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“A boat? Are you on the actual water?”
“We’re docked, but yes. We were…you know what? It’s too much to explain. But she’s on the second floor of my boat.”
“I see.” The clacking resumed and she asked me a few more questions about the address and where the boat was located.
By the time I got back upstairs, I found Emma pacing and blowing out long, slow breaths as she walked in circles.
“What are you doing?”
She braced her hands on the small of her back as she paced. “I don’t know. I just felt like I had to move.”
“Mr. Brooks?”
“I’m here.”
“Do you want me to stay on the phone with you?”
“No. How long for the ambulance?”
“Looks like it will be there within eleven minutes.”
“Eleven?” That seemed like an eternity.
“Do you know how many centimeters she’s dilated?”
“God, no.”
“Okay. Well, they’ll be there as soon as possible. Be on the lookout for them.”
“Yeah. Okay, thanks.” I stuffed her phone into my pocket.
She’d kicked her shoes off and was waddling and singing.
“Are you okay?”
“Of course, I’m not okay. I’m going to give birth on a boat during my interview. You’re giving me the job, by the way.”
“I…we’ll discuss that later.”
“No.” She whirled around and pointed at me. “You know I’m perfect for this job, we just have to figure out the logistics. I’m young and very healthy. You should see what kind of things I’ve been doing with pilates to make sure this body is prime after the baby.”
“I don’t think we need to worry about that right now.” I backed up a step.
“I’m going to be active and show this baby how awesome life is no matter how she started in this world. I’m going to show her that I’m a good mama.”
Oh, shit. The waterworks were starting again. “I’m sure you’re going to be amazing. How about we call your brother now?”
“No. Tell me you’re hiring me.”
“Emma, it’s not that easy. I have a huge summer planned and you need time to recover after a baby. Once you have him or her, you’ll see. You’ll want to spend time with them and then we can—”
“No. I need this job. I need to show my family that I’m not a complete fuck-up. I need to show this little bean that I’m ready for him or her too.”
Panic licked at my brain. I knew all too well what it was like to live in the shadow of family. To be the one who never amounted to much until I found my space.
Until The Mason Jar.
She bent over at the waist and screamed.
