When they got to Steve’s truck, he helped Shelley into the back seat. “It’ll be all right,” he said softly, trying to comfort her.
Eden slid into the truck beside Shelley, hoping she could offer her a little comfort and reassurance.
Usually, the thirty-minute picturesque drive was relaxing, but it wasn’t today. Every minute they spent on the road made Eden wonder if they’d make it there in time.
Halfway there, Shelley’s fingers gripped Eden’s. The contractions were coming faster, and Shelley’s breathing was labored.
“You’re doing great, Shelley,” Eden said, her voice steady. “Just keep breathing. We’re almost there.”
Steve’s jaw was set with determination as they hit the boundary and drove along the streets. Every now and then, his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror to check on Shelley.
“Hang in there,” he told her. “We’ll be at the hospital in no time.”
Eden called the hospital to let them know they were nearly there, but the last part of the journey seemed to take forever. Finally, they pulled up to the emergency entrance.
The medical staff were already waiting with a wheelchair, and they quickly whisked Shelley inside.
“I’ll have to find a parking space,” Steve said. “Do you want to come with me or follow Shelley?”
“I’ll meet you inside. If John’s not here, I’ll stay with Shelley.” Eden ran toward the hospital, catching up to the wheelchair before everyone went inside.
John ran toward them from the other side of the building. “Is everything all right?”
Eden nodded. “Stay with Shelley. Steve and I will be in the waiting room.”
As she watched everyone disappear behind a double set of doors, Eden felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the new life about to enter the world.
She just hoped Shelley and the baby were okay.
Eden satin the hospital waiting room with Steve, typing out a quick message to Shelley’s sisters, Sam and Bailey, letting them know they hadn’t had any updates from John.
Unfortunately, Shelley’s sisters had chosen this week to go to Florida with their parents. From the moment John had told them Shelley was in the hospital, they’d been trying to get a flight home.
Steve glanced at the vending machine and then back at Eden. “Would you like a cup of coffee while we wait?”
Eden managed a small smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “That’d be great, thanks.”
As Steve walked over to the machine, Eden’s thoughts drifted to the tiny life that was about to enter the world. Shelley and John had everything organized. They even had a schedule they’d follow as soon as they got home.
After looking after her nieces and nephews, she wondered if Shelley was setting herself and John up for failure. No baby that Eden knew followed a routine.
Steve handed Eden a cup and sat down beside her. “Do you know anything about babies?”
She shook her head. “Not much, to be honest. I’ve looked after my nieces and nephews, but newborns are a whole different story. I know they need a lot of care and attention, but they don’t come with instruction manuals.”
Steve chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. “I have even less experience than you do. If I ever have children, it’ll either be a lot of fun or a disaster.”
Eden smiled at another couple walking into the waiting room. So far, two couples had left while they’d been waiting and three family groups had arrived.
Steve nudged her arm. “How many babies do you think are born here each day?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered back. “But it must be a few.”
“Do you think about being a mom?”
Eden sighed. “I’m almost thirty-three. If I want to have a family, I’ll have to do more than think about it. Mom keeps telling me I’m not getting any younger. That doesn’t help.”
Steve grinned. “But I could.”
