She looks at me like I’m the only solid thing in the universe.
And then she squeezes again. Hard.
“…Maybe you’ve got this slightly more than I do,” I wheeze.
We’re directed to a hospital bed and Nora lies down, hair wild around her face, fingers clenched around mine like she’s trying to snap bones.
The nurses do their thing and hook her up to monitor the fetal heart rate and contractions.
“I hate you,” Nora pants, sweat glistening on her brow.
“Totally fair,” I breathe. “Hate away.”
She groans through another contraction, whole body arching off the bed.
The nurse checks the monitor. “That was a strong one. You’re doing great.”
Nora narrows her eyes like she might actually throw the nurse across the room.
Another contraction hits.
I try to count. Breathe with her. Be her calm. But nothing in life—nothing—prepared me for watching someone you love fight pain like this. It’s primal. Terrifying. Holy.
She’s a force of nature.
The doctor walks in, all calm efficiency. “How are we feeling?”
“Like I’m being cracked in half,” Nora growls.
“Good,” he says cheerfully. “That means it’s working.”
She glares at him. “You’re lucky I’m attached to machines.”
I gently brush a damp curl off her forehead, my thumb lingering there. “You’re doing amazing.”
“I look like a swamp witch.”
“You look like a goddess who’s about to bring our baby into the world.”
Her lips twitch. Almost a smile.
Another contraction hits. She lets out a guttural moan, and I squeeze her hand, whispering whatever nonsense I can think of.
“You’re strong. You’re magic. You’ve got this. Just a little more.”
She buries her face into my chest between contractions, trembling. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Yes, you can,” I whisper. “Youare.And I’m right here.”
And I am. I won’t move. Not even to wipe the tears off my own face.
Nora cries out again as another wave hits, and the room shifts. The doctor calls for the delivery team. The lights change. It all feels… real now. Imminent.
“We’re getting close,” the nurse says. “It’s almost time.”
Nora’s breathing is ragged. Her eyes flick up to mine, scared and furious and shining with something I’ll never be able to describe.
“I swear to god, Max—if you ever come near me with that look again—”
