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“When I was going through my stash of things that I had in the truck’s storage, I found some after-workout clothes. When you’re done bringing your little bundle into the world, I’ve got some sweatpants you can wear. In the meantime, these wet jeans and panties are relegated to the back along with the boots.”

I nodded. I still couldn’t seem to stop blushing, which was pretty damn stupid, considering my parka covered my butt, and I was covered with a blanket. But I still couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that I was bare-assed naked under the blanket. Then another contraction started, and I couldn’t have cared less if I was wearing a parka or not.

“Here, hold my hand.” Adam thrust out his hand for me to grip it. I clutched it and squeezed. And squeezed. And squeezed.

The pain seemed to go on forever.

By the time it was done I was wiped out, and my teeth hurt from having ground them together.

“The contractions are now two minutes and twenty seconds apart from one another.”

“Is that good or bad?” I asked.

“I can’t remember what that meant in terms of how much time until Marie delivered James. They seemed to focus on how much she was dilated.”

“You got a measuring tape somewhere in that first aid kit of yours?” The last thing I really wanted was him up in my business figuring out just how far I was dilated, but needs must and all that shit.

“No, I don’t. I think I’ll be good eye-balling the situation when the time comes. But how does it feel from your perspective?”

“Like a bowling ball is pressing down on my vajayjay, and it wants to escape.”

I looked at him and saw nothing but patience and concern. Exactly what I would see from my brother Drake or any of my brothers-in-law. It broke just a little piece of me. It allowed me to be just a tiny bit vulnerable.

“I’m just not sure what’s happening, Adam. It’s pissing me off. I wanted to be in control of all of this. I like being in control. I wanted to be with my doctor in Knoxville, with my sisters around me, and an epidural, eating ice chips and not have to worry about scaring a little boy with my swearing.”

“And you’re maybe just a little bit scared?”

“It’s only because I’m currently being tortured that I’m willing to admit to a little bit of scarededness.”

“Good word.”

“Thanks. It seemed appropriate.”

"A little bit scared," Adam repeated, his voice quiet and even. "I'd say that's about the most reasonable thing I've heard all evening."

"Don't tell anyone." I exhaled slowly as another wave of pressure built at my lower back. "I have a reputation to maintain."

"Your secret's safe with me."

"Dad!" James's head appeared over the back of the front seat like a prairie dog checking for predators. His headphones were around his neck and his blue eyes, identical to his father's, were enormous. "Dad, is the baby going to come out of her belly button?"

I choked on what might have been a laugh or a sob. Honestly, at this point, I couldn't tell the difference.

Adam's expression did something complicated. "James. Headphones."

"But I have to know. It’s important."

Adam was caught between laughter and horror.

“Why is it important?” I asked.

“Cause, I want to ‘splain it all to Kylie at school tomorrow. She always asks lots of questions and so I hafta have answers.”

“Jesus,” Adam muttered. “I’ll explain later,” he said louder. “Watch your movie.”

“Fine,” the kid huffed, then disappeared back into the front seat. Adam turned back to me, his jaw working.

"I'm sorry," he said.