Inside of the massive space, Erys gave them a tour, listened to Remedy’s vision and assured that everything she wanted would be. Fed and back home, Remedy laid on Erys, her hand caressing his chest and abs while the warmth and sunshine from the cabana served as a perfect backdrop.
The intimacy was the best part of her relationship with Erys. She could lay here safely and let her mind rest. Nothing needed to be said, gratitude and respect would forever be the backdrop of how they took care of one another.
35
Seven and a half months had flown by in the most beautifully painful way. Business was thriving, gang business was moving smoothly, Remedy’s pregnancy had been healthy and full of joy but Ernie was declining. He’d hired around the clock care, moved his bedroom to the first floor due to the falls because Ernie’s motor skills were starting to decline. Some days all Erys had to look forward to was the birth of his son.
Fall was in full swing. The vibrant green leaves had turned hues of yellow, orange, purple, and red. The pool was covered and the heat lamps were out and stationed on the porch to keep Ernie warm while he sat in his wheelchair staring at the lake.
“You think I’m going to get in there one last time?” Ernie asked Remedy who was rubbing her belly and grunting softly.
“You know if I can find a way to get you in the boat, I will,” Erys spoke up, coming to Remedy’s side. “You good.”
“Just Braxton Hicks, I think. I’m going to use the bathroom and lay down. Good night, Ernie,” Remedy groaned, getting out of the patio chair with help from Erys. She kissed the top of Ernie’s head and he lifted a shaky hand and caressed her belly.
“My boy is on the way,” he muttered.
“Yeah, one of these days,” Remedy groaned, stopping to sway.
“Mrs. Moore,” the night aide said. “I think those are more than Braxton Hicks. Since I got here at four, those contractions have gotten closer.”
Remedy groaned. “I’m not due for another two weeks. I’m not ready. The nursery isn’t even finished yet.”
“We can handle the nursery. Erys, I’d call the doula if I were you,” she shared, observing how slow Remedy moved into the house and up the stairs. Erys followed her into the bathroom, helping her sit.
“My lower back is hurting and there’s so much pressure,” Remedy winced, resting her head on him. “I feel like I need to push.”
Erys had his phone pinched between his ear and his shoulder. The doula answered on the second ring. “Hey, Shelby, I think she’s in active labor. She says she needs to push.”
Remedy went to wipe herself. “He’s coming. I can feel his head.”
Erys put the phone down on speaker.
“Rem, you’re going to have this baby tonight. Remember what I said about getting comfortable,” Shelby’s voice was soothing.
Remedy nodded. “It hurts. This wasn’t the plan.”
“I know but babies have their own plan. And it’s okay. Erys, help her into the most comfortable position. I have most of the supplies already in the hall closet,” Shelby shared. “Clean, sterile, and comfortable.”
Remedy crawled off the toilet back into the bedroom. Erys rushed to the closet to get the mats and towels. Back inside of the bedroom, he set everything just how Shelby instructed.
“Agghhh,” Remedy moaned in pain, on all fours, rocking back and forth. “Erys, I need to push.”
Donning the gloves on his hands, he got behind her. “I’m right here, baby. Do what you need to do.”
“Remedy, I know you’re scared and that’s okay. Remember you’re strong and you’re powerful. Use that power to control your breathing,” Shelby coached.
Remedy bared into the pressure and pushed. Teeth gritting, sweat dripping and the pain of their baby crowning ripping through her body. Erys massaged her lower back while experiencing a miracle at the same time.
“You got this, Strawberry. You got it. Breathe,” he encouraged.
Remedy panted, letting the pain get to her for a moment. “I can’t.”
“You can,” both Erys and Shelby sounded off.
“Remedy, you can do anything you put your mind to. Our son needs you to lock in. I got you. I’m right here. Give me another push, baby. Can you do that for me?” Erys asked.
Remedy barely nodded, found her strength and bared into another push. “Ahhhh!!”
