AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Baby Time
Nick
“Fuck!”Leighyellsasshe paces back and forth across the living room.
“Maybe it’s time to go to the hospital,” I say gently as she bends forward, bracing her stomach.
“No! I don’t want to be at the hospital any longer than I have to be—urgh!” She groans loudly again and my eyes flare. She stands up straight and sucks in a big breath. “I should’ve just had a home birth.”
My face goes white at the thought. I can handle a lot of things, but the thought of all the blood and who knows what else happening in our apartment makes me want to heave.
Maia steps over to Leigh and takes her hands as Leigh weathers another contraction. “Babe, I think Nick’s right. You called me because I know how all of this works. We’re pushing it now. Let’s go.”
Leigh looks from Maia to me, then back again. “Okay. Fine.”
I grab my keys from the counter. “Bags are by the door—”
“I’ll drive,” Maia says.
“I can drive,” I insist, a little pissed that she thinks I can’t handle this.
“You’re shaking like a leaf, Nick,” Maia says as Leigh stifles a laugh. “This is a lot. My dad drove us when it was time. It’s better to have someone calm at the wheel.” She lowers her voice as she leans in toward me. “Plus, you can help keep her calm.”
“Ay! I heard that.”
Maia stands up straight and grabs the bags. “Time to go!” Then she hauls ass out of the apartment, leaving me to deal with Leigh’s rage. Except she isn’t raging.
Her hands are on her back as she leans backward. “It really hurts.”
I wrap my arm around her back and kiss her cheek. “You’re incredible, Señorita. I love you. Let’s go meet our son.”
I start to walk, but she digs her fingers into my arms. I assume she’s having another contraction and pray she won’t be pushing him out in the car. But when I look at her, she’s smiling at me. “I love you, baby.”
We share a quick kiss, then I guide her out the door.
“Breathe, mijita.”
“I am breathing!” Leigh yells. Then groans. “I just want to hit something!”
“I know,” I say calmly, smoothing some hair off her face. “Think about the baby that’s going to be in your arms soon. Think of holding our baby.”
Her eyes lock on me, then they flare as she grips her stomach and screams, “I want to push!”
A nurse sticks her head in, apparently hearing Leigh’s warrior cry. “I’m going to grab the doctor. Hold tight, okay?”
Leigh grunts in acknowledgment and leans back, gasping for air.
Maia walks over and takes her hand. “If you’re about to push, that’s my cue to get out of here. I love you. You’ve got this. Remember, ferocious mama bear,” she whispers. The same words Leigh told her.
“Rawr,” Leigh says softly.
Maia drops her forehead against Leigh’s. “Rawr.” She quickly kisses Leigh’s forehead.
“Love you,” Leigh says.
Maia winks at her, then turns to me and pulls me into her arms. “I’m proud of you. Kick ass,Dad.”
“Thanks, Mai.”
