds for updates.

“She’s going to be fine,” Cash said.

“I know.”

“The baby is going to be fine.”

“I know.”

“So why do you look like you’re about to jump out of a moving vehicle?”

“Because this is huge.” I pressed my hands to my face. “My best friend is having a baby. A whole human is about to enter the world. What if something goes wrong? Her blood pressure has been up.”

“Nothing is going to go wrong.” He reached over and took my hand. “Melody is strong. She’s healthy. She has the best doctors. And Austin is probably driving them all insane right now, which means they’re focused on getting this baby out as quickly as possible.”

I laughed despite my nerves. “You’re probably right.”

“I’m definitely right.”

We pulled up to the hospital and Cash let me out at the entrance while he parked. I ran inside and headed straight to the maternity ward. I gave Melody’s name to the nurse.

“Room 412,” she said. “But fair warning, she’s in active labor. Might want to wait in the waiting room. I’m not sure Mr. Bancroft is allowing visitors.”

I was already on the move. Room 412 was easy to find. I could hear Melody before I saw her.

“I swear to god, Austin, if you tell me to breathe one more time.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“You’ve helped enough! This is your fault!”

I knocked gently and pushed the door open. Austin looked up with relief. “Thank god. She’s terrifying.”

“I can hear you,” Melody said through gritted teeth.

She was in the hospital bed, hair pulled back, face flushed, looking simultaneously exhausted and more alive than I’d ever seen her.

“Hi,” I said, going to her side. “How are we doing?”

“We are doing terrible,” Melody said. “I am in labor and it hurts. Nobody told me it would hurt this much.”

“Everyone told you it would hurt this much,” Austin said. “You’re delivering a baby. We did the classes.”