He reached out and wiggled his fingers. “Let me help you stand.”
Phoebe took them and let him pull her to her feet.
Ryan stepped back and looked at her. “Cute. I do believe I like you wearing my shirt.”
Phoebe pushed at her hair, trying to bring it to some kind of order. “Thanks. I just hope I don’t mess it up.”
“Not a problem. It’ll be for a good cause.
“Okay, let’s do some walking. There isn’t as much space here as there is at the hospital but we’ll just make do.”
Ryan stayed by her side as they made a pass round the living room through the kitchen and back to the bedroom. “Let’s do it again,” he encouraged as she looked wistfully at the bed. With each contraction Ryan checked his watch, which he had slipped on his wrist before they’d started out of his bedroom.
“They’re getting closer.”
After one particularly lengthy pain he said, “Tell me about your shower at school.”
It was his sly way of keeping her mind off what was going on with her body. She was grateful for his efforts. “It was wonderful. I received all kinds of cute baby things.”
He touched her arm to encourage her to keep walking. “Did you get some baby clothes, like you were hoping?”
“I did. I filled a drawer and have some hanging in the wardrobe.”
“You must have had a lot of people there.”
They continued the slow pace around the house.
“I was surprised. Most of the teachers came. Those who didn’t sent presents by others. Everyone was very generous.”
“Why were you surprised? Haven’t you been working there for some time?”
“I have but they have all seemed to be a little standoffish since Joshua was killed. It became worse when I told them I was pregnant. It was as if they didn’t know what to say or do so they did nothing.”
“I’m sorry you were so alone for so long. You should have come to me sooner.”
She stopped and looked at him.
He put up a hand. “I know, I know. I wasn’t very approachable at first. For that I’m sorry.”
She smiled. “But you came around very nicely, so I’m happy.” But he hadn’t said anything about loving her. Even when she had confessed her love for him. She could wait. Ryan showed he cared in so many other ways. He was someone she could count on. Even if she couldn’t, she had learned she could depend on herself. “Oh.”
“Breathe. Don’t hold your breath.” Ryan showed her how.
They made small swooshing sounds together.
“I think it’s time to get you settled in. I also need to check and see where that baby is.”
Ryan led her toward the bedroom.
“How much longer?” As she went by the footboard, she let her fingers trail over the surface of the wood.
“Let me examine you, then I’ll have an idea.”
She sat on the edge of the bed while he prepared it.
“You’re not going to make me lie on the floor like your great-great-grandmother did?”
“I hadn’t planned to, but I can.” He shook out a blanket as if getting ready to place it on the floor.
“I was kidding.”
He smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried about my back hurting when I bent over to help deliver.”
“What kind of midwife are you? Being more worried about your comfort than mine?”
Ryan put a hand down on the mattress on each side of her. His face was inches away from hers. “Honey, I care too much about you to let you be uncomfortable.” Ryan kissed her deeply and moved away. He helped her settle into the center of the bed and then he did the exam.
“You’re well on your way. Dilated five centimeters. When you get to ten you’ll be ready to have a baby.”
Another pain cramped her back and radiated around to her sides. She grabbed Ryan’s hand. He rode it out with her, all the time whispering sweet encouragement.
Ryan had seen countless husbands in the delivery suite when their wives had been giving birth. Some handled the process with aplomb while others were just a step above worthless. Ryan knew what was going to happen and still waves the size of a tsunami rolled through his stomach because this time it was Phoebe having the baby and he was that significant other helping. He felt more like that guy who was useless.
She had taken over his life, captured his heart and made him a ball of nerves in a situation where he usually had all the confidence. Even with all his reassurances, he worried that something might not go right during the birth. If she died or the baby did, he didn’t know what he would do. He’d survived other deaths but he didn’t think he could live without Phoebe.
“You look worried all of a sudden. Is something wrong?” Phoebe asked.
“No, everything is fine. You’re doing wonderfully. Keep up the good work.”
“I need to go to the bathroom?”
“Sure.” Ryan stood and helped her up. “I’ll leave the door open. If you need me I’ll be right out here.”
While Phoebe was in the bathroom Ryan pulled out his cellphone and called the hospital to let them know that he was in the process of delivering Phoebe’s baby. He wanted them aware so that if there was a problem someone could be here to help in minutes.
“Ryan!”
“Yes?” He hurried toward the bathroom.
“My waters just broke.”
“Well, this baby is getting ready to make a showing. Stay put and I’ll help you get cleaned up. I’ll find you something dry to wear.”
He left to search for another shirt. This time he went to the chest of drawers and found a T-shirt. It might not fit over all of her middle but at least it would cover her lovely breasts so that he could concentrate on delivering the baby. He went back to Phoebe.
“You’re going to run out of clothes.” She pushed a button through a hole.
“If I do, I won’t mind. I like you better naked anyway.”
Moisture filled her eyes and she gave him a wry smile. “Thanks. You really are being wonderful.”
“Not a problem.” A delivery had always been a matter-of-fact event for him. A job with a happy ending most of the time. But with Phoebe it was much more. This was an event to cherish.
He helped her pull the T-shirt over her head.
“This doesn’t cover much,” she complained.
“I need to see your belly and you can pull the sheet up to cover yourself if you must. I don’t know why you’re being so modest. I’ve seen all of you and there isn’t anything or anyone more stunning. Now, come on and get into bed. We have a baby to welcome into the world.”
Another pain shot through her.
“Let’s get you settled and I’m going to have another look.” He help her move to the center of the bed.
“I’m feeling pressure.”
“Good, then you’re almost ready. Bend your legs.”
Ryan placed her feet in the correct spot so he could see. He put on plastic gloves and checked her. “You’re almost there.”