“Okay, sweetie,” Anne said. “Here we go.” She disappeared with the child toward the bathroom, leaving the front door open.
Joe took a cautious step forward. “Hey, Daanis.”
“Joe.” Daanis arched off the couch. “Ow.”
Sweat broke out on his forehead. “So…Congratulations.”
She sagged back into the cushions. “Thanks.”
He’d never felt so incompetent in his life. “Can I…get you anything?”
“An epidural?” Anne suggested as she returned, carrying Rose.
Daanis smiled weakly.
Anne sat real close to Daanis on the couch. “You’re doing great,” she said, stroking her arm.
How could she tell?
“I had another contraction,” Daanis said. “A long one.”
“You’re amazing. Have you called your mom?” Anne’s voice was calm and cheerful. If he hadn’t been watching her closely, he might never have noticed the flicker of worry in her eyes.
“Not yet,” Daanis said tightly.
“Why don’t you do that while I get your bag,” Anne said.
“Where is it?” Joe asked. Grateful to have something practical to do.
“Baby’s room,” Anne told him. “By the door.”
“I want Zack,” Daanis said as Joe escaped down the hall.
“I know,” Anne said soothingly. “He’s coming.”
Joe had been in the nursery before, to measure for shelves. He grabbed the bag. As he returned to the living room, he saw the red lights of the island ambulance pulling up front.
Mercy, the EMT, came through the front door. “Hi, Daanis. I hear Baby’s in a hurry.”
“We’re supposed to go to the hospital tomorrow,” Daanis said.
“Well, let’s check you out and see what’s going on.” Mercy glanced over. “Can you give us a minute?”
“Sure. I’ll call your mom,” Anne told Daanis. She held out her hand to Rose. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get you a snack.”
Mercy wrapped her fingers around Daanis’s wrist. “How are you feeling?”
Joe tucked his hands under his arms and followed Anne into the kitchen, watching as she settled the kid at the table with a handful of Cheerios and a pink cup with a straw, enjoying the way she zipped around like a hummingbird in flight.
She fished her cell from her pocket and winced. “Fudge. I forgot to charge it.”
He handed her his phone.
The flash of her smile near blinded him. “Thanks.” She turned away. “Hey, it’s Anne…”
“Momma has baby,” Rose announced. “In…” She patted her own tummy.
Joe glanced at Anne for guidance, but she was still on the phone. “That’s right,” he said. “That makes you a big sister now.”
