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And now this news added to it.

Matthew’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. He looked at me, then his gaze fell to my stomach, and suddenly, he smiled. He dropped to his knees, gathering me in his arms and holding me close. “Maddy,” he breathed. “A baby. The start of our family.”

I curled into him, needing his closeness. I always felt steadier, calmer when he held me. Safe and loved. He drew back and kissed me. “This is the best news.”

We hadn’t planned it, but he was right. It was the best news.

“I think we should have used condoms when I had that sinus infection.”

Matthew kissed the end of my nose, his voice filled with affection. “Nope. I like this result.”

“I think your offer might be perfect timing.”

He kissed me again. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Matthew

My phone rang as I was finishing up with a patient’s chart. I smiled as I lifted it to my ear. “Hey, Mrs. VanRyan.”

“Matthew.”

“How’s your day? Ready for it to be your last?”

Maddy was starting maternity leave the next day. Our daughter was due soon, and we both looked forward to Maddy’s slowing down, although she’d insisted on working until now. Mom and Dad were flying this way in a few days, anxious to be there when our daughter was born and to help after.

Maddy sighed, her voice sounding a little odd. She was probably tired. “I wish you still worked in the hospital.”

“Why?” I chuckled as I typed a few more lines. “Another craving?”

“No. I’m in labor.”

I was on my feet in an instant. “What? How far apart are the contractions?”

“Five and closing.”

I grabbed my keys, running down the hall, yelling at Sarah I had to go. “Why didn’t you call sooner?”

There was a pause, and I heard her heavy breathing. “My water broke and they started fast. I need you,” she panted. “Now.”

“On my way.”

I knew the hospital well. I avoided the front elevators, racing along the hallway for the ones at the back. Moments later, I was on the maternity ward, dashing around nurses.

“Where is she?” I called to Margo, one of the women I knew well.

She pointed down the hall. “Get in your gown,” she called after me. “This is gonna be fast.”

I had driven like a madman. Called Dad while I was driving, yelling that Maddy was in labor and hanging up before he could ask any questions.

We weren’t ready. The bag was packed, but it was at home. The nursery walls were barely dry. I was certain I’d left my car running with the fob sitting in the cupholder in front of the hospital. One of the security guards yelled something at me as I rushed by. I didn’t stop to find out what it was.

But none of that mattered as I scrambled through protocol and hurried into my wife’s room. She was panting, her face and neck wet with sweat. Seeing me, she began to cry, and I moved to her side, taking her hand.

“I’m here, sweetheart.”

Dr. Russell looked up. “This has got to be a record for me. We’re getting ready to push, Daddy. You know the drill.”

Holy shit, that was fast. I knew I needed to stay strong.