Ava pointed a finger at her and looked at her intensely. “Yes, you do. It’s written all over your face. So what stage are you at? You like him? You more than like him? Or you love him?”
Jade bit her lip to stop from spilling the truth.
“Oh, Jade. You love him.”
“But I didn’t say—”
Ava’s finger made a circling motion, and again, she said, “Written all over your face. You are always so bad at hiding your emotions.”
Jade slumped in her chair. There was no point in continuing to deny it. Ava knew her too well. “I don’t know what to do,” Jade said.
“What do you mean? You tell him how you feel, and after what you told me, he probably feels the same way or he’d never offer to give up his identity.”
“You’re reading too much into it. I know he cares about me, nothing more than that. Besides, he’ll be leaving soon. I can’t let it turn into more, the curse would just ruin everything.”
“For God’s sake, enough about that stupid curse. I’m sick of hearing about it. Grow up and get over—” Ava sucked in a breath and clutched her belly.
Jade bounded off the chair and knelt by Ava’s side. “Are you okay?” The comment stung, but she needed to push it aside for now and concentrate on her friend.
Ava breathed slow and deep before answering. “Yes, I’m good. I think it’s one of those Braxton Hicks contractions.” Jade must have had a confused expression on her face, because Ava explained, “They prepare the body for labor. I’m due in a week, so I think they’ve started.”
“It looked strong. Are they supposed to be like that?”
“Hell if I know. I should have read more about them.” She laughed, but then her face screwed up again and she cried out in pain.
“Nick!” Jade called, but he was already running down the hallway. He must have heard Ava.
He knelt next to Jade and grabbed Ava’s hand. “Is it time?” His voice was panicked.
“I’ve either wet myself or my water broke.” Ava cringed.
Both Nick and Jade looked toward Ava’s crotch. A pool of liquid stained the couch.
Nick kissed Ava on the lips and smiled. “The baby’s coming.” Then he blew out a long breath and said again, but this time with an air of wonder, “The baby’s coming.”
Ava groaned, held her belly, and gritted her teeth. “Get the bag. We need to go to the hospital.”
Nick sprang to his feet and raced back from where he came. In record time he was dressed and rolling a bag behind him, with car keys in hand.
After helping Ava off the couch, they carefully and slowly guided her outside. They had to stop twice so Ava could breathe through more contractions.
Finally, she was bundled into the car.
“I’ll follow you to the hospital,” Jade said.
“Can you call Lauren? My hands are shaking so much I’m not sure I can dial the number.” He lifted his hand to prove it.
“Of course. Now go!” Jade pushed Nick toward the car as Ava clutched her belly in the seat.
Nick didn’t waste any more time. He was off like a rocket.
Jade watched the car drive away, locked up the house, called Lauren, and followed them to the hospital.
Chapter 23
Dawn broke through the waiting room’s dirty windows, and pale golden light reflected off the sterile white walls as Jade blinked her eyes open. She must’ve dozed off. Stretching, she glanced over at Lauren who was curled up on an old, brown sofa.
It had been hours since they’d last seen Nick. He’d come out for a minute to give them an update on Ava’s condition and dashed away before they could ask any questions. Now, with no more information, Jade worried there might be complications.
