Page 83 of Blackout: Book Two

“Fuck,” my father chokes, tears streaming down his cheeks as he leans down and kisses the top of my head. “You’re doing great, Lace.”

“I can’t do this,” I sob.

“Listen to me,” my father says against my ear. “You’re the strongest person I know. You can do anything.”

I shake my head.

I. Can’t. Do. This.

“Did you call the rehab?” I ask, focusing on Reina. As soon as the question leaves my lips, I silently send a prayer up to God. It’s one thing for him to miss the birth, but for him to not even know I’m in labor is even worse. All these months I’ve been picturing him by the phone, waiting for the moment he learns he’s a daddy. Sometimes, I even imagine him on the phone when she’s born. His voice is soothing as he encourages me to push.

“About that,” Reina says, looking between my father and mother. “I wasn’t going to say anything because well, he’s not here.”

“Is this really necessary, right now?” Dr. Heltzer questions, lifting an eyebrow. I glare at him.

“I will close my legs right now if you don’t shut up,” I sneer before slicing my eyes back to Reina. “What do you mean he’s not here? That’s obvious.”

Cocking her head to the side, she smiles at me as I reach for my father’s hand and fearfully wait on bated breath for her explain herself.

“Schwartz had Sunny go in front of the judge and petition to reduce his term in rehab. Lacey, the judge signed off on his release,” she cries, pausing as my mother gasps. I shake my head as I try to process what she’s saying but I’m sure I heard her wrong.

“No one was answering because Blackie isn’t a patient anymore. Schwartz picked him up a little while ago. He’s on his way home,” she whispers softly.

Fearing this is another trick manufactured by my maker, I shake my head in disbelief.

“You’re lying,” I accuse, blinking through the tears clouding my vision.

“No, I swear to you,” Reina cries, squeezing my foot. “He’s on his way home to you and this little girl.” I never knew one could simultaneously feel so much pain and joy until I hear those words come from Reina’s lips.

He’s on his way home.

He’s on his way to us.

Thank you, God.

For the miracle, I’m about to deliver and the one that will soon walk through that door.

“Wonderful,” Dr. Heltzer exclaims. “But this baby isn’t waiting. Lacey, you need to push! On three, let’s go! One…”

My mom, dad, and Reina join him and together they all count to three. I squeeze my father’s hand and I picture Blackie’s face as I bear down. It feels like my body is tearing from the inside out and all I can do is push.

“Her head is out,” Dr, Heltzer announces. “One more push!”

“C’mon, Lace,” my dad urges. “It’s almost over. She’s almost here.”

More sweat beads on my forehead as I grip his hand with all my might. Holding back another scream, I grind my teeth and give one final push. I feel her slip from me and a moment later the most beautiful sound fills my ears and the hearts of everyone in the room as my daughter gives us her voice.

It’s a sound I’ll never forget as long as I live. One that sparks both immense relief and unspeakable joy. The second my eyes look at her I know my life is complete. I felt this little girl kick inside of me, watched her grow and sacrificed my mind to bring her into this world. She is everything I wished for.

A little bit of leather.

A little bit of lace.

The sweetest, most perfect bundle of joy.

I close my eyes, relishing in the sound of her cries, committing the melody to my memory.

“Oh my God!” My mother squeals. “She’s perfect, absolutely perfect!”

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