A crash in the background. "NOW? Right now?"
"Right now."
"I'm on my way. Which hospital?"
"Pelican Point Regional."
"I'll call Candace. And Brennen. And—oh god, I need to?—"
"Ryan. Breathe."
"YOU breathe. I'm freaking out."
"Noted. See you there." I hang up and look at Emma. "He's freaking out."
"Good. Misery loves company."
I close her door, jog around to the driver's side, and start the car. The hospital is fifteen minutes away. Twelve if I push it.
I follow all traffic laws. Mostly.
"How are you doing?" I ask, glancing at Emma.
"Scared. Excited. In pain. All of it." She's gripping the door handle. "This is really happening."
"It is."
"We're going to be parents in a few hours."
"Best job promotion ever."
She laughs, then winces. "Don't make me laugh. Everything hurts."
"Sorry."
We hit a red light. I count seconds, watching Emma breathe through another contraction.
"How far apart?" I ask.
"I don't know. I'm not timing them."
"I am. That was about five minutes since the last one."
"Of course you're timing them."
"I'm thorough."
"You're obsessive."
"Same thing."
The light turns green. I accelerate smoothly, keeping my eyes on the road while monitoring Emma's breathing.
"Miles."
"Yeah?"
"What if I can't do this?"
