Page 134 of Moose

“This is The Devil’s Highwaymen, princess.”

We headed outside and sat down at one of the tables that were set up. Grills were going and kids were running everywhere.

It was wild, yet so beautiful at the same time. Moose got up to grab me some food so I could just sit and rest.

This pregnancy was taking its toll on me and I couldn’t wait to pop this baby out. Everything hurt, and I didn’t know how I was going to get through labor. Lilah and I had already talked, and I said fuck yes to all the drugs they could give me.

Sav and Hawk came and sat down at the table with their plates of food. Hawk smiled at me as he wrapped his arm around Sav.

“How are you feeling, Lily?”

“Like I never want to get pregnant again.”

They both laughed when another sharp pain shot through me. I groaned as I placed my hand on my stomach. Hawk came right over and kneeled in front of me.

“Lily? How long have these pains been going on?”

“Since I fucking conceived this spawn of Satan.”

Sav muffled her laugh behind her hand, and I looked up to see Moose rushing over to me.

“Princess? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Everything. Just more pain. Round ligament pains? Braxton Hicks? An alien clawing out of my stomach?”

Moose sat down and rubbed my back. “Well, you certainly aren’t dramatic or anything.”

Hawk tapped me on the knee. “Lily. How long have they been happening today?”

“I don’t know. Since we left the house this morning for the courthouse. It’s really not a big deal. It’s not contractions, just like sharp pain.”

“Yeah... that’s what contractions feel like. Is your stomach tightening at all?”

I shrugged and reached for the burger Moose had brought me.

“Not like a super lot. It’s fine. I’m fine. They’re gone now so, everybody go away so I can eat in peace.”

Moose rolled his eyes and Hawk got up, but still sat close to me. Finishing the burger, I reached for the can of soda when another sharp pain hit. I winced, hiding the pain so nobody would see.

To be honest, I was terrified of giving birth. I was terrified to be a mom to a newborn. I took another sip of soda, then put the can down. I needed to just get up and walk around. That always seemed to help the pain. I just needed a breath alone to get myself together.

Just as I stood, another sharp pain shot through me and I couldn’t stop myself from bending over and grabbing my stomach. Moose was by my side in an instant, sitting me back down in the chair.

“Baby, what’s going on?”

Hawk came right to me, and I could see Lilah running over as well.

“I’m not having contractions.”

Moose sighed. “Lily. Come on, baby. Let’s just get you checked out at least.”

I shook my head. “No. I’m fine. I will finish this party and then go home and rest. I am not going to the hospital.”

Lilah kneeled in front of me. “Lily. Let us just check on you and your baby girl. No pressure, just a quick check.”

“No. I’m fine. Everything is fine. It’s fine.”

I could see everybody turning to look at me. I pushed off the table to walk away when another sharp pain shot through me and then I felt something dripping down my leg.

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