“That’s right.”
“Now, I know this seems scary, and maybe part of you is wondering if you can even go through with it. But let me tell you this – you’ve got it. We’re going to get you to the hospital, and before you know it you’ll be looking into the eyes of the most beautiful little creatures you’ve ever seen in your life.” He glanced up to Cammy and nodded. “The day this one came into my life was the best day in the world. And when you look back on today, that’s exactly how you’re going to feel.”
In the time it’d taken him to speak, all I could do was focus on his words, to breathe steadily. I felt a hell of a lot better.
Damn. He was good.
“You don’t have to do this, Dr. McMurray.” God, it felt so weird calling him that, knowing what I knew. “We can just call an ambulance and—”
He shook his head, a few stray strands of his red hair coming loose and dropping over his forehead.
“Not a chance.” I could smell his cologne, that same delicious scent I’d smelled when we’d danced. His being there with me was enough to take me right back to that night. “Who’s your doctor?”
“Dr. Ellen Stein.”
Noah nodded. “I know her – damn good doc. Trust me, she’d tell you to go with me so I can make sure you’re all good on the way.”
“Yeah,” I said. “Sounds…”
Right as I spoke, I felt another contraction begin to take hold. I opened my mouth and let out a moan, the deep, thrumming pain moving through me.
“There’s another one,” Noah said, his hand still on my shoulder. “Just breathe, Sadie. It’s going to be fine – it’s all part of the process.” His presence was so calming, warm, and empathetic.
Cammy was good but being there with Noah made it obvious why he was one of the best OB/GYNs in the state. The contraction passed, Noah at my side and Cammy standing nearby, ready to help with whatever we needed.
“Now,” Noah said. “The last thing we want to do is have these wee ones here in the flat. So, I’m going to carry you to the car, and Camilla is going to follow close behind. Alright?”
“No-no,” I said, emphatically shaking my head. “You don’t need to carry me.”
“No discussion. You’re going to need all the strength you can muster.” Without another word, he slipped his big arms underneath me. Before I could utter any sort of protest, he effortlessly lifted me off the ground and carried me toward the door.
“Camilla,” he said. “I’m going to take her to UCHealth. We’ll check in at the ER and take it from there. Meantime, I want you to pack a little bag for Sadie with some blankets and pillows and comfy clothes – that sort of thing; you can probably find a good list on the internet. Take your time and put it all together, then meet us there. Got it?”
I felt a little silly being held like that. Even so, it was impossible to ignore howgoodI felt in his arms, how safe and taken care of. It was like magic.
Cammy saluted with a smile. “Got it.”
Noah turned to me. “Let’s get moving. It’s time for you to become a mother.”