couple of minutes while Chance runs around the house and pool area. He hustles Ned and Matthew off for Emergency Operation Gogogo, which is what they have been calling it. They did practice drills and everything. It was awesome.
Presently, Jack appears on the patio, his expression concerned but excited.
“Seriously? Are you serious? This is happening?”
I hold my palms out over the puddle of liquid that has gathered under my ample thighs, like a spokesmodel introducing a new prize.
“Yeah… I think my water broke. I mean this is water. Coming out of me. Definitely looks like that’s what’s going on.”
Breathlessly he pumps his fist in victory, then collects himself and reaches down under my elbow to help me to standing.
Carefully I take a couple of steps, and realize walking is really not a problem. I’m fine. It’s nice to have him guiding me, hanging onto me, but I can do this.
“You need an ambulance?”
“Nope,” I reassure him. “I’m great. Walking is supposed to be good for labor anyway.”
Chance appears again in the doorway. “What’s going on?”
“We’re in labor!” Jack announces proudly.
“Seriously? For real?”
I roll my eyes. “You guys are not going to ask a bunch of stupid questions all day long, are you?”
“Okay, okay,” Chance nods, not offended at all. “You’re right. We will try to keep the Captain Obvious jokes to a minimum.”
“Let’s be real, there will be some joking,” Jack adds.
“I expect nothing less,” I smile as I waddle toward the front door where my emergency hospital bag has been for the last two weeks. “Hey, do you think you could get me something else to wear besides this bikini? It doesn’t really seem like the way that I want to bring our child into the world.”
Jack continues to hold onto me so Chance runs off, returning with a pretty blue dress, the kind that just slips over my head. With deliberate, deft affection, they dress me in a flash. I feel like a fairy princess. A really giant, swollen fairy princess.
Even the driver must be excited, because I can hear the brakes screeching when he stops in front of the front door. He bursts in, his face red.
“Thanks!” Chance says.
For a second, we all stand there. A family, ready to add a member. Chance and Jack crowd around me, caging me in their strong arms, huddled together like some kind of rugby team. The kids grab their jackets and shoes. We pass a silent message to each other of encouragement and love. Yes, love. This is it. This is us.
Here we go.
About the Author
Jess Bentley is a contemporary romance author who adores writing about adventurous young women — and the hot sexy men who love them. She spends her days reading and writing, tending to her flower garden and growing vegetables, as well as playing the guitar.
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Copyright © 2017 by Jess Bentley
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