He pulls his phone from his pocket and sees it's Cami. When he answers it, his eyebrows lift. "Right now?"
I watch him as he starts the engine. "Okay, we'll be right there."
He ends the call. "Cami's water broke, and they're heading to the hospital now."
"Oh my God, really?" I ask, excited that I'll meet my niece today.
He nods. "Yeah, but we've got time to finish what we started."
"You're sure? I swear to God if I'm not there..."
"Yep," he tells me, his hand returning inside my panties. I slide my jeans down, giving him more access. My eye rolls in the back of my head when he inserts two fingers. I'm so worked up, it takes zero time before I'm losing myself.On the way to the hospital, I'm giddy as hell. Eli has been keeping us updated.
"Your parents are there already," I tell him.
"We should probably wait until the baby has arrived before we show up. I'm sure Cami’s overwhelmed enough already," he suggests.
I give him a pouty face, but I know he's right.
Instead of rushing there, we decide to stop and grab turkey wraps from a little deli down the street from the hospital.
"This is really good," I say around a mouthful.
Ryan chuckles. "I know. I've eaten here probably a thousand times. It's an enjoyable walk from the hospital. Gives me time to clear my head if something goes wrong."
I give him a smile. "Hopefully that doesn’t happen too much."
He reaches across the table. "Not too much. You keep me grounded, Kendall. You give me something to look forward to and live for each day."
My heart melts. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Angel."
After we're done eating, we get a message from Eli that Cami’s fully dilated and starting to push. We walk over there as fast as we can.
The waiting room is bare other than Mr. and Mrs. St. James and Eli's parents. Of course we say our hellos, then Clara starts in on Ryan and me.
"So as soon as the wedding is over, I expect another grandchild."
Ryan groans as I loop my arm with his and lean into him.
"Don't worry," I offer. "Cami and I always talked about our kids growing up together. Trust me when I say we'll try right away." I shoot her a wink, and it seems to appease her for now. She excuses herself and gets up to grab some coffee.
Ryan laughs. "Well, if there's any woman in the world that I want to give children to, it's you."
“I’m looking forward to it,” I admit, leaning in and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"You two are perfect together," his mom says, returning with a Styrofoam cup. "Happy you found each other."
After another hour of making small talk with everyone, Eli bursts in and announces the baby is here.
“Oh my gosh, congratulations!” I wrap my arms around him and ask how Cami and the baby are.
“They’re doing great. I have to go back to them but just wanted to tell you guys. You’ll be able to come in shortly.”
Eli gives his mother a kiss on the cheek before walking back through the doors. We sit and wait until we’re told she’s ready for visitors.
"Did you mean it?" Ryan asks. "About kids?"
"Absolutely. I can't wait to start a family with you, baby. You're going to make such an amazing father. And I'm convinced we're going to have gorgeous children."
He leans over and presses his lips against mine.
"Only a few more months until the wedding!" I remind him. “Then we can get to baby-making.”
A half an hour passes before Eli sends us a message with Cami’s room number and says we’re allowed to come in. We tell Cami’s parents and let them go in first to meet their first grandchild. They return after twenty minutes and say their goodbyes on their way out.
When we enter, I immediately rush over to Cami and give her a gentle hug.
“How are you feeling, mama?” I ask as I gaze down to the precious bundle in her arms.
“Well…like I just pushed a ten-pound bowling ball out of my vagina.” She laughs.
“Ouch,” Ryan mutters.
Eli laughs. “Imagine witnessing it.”
“Oh my God, stop…don’t make me laugh, it hurts!” Cami scolds him.
“Wanna hold her?” Cami looks at Ryan. “Come meet your niece.”
Ryan comes over and carefully takes her, then holds her against his chest. My heart and ovaries nearly explode.
“What’s her name?” I ask.
“Laney Grace,” Cami responds.
“Oh, I love that so much!”
"Hey, Laney," Ryan says so sweetly, looking at her with so much adoration. "She's beautiful," he says.
Cami and Eli talk while I watch Ryan with Laney. "Wanna hold her?" he asks me.
"Yes, of course."
I smile as Ryan passes her to me. She’s so tiny and precious. "Hello, sweet baby girl. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m your aunt Kendall. Guess you're getting that lambo after all."