Page 205

“The birth plan is on the kitchen island.”

Emma closes her eyes. “We’ve discussed it with Dr. Keller at every appointment.”

“I printed copies.”

“I saw.”

I glance over before returning my attention to the road. “Your slippers are beside the bed.”

Emma reaches across the console and takes my hand once we’re stopped at a light. “Bane, the hospital has doctors, blankets, and electricity. We’re going to be fine without slippers.”

“I’m supposed to have this handled.”

“You got me in the car, called the doctor, and remembered where the hospital is. You’re doing better than you think.”

The light changes, and I squeeze her hand before putting mine back on the wheel.

She watches me for a few seconds, then smiles. “We’re having the babies today.”

Everything else drops out of my head.

I look at her, taking in the exhaustion around her eyes and the excitement underneath it.

“Yeah.”

Her smile gets bigger until another contraction starts and she grabs the door handle.

By the time it ends, I’m driving faster.

Emma is admitted less than an hour later, and once the nurse confirms she’s far enough into labor to stay, the last part of me that expected this might end with another trip home disappears.

I stand beside the hospital bed. A nurse adjusts the monitors across Emma’s stomach, listening to both babies’ heartbeats fill the room.

Emma studies the open hospital bag by the chair. “You repacked it.”

“I added things.”

“You took out my toothbrush.”

“I can replace a toothbrush.”

She reaches for my hand when another contraction begins, and whatever argument she intended to make disappears as her fingers close around mine.

I move closer, letting her use me for leverage as she works through it.

Watching her hurt strips away every instinct I normally trust. There isn’t anyone to remove from the room or a threat I can intercept before it reaches her. The only useful thing I can do is stay where she can reach me.

When the contraction passes, Emma lets her head fall back against the pillow. “That one was horrible.”

I brush damp hair away from her forehead. “They’re getting stronger.”

Her eyes open. “Thank you for that groundbreaking medical assessment.”

I kiss her forehead in response.

The door opens, and Theo walks in carrying an overnight bag and two coffees.

I stare at him. “Why are you here?”