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“Happy, tired, and slightly overwhelmed,” I admit with a laugh, leaning into his comforting embrace. “But mostly happy.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asks, genuine concern shining in his eyes.
“Right now, just holding me is enough.”
I’ve been feeling achy for the most part of the day, but I decided to disregard it and focus on the party. Suddenly, my abdomen tightens and I’m unable to ignore it any longer.
“Oh!”
My hand flies to my baby bump, and I nearly double over.
“Ana? Is the baby coming?” Brando guides me to a chair, and I gratefully sink into it.
“I’d put my money on it,” I wince through the pain and point to the puddle of water on the floor.
The moment the words leave my mouth, the room seems to freeze. Like a drop of ink in water, shock spreads through the crowd as they process what's happening. Char's eyes widen, and she clasps her hands over her mouth. Race and his boyfriend exchange excited glances, while Addison watches with wide-eyed curiosity.
“Okay, everyone,” Brando announces, barely missing a beat. Stepping right into CEO mode. “Ana is going into labor. We need to get her to the hospital.”
“I’ll call an ambulance,” Char offers, already pulling out her phone.
He shakes his head. “Better call her obstetrician and tell her to meet us at the hospital. The number is on my desk in the study. We’ll head over there.”
Race approaches us with a gentle smile. “You are amazing, Ana Banana. I can't believe you're about to become a mom!”
“Neither can I.” I laugh nervously, clutching Brando's hand for support. “I’m a bit scared.”
“You’ll do great,” Race comforts me, squeezing my shoulder.
“Ana, focus on your breathing,” Brando instructs, gently guiding me to the elevator.
“Thanks, babe,” I manage to say through gritted teeth as another contraction rattles me. “This baby sure knows how to make an entrance, huh?”
“Like mother, like child.” Brando grins as we reach the garage, and he opens the passenger door for me. “Hang in there, baby. We'll be at the hospital in no time,” he adds, jumping into the car and shifting it into gear.
The ride is a blur of motion, adrenaline, and the distant sound of sirens. Brando's hands grip the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turn white as he maneuvers through traffic with expert precision. Rain beats against the windshield, turning the streets slick and shiny. I shiver, partly from the wet chill and partly from the anticipation.
“Almost there, Ana,” Brando’s brows crease with worry, but he keeps his gaze focused on the road ahead of him. “Just breathe. “
“Doing . . . my best,” I reply, clutching my tightening belly between two contractions that are turning both stronger and more frequent. This baby seems to be in a rush to come out now.
As we approach the hospital, Brando swerves around slower vehicles. My heart pounds in time with the wipers swiping away the relentless raindrops.
“Brando, be careful!” I shout, gripping the door handle for dear life.
“Sorry, darling, just trying to get us there as fast as possible,” he apologizes, slowing down slightly.
Finally, we pull into the hospital's entrance, and Brando parks the car haphazardly in front of the emergency room. Brando jumps out of the car and runs to open my door, helping me out and supporting me as we make our way inside.
The hospital is a flurry of activity, filled with medical staff rushing around, patients waiting anxiously, and the ever-present smell of antiseptic. A nurse spots us and hurries over upon noticing my condition.
“Let's get you to the maternity ward,” she says briskly, whisking me in. “Did you notify your doctor?”
“She should be on her way. Dr. Jaffee,” Brando mumbles, his voice strained with concern as he pushes me down the hallway.
“Brando,” I gasp, clutching my stomach as another contraction hits. “I'm frightened.”
“Hey, look at me,” he says softly, meeting my eyes. “You can do this. You come from generations of women who have done this successfully. You hear me? “
