Page 88 of Ready or Not

“I’m really glad I’m not going into labor in DC all by myself.” She runs her fingers through the hair at the base of my skull.

“Me too, love.”

The drive to the hospital feels like it takes the better part of three years. Checking into labor and delivery goes smoothly. Despite Vale’s contractions never coming at regular intervals, they determine she is in active labor.

They admit her quickly and get her set up in the room we’ll be in until she delivers.

Bishop and Garza take turns passing each other as they pace.

Holt stretches back in the uncomfortable-looking chair on Vale’s other side as I nuzzle my cheek to hers.

The nurse comes back from tossing her gloves in the trash can. “You’re five centimeters. Do you have pain management in your birthing plan? Normally, I try not to offer, because some moms don’t want it even mentioned, but you’re progressing quickly for a first-time mom. I don’t want you to miss your window if you?—”

“I would like an epidural, please,” Vale says, nodding wildly. “As soon as humanly possible.”

“A mom who knows what she wants.” The nurse laughs. “I’ll let them know.”

She smiles and heads out, but Dr. Sanderson passes her on the way in.

“I had a feeling I’d be seeing you tonight.” Dr. Sanderson gives Vale a soft pat on the shin as she comes to a stop at the end of the bed.

“I’m surprised,” Vale says. “It’s really only today that I’ve been able to feel the contractions.”

Dr. Sanderson nods. “That back pain you’ve been experiencing is just how your contractions presented.”

“So, she’s been in labor for the last couple days?” Holt asks.

“That’s my best guess. You’re moving quite smoothly from bridging into active labor. I imagine we’ll have a baby sometime tomorrow, but the epidural can slow labor. I suggest napping, if you can. You’ll want to save that energy for when it’s time to push.”

Vale sighs, and I run my fingers through her hair. I can’t seem to force myself to stop hovering. Every time her pain fills the bond, I ache to soothe it.

Dr. Sanderson assures us she’ll be around to check back soon.

I run my hand over Vale’s hair and lean over to give her a quick kiss. “I love you.”

She gives a tired smile. “I love you too.”

I dig in my pocket until my hand wraps around the long, thin box. “I know it’s early because she isn’t actually here yet, but I have something for you.”

“It’s from all of us,” Bishop growls, making me feel like a rotten packmate.

“Yeah, dick.” Garza comes over to stand at my side.

“It’s your push present,” Holt says.

“I really didn’t need anything,” she says.

“You see, we’ve failed to give you our ring on multiple occasions.” I place the box on top of her stomach. “I don’t want to forget this.”

“Thank you.” She grabs the box, lifts the lid, and grins when she catches sight of the simple black heart locket. “It’s beautiful, and I’m so relieved it’s nothing too over the top.”

Holt snorts, and I glare at him out of the corner of my eye. She doesn’t need to know how much that piece of jewelry set us back.

“We also purchased the same one for Aurora. It can hold up to four pictures. I thought we’d include one of your mother.” I lean over, pulling her mouth to mine.

“I love it,” she whispers against my lips. “Thank you. I don’t think I should put it on right now. It’ll get all sweaty.”

“That’s understandable.” I chuckle as she pushes her lips to mine. “I’m still aching to give you your ring.”

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