“Still too corny. Your dad thinks I should just go with something simple like ‘Prudence Visch: Best flucking realtor in Iowa’.”
That gets a laugh out of Zoe. “That sounds like Dad’s way of thinking.”
“I wish you’d hurry up and get your marketing degree so you can help me out.”
“I’m going to babysit all summer for my new little sister. That’s all I want to do for now. I’ve got two more years before I’ll be able to do anything else.”
“Even then, you may not want to move home when you’re done.” I feel my lip quiver at the thought of not having her around after she graduates from the University of Iowa, but I quickly recover. She doesn’t need me making her feel bad about living her own dreams.
“I’m planning on it. I want to be here when she––” She points at my big belly “––grows up. She’ll want a big sister to show her the ropes.”
“She will, but please remember, you need to go where your passion takes you.”
“That’s it!” Zoe shouts. “Prudence Visch: Passionate about real estate.”
I tap my chin, giving that some thought. “It’s true. I am passionate about real estate.” Standing up from our kitchen table, I reach across the table for Zoe’s plate when I feel it. Warm fluid sliding down between my legs. As water splashes onto the floor, I squeak, “Uh-oh.”
“What?”
“My water just broke.”
“You’re too early.”
“I guess she’s impatient.” I think about sitting down, then worry about the fabric on the chair. Still, I’m feeling a little lightheaded. “Can you call Nate?”
“I already sent him a text: Code Pink.”
“Oh boy. He’s going to be frantic. Call him. Tell him I’m fine.”
I listen as Zoe talks Nate off the ledge. Still, he gets home in record time. “Prudence?” He shouts from the front door. “Where are you?”
“Dining room.”
He stomps into the room and heads straight for me. I know him—he’s going to try to pick me up and carry me out of here, but I hold my hand up. “Cool your jets, man.”
“What?” He looks at me, then at his daughter, then back at me. “Zoe said Code Pink. That means we get to the hospital ASAP.”
“She was just beingyourdaughter.” I snicker. “My water broke. We can take our time and get my…” Oh boy. A contraction hits me, and I have to say, it hurts like a motherflucker. “On second thought. Code Pink.”
I’m lifted right out of my chair by the man I love. “Zoe, grab her bag. It’s packed and sitting on the floor of our closet.”
Nathan enters the house, his face as pale as a ghost. “The baby’s coming?”
“Soon.” My husband snaps. “Zoe. Call your mother and Laura, then drive your brother to the hospital. He looks like he’s about to pass out.”
“Sure thing, daddy-o.”
He’s turning me sideways to get us out the door, but he’s got more directions for his girl. “Zoe!”
“Yeah, Dad?”
“Call Prudence’s parents. Let them know what’s going on. They’re gonna want to hit the road ASAP.”
I giggle at his commands, which earns me a glare from my man. “I love you, Nate. Thank you for taking care of us.” I pat my big belly. “You’re the best dad on the planet. I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
“Stop sucking up. It’s not necessary. I know you love me. Obviously, I’m an awesome dad. And you, my beautiful Prudence, are going to be the best mommy ever.”
“Awe. Thanks, babe.”
