Until he could give Spencer a reason to want the same, Archer intended to refrain.Even if it killed him.
Chapter Twelve
Very, very early on Wednesday, September 28, 2022
“It’s time, JJ,” Dr.Tinder said, histone firm.“I need you to push.”
Sweat dripped down her face, and she felt as though she’d run a marathon.
Twice.
Once in reverse.
Every part of her body ached.
“I’ve got you,” Baz said softly, his hand gripped firmly in hers.“Our babies are ready to meet their mama.”
That was the incentive she needed.The gentle reminder that she would soon see her sweet babies for the first time.
“Ready when you are, JJ,” Dr.Tinder said from his perch between her legs.
Luckily, the discomfort was far more powerful than her modesty.Otherwise, JJ would’ve been embarrassed that he was staring at her most private parts.Or that something the size of a papaya was going to make its debut through there.
“Okay,” JJ groaned, peering up at Baz.“Let’s do this.”
Reese watched as Brantley continued to pace.The man couldn’t seem to sit still.Every time he thought Brantley might relax, he would launch up from his chair and do a lap around the room or slip out into the hall.He was never gone for long.Just long enough to let everyone know he was worried.
The good news was they hadn’t been given any reason to worry.According to Frank, who was receiving updates via text from Iris, the doctor and nurses were optimistic.
Granted, Reese knew better than to tell him there was nothing to worry about.He prayed this was an easy delivery for JJ.As easy as one could be after—he glanced at his watch to see it was just shy of zero-one-hundred—nearly twelve hours in labor, at least.She’d been through enough.Her and Baz.They deserved every ounce of happiness that could come their way.
So, rather than go after Brantley, Reese sent up a silent request to the man upstairs to send only good vibes down to that delivery room.
Baz stared down at JJ, overwhelmed bya myriad of emotions.Love, fear, elation, stress.It churned inside him, but he refrained from showing it—he hoped—because he had the easy job here.Holding JJ’s hand, letting her know she wasn’t alone in this was the most he could offer.
“Uhhhhh!”JJ groaned, her face scrunched as she pushed when the doctor told her to.
“That’s good, JJ.Real good.Don’t stop.We’ve got a head and shoulders.”
Dr.Tinder then said something to one of the nurses.It was too muffled to make out, but Baz didn’t detect worry or concern.Or maybe that was his ears playing tricks on him.
“I want you to rest for a second, JJ.Take two deep breaths, then I want you to push as hard as you can.”
Baz pressed a kiss to JJ’s forehead and let her squeeze his hand, no longer worried that she might break his fingers.If she did, he’d get over it.
Brantley focused on breathing.
In.Out.In.Out.
Slow and steady was his goal.As he walked, he tried to relax his shoulders.He was tense, the stress more powerful than he expected.
Wes had just texted that JJ was beginning to push, and the babies would be coming along at any moment.
It should’ve been a relief.Instead, his heart was in his throat, and fear trickled into his bloodstream.
Please, God, let them be okay.
Did he want to be in that hospital room with his best friend?Absolutely not.It wouldn’t help.Not her.Not him.He simply had to wait like everyone else.
