“Big push, Cass. You can do it.”
“Go, Mum.”
I bite down a smile as Sophie cheers Cassie on in the background. This was not the plan at all, but I’m grateful that while it’s been a rush, it’ll be over for Cassie soon. I hate seeing her in pain.
With a big push, the baby’s shoulders are out and the rest of her slips into my arms. I breathe a sigh of relief as I check her over and she lets out an almighty wail.
The paramedic speaks up beside me. “I can deal with the placenta if you want.”
I nod. “That would be good.”
By the time the cord is cut and the placenta delivered, Cassie’s lying exhausted against the couch cushions, and I gently place the baby against her chest before we cover her with warm towels.
“I’m sorry you couldn't get hold of me.” I plant a kiss on her forehead.
“It was just all so sudden.”
“That’s more common after the first baby. I should have been more prepared.”
Cassie strokes the baby’s head. “She was just impatient—she is early.”
“Thankfully not too early. I’ll get you to bed after this.”
“Do you want me to call Nana?” Sophie asks.
I meet Cassie’s gaze, and she nods. “I’d like that.”
Their relationship isn’t perfect, but Mum got over her anger about the past once she found out what really happened. I know she’ll step in and help without crossing any boundaries or getting in Cassie’s way.
We’d talked about her coming to stay for a week or so after the baby was born, but we didn’t plan on anything happening early—which was probably naive of us.
I sit beside the couch and hug Cassie. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Did you want to go to hospital, Mrs Cross?”
Cassie grimaces. “Do I have to?”
The paramedic smiles. “Not if you don’t want to. Everything’s looking good.”
“We’ll be okay. I’m right here,” I say.
“Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Cross.” The paramedics make their way out, and then we’re alone.
Cassie strokes our daughter’s face. The baby’s perfect. She’s so much like Sophie was at birth from the photos I’ve seen—dark hair and blue eyes.
“Charlotte Lauren.”
I nod. “I love it. Lauren will love it too.”
She swallows hard. “I miss her.”
My lips twitch, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across them. “Between you and me, I think she’ll be up here before too long.”
Cassie’s brows rise. “Really?”
“She and Ethan … I’m not sure how serious it is yet, but he’s done for.”
She smiles a hazy smile. “I’m happy for both of them. Lauren deserves someone who will really love her.”
