“Nugget is very lucky to have you guys as honorary uncles,” I say, taking a sip of my beer.
“Even me?” Brett asks with a deprecating grin.
“Hell yeah, even you. We’re family. No matter what.”
“All I can say is better you than me,” Brett laughs.
Camryn
“Red, I’m leaving,” Isaac says as he sweeps through the kitchen and places a kiss on my lips before hurrying out the door. “Love you!” he calls over his shoulder before the door shuts behind him.
Sipping my coffee, a pain grips my abdomen. I breathe deep, and it lets up.
“Damn Braxton Hicks.” I’ve had them for the past few weeks, and the first couple times, Isaac had me loaded up in the car on the way to the hospital before I could convince him it was a false alarm. It’s nice knowing he’s ready at a moment’s notice, but he’s been scared to death to leave me home alone in case something happens. He’s even recruited people to come over and stay with me.
A knock on the door draws my attention before Mallory pops her head in. “Camryn, you decent?”
“As much as I can be,” I laugh out. “Come on in. You want some coffee?”
“Sure. I could use some caffeine.”
“Let me dig up a regular pod for you. There are some cinnamon rolls in the oven too.”
“That’s what smells so good.”
“I know. Isaac’s mom has been keeping us stocked with food. Not that I’m complaining. That woman can cook.”
“How are you getting along with his family?” she asks, blowing on the top of her coffee cup.
“His mom is great. Like the perfect mom. She’s involved without being pushy, you know what I mean?”
“I guess so.” Mallory shrugs.
“His dad is taking a little more getting used to. He doesn’t say a lot. He’s kinda gruff, and he grunts a lot.”
“I picked up on that at the shower. What about his brother?”
“I haven’t talked to Wes much. He seems nice, but his wife seems a little hostile when I’ve talked to her.”
“Hostile? Why?”
“I’m not sure. Isaac thinks it may be because I’m stealing her spotlight with the baby. Like I got knocked up on purpose.” I laugh.
The buzzing of the timer interrupts us, and I move to take the rolls out of the oven. As I reach for the handle, another pain grips me, and I let out a hiss.
“Cam, you okay?” Mallory rushes over, concern written on her face.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I breathe out as the pain lessens.
“Are you in labor?” she asks, her voice trembling as she eyes my belly.
“No, it’s Braxton Hicks. I still have two more weeks until my due date.”
“You sure?”
“As I can be. I’ve had them for a couple weeks. Nothing regular. They’ll happen for an hour or two, and then nothing.”
“Okay,” she replies, doubtful.
“Come on. Let’s eat and veg out on the couch. I need to put my feet up before my ankles become cankles.”
“Go sit down. I’ll bring it in there.” Before I can protest, she’s shooing me out of my kitchen.
Two movies and a bucket full of popcorn later, I may have to change my mind on the Braxton Hicks contractions. They haven’t gone away, and it’s been nearly four hours.
“It’s the real deal, isn’t it?” Mallory asks with a smirk.
“I guess so.”
“Do you want me to call Isaac?”
“No, not yet. They’re still far apart. It may be hours before I need to go to the hospital. Dr. Hood said to wait until either my water breaks or the contractions are five minutes apart. No need to send him into panic mode right now.”
“Okay, okay. What do I need to do?” She asks, wringing her hands as she shifts from foot to foot. Jeez, she may be as bad as Isaac.
“We just need to wait. There’s nothing else to do. My bag is packed. We pre-registered at the hospital. We just need to arrive. I guess I could call Dr. Hood and give her a heads up that I’m having regular contractions.”
“Let me get the phone,” Mallory says as she rushes off.
“It’s in the kitchen,” I holler as she runs down the hallway.
Mallory returns out of breath, shoving the phone in my face. I pull up Dr. Hood’s contact information and press the call button. Once the receptionist answers, I let her know what’s going on, and she tells me she’ll let Dr. Hood know.
