Bea couldn’t focus either; she was worried about Penny. The labour would be riskier due to her age, and she knew how hard labour could be at the best of times. Was Penny ready for what she was about to experience? Bea had gifted her the bookUp the Duffat her baby shower, which was the funniest pregnancy book she’d ever read, and so she should at least know a few things about what to expect. Still, no one was ever quite ready for labour when it happened the first time.
“Another contraction,” Penny said.
Bea looked at her watch. “That’s five minutes.”
Rowan met Penny’s gaze. “I guess that means we’re off. We have your baby bag in the car. We’re ready. Aren’t we?”
Penny nodded. “I think so. Bea? What do we need?”
“I checked your bag already, remember? You’ve got everything you need. The main thing is that you and Rowan are both there. I can bring you anything else when the time comes.”
“Right, okay. Thanks. Let’s go then.” Penny looked panicked.
“You’ll be fine, Pen. It’s going to be wonderful.”
Rowan helped Penny to her feet. “Will you come too?” Her pleading look melted Bea’s heart.
“Of course, we’ll follow in our car. Right, honey?”
Aidan nodded. “Yes, if you’d like us to.”
“Please,” Penny said. “And, Buck, could you drive us? I know it’s a lot to ask. But I’d like Rowan to sit with me.”
Buck’s eyes gleamed. “Absolutely. I’m happy to.”
They all trundled out to the garage and driveway. Bea and Aidan climbed into Aidan’s truck, while Penny, Buck, and Rowan got into their car. Aidan backed down the driveway and followed them to the hospital. All the while, Bea chewed on a fingernail.
“Do you think she’s okay?” she asked.
“Why wouldn’t she be?”
“I don’t know. I’m worried for some reason.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. Shouldn’t you let Taya and Evie know what’s going on? I wonder if Penny has thought to call her family?”
“Good thinking,” Bea said. She made a few quick phone calls. First to Penny’s mother, who had no idea her daughter had gone into labour. Then she called Taya who squealed in delight and promised to be at the hospital as soon as she could manage it, but she was in the middle of a run. Then, Evie’s went to voicemail. No doubt she was still working. The new job had been taking up a lot of her time lately, which Bea was thrilled about for both Evie and Bradford.
They pulled into the parking lot at the hospital, then helped Penny into the building. Buck followed at a distance, seeming unsure of what to do. When they took a seat in the waiting room, Rowan walked over to Buck.
“Thanks for driving us, Buck. I appreciate it. Can I give you money for an Uber home?”
Buck waved him off. “No need for that. I might stay a while if you don’t mind. These things can take an age, but if it doesn’t bother you, it would be nice to know she made it through.”
Rowan looked surprised. “That’s fine. I’ll make sure to let you know how it goes. Thanks again.”
They took Penny back to the labour ward quickly since her contractions continued to escalate. And within two hours, Rowan came out to the waiting room to announce that they’d had a healthy baby girl called Isla Penelopeand showed them all a photo. By that time, both Taya and Evie had arrived. Penny’s parents were on their way but hadn’t made it yet from the mainland. The entire party jumped up and down and cheered, hugged Rowan and each other. Buck stood to one side, beaming. Rowan walked over to him and gave him a quick hug, which made Buck’s eyes glisten.
“She’s not seeing visitors yet,” Rowan said. “But maybe in a few days. Thanks for coming.”
Bea and Aidan walked back to his truck, his arm slung around her shoulders. She felt as though she’d run a marathon.
“I’m exhausted, and I didn’t even give birth. I don’t know how she’s going to do this.”
“It’s a lot,” Aidan admitted. “I can’t say I know what it’s like to have a baby, but I’m happy for them.”
Bea patted his chest gently with her hand. “I know you wish you could’ve been there when Grace was born.”
He nodded, his brow furrowed. “More than anything. But I can’t go back in time.”
