Page 84 of Utah

“Are you sure you don’t want me to call Knox and have him bring your mom over? I really don’t mind if she’s in the room with us.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I just want the two of us here. Besides, she’s been having more pain recently, and I don’t want her to overexert herself. She’ll get plenty of time with the baby later.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Five and a half hours after my water broke, I was finally dilated enough to start pushing.

“Okay, Ria. What do you say we have a baby?” Dr. Fulson smiled as she wheeled closer. “When I say, you can start pushing.”

I nodded, both terrified and excited about what was going to happen next. Utah stood by my shoulder, holding my hand and assisting in holding my left leg. A young brunette nurse was on my right, holding my other leg.

“Okay, push.”

I gave it my all until I couldn’t give any more. And this wenton for over an hour. By the end, I was utterly drained and didn’t think I could push anymore.

“I can’t do it,” I cried. “I can’t.”

“You can,” Dr. Fulson said, “and you will. Your baby wants to meet you. You’re almost there.” She nodded, giving me the go-ahead to try again. “See? I told you. I can see the head.” Moments passed, and she said, “Push again. Great job, Ria. The baby’s coming.” She turned her attention to Utah. “Do you want to watch your baby come into the world, Dad?”

He looked like a deer in headlights, and it wasn’t until I let go of his hand and nudged him forward that he moved toward the doctor.

His eyes widened when I pushed again, and the look of pure amazement on his face made me jealous that I couldn’t witness the same thing he was right then.

“Ria, the head’s out, but don’t push.” Dr. Fulson’s voice dipped and immediately alarmed me.

“Why is he turning blue?” Utah asked, looking from between my legs to my face and back again.

“The umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, cutting off the oxygen. Don’t push,” she said sternly. “I’m going to untangle it.”

Utah and I locked eyes. I’d never been so scared in my entire life. And even though he was just as worried, he softened his expression and nodded, silently telling me everything was going to be okay.

“Breathe, Ria. It’s untangled. You can push now.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Push.”

On the last push, the baby emerged but was quickly taken to the other side of the room.

Utah peered over the doctor’s and nurse’s shoulders before coming back to stand next to me. “They’re just making sure he’sokay. He turned a little blue but looked better when he came out.”

The longest minute of my life passed before they brought the baby back to me. Dr. Fulson laid the little one on my chest.

“Congratulations. It’s a boy.”

“Oh, thank God!” Utah exclaimed, dropping his head for a moment before smiling at me. “I knew it.”

“You did.” I gazed down at the tiny miracle and couldn’t believe how in love with him I already was. I caught the doctor’s eye when she took a step back. “He’s okay, though?”

“He’s perfect,” she said. “He gave us a small scare, but he’s okay. I promise.” I exhaled at the same time Utah did. “We’ll leave you alone for now. And congratulations again to you both.”

Once it was the three of us, Utah reached for our son. I reluctantly handed him over, not because I didn’t want him to bond with the baby but because my arms already ached with his absence.

“What are we gonna name the little guy?” he asked, stroking his tiny hand. “And please don’t say Westley because that name will get him beat up.”

“No.” I chuckled, remembering when I pleaded my case for the name, which was from my favorite movie,The Princess Bride. “Not Westley, although I still think that’s a great name. I’d like to name him after you. Paul.”

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