An hour later, the contractions are ten minutes apart and gathering intensity when Dr. Hood calls.
“Camryn? Dr. Hood here. How are you doing, my dear?” Her calm manner helps ease the building panic.
“So far, so good. The contractions are ten minutes apart now.”
“Good. Has your water broken?”
“No, not yet.”
“Have you lost your mucus plug?”
“Ugh, I don’t think so.”
“Sometimes you don’t notice that one. When you were in last week, you were only dilated to one centimeter. It could be a while before you deliver. Just remember what I said. Hospital when the contractions are no more than five minutes apart. Is Isaac there with you?”
“No, he’s at the studio.”
“Is someone there with you?”
“My friend Mallory is staying with me.”
“Good. Can I speak with her for a minute?”
“Of course,” I reply before handing the phone to Mallory. Her eyes get bigger as she listens before replying that she understands. When she hands the phone back to me, she turns away and hurries to the bathroom.
“Camryn? Everything is going to go swimmingly. We have your birthing plan all laid out, and I’m on call today and tomorrow. Just give me a call when you’re on your way, and I’ll have everything in place. I can’t wait to meet your beautiful baby.”
“Thank you, Dr. Hood. I feel so much better knowing you’ll be there.”
The door clicks open, and Mallory walks out wiping her cheek with the back of her hand.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Gah, I should be asking you that. I’m fine. It just kind of hit me that you’re having a baby and depending on me right now to be your rock. I love you, Camryn.” She gives a watery laugh.
“Oh, I love you too,” I say, drawing her to me so I can give her a hug. “But now help me up. I need to pee.”
Several times over the next hour, Isaac calls to check on me, and I feel the slightest bit of guilt for not letting him know I’m in labor, but he’s having such a good time with the guys, I don’t want to spoil it until it’s time.
Three hours later, I start walking around when my back starts hurting. After the first lap around the living room, the legs of my pants become heavier as they saturate with amniotic fluid.
“Oh shit,” I breathe out.
“What? What?” Mallory cries, rushing out of the kitchen.
“My water just broke,” I say, shocked. This just became real.
“Oh god. Oh god. Just breathe,” Mallory says, flustered.
“I am breathing,” I mutter.
“I meant me.” She laughs. “Okay, let’s get your bag in the car. Your contractions are seven minutes apart.”
As soon as the words pass her lips, I’m gripped by the strongest contraction yet. I groan out while holding my stomach.
“Well, shit. That was only four minutes. Time to go.”
“Mallory, calm down. First, I’m going to change my pants. I’m not riding to the hospital soaking wet. Go grab the bag. It’s sitting at the end of my bed.”
“Okay, let me help you get changed. Then I’ll grab the bag, and we’ll get in the car.”
Clean pants in place, bag in the backseat, Mallory drives like a bat out of hell to the hospital.
“Oh, damn,” I mutter, reaching for my purse.
“What!” Mallory yells.
“Chill out and watch the road. I just remembered I haven’t called Isaac yet.” Scrolling through, I hit his
number. It goes to voicemail after three rings.
“Isaac, the one time I need you to answer the phone, you don’t. Okay, it’s ten minutes after five, and I’m on the way to the hospital. My water broke, and my contractions are four minutes apart right now. Mallory is driving me. I guess I’ll meet you there.”
“He didn’t answer?” Mallory asks, incredulous.
“No. Let me call Dr. Hood and let her know we’re on the way.”
I get the after-hours service since the office is now closed, but the cheerful lady on the other ends assures me Dr. Hood will get the message and meet us at the hospital.
As we pull into the parking lot, my phone rings.
“Camryn! Baby, are you okay?” Isaac yells into the phone. “I’m sorry. I was in the bathroom when you called and left the phone in the other room.”
“It’s okay. We just pulled up to the hospital.”
“I’m on my way, Red. I love you. I’ll be there as quick as I can.”
“Just be careful. You’re not going to miss anything.”
