“That’s oka—holy shit, that hurts.” I managed to whisper the last part when another pain hit.
Wayne smiled. “I’m a father of five and a grandpa of nine. It’s time to get to a hospital.”
“Really?” My heart raced with anticipation.
“Really.”
I nodded and took a deep breath.
“Is it time?” the judge asked. All eyes in the room turned my way.
“I think?” I said uncertainly. “It’s my first, so . . . does anyone know where Wren is?”
We’d talked about her driving me to the hospital if needed.
“She’s in court,” Riley said from across the room. “I’ll take you.”
I wanted to argue, but I wanted to get to the hospital more.
Riley looked at the judge, who nodded and said, “I’ll continue your hearing.”
“Bennett,” I said to no one in particular. “I need my phone so I can reach Bennett.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Riley said. “Wayne can get you to the elevator and I’ll meet you there.”
“Thanks.” I took a step before stopping for another pain. “Ohhhh, my God, this hurts.”
“Just breathe,” Wayne said, wrapping an arm around my back to help me walk. “You’ll be meeting that sweet baby before you know it.”
I followed his advice, focusing on inhaling and exhaling while we walked to the elevator and waited. Riley jogged up to us shortly, my purse in one of his hands and my phone in the other.
On the elevator ride down, I texted Bennett.
Me: It’s time!! On my way to the hospital!!!
He was at practice and I hoped he’d see the message soon. I didn’t want to do any part of this without him.
Riley offered me his arm for suppor
t as we stepped off the elevator. I took it, huffing and puffing my way through a deep-breathing exercise to keep myself from swearing. When the contractions hit, they hit hard.
“I hoped I’d be the one in his shoes,” Riley said. “Waiting for you to deliver our baby.”
“Don’t,” I cautioned, cringing. “I am in no mood.”
“I’m just saying.”
“You stole the job I wanted.”
He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t steal anything.”
“No more,” I said through gritted teeth. “I’ll punch you if you say another word about it.”
“Like your roughneck boyfriend?”
“Fuck you,” I said in a low tone. “I’ll drive myself to the hospital.”
“You can’t do that.”