“Just a little longer, baby. You got this.”
I nod and grit through the pain.
We arrive at the same time Denise does and relief floods my veins. Everything is going to be okay.
Abel rushes out of the house wearing one of Buckle’s shirts that is too big for him.
“I got the nest settled the way you like it. Plus, I added a few extra things. I hope you like it.”
I nod and let him and Buckle help me up onto the porch. Denise opens the door and I have to stop for the next contraction. Instead of waiting, Buckle pulls me into a bridal carry and walks me to the nest. The beautiful nest. So many blankets and pillows and stuffies. But it’s the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon coming from a new diffuser that settles both me and my squirrel damn near instantaneously.
Everything is going to be okay.
Abel helps me down. He’s so gentle and not one spark of fear in his lovely eyes. He cups my cheek. When did our anxious hawk turn into someone so calm? I lean into his touch. Buckle chats with Denise and I take deep breaths.
I pull Abel all the way into the nest with me. We made it big enough for the three of us, plus room enough for Denise to do what she needs to.
“I need to give you a little looksee to see where we’re at.” She gives Buckle a look, and he nods, but settles in next to me instead of leaving.
“I’m not going to get radical. I know you’re here to help Perry.”
She nods and the three of them help wrestle me from my pants. In hindsight, we probably should have removed them before I sat down, but it’s fine.
“How are you feeling, papa?” She’s between my legs and I look at the ceiling. It’s a bit like when a dentist asks you a question with their fingers in your mouth, except it’s my downstairs instead.
“As good as can be expected?” I squeeze my mates’ hands when another contraction rolls through me.
“Good news is you’re close. Probably won’t be long, but I’m not going to jinx it by saying it out loud.” She winks as she leans back.
I breathe deeply and shut my eyes. However long it takes, I should probably rest when I can.
Abel gently rubs my stomach and whispers soft words in my ear. I’m only half paying attention, but it’s so sweet. I nuzzle into him closer. Buckle rubs my back and the action keeps me grounded. My mates know how my squirrel gets anxious.
“Fuck,” I grunt at the next contraction.
“You’re doing good, Perry.”
I nod and do my calm the squirrel exercises.
Hurts. Hurts so much.
We’re going to be okay.
“Okay, how about we get you situated in a better position,” Denise says.
We all shift until I’m squatting and holding on to my mates for dear life.
“Alrighty, on the next contraction, push,” Denise says.
And I do. Hard. My squirrel retreats, and it’s just me and my mates.
“Good!”
A screech fills the air, and I turn to face our first born.
“Perfect,” Abel whispers.
“Fuck.” More pain wrecks my body.