“Camryn, you are dilated to four. Everything is proceeding as can be suspected. You can have your epidural now if you’d like,” Dr. Hood states as she pulls the gloves from her hands.
“How long can we wait before it’s too late for the epidural?”
“Why do you want to wait?” She asks, a small frown marring her face.
“I don’t want to slow down the labor.”
“Well, as long as you’re comfortable, we can wait until you’re six or seven centimeters if. It’s completely up to you. The anesthesiologist can be up here in just a few minutes to get it done.”
“Let’s wait a little while then. I at least want Isaac to be here.”
“I can’t believe he’s not here yet. It’s been half an hour,” Mallory mutters.
“Really, it’s been that long?” Worry creeps into my voice.
“He probably just got stuck in traffic. He’ll be here soon,” she assures, giving my hand a squeeze.
“Sure, traffic,” I murmur, but the feeling in my gut says otherwise.
An hour later, my fears are confirmed when Jason rushes into the room.
“Hi, ladies,” he says, giving Mallory a hug before standing at my bedside. Wrapping my hand around his, I know I don’t want to hear what he has to say.
“Camryn, honey, Isaac was in an accident on the way here.”
Tears fill my eyes, and the heart monitor starts alarming as my pulse rises. My breath catches in my chest.
“No, no, no. He’s going to be fine, Camryn. Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“What the hell did you think would happen when you say something like that, you big oaf?” Mallory chastises as she slaps his arm. “What happened?”
“Some dumbass ran a red light and clipped the back of his SUV. He hit his head on the window, but that was about it as far as I know. My boy was clever, though. He had the ambulance bring him in to be checked out. Otherwise, he was going to be stuck at the crash site while they interviewed everyone.” He chuckles.
“But he’s okay?” I ask, trying not to cry.
“I’m fine, Red. Just a little headache,” Isaac says as he walks in the door, white bandage obvious on his forehead. The relief is so great, I can’t hold back the tears.
Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, he clutches me to my chest. “Shhh, it’s okay. I’m fine. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he murmurs. “Calm down, Red. You don’t need to get upset.”
“What in the world is going on in here?” the raised voice of Dr. Hood echoes through the room.
“Sorry, Dr. Hood,” Isaac apologizes, throwing her a quick grin.
“What happened to you?” she gasps out.
“Just a little fender bender on the ride over. That’s what got her upset. Apparently, someone doesn’t know how to break the news to a pregnant woman.” He glares at Jason, who just throws his hands up in defeat.
“There’s probably not the best way to tell a pregnant woman the father of her child has been involved in a collision. I’m sure this gentleman tried his best,” Dr. Hood huffs, coming to his defense. “No matter now. It seems your contractions are getting stronger and closer together. I’m going to check you to see if we’ve made any progress.”
“Cam, Jason and I are going to step out, okay?” Mallory says as she pulls Jason toward the door.
“How’s the pain, Camryn? Are you ready for the epidural yet?” she asks from between my legs
“It’s getting more intense. I decided once I’m dilated to at least six, it will be time.”
As she stands up, she snaps off her gloves. “Then I’ll page the anesthesiologist. You’re at six, my dear. We’re getting closer, but it’s still going to be a while. Get comfortable. Isaac, did they give you any medication for your head?”
“They gave me some ibuprofen in the ER. If they gave me anything stronger, I would have had to stay to make sure I wasn’t having any issues.”
“Let me know if you start having any issues with pain, nausea, or double vision. I have a feeling you’re not going to leave her side even if you do experience any side effects from your head injury, but I don’t need you passing out on the floor during delivery. Move that chair over to her side and stay seated as much as possible.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Isaac smiles at her.
When the anesthesiologist comes in, Isaac gets ushered out of the room.
“Why don’t you tell Mallory and Jason to head home for a while? We’re going to be here for hours. We can let them know when it gets closer to time. And go get yourself something to eat. I know you have to be hungry.”
