Noah was hovering over his wife but she seemed to feel better. Liam decided to stick close just in case. Faith brought Hope over to play with Dylan and Julia.
As the sun set they settled in different spots to wait for the fireworks. Hope and Dylan had no interest in the excitement of the light show. They fell asleep instead.
“I’m still awake cuz I’m a big girl, momma,” Julia said proudly.
Eva and her husband held Julia on their lap. “You are.”
Jasmine leaned back against Drake. She had dried and changed into blue shorts and a red blouse. He had his arms wrapped around her waist. He kissed her neck and she giggled. “Behave. It’s about to start.”
“You don’t want a timeout, Uncle Drake.” Julia spoke up seriously. “It’s very boring.”
“Sorry.” Drake pouted.
Julia looked at the sky and clapped as the show started. “Look.”
Jasmine noticed Holly sitting on Matt’s lap while Adam glared at Matt. Faith shook her husband’s arm and he kissed her cheek and looked up at the fireworks. It was a nice time.
The finale had come much too soon. Jasmine looked sad.
“We’ll come every year.” Drake caressed her hair.
Jasmine looked at him. That sounded long term and her pulse picked up speed. “Together?”
He tickled her side. “Of course together, silly. Who else would I come with besides you?”
Jasmine felt her chest swell with emotions. Before she could reply, she heard Alana shriek out loud. She was bent over and Noah looked panicked.
“Oh no.” Jasmine gasped with worry. She looked at Drake for direction. He was always so calm and knew what just to do. She realized she would always be able to depend on him. That thought made her chest tighten even as people got up and started shouting orders.
Chapter 17
“Get the car as close as possible,” Liam ordered while trying to time Alana’s contractions. “Adam, call the hospital and let them know we are coming. Make sure her doctor is there.”
Drake stood up and grabbed Noah’s keys. “I’ll move the car and you stay with your wife.”
Noah was holding Alana’s hand as she breathed through the pain. She looked at Noah with tears falling down her cheek. “It’s too early, Noah. We’re supposed to have another month. This is all my fault.”
“This baby is
healthy and just wants to meet us.” Noah spoke calmly but his eyes were filled with worry. Ray was helping his parents put the chairs back in the car. Alicia rubbed her sister’s back and whispered soothing words. Jasmine helped Eva pack up all their stuff.
Drake came back with the car. They got Alana in the back and Liam drove so Noah could sit in the back with his wife. Holly jumped in the front with Liam after kissing Matt goodbye.
Faith and Adam were going to follow in their car. Ray and his parents were headed there too.
“We’ll clean up,” Drake assured the Blakes. “We’ll meet up with you later.”
Matt stayed and helped them clean. Eva and her husband took their kids and parents home. Drake promised to update them when Alana had the baby. Kate elected to call Louise and meet up with her. Jasmine assured her aunt she would let her know what happened.
“Aren’t you coming with us?” Jasmine asked Matt.
He shook his head, his hands in his camouflage shorts. “I’m going to check on Tony. He was dealing with a headache earlier. I’ll catch the news at work tomorrow.”
He waved and headed for his truck. That left Drake and Jasmine to take the trip to the hospital alone. Jasmine sent a silent prayer for good news.
* * * *
The family was already sitting in the waiting room when they arrived to the hospital. Jasmine sat next to Alicia. Alicia was tapping her foot in a nervous gesture.