“Like hell, I can’t.”
His eyes met mine for a second. “I won’t say another word. Let’s get you to the hospital safely, okay?”
I nodded, relieved. I hadn’t wanted to drive myself anywhere in this state.
Riley left me outside the courthouse doors with a sheriff’s deputy while he went to get the car. They both helped me inside the car as I gritted my teeth through a contraction.
“I’ll give you an escort,” the deputy said to Riley.
I was going to protest, but I decided against it. The sooner I got to the hospital, the better.
Riley followed the deputy, who led the way with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
I checked my phone and saw a message from Bennett.
Bennett: On my way! I love you.
Even through the pain, I smiled. I couldn’t wait to see him holding our baby son in his arms. I wanted to name him Christopher, Bennett’s middle name.
I groaned as another contraction hit. It fucking hurt. I’d expected the pain to be more gradual than this.
“Hurry,” I cried.
“You want me to pass the cop?”
“I kind of don’t care how you do it, just get me there fast.”
“We’re two minutes out. Hang in there.” After a pause, he looked over and asked, “Does any part of you still love me?”
“No. I’m about to have another man’s child. It’s been over between us for a long time. Accept it, Riley.”
He sighed softly. “Okay.”
I closed my eyes and did the breathing exercises we’d learned in our birthing classes. This was it. All the waiting and wondering about our son would be over soon.
The few people outside the ER entrance turned to look at us as the deputy led the way to the door. I scanned the faces and sighed with relief when I saw one of them rushing toward the car. It was Bennett.
Bennett
Charlotte leaned against me, a sheen of sweat on her forehead making me wonder how much pain she was in.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah.” She clutched my shirt. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Anything else I can do?” a lean, blond guy asked. I looked closer and saw that it was Riley, her douche ex.
“What are you doing here?”
“I brought her.”
I scowled at him. “Get the fuck out of here.”
A nurse rolled out a wheelchair for Charlotte and I helped her into it.
“She’s two days from her due date,” I said as we went through the ER’s double doors. “Her OB is Dr. Chung. And she’s having pain. Can she get something for that?”
“We’ll have to take a look at her first.”