“Whatever you want, Red.” He kisses me before leaving the room.
The procedure is over relatively quickly, and within a few minutes, I am blissfully pain-free. The door opens, and Mallory walks in.
“Are you sure you want me to leave? I don’t mind staying.”
“Oh, Mal, I know, but it’s just a waiting game now. We’re going to call everyone when it’s closer to time.”
“Do you want me to get you anything before we go?”
“Not unless you can sneak me some food in,” I say, hopeful.
“I wish. You have your Kindle and Isaac’s iPad with some movies on it, but try to get some sleep while you can.” She gives me a quick hug before walking to the door.
“I will. And, Mallory?” She looks back over her shoulder. “Thanks for staying with me today.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
“Push, Camryn. All the way to ten,” Dr. Hood orders.
I bear down as hard as I can as she makes the ten-second count last ten minutes. After pushing for an hour and making no progress, Dr. Hood had the epidural medication stopped to see if I could deliver on my own. If I couldn’t, we were headed for a cesarean section before the baby started to have any distress. Within a few minutes, the pain came rushing through me, and I was most definitely feeling the need to push.
“Good job.”
“I’m proud of you, Red. You’re doing great,” Isaac encourages.
“Shut the hell up. You’re the reason I’m doing thisssss!” I wail as another contraction hits.
“Push, Camryn. I can see the head. Keep pushing! Good, good, good.” The contraction ends, and I relax back against Isaac’s chest.
“One more good, hard push on the next contraction, Camryn. Once the shoulders are clear, it’ll be smooth sailing. Your baby has a head full of lovely blonde hair.”
The contraction gathers steam, and I prepare to bear down with everything left in me.
“One. Two. Three,” she counts out as the intense pressure and pain lessen. The loud cry of my baby fills the air.
“Congratulations! It’s a beautiful baby girl,” Dr. Hood says proudly.
“A girl?” Isaac whispers, and I just laugh at the stunned look on his face.
“Isaac, do you want to cut the cord?” He’s speechless and can only nod his head
as he hurries from his position behind me.
As soon as he’s done, Dr. Hood moves to my side and places my goo-covered baby girl on my chest. My heart melts as she scrunches up her little face.
“I’ll finish up down here, then we’ll get her Apgar score and clean her up.”
The pain vanishes as I lay my hands on my little girl. Isaac leans down and kisses me before wiping the tears from my cheeks.
“Thank you, Red. Thank you for this perfect little miracle.”
“I only did part of this. You make up the other half, so I should be thanking you too.”
A few minutes later, our angel is cleaned up and swaddled in her white blanket with a pink beanie on her head. Snuggled against my chest, Isaac can’t help but run his finger across her petal-soft cheek.
“What are we going to name her?” I whisper, not wanting to ruin the moment.
“How about Delaney? After your grandmother.”
“Delaney Cathleen Haynes. I think it’s perfect.” Her little rosebud lips twitch, and I smile.
“She’s perfect.”
“Why don’t you text Jason and let them know she’s here. I don’t think anyone else knows, do they?”
“No, Jason was the only one left at the studio when I got your message. I asked him to keep quiet until you gave the say. They’d all be camped out in here the whole time otherwise.”
“True. Text Jason, but don’t let them know anything besides she’s here and she’s perfect. We’ll start calling everyone in a few hours since it’s three something in the morning.”
“Maybe we can get some sleep that way.”
Isaac’s fingers fly over his phone as he does just that.
Isaac
We set up a time for everyone to arrive at ten this morning. The crowd begins to gather outside the door as Camryn finishes getting dressed. The nurse had finally let her get in the shower about an hour ago.
“Are you ready?” I ask as she cuddles Delaney close. The smile that lights her face takes my breath away.
“Yes. It’s time to introduce her to her family.”
Opening the door, I direct them into the room and come to Camryn’s side.
Down on My Knees Page 18
