Page 96 of Drive Me Crazy

He presses his cheek against mine. "Our baby is coming, and I don't care about anything but y'all. I'll buy you more if needed."

"You said our baby." My face, already soaked with sweat, is now mixed with tears.

He presses his lips to my forehead. "Yes, our baby. No more running or pushing each other away. I'm an ass, and I'm so sorry."

"I love you, Ridge." As I utter his name, his face comes into view.

"I love the both of you." He sits me in and buckles me up. "I know this is uncomfortable, but I promise to drive the way you taught me."

"Please don't make me crazy!" I lay my hand on his face.

He kisses me sweetly. "You drive me crazy all the time baby, and I love it."

"How did you find us?"

He side eyes me. "I was watching you. I'm always close, and I really wanted to know how you liked the crib."

"I love it. I'm sorry I'm so emotional, I can't stop crying." I have no control over the way I'm reacting to everything. They're everywhere, but Ridge doesn't miss a beat.

"It's all good, sweetheart. Let's get to the hospital." He winks, shuts the door and bolts to the other side and slides behind the wheel. His hand takes mine as he smashes the pedal to the floor, racing toward the emergency room.

I squeeze his fingers with each major shock to my system. "How in the hell do women do this without drugs? I want all the pain meds, Ridge. All. Of. Them!"

"You can have anything you want." He nods in agreement, and I break into a fit of tears.

"No! No drugs. Baby already thinks no one loves it and what if they alter its brain?" I sob uncontrollably.

Ridge cuts his eyes at me. "Harper, the baby knows you love it. Look what you went through to bring it into the world. Stop fretting, you're going to make yourself sick."

"But the drugs?" My brows knit in fear.

He shakes his head with a chuckle. "I don't think they work that way, baby."

"Okay." I wipe my nose with the back of my hand. "Ridge?"

"Yes, love?" His voice is soft and sweet but most of all reassuring.

"Please take care of us. I need you more than I can ever tell you. I love you, and this baby, more than all the words in the world." He lifts my dry hand to his mouth, pressing it to his lips.

"I've got you both, I have enough love to give each of you."

He pulls into the hospital bay, slamming the truck in park. He's out and around to my door before I can move. I've begun those damn breathing techniques.

They. Do. Not. Work.

Ridge, once again, has me in his arms and is running through the doors at lightning speed. "Help! We're having a baby!"

"We're having a baby." I gaze into his eyes, and a calm like no other settles over me.

"Yes, gorgeous. We're having a baby."

"Hey, Dad! Come through here and let's get y'all ready." A nurse waves us through the doors of the emergency room.

Ridge races toward her, and into the first room. I'm stripped and checked immediately, but there's no more time. I take Ridge by the hand, and we welcome our child into the world.

With a little more than a push, and several more tears, I gaze at Ridge as he cradles a baby in his arms. His wet face only pales in comparison to the look in his eyes as he gazes at the bundle.

"She's breathtaking." His breath hitches, and our eyes lock. “I love you, Harper and if you’ll allow me, I’ll love you both with all of my heart. We have a little girl. I have a daughter."