Sophie and I jump out of the car and run toward the house.
Cassie’s where I left her—lying on the couch—but her face is flushed with colour and she’s gritting her teeth.
A dark pool of something wet is on the carpet.
“Cass. I’m so sorry. I left the phone in the car while we got the donuts. What’s going on?”
“I called an ambulance. I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure if I could wait,” she sobs.
“It’s okay.” I stroke her cheek with my fingertips. “I’m here now.”
It’s a rush thinking of my medical training. I’ve delivered a baby or two when I was a junior doctor, but it’s been a while.
I’ve got to be calm for Cassie.
“Sophie, can you get some towels from the linen cupboard?”
She nods and shoots up the stairs.
“Let me examine you.” I give Cassie’s hand a squeeze and help her out of her wet clothing.
I close my eyes when I realise just how close she is. “This little lady’s grown impatient.”
“I know second babies can come faster.”
I nod. “Our daughter wants out.”
Sophie comes back and I unfold a towel and slip it under Cassie. It’s not perfect, but it should help make her more comfortable.
“Next contraction, if you feel like it, push. Okay?”
Cassie nods.
It only takes a moment before she’s gritting her teeth and baring down.
“I see the head, babe. You’re doing so well.”
“It hurts.”
“I know. But you can do it. I know you can. It’s not going to take much this time.”
The next time she pushes, we get a little further.
Noise happens behind me. The front door opens and closes. But I’m focused on my wife and baby.
A hand grips my shoulder.
“We can take over,” a paramedic says.
I meet Cassie’s gaze, and she shakes her head.
“Not a chance. I’m looking forward to meeting my baby girl. She’s crowning, and I think one more push will do it.”
Cassie nods, her face contorting with pain.
“When it comes, babe. I love you.”
“I love you too." She closes her eyes a moment before she bears down one last time.
