“What is it?” I ask, trying to see it.
I laugh when he shows me. It’s a onesie that says Dad You Got This in the center, and then has arrows pointing to where the arms, legs, and head go.
“Only Xavier,” I mutter.
Xander shakes his head and puts the onesie back in the bag.
I lay my head on his shoulder.
“Can we have cake now?” I ask, eyeing the lemon cake we’ve yet to cut into. We all decided to wait and do that last.
“Oh, thank God, I’ve been wanting cake since I got here,” Jace cries.
“I changed my mind,” I chortle. “No cake. We’ll pack it up and take it with us.”
“No,” Jace cries. “I need the cake.” He pouts. I love getting under his skin way too much. It’s a hobby.
The girls ignore me and begin cutting the cake. Rae hands me the first piece and Xander the second, which makes Jace frown. I stick my tongue out at him. Childish? Yes. But you know what, the minute we stop picking fun is the minute we all start walking around with sticks up our asses. Sometimes you just have to be silly and that’s okay.
I take a bite of cake and moan.
This takes my lemon craving to a whole new level, because lemon cake is officially the greatest thing I’ve ever tasted.
“Oh, my God,” I moan.
Xander snickers beside me. “That good, huh?”
“Better,” I mumble, shoving another bite of food in my mouth.
Jace finally gets a plate and starts digging in. “This is really fucking good,” he declares, mouth full of lemon cake.
I finish my cake, and as much as I want a second piece, I refrain. I’m still full from the lunch, and I don’t want to overdue it. I’m already stuffed feeling enough as it is with this giant Viking baby. If she gets much bigger she’s going to get stuck in there.
“So,” Xander starts, brushing his lips over the side of my forehead, “did we do good?”
I smile at him and then Rae and Nova. “You guys did great. Truly. Best baby shower a girl could ask for. All I need now is my baby,” I joke.
He chuckles. “One step at a time.”
Thea
39 weeks and 1 day pregnant
Baby is the size of a watermelon
Everything is ready.
The car seat is in the car.
The crib is put together.
The basinet is in our room.
The playpen is taking up space in the family room.
The hospital bag is packed and by the door.
All I need is my freaking baby.
“Get out,” I beg, squatting down. “Please, get out already.”
“What are you doing?” Xander asks as I raise and squat again. “That can’t be good for the baby. What if it falls out?”
“Trust me,” I tell him, blowing out a breath. “It isn’t that easy.”
“We need to go. Can you stop whatever it is you’re doing,” he begs, looking at me like he’s ready to brace himself to catch the baby if he needs to.
“I suppose. Put the hospital bag in the car, though. I want it to be in there for when we’re ready.”
He sighs, and puts his coat on to head outside. I do the same.
It’s February fourteenth—Valentine’s Day, but instead of celebrating the day with my husband we’re going to a charity football game. Xander’s team is playing the local college team for fun to raise money for the local children’s hospital. It’s an amazing cause and the sale of tickets has already raised a ton of money for the hospital, which is awesome. As much as I’d love to spend the day with Xander to ourselves, this is an amazing opportunity.
Both teams are wearing special made jerseys to represent the hospital.
It’s a sweet thing they’re doing.
Rae, Cade, Jace, and Nova are meeting us there because Xander didn’t want me to be in the box by myself.
Xander I load into the car and head over to the field.
He parks in the garage and takes me to the box, because he’s paranoid, before he leaves to go get ready.
It isn’t long until Rae and Cade join me in the box and then shortly after that Jace and Nova.
“Are you sure it’s okay for you to be here?” Cade asks, munching on some apple slices provided. “That kid looks like it’s going to come sailing out any minute.”
I sigh, rubbing my stomach. I’ve been feeling uncomfortable since last night, but I don’t think it’s labor. I wish, though.
“I’m fine,” I assure my brother. He looks doubtful and keeps a watchful eye on me.
I pour myself a glass of water and sit down again. I sip at my water and Rae reaches over, tapping my arm.
“What’d your doctor say? Are you dilated any?”
I had an appointment two days ago. “He said I was three centimeters and he mumbled some other kind of doctor mumbo-jumbo. He thinks I’m going to go into labor by Friday.” It’s Wednesday, and even though two days isn’t that far away, when you’re this pregnant it feels like forever.
“You look like you’re ready to pop,” Jace interjects. “Maybe we should poke you with a needle and see if that helps.”
I give him my best withering glare. “Not helpful, Jacen.”
His lip curls at my use of his full first name.
“How are you feeling?” Nova asks.
“Tired,” I reply honestly. “I haven’t slept in weeks and I just want her to get out.”
She laughs but gives me an understanding smile. “That’s how I was. The last two weeks sucked. You’re miserable, and tired, but so excited to meet them.”
I frown, wondering how it must’ve felt to be her, to be so young, and carry a child for nine months, and then give birth and immediately have to give it away.
That would suck hardcore.
Nova’s a stronger person than I am, because I know that would break me.
The game begins and our idle chat dwindles. I get sucked into the game, and start cheering like a crazy person.
“Woohoo! Come on! Yes! That’s how you do it!”
