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SUSAN
After my book tour ends, the Lewis brothers take me back to Wishing. My book sits on the NYT bestseller list for two more months.
“I wish I could have some wine,” I say sourly as I finish reading the Wednesday article of Publisher’s Weekly. They’re calling me a runaway hit, which isn’t exactly true. I’ve been gaining popularity for the last few years, but this book helped skyrocket me to literary stardom. And I suspect it has something to do with the brothers showing up at the book event.
“Tell me again why you were there,” I say.
Artie, who has been massaging my belly with olive oil, looks up at me. “It was a grand gesture.”
“A grand gesture?”
“We remember you mentioning something about it in your books,” Ollie says as he walks past us, but not before he lays a kiss on my cheek.
I blush and shake my head. “It was quite a scandal in my circle. Everyone kept asking where I got the men I write about in real life. And they’re absolutely right—you could be the love interests in a romance novel.”
“Not me, though,” Ed says. “I would be extremely unlikeable.”
I chuckle. “Literary assholes become overnight literary boyfriends. You have no idea how popular you would be in a romance novel.”
“Well, actually, it doesn’t sound like a half bad idea,” Artie says. “Maybe you can write us into one of your romance novels. But only if we get to woo a beautiful blonde together.”
I chuckle at their words.
“Help me up, please,” I say to Artie. “I want to go outside.”
“Are you sure? We don’t want you catching a cold,” Ed says with a frown.
“It’s the middle of the summer,” I say. “I’ll be fine.”
Ollie and Artie help me outside. I’m so big at this point, my belly so rotund, that I can no longer stand or sit down by myself.
As I stand on the porch, gazing out at the breathtaking beauty of the mountain landscape, a sudden twinge of pain shoots through my abdomen. My hand instinctively rests on my round belly as I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Ed, Ollie, and Artie, who were engrossed in a lively conversation, notice the shift in my expression. Concern is etched across their faces as they turn their attention to me.
Ed’s voice fills with worry. “Susan, are you okay? What’s wrong?”
I manage to find my voice through the waves of discomfort. I grit my teeth. “I think…I think the baby is coming. It’s time.”
Ollie’s eyes widen, and his excitement mingles with a hint of nervousness. He stammers, “Are you sure? Should we call an ambulance? Do we have everything ready?”
Artie, ever calm and composed, steps forward and places a reassuring hand on my back. “Take a deep breath, Susan. We’ve got this. Let’s get you inside and make you as comfortable as possible. Ollie, grab the bag with the essentials. We had it packed just in case.”
Together, they guide me back into the cabin, their strong and supportive presence grounding me. Each step becomes more challenging as the contractions intensify, but their unwavering support gives me the strength to keep moving.
“Ollie, call the local hospital and let them know what’s happening. Susan, focus on your breathing. We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly,” Artie says.
Ollie nods and steps away to make the call, his voice filled with urgency.
“What do I do?” Ed says, looking baffled.
“You take deep breaths too,” Artie says.
As we make our way to the hospital, waves of excitement and nervousness wash over me. The contractions intensify, demanding my full attention as I focus on my breathing and find strength in the presence of Ed, Ollie, and Artie. Their hands grip mine tightly, offering reassurance and grounding me amidst the whirlwind of sensations.
“You’re doing amazing, Susan. We’re right here with you. Just keep breathing, and we’ll take care of everything,” Ed says.
Ollie chimes in, his voice brimming with excitement and anticipation. “Soon, we’ll be holding our baby in our arms, Susan. Hang in there. You’re so strong.”
