Page 106 of Cruel Embers
“You better not have been,” I say, trying not to pout like a petulant child.
Once we have the drinks from Starbucks and Nathan snags a parking space as close as we can get to the main entrance, we both power walk into the building like we’re going for the world record.
When we get to the doors for the delivery suite, Nathan cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a kiss, not just any kiss, which has my lower stomach pulse and my knees tremble.
“I’ll see you in a bit.”
I sanitise my hands as he pulls out his coffee before passing me the drinks tray and making sure my rucksack is secure on my shoulder. I might have brought some provisions with me, just in case.
“You don’t have to hang around, there’s no knowing how long this will take.”
Smiling, he kisses the tip of my nose. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, and you know it. Besides, Henry and Meg are on their way too.”
“I love you.”
He presses the button for the intercom and swats my arse.
“Love you, too, now get in there.”
I give my name to the nurse, who buzzes me in, and then I make my way to Lottie’s room.
Tapping on the door, I open it and find Lottie sitting in bed with a band around her stomach, monitoring the babies’ heartbeats.
“Good, you’re here. I’m gasping,” she says, holding her hand out for her Frappuccino.
Ethan comes over, kisses my cheek, takes the tray from me, and wastes no time popping in a straw and passing it to Charlotte.
“Hello, Vi,” I retort in a sing-song voice as I step up to the bed and touch her stomach, leaning over to kiss her forehead.
“Sorry, hi, Vi. You know I can’t wait to have one of these with coffee after the babies are here.”
“How are they doing?”
She smiles, covering my hand with hers.
“Good. We’re at five centimetres, so they’re going to give me an epidural. You’re just in time.”
I shiver. “I’ll make sure to stay forward facing.” If I see them sticking a needle into her spine, I’ll probably pass out, and that's Ethan’s job. If anyone is passing out during delivery, it will not be me.
Char was on the fence about having an epidural, but because she’s having twins and even though she wanted to have a vaginal birth, it is best to be prepared in case a caesarean is needed.
“Oh, shit.” Charlotte’s hand shoots out, and Ethan grabs the Frap as she lets out a deep groan.
And then she grabs for the gas and air.
“That's it, baby. You got this,” Ethan says, his voice deep and calm.
Char's eyes go wide, and I reach out for her free hand, and she squeezes it, not tight enough to hurt, thankfully.
After a minute, she lets out a deep sigh and drops the gas and air.
As if on cue, the anaesthetist comes in, and they prep her, opening up her gown at her back. I keep my eyes focused on her face when they’re ready to administer it, but I can tell before Charlotte even starts laughing that's she’s going to.
And then we’re both laughing. The anaesthetist waits a moment as Ethan tries to get us to calm down. In the end, I stand over in the corner and pull out my phone.
“There you go, all done,” he says as he stands. I come back over to see the catheter left in place.
For the next couple of hours, her contractions get stronger and closer together. I’m in awe of how calm and collected Ethan is during it all, even when she curses him.