You’d think this game actually counted for something and wasn’t just for fun.
“Yes! Ahhh!”
“Can you stop that?” Cade asks. “I don’t think all the jumping is necessary, and it can’t be good for the baby.”
“Shut up,” I groan.
Boys are so annoying.
The game progresses, and I start to sweat from all the jumping and dancing I’m doing. I can’t help it, I’m a hyper person.
“Here, drink some water,” Rae coaxes, handing me a fresh glass.
I take it gratefully, sipping at the ice-cold water. I clear my throat, feeling a little pain in my abdomen.
“Are you okay?” Nova asks, her eyes clouded with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I promise.
I definitely don’t think it’s contractions. It hurts, but it’s not painful, more uncomfortable like a lot of pressure. More than likely this little girl is pushing against my bladder and I’m going to end up peeing my pants again.
“You’re not having contractions are you?” Cade asks. “Don’t fucking lie, sis.”
“You guys worry too much.” I roll my eyes, dismissing their concern, but I notice them all, even Jace, watch me a little closer.
The game continues, and I’m amazed how well the college guys are doing against the NFL team. It’s nice seeing the camaraderie on the field though—the older guys actually stopping to give them pointers. It’s a more relaxed and fun environment.
I stand up, peering out of the glass.
I gasp, feeling wetness trickle down my leg. I look down at the tiny stream dampening my jeans.
My gaze darts to Nova since she’s closest. “Um … Nova, what’s it like when your water breaks?”
“I don’t know, they had to break mine so I think it was different than if it breaks on its own.” Her jaw drops. “Oh, my God, do you think yours broke?” she asks, looking down at my pants.
“
I don’t know. I’ve peed my pants a couple times since the first time and it’s always a puddle, this is … it’s not much but it’s something.” I take a deep breath.
“Are you having contractions yet? We need to time them if you are.”
“I don’t know. I guess what I’ve been feeling is contractions, but I didn’t know.”
“Should we get her to a hospital?” Cade asks.
“Of course we fucking should, dipshit.” Jace smacks the back of his head and I’m shocked of all people that he’s coming to my defense.
“When you think you’re having a contraction, tell me,” Nova instructs. “I’ll time them. Let’s get you to the hospital. Did you drive? We can’t all fit in Jace’s truck.”
“Xander drove the Range Rover, but he has the keys with him.”
“Dammit,” Nova curses. “Cade, we’ll have to go in your Jeep.”
We start to head out of the box, but I feel what I guess is a contraction. “Stop, stop, stop,” I plead, pressing a hand on my back. “Contraction.”
Nova presses a button on her phone to keep track. The contraction only lasts a minute and then we’re on our way again.
“Someone’s going to have to tell Xander!” I cry when we’re almost to Cade’s car. “He doesn’t know! Oh, my God we have to go back!” I start to go back into the stadium, but they tighten their grip on me and urge me forward.
Cade hands his car keys to Jace. “You get her to the hospital. I’m going to go get Xander.”
“What are you going to do?” I cry, near tears, because this shit hurts and I want my husband.
“I’ll climb onto the damn field if I have to,” he mutters, before jogging off and disappearing from sight.
Nova climbs into the back with me, coaching me through my contractions, which at the moment seem to be ten minutes apart.
Rae sits up front with Jace and he quickly makes adjustments with the seat, before speeding out of the parking garage.
“You’re going to meet your little girl today,” Nova tells me, holding my hand. “A Valentine’s baby.”
“This hurts,” I whine, squeezing her hand.
“I know, I know. Believe me. Just breathe through it. Mirror my breaths,” she coaxes, doing exaggerated slow breaths.
I copy her and it helps some but not a lot.
“I want Xander,” I beg.
He keeps me calm and sane … somewhat.
With the city traffic it takes us thirty minutes to get to the hospital and in that time my contractions move to five minutes apart. I’m drenched in sweat by the time we reach the hospital. I already called my doctor on the way, so they’re expecting us.
Jace parks at the front and hops out, getting a wheelchair and bringing it to the car. He helps me into it.
“Thank you, Jace.”
He grins. “It didn’t even kill you to call me Jace that time, did it?”
“Oh, shut up,” I groan through a laugh. “Nova,” I beg. “Will you go in with me until Xander gets here?” Rae looks a little green, so I think it’s best if she’s not in the room right now, besides Nova’s been through this so she knows what to tell me.
“Sure, whatever you want.” She unbuckles her seatbelt and hops out.
“Grab my purse,” I plead, pointing to the inside of the car. “I need my phone.”
Jace grabs it before she can get it and places it in my lap.
“I’ll park the car and then Rae and I will hang out in the waiting room,” Jace tells her.
Nova wheels me inside and we head to labor and delivery.
When we reach the level they take one look at me and get us into a room.
I change into the gown and then sign their papers. Once all that’s done I finally get ahold of my phone.
I have twenty missed calls from Xander. I call him back and he answers on the first ring.
“Thea?” He breathes a sigh of relief. “Please tell me I didn’t miss it.”
“You didn’t miss it. They haven’t checked me yet so I don’t know how far I am, but hurry. I need you. Where are you?”
