Page 62 of Lyon

We worked for six days before we had all of the children out of the rubble. Not all were alive, and most were in bad shape. There was a doctor who set up at the school, so someone was there when we would bring a child out. This was heartbreaking. It was so hard for the parents who refused to leave.

We moved on to other buildings, and we worked for two weeks until we went home. I couldn’t wait to see Niki.

29

Niki

A sharp paincaught my breath, and I wondered if it was a contraction. I decided not to say anything to Lyon—I knew he’d drive me crazy with worry. Ten minutes later, another one hit. I smiled to myself as I knelt in the dirt, planting flowers. It was winter, but in Southern California, the sun kept the temperature at a warm seventy degrees.

The pains came and went all day, mild and fleeting, until I was standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes. Then, a strong one gripped me, stealing my breath. My hand flew to my stomach.This is it.It was time to go to the hospital.

I turned to call for Lyon, but he was already there, watching me with wide eyes.

“Is it time?” His voice was calm, but I could see the tension in his stance.

I nodded, and he bolted upstairs to grab my hospital bag. Brutus, our ever-loyal dog, hovered at my side, his big brown eyes filled with concern.

“Brutus, you can’t come with us, buddy,” I said, running a hand through his fur.

Oliver stepped into the room, taking in the situation instantly. “I’ll keep Brutus. Just go.” His voice was firm, but before I could thank him, another contraction hit.

Lyon helped me to the truck, his grip steady and reassuring. We hadn’t even pulled out of the driveway before an intense wave of pain hit, making me grip the armrest.

Lyon shot me a look. “How long have you been having contractions?”

I blew out a breath. “Most of the day, but they were small. They started getting stronger about an hour ago.”

He exhaled sharply. “And you didn’t tell me because…?”

I shot him a glare between breaths. “Because I knew you’d hover and drive me insane. Can we not argue about this now? Gracie is pushing already. She hears us talking and wants out.”

Lyon chuckled, which made me glare harder.

“This is not the time to start laughing.Damn, that hurts.Can you drive faster?” I snapped. I knew I was getting grumpy, but I couldn’t help it.

Then, without a second thought, I grabbed my phone and dialed 911.

Lyon’s head whipped toward me, concern flashing across his face. “Why are you calling for an ambulance?”

“Because I want them following us to the hospitalin caseGracie won’t wait that long. And I should have told you earlier, but I want the epidural,” I admitted, my voice breaking. Tears welled in my eyes. Of all the pain I had endured in my life,thiswas making me cry. “I’m sorry for being a baby.”

Lyon took my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Hey, you’re not being a baby,” he said gently. “Your emotions are in overdrive because we’re about to meet our daughter.”

I wiped my eyes. “I just want to hold her.”

“I know,” he whispered. “Me too.”

We were almost at the hospital when flashing lights appeared in the rearview mirror. The fire truck pulled up behind us, following us all the way to the entrance. As soon as Lyon parked, a firefighter approached—a woman.

“That was smart, calling us just in case,” she said, offering a kind smile. “I’m Beatrice Jones. I’ll let your husband take you in. Good luck!”

“Thank you,” I managed, just as another contraction stole my breath. Then, suddenly,my water broke.

Everything became a blur. Lyon stayed glued to my side as I was rushed up to the delivery room.

“You’re doing great, sweetheart,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Gracie will be here soon. I love you.”

And then, after what felt like a lifetime but also a single breath—she was here.

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