Page 117 of Road to Absolution

Maverick ripped my panties off after propping up my dress. “Somebody talk to me!”

Rogue came rushing through the grass. “Ma’am, we have her lying down and ready…”

The 911 Operator, now on speaker, started giving out instructions, but all I could do was push. My focus, so solid, voices faded and my ears rang. My mind was determined for me to concentrate and follow my body’s own instructions. My body seared, and a burn below had me crying out.

After a few seconds of a breather, I was pushing again, holding my breath, bearing down with all my might. The urge was undeniable. I don’t care what anyone was instructing me to do, pushing was all I could do.

It was foggy, but I heard Maverick, in a nervous yet clear voice, tell the Operator, “The baby is coming, I see her dark hair.”

Then, even though the call was breaking up, I heard, “That’s alright,” soothingly spoke the operator, “I guess mama isn’t waiting for the ambulance. That’s okay…”

I melted against Tucker again. I need air. I need air.

The operator asked, “How is our mama doing?”

Maverick’s eyes were wide. “Taking a breather.”

“Good. Goo’.” I could hear her typing. “Whe’ she starts push-” the call went in and out, “keep yo’ hands below the bab’-” Maverick winced, struggling to hear, “head to hel’ guide her as- ‘comes out. Just move with her, okay? Mama’s bod’ knows wha’ to do. Okay?”

Sweating, and staring at the baby’s head, Maverick nodded. “Okay.”

As my body demanded, I leaned forward. “Again!”

I groaned as my opening burned so hot, I wasn’t sure I could finish the job.

Tucker was shaking but trying so hard to sound calm. “You are doing so good. So fucking good.”

“Mav’er’ick?” asked the Operator, “how are your girls doing?”

“T-The head, it’s almost completely in my hands.”

I fell back against Tuck. “T-Tired.”

The operator quickly asked, “How’s the baby’s coloring?

Maverick’s head tilted. “Wait, there’s something—The cord! It’s around her fucking neck!”

I didn’t know a heart could cry blood tears.