Page 84 of Baby I'm Yours

“More likely they’re just stubborn,” I counter. “Like their father.”

“Says the most stubborn woman I know,” he murmurs, affection in his tone.

I smile. “These poor kids. They don’t stand a chance. They’re destined to be as pigheaded as they come.”

“Destined for greatness, you mean,” he counters, shifting into reverse before pausing again. “I assume we’re going to St. Barts?”

I shake my head. “No, the Methodist hospital. So, head north. St. Bart’s doesn’t take my insurance.”

“St. Bart’s is closer,” he mutters, scowling as he backs out of my spot into the alley. “Next time, you’re going to the closest hospital, with the best doctors.”

“I don’t know about next time, buddy,” I say, secretly thrilled that he’s even kidding about more babies. It proves he’s ready for this. Maybe even more ready than evenherealizes just yet. “The only way I’m even thinking about getting pregnant again is if the universe makes me a solemn promise to only give me one at a time from now on.”

“I think that’s fair,” he says. “And a reasonable request after giving us two the first time.”

Us…

It’s a sweet word, one I appreciate now more than ever.

The streets of Sea Breeze are quiet as we drive. Thursday nights are usually pretty calm this time of year, with the annual wave of tourists still a couple months out and most of the bars closing early. Only the Clam Shack still shows signs of life, warm light spilling onto the sidewalk, where a few hardy locals brave the March chill, waiting for a table to open in the tiny restaurant.

“You should call your doctor,” Hunter says as he navigates through town. “Let him or her know we’re on our way to the hospital.”

“Already done. I texted Dr. Saunders earlier while I was peeing,” I say, pulling my cell from my purse. “She’s going to meet us there in thirty minutes or so. But I should call Maya. She’s my labor coach.”

I hit Maya’s contact number, and she picks up on the first ring. “Please tell me you didn’t kill him,” she says by way of greeting. “Blood is really hard to get out of hardwood.”

I laugh, then wince as another contraction builds. “No killing,” I grit out. “We’re actually good, but um, my water broke?” I exhale, fighting the twist of pain as Maya screeches on the other end of the line.

“WHAT?!”

I pull the phone away from my ear with a wince. “Relax,” I pant. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”

“Oh my God! Where are you? Are your bags still packed? Do you need me to come get you? I was just about to leave the rental. I still need to drop Mario off with the nanny, but I can be there in?—”

“No, it’s okay, Hunter’s driving me to the hospital in Chum Bucket,” I say, pulling in a smoother breath as the pain subsides again. “We’re on our way now. Should be there in fifteen minutes or so.” I glance Hunter’s way as he accelerates out of downtown. “Maybe sooner if Hunter has anything to say about it.”

“Okay, good, I’m glad you’re on your way,” Maya says. “I’ll drop Mario off, grab a few things, and be there as soon as I can.” She hesitates a moment before adding in a softer voice, “And you’re okay? You sure? With him taking you and…everything?”

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I reach over to take Hunter’s hand, happiness flooding through me as he twines his fingers through mine. “Better than okay, actually.”

“Oh good.” Maya’s tone goes gooey. “That’s so great to hear. So, you two made up? Is he going to stay with you during the birth?”

“Yeah, he’s staying with me,” I confirm, watching his profile in the dim light.

Hunter glances over, his gaze stern. “Not going anywhere,” he says, raising his voice to ensure Maya can hear. “Not tonight or any other night, if I have anything to say about it.”

“Yay!” Maya exhales a breathy laugh. “Oh, Elaina, this is so wonderful! I was so worried I’d overstepped, but I couldn’t stand to see you miserable and going through all this alone anymore. Hold on, your mother-in-law wants to talk to you.”

“She’s not my—” I start to protest, but Margaret’s already on the line.

“Elaina, sweetheart!” Her voice is thick with emotion. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy. You have no idea. And I’m here foranything you need. Absolutely anything. How are you feeling? Are the contractions bad yet? Do I need to yell at my son?”

I laugh. “No, no yelling required. Hunter’s taking good care of me.”

“He finally pulled his head out of his butt, then?” she asks, making me snort. I glance toward Hunter to find him smiling.

“Yes, mother,” he says. “My head is fully out of my ass. And it’s going to stay that way.”

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