Page 91 of Strike Zone

“Whatever way it happens, we’re going to meet our daughter today, Diana. The where doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me! I wanted one thing to happen the right way for us. This was supposed to go according to plan for us, Linc.”

“As long as you and the baby are healthy, it’s going to plan.”

“You know what I mean. Stop trying to make it okay. I’m about to give birth in a moving vehicle. Nothing about this is the way it was supposed to happen.”

“But everything about us works, Diana. Maybe we got here in an unorthodox way, but we’re here, and we’re together, and I love you.”

“I love you too.” I hold her tight as she gives an almighty push.

“You’re doing great, Dee. The baby’s head is out. Same again on the next contraction, and you’ll be meeting your little one.” The EMT gives us a reassuring nod as we speed through the streets of Manhattan.

“Linc, I’m scared.”

“You’ve done all the hard work, and I’m in awe of you. You can do this. One more big push, and you get to meet your daughter.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m not ready. What if I’m a terrible mom?”

“You’ll be a wonderful mom. You’re strong and tough when you need to be, but you’re also incredibly sweet and kind and…”

“Holy son of a motherfucker!”

Chapter Twenty

DIANA

Every fiber of my being contracts, a force of nature so intense, ripping my body apart as I bear down for one last push. A white-hot fire consumes me, searing pain followed by the sound of our baby girl crying as she enters the world.

The EMT immediately places her on my chest and covers her with a blanket, my heart filled with love the second I lay eyes on her.

“Oh my God. She’s so tiny.” I lean my head back against Linc’s chest, more exhausted than I’ve ever been in my life. He showers my face with kisses as he sweeps my sweat-slicked hair off my cheek. “You’re amazing. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Daddy.”

“Holy shit. Oops. Sorry, princess.” He reaches forward, tracing his finger down her cheek with tears in his eyes. “She’s so beautiful. Look at her little hands.” As he runs the pad of his thumb over the back of her tiny fist, I notice there’s something in her fist.

“Linc, she’s holding onto something.”

“What? She literally went from your womb to here. There’s nothing to hold onto.”

“Can you just check?” Her fingers are so cute, but she’s definitely clutching something.

Linc tries to coax her hand open, scared she’s too fragile, but she’s got a tight fist on her—a little fighter in the making.

Her fingers uncurl, releasing whatever it is into her daddy’s hand. “What the hell is this?” He holds it out to me, and I can’t believe my eyes.

“It’s my IUD.” He drops it like a hot potato.

“You’re messing with me, right?”

“I couldn’t make it up even if I tried.” I’m trying not to laugh, but Linc’s face is a picture right now.

“She’s your daughter. Who else would give birth to a baby who comes out clutching her victor’s scepter? One night of unprotected sex… no problem. IUD… hold my breast milk. Only a Lexington girl would keep a hold of the damn thing to prove everyone else wrong.”

“That’s my girl.”

“You’re going to be a real ball-buster, aren’t you, baby?”

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