She tilted her head and lifted an eyebrow.
“What? It’s not like I need my bodyguard here.” Jack and Dad were the only SSI guys here, but that’d change as news spread. “Or do you not trust Dad and Jack?”
“Don’t forget me,” Jay said from behind me. “I can be your bodyguard.”
“What took you so long?” I asked.
“We checked in with AJ and Nathan before leaving,” Cate answered for him. “How are Em and Jamie?”
“Jamie’s nervous and Emily’s handling the contractions like a champ,” Mom answered.
I texted Jamie to let him know I was here. A few minutes later, he replied with an invitation and room number.
“I’ll be right back.”
Jamie answered the door when I knocked. “I’m glad you’re here.” He hugged me, then dragged me into the room.
“Hi Em, how are you holding up?”
“I feel like aliens are trying to claw their way out of my belly.”
“Sounds about right.”
Emily grabbed the sheets and groaned through gritted teeth as a contraction hit her.
Jamie rushed to her side. When the contraction ended, he brushed her blonde hair off her sweaty face.
“I feel so useless,” he said.
“Other than offering comfort and support, you kind of are.”
“Gee, thanks, sis.”
“Sorry, but there isn’t much you can do.”
“I still love you,” Emily reassured him.
I sat with Emily until her next contraction hit, nine minutes later.
“You’ve got a while left to go,” I said, making Emily cringe.
“The doctor said it’s hard to tell how fast it’ll happen,” Jamie quickly added.
“That’s true, but brace yourself for at least a few more hours.”
“Can’t you just pull them out now?” Emily begged. Sweat glistened on her pale face, and her eyes had a deer-in-the-headlights quality.
“You’ve got this.” I patted her hand. “Your babies will arrive when they’re ready and not a moment before. Jamie’ll be here every step of the way.”
I hoped they’d come sooner rather than later; I couldn’t wait to meet my new niece and nephew.
“I’ll give you guys some privacy. Can I bring you anything?”
“Not right now, but I’ll text if we change our mind.”
“Em, you should try to eat something.”
“The nurse said she shouldn’t.”
