Page 67 of Embrace

“Before y’all go, Suvi, we have a proposition for you.”

“What’s up?”

“When you’re off maternity leave, we’d like to add you to the marketing team. We’ve seen the flyers you’ve done for Blaze’s shop, and we think we could reach an even larger audience with your talented graphic designs.”

I gasped. “For sure! Send me an email and we can talk numbers and get the contracts set up.”

“I knew you’d be up for the job. Thank you both for sharing this moment with me. I pray for many years ahead.” Lamya concluded the interview.

We thanked her again as Blaze helped me up from the couch. I gave Lamya another hug before we walked down the hall of Arranged Hearts for the final time.

ELEVEN WEEKS LATER

I had a container of strawberries and kiwis set on my belly as I read a book by Kami. Make Me A Promise had me snotty nosed and teary eyed as I read about Sayori’s journey with Pastor Adriel. I sniffled as I grabbed another slice of strawberry.

“Girl! You need to stop playing these games and let Pastor love you the right way, hell…” I grumbled aloud. It was three o’clock in the morning and my insomnia was in overdrive, so I decided to read to pass the time. I don’t know why I chose Kami’s catalog when she liked to stress me out and tug at my heart’s strings.

Blaze lay next to me, snoring lightly. He’d been working overtime to get as many clients serviced as possible before he took his leave of absence. He was tired, and rightfully so. I’d been running him ragged with my pregnancy cravings, emotions, and attitude. He loved me through every episode I had.

Pressure built in my core before my legs were drenched in fluid. “Oh?” I moved my container of fruit and placed it on the bed side table before I examined the unexpected burst of fluid. More liquid splashed from between my legs.

“Oh…” I turned on the lamp and hit Blaze. “Blaze… Blaze… Blaze!”

“Hmm?”

“My water broke.”

“I’ll get you another one.” He rolled over and pulled the cover over his head.

I stood up from the bed as water continued to fall from my body in small bursts. “Blaze!” I grabbed my pillow and repeatedly hit him with it.

“What’s wrong, Su?”

“My water broke! The baby is coming!”

“Huh… The baby is coming!” He jumped up and ran around the room like a chicken with its head cut off.

“Blaze, please calm down!” I grabbed his arm. He took a deep breath.

“Sorry. I’m good now. You ready to head to the center?”

“Yes. I’ll call my doula while you make sure the car is running and the bags are in the car. Make sure the car seat is loaded and ready for our baby’s ride home.”

Blaze nodded his head and did as I instructed him to. I realized I’d probably leak fluid the entire drive, so I went into the bathroom and grabbed three large towels. I placed the towels in a bag and went to grab my bottle of water and a snack. I knew they wouldn’t let me eat until after labor, so I would get my grub on before we made it to the center. It was hardheaded, but I didn’t want to starve.

I went into the garage and Blaze opened the passenger door for me. I placed two towels in the seat and sat down. I placed another under my feet and used them to wipe the fluid that had slid down during my trek to the car.

Once I was comfortable and secure, Blaze hopped in and backed out of the garage. A sharp pain slid through my body. I whimpered and rubbed my stomach. “All right, Sy… Please be gentle on Mama.”

“We’re fifteen minutes away from the center. I’ll speed if you want me to.”

I shook my head. “No, baby. We don’t need to risk getting into a car accident.”

Blaze took a deep breath as we stopped at a red light. The tension in the car was heavy, but we were first time parents, so it was understandable. Another contraction occurred which resulted in me gripping the door handle and squeezing until my knuckles turned white.

“Blaze… Pull over.”

“Huh?”

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