Page 61 of Capturing the Captain

Josh

I feel like I’m floating. The rush and adrenaline shooting through my veins is undeniable. We’re up by three points, there’s only eight minutes left on the clock and we’re running this team into the ground.

My high fades slightly as we go in for a line change but the buzz in the air is intoxicating. This is what winning feels like. It’s like there's an electric current flowing through your body that feels like it will never end.

I watch as the opposing team tries to light the lamp but miss and I get myself ready to get back on the ice. I’m about to jump back out when Coach grabs me by my jersey. “I’m pulling you, Cap.”

“What? Why? We’re about to win, Coach.”

“Josh.” He says, an eager look in his eye. “Olivia’s on her way to the hospital. She’s in labor.” I don’t hear what else he says as I rush through the tunnels to the locker room as fast as my legs carry me.

I’m barely fully changed when I barge out into the main hall and sprint out towards the parking lot where my car is. I’m a mess right now. I drop my keys three times before I get into my car and again when I go to start it. “Fuck!” I roar as I hit my head off the steering wheel.

There are so many questions swirling around in my head and I can’t fucking think. How long has she been in labour? What if she has the baby before I get there? Is she okay? Are they both okay?

I speed out of the parking lot, driving as fast as possible but of course the traffic is at its peak. The five minute drive to the hospital actually took fifteen and my panic heightens. I need to be there with her. For her.

My car hasn't fully stopped before I’m pulling the handbrake, shutting the engine and racing into the hospital. I’m sweating more now than I was on the ice and my heart is thundering so powerfully in my chest I feel like it could explode.

“Olivia Evans.” I say as I reach the front desk.

“Is she in labor?” The woman across from me asks, clearly not getting my sense of emergency.

“Yes.” I say quickly.

“And are you the father?”

No, I'm not the father. I'm just some random guy off the street wanting to watch some woman give birth. “Yes I'm the father.” I bite out instead.

“Okay, let me just check here.” Never in my life have I seen someone move as slow as this woman does. My hands twitch with the need to reach over the desk and shake her but I think better of it, knowing that won’t get me to my girl faster. “She’s in room,” I swear to fuck, lady, “207.”

I don't even thank her as I sprint towards the stairs, racing up to find Ollie’s room. When I get to the door, I take a moment to compose myself but all of that composure leaves me the minute I hear Olivia scream. I barge through the door and see Olivia with her legs up in stirrups, gripping Sasha’s hand so tight, her fingers have lost all colour. “I need him, Sash. I need him.”

Sasha glances up, her pained face relaxing slightly. “He’s here, babe.”

Olivia’s head whips in my direction and I go to her. “I didn't think you were gonna make it.” She cries into my chest as I pull her to me.

“I was so worried I’d missed it. But I’m here now, baby.” I say, bringing as much calm into my voice as I can muster. That’s what she needs right now.

“I can’t do this, Josh. It hurts so bad.”

“You can do this. You’re the strongest woman I know, Olivia. I know you can do this.”

“Olivia.” Her midwife interrupts us, “I need you to start pushing now, okay?”

“No I can't. I can't." She cries, turning to me again, “Can you do it for me?”

I let out a quiet chuckle. “Baby, if I could, I would do it in a heartbeat. Just breathe for me.”

She does as I say, taking three deep breaths before her gaze turns more focused. It’s almost like a switch was flipped with how fast she controls herself. “I’m ready.”

“On your next contraction I need you to do a big push, okay?”

Olivia nods and takes my hand, squeezing as hard as she’s squeezing Sasha’s and fucking hell that hurts. I try not to wince, since it’s clearly not the time.

The death grip on my hand tightens as the contraction surges and Olivia begins to push. Holy shit, this is horrible. Watching my girl go through so much pain is killing me. If I could take the pain for her, I would.

Olivia groans as she stops pushing and her grip on my hand loosens. I sigh in relief too, refraining from shaking out the pain. If Ollie can push a human out of her vagina, then I can handle a few broken bones.