Page 74 of Found By You

“Dr. Sanderson thinks she’s going to be a tiny baby,” I say, placing my hands over Duke’s as little kicks and punches bump his hands. She loves it when he rubs my belly.

Cassidy scoffs, glaring at Butch. “I’m going to birth a linebacker because of you.”

Butch grins smugly, wrapping his arms around her. “He’s a healthy, happy boy growing inside of you, sweetheart. You can’t be mad about that.”

My stomach tightens painfully. I wince. The feeling is foreign, somewhere between an intense cramp and an ache. My entire body tenses as I suck in a sharp breath.

Duke’s hands freeze on my belly, feeling how tense I’ve gotten. “Hey, you okay, doll?”

I nod, blowing out the breath long and slow. “Just a cramp,” I say, glancing over my shoulder at him. “Can you help me up?”

He gets up and comes around to my front, helping me to my feet. He watches me closely as I hold a hand under my belly with a scrunch of my face at the uncomfortable, cramping pain.

“What is it?” he asks. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head, not having the words to explain it.

“Ah, I see we’re having some Braxton Hicks over here,” the instructor sing-songs. “How far along are you, hon?”

“Thirty weeks,” I reply, blowing out a tense breath.

“You’re having false labor. Right now?” Cassidy squeals, rushing over to me in a quick waddle.

“False?” Butch questions in alarm. “What is false about it?”

“Before true labor begins, women can experience what we call false labor or Braxton Hicks,” the instructor states. “These contractions vary based on the mother. Some experience light cramping, others can be more intense, simulating labor contractions. All good signs that your body is prepping.”

“Does it hurt?” Cassidy asks, poking my stomach. “You’re so tense.”

I swat her hand away. “It doesn’t feel good if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Remember the breathing we worked on today. Controlled breaths can be very helpful, regardless of the level of discomfort,” the instructor tells me before excusing herself to where the next class is arriving.

Duke takes my free hand, looking me over in concern.

“I’m okay,” I say, the tension in my body finally releasing. Thank god. That was getting a little much.

His brow furrows, not believing me. “Are you sure? We can head home if you want. Baby shopping can wait.”

“Are you kidding, honey?” I snort. “If anything, she just told us we better get our butts in gear.”

“How bad was it? Scale of one to ten,” Cassidy asks eagerly.

I stare down at my belly. “Maybe a five? It was like a bad period cramp, but more tense and uncomfortable.”

“We can buy everything online,” Duke says in a panic. “We should get you home to lay down and rest.”

“I’m fine, Duke. It’s gone now. And I want to pick out her coming home outfit. Oh, and get one of those mink soft blankets for her.”

“Food first,” Cassidy states firmly, earning a booming laugh from Butch. She smiles at him as he takes her hand and walks to the exit.

I go to follow them when Duke holds me back. I look up at him, his dark eyes a mixture of emotions—worry being the most prominent. “Maci…”

I get on my tippy toes and give him a quick kiss. “We’re okay,” I whisper. “She’s staying put for now. I promise.”

Silence lingers between us for a moment before he huffs, “Two stores max after lunch. I don’t want you walking around all day if you’re going to be hurting with these false labor pains.”

I beam. “Yes, sir.”

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