Page 61 of Fighting for Family

Ragu put his hand on Cole’s. “For Leo.”

CHAPTER 19

Dr. Greene entered the emergency room and smiled at Knight and Gabby.

“It seems your baby has decided to come a little early. It’s not uncommon for second pregnancies. Since your contractions seem sporadic, we have two options. We can send you home, and you can return once they become five minutes apart,” she advised. “I know your last birth has brought up some concern. Doc has generously offered you a room here without charge, where we can keep an eye on you.”

Gabby gazed up at Knight. “I prefer to relax at home.”

“You haven’t relaxed since the first one happened at Ty’s,” Knight reminded her. “Don’t act tough. We’re both thinking of what happened last time. I’ll feel better knowing they’re monitoring you.”

“We’re taking a room away from a patient who might need it,” she argued.

“The maternity ward has rooms to spare,” Dr. Greene volunteered. “I don’t see any reason to feel concerned. It may take a while for the contractions to even out, and then it might progress faster. It’s your decision. I’ll give you a few minutes to discuss it.”

When she left the room, Knight turned to Gabby. “I vote for us to stay.”

“You’re just nervous,” Gabby shook her head. “You heard Dr. Greene. This pregnancy won’t go like the last one.”

Knight pressed his head against the cold, metal rails. “We didn’t think it’d happen last time. Do you really want to return home? Think about it. If they changed at three in the morning, we’ll have to wake up Marcus, find a sitter, and then drive here.”

Gabby made a face, not liking the idea of waking her toddler in the middle of the night. Claire volunteered to watch their son, but Gabby didn’t like the idea of them taking time away from her and Patch. Especially since he only returned the day before.

“Marcus has finally started sleeping all night in his toddler bed. Do you mind asking Edie to stay with him? I don’t want to intrude on Claire and Patch’s time alone,” she explained. “Then we won’t worry about getting him settled somewhere.”

“Will you stay here then?” he asked, surprised she gave in so easily.

“I can’t say I haven’t thought about Marcus’ birth. I’ll feel better if we can stay here. I didn’t expect to go into labor this early. I don’t have my things or the baby’s clothes,” she said wearily as she held her stomach through another contraction.

“I’ll ask Patch to bring it to us,” Knight said, sounding relieved. “Do you need anything else?”

“Bryanna agreed to watch Marcus if I went into labor. Call her and let her know we’re in the early stages. I’m sure she’s cleaning up from the party. Maybe she can take Marcus in the morning. Hopefully, I won’t be in labor long.”

“I’m on it,” Knight said, taking his phone from his holster. “I’ll make the calls outside. Can I get you anything?”

“I’m starved. Do you think they’ll let me have something to eat?” she asked hopefully.

“Dr. Greene wrote ice chips and popsicles on your board. I’m sorry, honey,” he apologized, playing with her fingers.

“Popsicles for the win,” Gabby said. “Can you get me a banana one?”

“Sure. I’ll be right back after I make my calls,” he said before rising and heading outside. Dialing Patch’s number, he waited for his best friend to answer.

“Hey, man. How’s Gabby?” Patch asked.

“Dr. Greene says everything’s good. She’s in labor. The contractions haven’t stabilized, and she offered us a room here to keep an eye on Gabby. I’m scared shitless,” he admitted.

“Brother, you’ve devoured every baby book in history. You’re practically prepared to deliver it yourself. Do you need us to pick up Marcus?”

“We’re asking if Edie can stay with him tonight, and Bryanna agreed to take him while Gabby stayed in the hospital. Enjoy Claire while you can,” Knight said, knowing the first few months felt daunting with a newborn and no experience.

“We’re here if you need us,” Patch assured him.

“Can you swing by the house and get Gabby’s and the baby’s bags?”

“Sure thing,” Patch said. “We’re leaving the party now. I sent Claire home with Samantha. She’s giving her a massage, and a mani and pedi.”

“We’re in the ER for now. I’m sure they’ll move us by the time you get here,” Knight said nervously.