Just across from our open kitchen, BJ continued to run circles around the coffee table in the family room, making comments to himself about his excellent shooting skills. Todd cowered at my feet, trying to avoid the tornado that was BJ.
Through the glass windows that ran the length of the front of the house, I looked out at the gray water. The Seattle skyline was barely visible through the overcast skies. The morning clouds were dark, threatening snow today. A white Christmas would be fun.
Brett came down the long hall that ran to the master bedroom, barefoot, wearing jeans and an ugly Christmas sweater. “Hey, beautiful.” He placed his hand at my back and kissed me sweetly on the cheek. “Here, give me Ranger.” He took our boy from me. “Why don’t you sit down? You’re due in a few days and you need your rest.”
BJ flew by him. “Look Dad, I’m a booty.”
“BJ, what did we tell you about playing hockey in the house?” Brett grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, lifting him an inch off the floor to stop his destructive forward momentum. When he set him down, BJ took his stick and disappeared down the hall.
I leaned against the counter. “I’m so glad you are a full-time dad. I would be afraid for anyone else to coach BJ.”
“I never thought I would enjoy coaching hockey, but these little guys are beasts. And, I get so much more free time with you.”
“Lucky me.” I kissed him. “What time will Mia and John be here?”
He looked at the clock on the microwave. “Soon.”
I rubbed my very pregnant belly. “Oh, ouch.”
He paused, a look of panic on his face. “You, okay?”
“Uh-huh. Just a few cramps. Nothing to worry about.”
The doorbell rang. Looking at the camera monitor above the microwave, I saw it was Mia and John. I clicked the remote that would open the gate and watched on the screen as they drove through.
“I’m sorry your sister can’t make it.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, well, she’s due soon also and can’t fly.”
“You do know how much I love to razz Clay about the win.” He bounced Ranger on his hip, blew kisses on his neck and Ranger giggled.
I rolled my eyes at him. “That’s probably the real reason they don’t come to visit.” I groaned again.
“What? You’re not okay.”
With a hearty scream, BJ came running back down the hall. He was giving a play by play of the score he intended to make.
BJ raised his stick and took a shot through the living room.
Mia and John came through the front door, arms weighed down with gifts, and announced, “We’re here.”
The puck flew through the air and crashed through the window. Shards of glass fell to the floor. Mia looked on in shock.
I groaned again. My legs buckled. Water ran down my leg. “Oh, no.”
Everyone stopped and stared, not knowing what do address first.
“Mommy, you peed your pants.” BJ lowered his stick.
Brett glanced around frantically, looking for a place to put Ranger. Mia put the packages on the floor and rushed forward. “Here, give him to me.”
John stepped around Mia. “I’ll take care of Sawyer and the glass.”
Another contraction. I lowered myself to the ground. “Brett, we’re having a baby.”
“I know, baby, I know.” He pulled out his cell phone and called 911.
He crouched down next to me and spoke into the phone. “Yeah, my wife is having a baby.” And then to me he said, “She said to stay calm.”