My heart wobbled at her words. “I love you, Glamma,” I whispered.
“I love you too.” She gave me one of her million-dollar grins and then went back to her spot in the audience.
Then I stood across from Bryce, hand in hand, staring at him while the preacher said something my brain decided wasn’t too important. Not with Bryce looking at me like this.
My stomach swooped again, and warmth spread throughout my body, even going... down my leg.
Holy shit.
My eyes widened, and I stared at Bryce in shock.
What is it?he mouthed.
It was like a record had scratched. I was nowveryaware that dozens of people were watching us, here on this temporary stage, and that moisture was seeping down my leg, pooling under the hem of my long dress.
I leaned in, gesturing that Bryce should do the same, and then I whispered in his ear… “My water just broke.”
75.Jada
Bryce pulled back,staring at me while the old preacher droned on. He must have been used to brides and grooms being so absorbed in each other on their big day. I wondered if he’d ever experienced this, though.
Leaning back in, he whispered, “Can you go to the car while I distract everyone?”
“With a closeup magic trick?” I snorted.
“You know I have something to occupy that smart mouth of yours.” There was a playful lilt to his words that set me at ease.
I bit back a smile. “Look, I’m not in active labor until my contractions are five minutes apart.”
“I know that, but I?—"
The preacher cleared his throat, and we both looked at him sheepishly before looking back at each other. Bryce arched an eyebrow likejust say the word. But I looked at the old man with a sweet smile. “I know we practiced last night, but I’m so excited to be his wife. Can you only do the parts that are absolutely necessary for us to sign the marriage license?”
His eyes glassed over like he was lost in a memory of his own, and then a smile formed on his lips. “We sure can.”
Bryce looked at me.Are you sure?he mouthed.
His concern for me just reminded me how sure I was. I nodded and resettled myself just before a contraction wracked through my uterus. It was like a strong period cramp. I counted to fifteen in my head before it eased up, but the pain in my lower back remained.
A little slice of fear took hold because this was just the beginning. We better make it to the hospital in time for the epidural.
Bryce met my gaze with a worried look. But I took a deep breath and tried to focus because this was also my wedding day. I gave him a small smile and a nod to reassure him, and myself, that it would be okay.
Under a minute later, a cheer went through the audience as Bryce and I kissed to seal our vows. Rei and Hayes went down the aisle ahead of us, but before we followed them, Bryce took the microphone from the stand and spoke into it.
“I need Fletcher, Gen, Glamma, and Rei to come here, please.”
Everyone seemed to be confused, but the people we needed got up from their seats and made their way to the makeshift stage. Fletcher held Glamma’s hand as she went up the short stairs.
Once we were all gathered, Bryce took the lead, whispering, “Gen, I need you to go get the limo and pull it over here.”
She nodded and turned to leave. Then, he looked at Fletcher, Glamma, and Rei. “Jada’s water broke.”
Glamma’s eyes flew open as she studied me. “Did it get on your dress?”
“Glamma!” I hissed. “I’m going into labor, and you’re worried about my dress?”
“Babies get born every day, Jada,” she reminded me. “This dress is once in a lifetime.”
