“Tate?”
He looks up and straightens before gripping my hand. “That’s me. And you’re Warren? Harry’s man?”
“Yeah.” I nod at the closed door behind him. “I appreciate you driving her here.”
He scoops his hat off the floor and offers me a curt smile. “Glad I could be of service. I’ll head out, but I wish you all the best. She’s a great girl. You’re a lucky man.”
“I am.” A low moan from behind the door drag’s my attention away. “See you around.”
“Probably not,” he murmurs before disappearing around the corner.
Harriet sobs out my name as I barrel into the room. Far from calm.
I ignore the doctor and nurse surrounding Harriet’s bed and make a beeline for her. She’s standing next to the bed, bent over the mattress, and rocking side-to-side on her forearms. The bags thump to the floor as I curl my body over hers and press a kiss to her temple.
“How are you doing, sweetheart?” I whisper into her hairline.
“It hurts. A lot.” She sucks in a breath then offers me a wobbly smile. “You’re here.”
“I’m here. I’ve got you.” I gather her long hair off her sweaty neck. “Do you want this tied back?”
“I wouldlovethat. And maybe a cold towel for my neck?”
I chuckle. “You don’t need to ask. Shout, and I’ll get you what you need.”
While I grab her a wet cloth, the doctor checks Harriet’s progress.
“I know you were concerned it’s a little early, but you’re almost full-term, and baby’s heart rate is great. Keep it going. Not long left. Dad, you made it just in time.” The doctor removes her gloves and gives us a warm smile. “I’ll be back soon to check in on you but buzz if you need anything.”
A few nurses enter the room, and I unpack Harriet’s handheld fan and a couple of cereal bars. She decided against an epidural and takes each contraction like a fucking champ. I do what I can to maintain a tranquil setting for her but I feel fucking useless standing on the sidelines. The nurses do what they can to make me feel part of the process, which I appreciate. I’d do anything to trade places with her or take away thepain. Above everything, I’m willing the silent fear that’s slowly risen since she texted me to go away.
I don’t dare voice it, but I can’t help worrying that she and the baby are okay. Because they have to be. There isn’t any other option.
For months she’s been my anchor and rebuilt me from a pile of ruins.
Now it’s my turn to be hers.
Each time her body seizes with a contraction and she grips my hand tightly, I remind her exactly what we are. A team. And right now, she’s carrying us with her incredible strength and resilience.
A couple of hours later, the doctor returns. “You’re contractions are about two minutes apart. I think it’s time for another check to see how you’re progressing.”
Harriet gets back into bed and the doctor dons her gloves for an exam.
“Harriet, you’re ten centimeters.”
“Already?” she gasps.
“Baby wants to meet their parents.” She smiles reassuringly. “Do you want to stay on the bed or stand up again?”
“Bed. My legs are going to give out.” Harriet’s slightly panicked eyes meet mine and she reaches for me.
I’m there in a flash to help her into a comfortable position on her back while the doctors and nurses move around the room, preparing for the baby’s arrival. Harriet stares up at me, and the tears streaming down her cheeks knock the wind out of my sails.
“What’s wrong?” I duck my head.
“I’m scared.” She grasps my hand as another contraction takes control of her body. I welcome the crack of my knuckles if it lessens her pain.
I press our foreheads together. “I know, and you’re doingfucking amazing. It’s okay to be scared. Remember what you said? Fear drives us forward. You’re so brave and brilliant, and once you do this, you’ll meet our baby.”
