Page 159 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

“Not helpful, Austin.”

I set down the gift bag and took Melody’s hand. “What can I do?”

“Tell me I’m not dying.”

“You’re not dying. You’re bringing life into the world. You’re a warrior goddess.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

A contraction hit and Melody squeezed my hand so hard I saw stars. I didn’t complain. Just held on and let her crush my fingers while she breathed through it.

When it passed, she collapsed back against the pillows.

“How much longer?” she asked the nurse who’d just walked in.

“You’re at eight centimeters. Shouldn’t be too much longer now.”

“That’s what you said an hour ago.”

The nurse smiled. “Babies come on their own schedule.”

Cash appeared in the doorway. Austin immediately went to him.

They talked in low voices while I stayed with Melody. Helped her through contractions. Wiped her forehead with a cool cloth. Told her she was doing amazing even though she insisted she was dying.

An hour later, the doctor came in and declared it was time to push.

“Oh god,” Melody said.

I kissed her forehead. “This is you and Austin. I’ll be right down the hall. I love you.”

We left the room just as Melody let the world know it hurt.

“You okay?” Cash asked quietly.

“Yes.”

I paced the hall, listening to my best friend shout. I wished I could take the pain for her. But she was strong. And she was hurt now, but it would all be forgotten very soon.

Forty minutes later, Austin opened the door. The man had red eyes and looked like he had just been through hell, but he was grinning.

“He’s here,” he said, his voice cracking. “Seven pounds, three ounces. Ten fingers. Ten toes.” He ran his hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. “She was amazing. Absolutely amazing.”

Cash hugged his brother. A real, proper hug that said everything words couldn’t. I watched them, these two powerful men reduced to their most vulnerable selves by the miracle of birth.

“Can we see them?” I asked, already moving toward the door.

Austin nodded. “She’s asking for you.”

Nothing could have prepared me for what I felt when I stepped into that room. Melody was propped up against pillows, her hair plastered to her forehead with sweat, her face flushed and triumphant. And in her arms was the tiniest bundle I’d ever seen.

“Hi,” she said softly. “Come meet your godson.”

I moved closer, almost afraid to breathe. The baby was so small, so perfect. His face was scrunched and red, his tiny fists clenched against his chest. A wisp of dark hair peeked out from under the hospital cap.

“Oh my god,” I whispered. “Look at him.”