Page 132 of Omega's Refuge

I groaned. “Just get this thing out of me, Doc.”

Dr. Thompson nodded, smile fading. “Absolutely. Let me just check how far along you are.” He pushed up my gown and performed a quick cervical exam. “You’re about eight centimeters dilated. You’re progressing well. We’ll keep monitoring, but I’d say you’ll be ready to push soon.”

“So fast?” Rex blinked at him. “I feel like we just got here.”

“Once the water breaks and the contractions get close together, things go very fast.” He patted Rex’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Tanner and the baby are doing great.”

“I wanted a epidural,” I mumbled, moaning as a contraction rippled through me.

Dr. Thompson gritted his teeth. “I’m really sorry, Tanner. There’s no time. You’ll have given birth before the anesthesiologist could even arrive.”

“Oh, God,” I wailed, panic setting in. “I don’t think I can do this without a epidural. It’s too painful. I can’t do it.”

Dr. Thompson grimaced. “It’ll be okay, Tanner—”

“No it won’t be,” I hissed, arching my back as another agonizing contraction hit. “It’s too much. It’s too painful. I can’t do it.” Dread washed over me and I began to struggle to sit up. “I can’t. I can’t.”

Rex slipped his arm under my shoulders and he rested his cheek against mine. “It’s okay, Tanner. I promise you, it’s okay. You can do this. I know you can.”

The moment his body was close to mine, I began to calm. “But it hurts so much,” I whimpered, clutching his arm. “Rex, I just want this to stop.”

“I know, love,” he whispered. “I know you’re in so much pain. I’d take it all from you if I could. But I can’t. This is up to you, and you alone.”

“What if I can’t do it?”

“You can. I know you’re strong enough, Tanner. Don’t think of the pain, think of the baby. Picture the child in your mind. They’re depending on you, Tanner. You’re the only one who can protect the baby right now. Your strength is what will keep you both safe.”

I dug my nails into his shoulder. “I’m scared.”

“I know.” He kissed my hair. “I know, love. But I’m right here with you.”

Tears dribbled from the corners of my eyes, partly from pain and partly from overwhelming emotions. “I’ll try.”

“That’s all you can do, right?” He smiled down at me, his eyes so blue it almost hurt to look at them.

My body shuddered as a huge contraction hit. “Oh, shit,” I hissed, writhing on the bed. The pressure between my legs increased, and I arched my back, seeking relief.

“It’s time to push.” Dr. Thompson’s voice was firm. “Tanner, I know this is terrifying, but it’s time.”

“Rex,” I whined, fear quivering through me.

He cupped my cheek. “I’m right here. It’s okay.”

Nurse Evan guided my feet into the stirrups on the table. I didn’t fight him. Rex’s words swirled in my head, and I did my best to picture the child.

This will pass.

I’ll be okay in a minute.

Just a little longer.

My baby is counting on me.

It was probably only minutes that passed, but in the blur of pain and time it felt like hours. I bore down against the excruciating pain, trying to push the baby out of my body. The contractions came closer and closer together, each one a wave of pain that left me gasping for air. Rex stayed by my side the whole time, wiping my face with a cool cloth and murmuring encouragement.

“Deep breath, and push, Tanner,” Dr. Thompson instructed. “That’s it. You’re doing amazing.”

Rex held my hand tightly, his other arm braced around my shoulders, practically holding me up as I gave everything I had. My body strained, sweat covering my skin. My muscles trembled from exhaustion, and I wanted to cry. But I dug deep, gritting my teeth and listening to Rex’s deep voice rumbling in my ear. I pushed when told to, and stopped when told to. I’d reached a point where I felt I had nothing left to give when a sharp, piercing cry filled the room.Relief and joy washed over me as I realized the baby was finally here.

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