Page 77 of Caught By A Cowboy

“Youwant to dance?” I stare at him in shock.

“It’s tradition, ain’t it?” He takes my hand and leads me toward the square Grayson and Miles made out of bales, once they’d finished clearing the chairs from the ceremony.

“Well, this is one hell of a day. Not only have I got Jace Sullivan to dance with me but I also got him in a suit.” I stretch my arms around his neck and gently sway with him to the music.

“Darlin’, I think you could get me doin’ just about anything’.” He smiles and when a strong pain ripples through me, I clench him tight as a gush from between my legs soaks the boots I’m wearing.

“Oh, shit.” I breathe in through my nose when I realize that this isnota practice.

“Mads, did your waters just break?” Looking up at him, I see the panic on his face when I nod and smile back at him awkwardly.

JACE

“Holy fuckin’ shit, what do we do?” I hold on to both her arms as I look between us and see the puddle on the floor.

“Get me to the hospital, I guess.” She’s hunched over, gripping me tight, and looking like she’s in pain.

“Looks like the party’s over folks.” I hear Jamie start to round everyone up and while I try to keep Maddison calm, I glance around for Sawyer so he can drive us.

“Taylor, go find Sawyer,” I order as I shuffle Maddison over to rest on one of the bales.

“I thought they were those practice ones,” she tells me in between breaths as I lower her down.

“What do you mean? How long have you been having these practice contractions?” I stroke her lower back while the boys do their best to get everyone outside.

“Since this morning.” She grips the side of her stomach and moans. “They’re getting really bad, Jace.” I’m about to call her out for not saying anything before, but a bigger problem is on its way.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, you're okay.” Her mother stumbles over and sits on the bale beside her. “The drugs they have arefabulous. My advice is to go straight for the good stuff. Forget the gas and air.” I look up at Maddison's father when he rushes over and hope the way I raise my eyebrows tells him that she’s making things worse.

“Come on, Mary, Jace has this covered. Let's go inside.”

“Don’t be silly, Roger, our daughter’s giving birth. I’m going to be right here, by her side.” She takes Maddison’s hand in hers and when Maddison turns her head to look at me, she breaks into tears.

“Bad news, I can’t find Sawyer. But we’re finding an alternative.” Taylor must notice the problem because she immediately rectifies it.

“More champagne, Mrs MacKenzie?” She looks at Mary's empty glass.

“Oh yes, please, dear.” Mary hands it to her

“No worries, there’s plenty more in the house.” She takes hold of her arm and forcibly stands her back on her feet. “Let's get you topped up.” Leading her out she looks back over her shoulder at me and winks.

“I can drive you to the hospital, I only had a sip of champagne for the toasts,” Roger tells me.

“I don't think I can move.” Maddison shakes her head, not seeming to care that her father is right in front of her when she slides off the bale, onto the floor, and stretches her legs open. “Jace, he’s coming now. I can feel it.”

“What?No…No, he ain't coming now, not here, you have to be in a hospital, darlin’.” I have to do something to stop myself from panicking because I’m supposed to be the calm one.

“Now’s not the time to fucking argue!” She grips at my shirt and starts bearing down.

“Stop doin’ that.” I look up to her father, hoping he’s gonna back me up on this.

“Roger, go find Dr West!” I yell at him.

“He already left.” Maddison pants as she clutches her stomach. Sweat is pouring from her skin now and she doesn’t seem to be getting much time to recover between contractions.

“Okay, Okay. Try Tabitha or Theo Briggs,” I instruct him.

“Theo Briggs is a vet.” She looks pissed-as-hell as she pulls on my sleeve and starts to scream.

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