Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
I laugh, then wince as another contraction builds. “No killing,” I grit out. “We’re actually good, but um, my water broke?” I exhale, fighting the twist of pain as Maya screeches on the other end of the line.
“WHAT?!”
I pull the phone away from my ear with a wince. “Relax,” I pant. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”
“Oh my God! Where are you? Are your bags still packed? Do you need me to come get you? I was just about to leave the rental. I still need to drop Mario off with the nanny, but I can be there in—”
“No, it’s okay, Hunter’s driving me to the hospital in Chum Bucket,” I say, pulling in a smoother breath as the pain subsides again. “We’re on our way now. Should be there in fifteen minutes or so.” I glance Hunter’s way as he accelerates out of downtown. “Maybe sooner if Hunter has anything to say about it.”
“Okay, good, I’m glad you’re on your way,” Maya says. “I’ll drop Mario off, grab a few things, and be there as soon as I can.” She hesitates a moment before adding in a softer voice, “And you’re okay? You sure? With him taking you and…everything?”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” I reach over to take Hunter’s hand, happiness flooding through me as he twines his fingers through mine. “Better than okay, actually.”
“Oh good.” Maya’s tone goes gooey. “That’s so great to hear. So, you two made up? Is he going to stay with you during the birth?”
“Yeah, he’s staying with me,” I confirm, watching his profile in the dim light.
Hunter glances over, his gaze stern. “Not going anywhere,” he says, raising his voice to ensure Maya can hear. “Not tonight or any other night, if I have anything to say about it.”
“Yay!” Maya exhales a breathy laugh. “Oh, Elaina, this is so wonderful! I was so worried I’d overstepped, but I couldn’t stand to see you miserable and going through all this alone anymore. Hold on, your mother-in-law wants to talk to you.”
“She’s not my—” I start to protest, but Margaret’s already on the line.
“Elaina, sweetheart!” Her voice is thick with emotion. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy. You have no idea. And I’m here for anything you need. Absolutely anything. How are you feeling? Are the contractions bad yet? Do I need to yell at my son?”
I laugh. “No, no yelling required. Hunter’s taking good care of me.”
“He finally pulled his head out of his butt, then?” she asks, making me snort. I glance toward Hunter to find him smiling.
“Yes, mother,” he says. “My head is fully out of my ass. And it’s going to stay that way.”
“I should hope so,” Margaret says before adding in a voice for my ears only, “And if it sneaks back up there, I’ll pry it out again, honey. Don’t you worry. He loves you so much. He really does. He just needs practice being a good partner. But I have all the faith in the world in you two. What you have is so special, and I know you’re going to build a beautiful family together.”
“Thanks. I think so, too,” I say, my eyes stinging again. “Love you, Margaret. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Oh, I am, too, sweetheart,” she says, also sounding on the verge of tears. “Is it okay if I come to the hospital with Maya? I’d love to be there for you and the babies.” She sucks in a delighted breath. “When Maya told me you were having twin girls, I could hardly contain myself.”
“Yes, of course,” I say, wincing as another contraction starts to build. “See you there. Have to go. Having a contraction.”
I end the call and cling to Hunter’s hand as the pain throbs between my hips.
“Hold on,” he says. “Only five more miles. We’re almost there, baby. You’re doing great.”
I am doing great, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to that epidural my doc promised. Screw natural childbirth, I want the drugs, anything to take the edge off what I can already tell is going to be a way more painful experience than I bargained for.
Ten minutes later, Hunter is swinging into the emergency room parking and half carrying me toward the reception desk.
As soon as he says the words, “She’s in labor, strong contractions, three to four minutes apart,” the nurses launch into motion.
The next twenty minutes pass in a blur of activity, as I’m whisked away in a wheelchair to the labor and delivery ward on the third floor, signing forms on the way as Hunter stands guard beside me, never more than a foot from my side. He helps me into my gown and holds tight to my hand as the nurses check my progress and attach monitors to my belly to track the babies’ heartbeats.
Dr. Saunders appears just minutes later, pulling on surgical gloves as she casts a curious look Hunter’s way.