“Some studies claim that, if the mother and child are healthy, it’s better for the baby to be born naturally,” Nikki said, her medical geek coming to the forefront.
“Healthy or not, I’m not going to—”
At that moment, Sue let out a scream that made my skin crawl.
“Holy Christmas, that’s normal? I can’t imagine something like that being better for a baby and its mom.”
“Don’t think about it.” Sebastian turned me to face him and guided my head into the hollow of his neck. “We’re not there yet. Robin’s a handful.”
“We’re absolutely not there yet. I’m just getting used to us. I want to enjoy you before I can face the thought of a mini-you or mini-me.”
Nikki chuckled. “You two haven’t even set a wedding date. I don’t think you need to worry about kids yet. You need balance in your lives first.”
She was right. It had been a tough year. There had been times when I’d worried that Sebastian might not make a full recovery, but fortunately my man was as strong as he was stubborn. Now, he was perfectly capable of lifting me up in his arms with ease, enjoying vigorous sex, and going through his normal program at the gym three or four times a week.
Robin had grown into a gorgeous golden fluffball. It had taken him a week or so to forgive us after we had him neutered, but once the cone was off, the love for canned tuna and Sebastian’s fried chicken surpassed that of his balls. After all, as a house cat, he didn’t need them. All he did was sit in front of the AC all summer long, or next to the heater during the winter months.
Sebastian and I had moved into his apartment together after he’d proposed. It had been a natural decision. Several months later, we decided we needed more space, so we’d rented a house in Midwood, near Janine. If our financial situation remained stable, we planned to buy it soon.
I hadn’t expected any referrals from Ben, but after his much publicized housewarming party, several people contacted me about my services. They had asked Ben who had done the outstanding job of decorating his house. To his credit, he hadn’t lied; he’d simply given my name. That had been enough to attract the steady business that had kept me busy all year.
I’d never told Sebastian about Ben’s attempt to kiss me. It was the one and only secret I kept from him, and I had asked Janine to keep it, too. She’d agreed. Sebastian would want to beat the guy to a pulp. Since it was for his own good and I was never going to deal with Ben McFarlane the Third ever again, it was something I could live with.
At the risk of biting off more than we could chew, Lucy and I opened an interior design studio in the space above the hardware store. I’d hired someone else to manage the store below us, and Lucy dedicated herself to the new venture, all the while keeping an eye on the hardware business. I brought in the clients, she took care of the financial side of things, and we worked together side by side, creating art. I was happier than I’d ever been.
Another wail from Sue jolted me out of my reverie. The doctor entered the room. Sebastian, Nikki, and I exchanged glances.
“I’m going in there,” I said.
“I’m coming with you.” Nikki was already heading toward the closed door.
“The doctor isn’t going to like this.” I gave Sebastian a quick kiss. “Go back to the waiting room. There’s not much you can do here.”
“I’m here for you, as much as for Sue and Cam.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Calm down, she’s going to be okay. Go in there and keep me posted.”
Sebastian was the only one who hadn’t gone into the labor room. It would have been awkward to have him there while his best friend’s wife was giving birth. But he’d been as supportive as he could, and I’d seen him slip a couple of minuscule tequila bottles to Cam. I wasn’t sure if he’d drunk them yet.
I was about to go into Sue’s room when the door opened, smacking me right in the face. Through stars of pain, I saw the doctor come out, as she told the nurse following her to move Sue into the delivery room.
Cam, Lily and Ange rushed out of the room.
“What’s going on?” I rubbed my tender nose.
“She’s dilated and ready to push.” Excitement glowed in Lily’s cheeks. “They’re moving her to a delivery room. Only Cam is allowed in there.”
Cam looked as dazed as I felt, even though he hadn’t been hit in the face by a door.
“Come on, put this on.” Ange helped him into a hospital gown, a hair net, and a mask. “Your wife needs you.”
A nurse hurried into Sue’s room, pushing an empty wheelchair. Minutes later, she pushed the chair back out with Sue in it. Sue looked exhausted, scared, and radiant at the same time. Her forehead was creased in pain. Cam rushed to her side.
“Let’s have this baby,” she panted. “I’d kill for some cold vodka.”
“I might have a treat for you later.” Cam patted his jeans pocket, where I suspected he’d stored the tiny tequila bottles.
We watched as Sue and Cam were ushered down the corridor, presumably to the delivery room.
I turned to Sebastian. “You don’t have any more tequila, do you?”