I hear him hit his hand against the steering wheel. “I got out of there as fast as I could. Cade ran onto the fucking field and I barely caught sight of security dragging him away. Once I saw him I knew you were in labor. We’re on our way there, sweetheart, but traffic is a bitch. Tell her to stay in there a little longer, okay?”
“I’ll try, but it doesn’t work like that.”
“I love you.”
I sigh happily. “I love you too.”
“We’re going to have a baby, Thea.”
I start to tear up. “I know.”
“I’ll be there. I will,” he vows and hangs up.
A nurse comes in, hooks me up to monitors, and checks me saying I’m six centimeters dilated. “You’re getting close,” she tells me, covering me with the sheet again. “Do you want an epidural?”
I look at Nova. “Do I?” I ask.
She shrugs. “That’s up to you—do you want to go natural or have drugs?”
I laugh. “I don’t know … it’s not so bad right now, so no epidural for now.”
The nurse looks at me like she thinks I’m going to regret that decision, but shrugs and heads out of the room.
“Do you want anything?” Nova asks me.
“Can I have some ice?”
“Sure thing. I’ll be right back.”
She heads out into the hall to get it, and of course as soon as she leaves I get a contraction.
I breathe through it like she told me and that helps, but I’m sweating like a pig.
I lay my head back and close my eyes.
I comfort myself with the fact that soon I’m going to see my little girl, finally, after nine long months.
The door opens and Nova comes in with a plastic cup full of crushed ice. She pulls the chair up beside me and sits down, handing me the cup.
I hold the cup and grab a couple of pieces, popping them into my mouth.
Crunching on the ice helps, because it cools me down and gives me something to do to distract from the pain.
Nova rubs my arm, trying to comfort me, but her eyes are far away.
“Thank you for staying with me. I know this can’t be easy.”
She smiles but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s strange being here like this.”
“Did you have someone with you when you had Greyson?” I ask. I’ve never talked to her all that much about her son she gave up for adoption, I know she has a good relationship with him and his adoptive parents, but that’s only recently. Before then, he was a stranger to her. I can’t imagine going through this whole process and having my baby taken from me.
She shakes her head. “No, I was alone.”
My heart breaks, picturing a sixteen-year-old Nova scared and alone in a hospital giving birth to her son. “That’s horrible.”
She shrugs, still absentmindedly rubbing my arm. “It’s okay.”
“I can’t imagine going through this without Xander,” I murmur, and if he doesn’t get his ass here that’s a very real possibility.
We hear a commotion in the hallway and then a moment later the door swings open.
Xander bursts into the room … Well, shoves is a more accurate description since he’s wearing his uniform with big shoulder pads and he barely fits through the door.
I breathe a sigh of relief the moment I see him.
“Fuck, Thea, I was so scared I wouldn’t make it in time.” He collapses at the foot of the bed.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” I tell him, and promptly burst into tears of relief. I can’t seem to help it. Pregnancy makes me a weepy mess.
He picks himself up and comes to stand over me, kissing me desperately.
He pulls away and smiles at Nova. “Thank you for staying with her.”
“It’s not a problem. Do you want us to go to your house and bring you some clothes?”
He looks down at himself. “Shit. Yeah, I need someth
ing.”
“We’ll take care of it,” she promises and squeezes my hand before leaving. When she opens the door I see my brother tiptoeing outside it.
“Go tell my brother I’m okay?” I ask Xander.
He nods. “I can do that.”
I take a deep breath, growing more uncomfortable since my contractions are getting closer together.
Xander finished speaking with my brother and comes back.
“Can you at least get rid of the shoulder pads?” I ask. “You look like the Hulk.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, give me a minute.” He peels off the jersey and then takes off the rest of the gear. By the time he’s done he’s shirtless and I’m regretting my request, because at the moment the nurse comes back in.
“Oh.” She jumps, and then her jaw drops, staring at my husband.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” I wave a hand. “He has a nice body, that’s why I’m currently knocked up, now can you stop staring at my husband?” I plead.
She shakes her head, her cheeks flaming.
“Thea,” Xander scolds.
“I’m having a baby here,” I defend. “I can do and say whatever I want.”
“I wanted to check you again,” the nurse says. “Since things seemed to be moving fast I wanted to stay on top of it.”
I prop my legs up once more and she checks me.
“Looks like you’re at eight centimeters now, so we’re having a baby soon, and I hate to tell you but you’re moving so fast they won’t give you an epidural now.” She gives me an apologetic smile. “I’m going to go hunt down your doctor. I think we’re going to have a baby in the next hour.”
My jaw drops and Xander’s surprised eyes meet mine.
In an hour we could be meeting our daughter.
The nurse leaves us alone. Xander pulls the chair closer to my bed and sits down. His hair and chest is still damp with sweat but he doesn’t seem to care.
He grabs my hand, kissing my knuckles. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Me either.”
I feel absolutely giddy at the idea of meeting our little girl.
“I hope she likes me,” I murmur.
He shakes his head. “Silly girl, she already loves you. You’re her mom.”
My lower lip quivers. “I’m scared again.”
When Constellations Form (Light in the Dark Book 4) Page 26
