Page 90 of After Care

“Edie,” Ivy laughed my name. “I’ll just call 911.”

“Okay, right. Okay, good. Keep me posted.” We hung up quickly, and I paced my room, feeling helpless and frustrated that my young friend was all alone having a baby. Gage was estranged from his family. Ivy didn’t have extended family other than the band, and they were all on stage. She should have had her husband present. She should have had her mother there for her. And with that thought, I did the craziest thing I’d ever done.

+ + +

With a quick text to Masie, I told her I’d lost my mind.

I’m heading to California. Ivy in labor. Can’t get ahold of Gage.

I had no idea how I thought I’d help Ivy. It would take hours before I got to California, but I had to do something. Even if Ivy got in touch with Gage, he couldn’t get to her until the show was over, even in the best scenario.

Texting West. Masie replied. So exciting.

I didn’t know how texting West would help, but I didn’t scoff. I was already boarding on ridiculous, literally. I entered the plane, saying a swift prayer for safe delivery of both Ivy’s baby and myself to California.

I arrived at an ungodly hour and raced for an Uber, calling out the name of the hospital. When I entered the registration area, inquiring about Ivy, my adrenaline came to a screeching halt.

“We don’t have an Ivy Everly admitted, ma’am.” I stared at her, blinking. She had to be here. Where else could she deliver? Dawning came slowly that Ivy could have been taken to any number of other hospitals, but with her status, I assumed she’d be taken to the one she requested. I slammed a hand on the registration desk.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Are you family?” The question struck me as odd. Why inquire unless…Of course, only family could be admitted.

“Yes,” I breathed. “I’m her aunt.” The lie didn’t choke me like I thought it might. If I had continued my relationship with Tommy, the possibility could have been real. Could have been. I didn’t ponder the lost possibility.

“And your name?”

“Edie Williams.” Without thought, I blurted my own name.

“Edie Carrigan, actually,” a deep Southern drawl commented from behind me, and I spun to face Tommy. My breath hitched. He should come with a warning. His silvery hair was slicked back, as if endless amounts of fingers had swiped through it. His dark eyes were lit and slightly tired, the tell-tale sign a touch of purple on the undersides. My mouth dropped open, frozen by the sound of my name mixed with his.

“Edie Carrigan,” he clarified. “I’m Tommy Carrigan. I’m on the list. Hell, I made the list,” he chuckled, winking at the female registrar. His instant charm was a reminder of all I didn’t know about him, and my heart pinched.

A warm hand came to my back, pressing me forward toward a bank of elevators.

“Whatcha doing here, darlin’?” The question stumped me, and I answered with the obvious.

“Ivy’s in labor.” He nodded with another soft chuckle. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“West. That pansy had me hold his phone, not wanting to miss out on finding Masie in the crowd. It kept vibrating in my back pocket, and I finally pulled it out. I couldn’t unlock the screen but the first few messages told me all I needed to know. I left immediately.”

Silence wavered between us as we rode up to the maternity ward. Awkward tension filled the lift. Heat radiated off his body, and mine responded with an internal cry of longing.

“I was sorry to learn you weren’t attending the concert,” he murmured. My head shot up at the comment.

“I thought it best to let Masie’s friend attend in my place.” He nodded, and the conversation stilled again. The elevator signaled our arrival, and we stepped off. Tommy led the way down the hall, offering our names to a blushing nurse. We followed her directions, and Tommy knocked softly on the door.

“Hello, baby girl,” he murmured, his voice drifting behind me as he allowed me to enter first.

“Edie,” Ivy called out, exhaustion filling the sound of my name. With two quick steps, I was at her side, embracing her while she broke into a sob. Hushing her, I stroked over her hair as I held her against my chest. “Shhh, honey. You did good,” I said, taking note of the little bundle, swaddled and sleeping in the clear bassinet on the other side of the bed.

“Why you cryin’, baby?” Tommy asked, and Ivy shook her head, pulling back from me to swipe at her cheeks. A smile lit her face.

“I don’t know,” she said, giggling as more tears streamed down her face.

“It’s all the hormones, sweetheart,” I soothed, rubbing a hand up her arm as she fell back on the pillows. She gave me an understanding look, tears still flooding her eyes as she nodded at me.

“Ten fingers and ten toes?” Tommy inquired, peering into the bassinet but making no move to pick up the sleeping babe.

“Everything’s good,” she whispered and a knowing glance passed between the two of them. “Thank you for bringing Edie to me,” she added, addressing her uncle.