Page 136 of Love You Madly

How’s it going over there?

I lean back in my chair, sipping my drink while waiting for her to reply.

Callie:

Busy, but good. The girls have been playing quite a bit and I don’t know if it’s just from me being up and around so much but I… uh… I think I might be going into labor.

The words make my heart skip a beat. I read them again, my brain scrambling to catch up. I sit up straighter, my grip tightening around the phone. Her due date is a week away. I shouldn’t be so shocked by her statement.

I feel my hands start to tremble as I type out a response.

Me:

Seriously? Are you sure?

Callie:

Pretty sure. Contractions started about an hour ago. They’re not super close yet, but… yeah.

I’m already on my feet, the beer forgotten on the porch railing. Thankfully, I haven’t even drank half of it.

Me:

Why didn’t you say something earlier?

Callie:

You were working and I didn’t want to worry you.

Me:

Can I comeget you?

I run inside the house quickly to grab her packed hospital bag and her reply comes quickly.

Callie:

Yes, please. I’ll get ahold of Mom so she can watch the girls until Taylor gets home.

I need to text Adam too since he said he wants to be there when the baby is born.

My chest tightens, a mix of anticipation, nerves, and something else I can’t quite name. I’ve been preparing myself for this moment for weeks, but now that it’s here, it feels like the ground has shifted beneath my feet. I want to be there for her, to be what she needs, even if it’s just for the parts I’m allowed.

Me:

I’m on my way. I love you.

I hit send and grab my keys as I quickly head for the door.

As I drive, the streets blur past, my thoughts racing ahead of me. Callie’s about to have her baby, and all I can think about is how much I want to be there, not just in the room but really there, in every way that matters. I keep my eyes on the road, my hands gripping the wheel, and remind myself that this is about Callie and what she needs. I can be strong for her, even if that means stepping back when she needs me the most.

extended epilogue

RUBY - KAISER CHIEFS

CALLIE - OCTOBER 30, 2013

The night has been a foggy blur of dim hospital lights and beeping monitors, the antiseptic scent of the labor and delivery room mingling with the faint aroma of the lavender lotion I’d slathered on before bed, hoping for a calm night’s sleep. So much for that. Owen had arrived at Taylor's last night shortly before Mom got there to take over, allowing him to drive me to the hospital. The drive was a quiet one, filled with the muted hum of the truck’s engine and my occasional sharp intake of breath as contractions gripped me tighter, squeezing out any sense of control I thought I had. I’m nervous and excited and so ready to not be pregnant anymore.

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