Page 10 of Open Net

I hoped I would too.

“Hey Momma!” I opened my eyes to see Chloe bound into the room with her arms open.

I stopped my circles and tried to stand.

“No,” Chloe said, “stay there. I’ll come to you.”

I was grateful for that small mercy. I didn’t think I’d be able to stand on my own. She wrapped me in a gentle hug, but I pulled her closer.

“Thanks for coming.”

She stepped back with a victorious smile. “They both said I didn’t need to be here, but I knew you’d want me.”

She winked and I laughed even though it felt like my stomach was currently splitting into multiple pieces.

“So, catch us up. Where are you at?”

I peered up to Reese who didn’t seem at all disturbed with the direction this conversation was going.

“I’m at a six and the nurse is concerned because I’m not progressing.”

Chloe’s brows pinched together. “Well then, let’s fix that.”

“What do you know about labor, babe?” Reese asked in a joking tone.

“What do you think I’ve been researching for the past seven months.” She shot her husband a look. “Have you been walking?”

I nodded. “We walked for a while. How long was it?” I asked Olli hoping he’d been paying attention. It felt like an eternity to me.

“About twenty minutes.”

My body deflated. “That’s it?”

He shrugged.

She pursed her lips. “And how long have you been doing this?”

“Maybe five minutes.”

She nodded. “We’ll let’s get this show rolling.” She pulled out her phone and seconds later a salsa song with a strong beat filled the room. She started moving her hips back and forth.

“Come on.” She grabbed Reese’s hands and made him move with her. I laughed but a contraction started, and I closed my eyes and groaned. I felt Olli near me before his hands started rubbing my back. I knew he thought he was helping and trying to do something to feel useful, but I wanted to shake him off. Not yet. It was annoying enough to give me something to focus on besides the wave of pain trying to consume me.

Once it was over, I opened my eyes to see everyone watching at me.

“You okay?” Chloe looked a mix of concerned and amused.

I nodded. “Teach us how to salsa.”

She watched me for a moment before turning and starting back up with Reese. Olli came to my side and offered his hand. I thought he was trying to get me to stand, but when I placed my palm in his, his hips began swaying.

It was too much. I burst out laughing and timed my circles to match him. His laugh relaxed me, and I felt a little guilty for hating his touch a second ago. This man was my partner. As long as he was here, I’d get through this.

“There you go! See, you just needed to have a little fun with it.” Chloe moved her arms in front of her like a belly dancer. “See just keep moving baby down.”

Reese shook his head but didn’t stop. We were all having this baby together now.

The nurse, Kelly, came back in a minute later and didn’t bat an eye at all of us dancing. “How are you feeling?” she asked.