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I shut my eyes and did just that. It didn’t really help, but then again, nothing would except having this baby.
“Actually, I was a great student. When it was something I wanted to learn about.”
My eyes popped open. “And babies interest you?”
“More like knowing all the scenarios.”
“Was this one in the book?”
“No, it was not.”
“I do like to be an original.”
Mason cupped my cheek for a moment. “No worries there.” He stood up. “Hey, guys there’s a set of stairs on the end of the boat.”
“And why didn’t we go up those stairs?”
He grinned down at me. “Because you are headstrong.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I braced as another contraction came on. They were just too close together at this point.
Maybe Iwasgoing to have this baby on the boat.
He crouched in front of me. “Okay. You just have to hold on a little longer.”
“Not sure that’s happening, Ace. Think this baby wants a water birth.”
The clatter of the stretcher and heavy booted feet dented the wavy streams of heat around Mason’s face.
Suddenly, his hands came up to cup my face. “Oh, hey. Stay with me.”
I pushed his hands away. “So hot.”
“Miss?”
I closed my eyes at the new voice. I pushed at Mason and then pulled his hand to rest on my belly as I screamed.
“Okay, sir—Mason, right?”
“Yes.” Mason answered.
“We need you to move aside so we can—”
“No!” Panic blasted from my chest. “No, don’t go. Please don’t go.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Mason laced his hands with mine over my distended belly. “I’m just going to sit next to you, okay?”
“Okay.”
The panic ebbed a little as the contraction backed off like a wave on the beach. I sagged against him, resting my head on his shoulder.
The stupidly attractive paramedic knelt in front of me. His dark blue uniform had a zillion pockets full to the brim with things I couldn’t name. Among them was a stethoscope. “Okay, what’s your name?”
“Her name is Emma,” Mason answered for me.
“Okay, Emma. My name is Ben. I need to take a look at you. See what we’re working with.”
“I knew someone would have to get under this dress eventually. I’m sorry in advance.”
