Page 163 of Penalty to the Heart

She chews on her lip and nods, not looking as confident as usual.

“I really wish he was here.”

“I know, E. I know.” I press a kiss on her sweaty forehead.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this without him,” she croaks, her voice filled with unshed tears.

“But you will. You’ve been kicking ass and taking names all on your own for the past six months. Jack would be so fucking proud of you, E. So very fucking proud.”

“Yeah?” She lets one tear fall.

“Yes, E. You’re a fighter. Just like him. You know why? Because you’re a mother-fucking-Donovan! That’s why. So you got this in the bag. Do you believe me?”

“I do.” She smiles weakly. “Or at least I’m really trying to. I think I’d like those ice chips now.”

“You got it, E.” I press another kiss on her temple and search the hall for some ice chips.

When I return, a doctor and two nurses are already there, moving about the room with practiced efficiency, preparing for the arrival of the newest member of our family. I don’t dare look at the doctor—with his head under a sheet, between Erin’s thighs—and instead hurry to stand by her side.

“I’m afraid that you are too far into labor to administer an epidural,” the doctor says from under the sheet.

“I changed my mind. I can’t do this,” Erin says in a panic, sweat pouring down her face.

“Well, we are doing this. This baby is coming out, whether you’re ready for it or not,” the doctor states with resolve.

“Hasn’t even been born yet, and this kid already thinks he’s in charge. Stubborn just like his father,” Erin curses.

“Or maybe the kid takes after its mother,” I joke, holding her hand.

Erin lets out a little chuckle but then tightens her grip on my hand as another contraction wracks through her body. I can see the pain etched on her face, but she’s fighting through it, strong and determined.

As the minutes begin to stretch into an hour, I can see the exhaustion starting to creep into Erin’s eyes. She’s been laboring for what seems like an eternity, but she’s not giving up.

“You’re doing great, E. Fucking incredible even. Just keep doing what you’re doing, okay?”

I wipe the sweat from her brow and offer her more words of encouragement, telling her how amazing she is and how proud I am of her. She cracks a tired little smile, but it lights up her face none the same.

After what seems like an eternity, the doctor finally informs that the baby’s head is emerging.

“I’m going to need you to give me one big push!” the doctor orders.

“You’re so close now, E. Just one more push.”

“I can’t. I’m so tired. I’m so tired,” she says.

“I know you are. I know. Just one more push. Just one more, and you’ll get to see your baby.”

Gripping my hand, Erin lets out a high-pitched scream as she pushes with all her might. Her baby’s cries instantly fill the room, and tears well up in my eyes at the sight of this new life, this precious little miracle.

“Congratulations! It’s a boy!”

“Oh, my god! It’s a boy! Did you hear that, E? You have a baby boy?!”

Happy tears stream down her face as I jump with excitement.

“Would you like to have the honor of cutting the umbilical cord?”

I shake my head.

---