Page 101 of On Thin Ice

“She’s five minutes apart, but it’s getting closer to four,” Joy said.

“Thank you. Are you coming into the delivery room?” the nurse asked as she put a few bracelets with my information on my wrist.

“Yes. And send Cora Monroe in there when she gets up here, please,” Joy said.

As they helped me into the bed and started taking my vitals, I remembered that I still had to tell Dom. The last thirty minutes had been a whirlwind, and I’d completely forgotten to let him know that it was possibly baby time. We hadn’t even agreed on a name yet. I had a list, but naming a kid was hard. They had it for life—well, unless they changed it. But still, it was a big responsibility. I couldn’t name her until I met her.

“Can I have my phone?” I asked.

Joy opened my bag and found it, handing it to me.

“Should probably tell Dom he’s about to be a daddy,” I said, then winced as another contraction hit me. I breathed through it like I’d watched on a few pregnancy breathing videos. You’d think they would’ve covered that in the birth class, but they hadn’t, so I’d done extra research online. Not that it was really helping the pain.

Crap, that hurt.

“He’s going to freak that he’s not here,” Cora said. I hadn’t even noticed her stepping into the room.

“First labors are long, right? They land in two hours. He’ll be here in time.” I just had to keep telling myself that.

“The baby wants what the baby wants, but it should be a while,” the nurse said, patting my knee. “Now, let’s check to see where we are.”

Ally: So, the little diva is diva-ing and decided to come early. Maybe.

Ally: Waiting for someone to tell me if it’s really labor.

Ally: But I’m at the hospital right now. Cora and Joy brought me.

Ally: I hope you get this and get here before she does.

“Well, it looks like actual labor, not Braxton-Hicks, and you’re dilated four centimeters. We should have some time before you deliver,” the nurse said.

“Okay. Good.” I opened my family group chat.

Ally: Looks like Baby Girl has a mind of her own. I’m at the hospital and in labor. So far, not awful, but I’ll let you know when she gets here.

Mom: Oh my goodness. I’m so excited. We’ll be on the first flight out.

Dad: Or we can wait until you’re ready.

Mom: Don’t tell me when I’m going to see my very first grandchild.

Ethan: Hope it goes smoothly. Let me know if you need anything.

Ethan: You got this, squirt.

Ally: Don’t call me that. And no flights yet. I’ll let you know.

Mom: Fine. But I’m so excited, honey. You’re going to do so great. Love you so much.

Darren: Good luck, Ally.

Dad: Love you, Ally.

Ally: Love you guys.

I smiled. And then another contraction hit. “Dammit, that hurts.”

She was finally going to be here. I put my hand on my belly, careful to avoid hitting the fetal heart monitor.

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