Page 143 of Ruin The Friendship
“Where is she?” I ask, out of breath.
“Room seven-ten. Come on, I’ll bring you.”
I follow close behind her, trying hard not to break out in another run. Finally, we’re outside the door, and she knocks twice before Grace calls, “Come in!”
The nurse opens the door, and I walk in, not waiting another second to get to my girls.
Lydia is folded over the bed, dressed in a hospital gown. Her head is resting on her arms as she sways back and forth while Zoey rubs her back. Grace sits in the opposite corner, holding a cup of ice chips, and honestly, looking a little petrified.
I take Zoey’s place at Lydia’s side, rubbing her back through her contraction.
“Hey, beautiful.” I push some of her curls off her sweaty face.
Lydia only lets out a low groan. I hate that I can’t take away her pain. Once the contraction eases, she stands up straight, wrapping her arms around my neck and resting her head on my chest.
“Hi.”
The proximity is exactly what I needed to feel marginally better. I hate that she’s going to be in so much pain for an unknown length of time, but having her in my arms, in my sight, helps.
Then she says, “You stink.”
“Sorry. I didn’t shower. I wanted to get here as soon as possible once I figured out something was up.”
“S’okay. Sorry we didn’t tell you when we left.”
“It’s okay.” I rub her back. “Scared me, but I’m glad you came here.”
“I didn’t want to.”
I tilt my head down, slanting my lips over hers for a quick kiss. “I heard.”
“Can you blame me? It’s a playoff game.” She sucks in a sharp breath.
I flutter my hands over her body, trying to help however possible. “What is it? What hurts?”
Lydia waves me off. “Did you win?”
I groan and rest my head on her forehead. “Yeah, Lydi-bug. We won. It doesn’t matter.”
“Of course, it matters—it’s the playoffs! I have to have this baby tonight, so you can be back for the next game.”
“Let’s not worry about that now. Right now, our focus is on delivering this baby and making sure both of you are safe and healthy.”
“I suppose that’s a good point.” Her grip tightens around the nape of my neck, and she lowers her voice. “I love you, but can you please shower before I send the girls home? You really stink.”
Chuckling, I nod. “Yes. I’ll be quick.”
Lydia drops her arms from my neck, and I peck her on the lips. I glance at Zoey and Grace, who offer me a nod. I return the gesture, hoping I convey just how grateful I am.
Zoey points to my pre-packed bag in the corner, and I grab a fresh pair of clothes and my toiletries from it before heading to the bathroom. I start the shower, and while I wait for it to warm up, it sinks in.
I’m going to become a father.
61
THE NEXT CHAPTER
LYDIA
