Page 12 of Open Net

Kelly seemed to accept that better than Olli. “If you’re sure…”

“I am.” Of course, the moment I said it a monster of a contraction started. I clenched my jaw and counted to ten over and over again until it passed. It wasn’t a coping method that the birthing classes taught but I figured out about two hours ago that it was enough of a distraction to get me through.

I let out a groan and curled in a fetal position against the hard bed.

Kelly left us alone while Olli stared down at me looking lost. “I wish there was something I could do. I would give anything to trade you places with you right now.”

I smiled up at him. “You want to be nine months pregnant?”

“I’d do it if it meant you weren’t in pain.”

“Thank you, babe. I know you would.”

He leaned over and gently kissed my forehead. “What can I do to make you more comfortable?”

I peered around the room as if a magical answer to take this all away would appear. “A cool rag would be nice.”

He nodded, hurried to the bathroom, and returned with a wet rag in his hands. He

folded it neatly before dabbing my cheeks, neck and forehead. I let myself relax even though I wasn’t remotely comfortable.

“We’re almost there, Emma.”

I closed my eyes and smiled. “Almost.”

I heard the door open but didn’t bother looking up.

“We brought some snacks and reinforcements,” Chloe said.

“Hey Emma.”

My eyes popped open at the sound of Madeline’s voice. She stood beside Chloe. Reese had returned too.

“Hi,” I whispered. “You didn’t have to come.”

She had work in a few hours. There was no way she could take any more time off after our trip.

“Yes, I did.” She came to my side and air-kissed my cheek. “I can’t stay for too long, but I wanted to come by.”

That was a relief. I couldn’t handle the guilt of her having even more to make up. “Thank you. You’re not missing much though.”

“No progress?” Chloe sounded almost as disappointed as I felt.

I shook my head. “Not really.”

“Almost a centimeter.” Olli cut in.

“Even after all that dancing?” Reese sounded indignant.

“Right?!” Olli shook his head.

Madeline glanced around and laughed. “I guess I did miss something.”

“Just some salsa and belly dancing.” Chloe pointed to the ball in the corner of the room. “It’s supposed to help baby get into the proper position.”

Madeline turned and winked at me. “Who knew this would be so much fun?”

I would have rolled my eyes, but I was too tired to move a single facial muscle. “Not me,” I said through parched lips.