Page 130 of River Wild

My face is wet with tears. I’m drenched in sweat. And I’m in the worst pain of my entire life.

River cups my chin, turning my eyes to his. “You can do this, Red. You’ve endured way worse than this and walked out the other side.”

“No …” I cry. “I can’t … it hurts too much. I can’t take it.”

“Is there anything you can give her to ease the pain?” River asks Hope.

“I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “It’s too late, Carrie. Your baby’s crowning. I can see the top of the head. What I need you to do right now is give me one real big push.”

Both my feet are wedged up against the inside of the car. Legs akimbo. My dignity went the moment this baby decided to make an early appearance.

River’s eyes fix back on mine. “You can do this because you have to. Olive needs you to push. She needs your help getting out into the world. So, you need to dig deep and do whatever you need to do to get through this.”

You can do this, Carrie.

You can.

“ARGH!” I scream, giving one big push.

“That’s it,” Hope says supportively. “Just keep pushing.”

“That’s it, Carrie. Keep going.”

“FUCKING HELL!” I scream. Channeling River in this moment, I let every curse word I can possibly think of rip. “HOLY MOTHERFUCKING CUNT OF A FUCKING PAINFUL BASTARD!”

“Woohoo!” River hoots. “That’s my girl! Keep it going!”

“JESUS HAROLD CHRIST!”

“And the shoulders are out!” Hope beams up at me. “Just one more big push, Carrie, and you’re done, all done.”

“One more,” I pant, exhausted, my body sagging against River’s.

“You heard the lady. One more push, and we can finally meet Olive.”

We.

On that thought, I pull in every bit of strength I have left. Teeth gritted, I push as hard as I can, screaming out through the pain, “FUUUCK!”

And then I hear the single sweetest sound in the world.

My baby crying.

“You’ve got a baby girl!” Hope beams, handing my baby over to me, laying her onto my chest.

My baby girl.

I have a daughter.

A daughter.

I stare down at the tiny head covered in a mass of pale blonde hair, and a wave of love like nothing I’ve ever felt before washes over me. I shift her tiny body a touch, so I can see her face for the first time. I gaze down at her.

God, she’s beautiful. Perfect.

Curious dark blue eyes stare back at me.

I press a gentle kiss to her soft cheek. “I’m your mama,” I whisper to her.