Page 73 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

I breathe a sigh of relief, for the moment at least.

While Rosie helps Bertie up and to the bathroom, I head to the front of the venue where Daire is waiting for my car to be brought around. As soon as he sees me, he laughs and shakes his head. “She’s totally in labor.”

I run my fingers through my hair and mutter, “I know.”

She’s going straight to the hospital whether she likes it or not.

CHAPTER 26

BERTIE

Luke might not be overreacting.

Not that I’m going to admit that to him. I’ve dug my own grave, and I plan on staying right there.

I allow Rosie to tug me into the restroom and close the door behind us. She flips around to face me, an accusing finger flailing in my face. “You’re totally in labor you little liar.”

I scoff. “No.”

She plants her hands on her hips. “I’m your best friend. You can’t lie to me.”

My shoulders droop. “I didn’t think I was at first, but when they got stronger, I started to question it, but it’s your wedding and I don’t want to miss this.”

Rosie shakes her head. “You can be so damn stubborn. You need to get to a hospital.”

“I’m scared,” I admit. “I thought I had a few more weeks. We still haven’t even picked a name.” My voice gets higher at the end. “Luke hasn’t put the crib together yet. I mean, we have the bassinet, but we need a crib too, right?” My words slur together with nerves. “It’s not time. I refuse.”

Rosie grabs each of my hands in hers. “Honey, I don’t think you can refuse this.”

I burst into tears. I know she’s right. “I’m not ready.”

I wasn’t ready when the test turned positive and I’m not ready now to hold a baby in my arms. The magnitude of this responsibility has only gotten bigger as time passes.

“Oh, sweetie.” Rosie pulls me into a hug. “You’re going to be fine. You have nothing to worry about. I don’t think motherhood is something anyone can be ready for. You get tossed in the deep end and you figure it out and I promise you it’s easier than you think.”

“You promise?”

“I promise. And remember, you have a whole village around you.”

I wrap her into another hug. “Thank you.”

Meeting Rosie was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Releasing me, she says, “You’re going to do amazing.”

After using the bathroom, I wash my hands and freshen up just a bit. It’s crazy how much more put together you can feel just by touching up your makeup and putting on some gloss.

Rosie waits for me and walks with me outside where Luke is waiting by my SUV with Daire.

“How are you feeling?” Luke asks as I approach.

My bottom lip wobbles thanks to all the feelings threatening to drown me. “Like you were right and I’m in labor.”

This is Luke, so I know better than to expect an I told you so. Instead, he reaches out and takes my hand to help me to the passenger side.

That’s when I feel a trickle between my legs. I look down. “I think I’m peeing,” I blurt.

“You just went to the bathroom,” Rosie says, voice filled with confusion. She gasps. “Is your water breaking?”