Page 75 of Keeping Promises

He’s here.

I’m not imagining it—Asher is here.

I closed my eyes multiple times, expecting that when I opened them again, he would disappear, and it would all just be a figment of my imagination due to distress. But every time I open my eyes, he is still here.

And now my shoes are soaked with fluid. This is all too much. This is not happening right now. I was just supposed to come here with my client and leave, not go into labor and not just moments after seeing Asher for the first time in over a week.

“Wait, what?” He glances down, seeing the puddle around me that has turned the sidewalk a darker shade of tan.

My breathing begins to accelerate. “Oh my God, Asher, my water broke.”

A million things race through my mind, and I voice my concerns aloud in a panic.

“It’s not time. I don’t even have my hospital bag.”

“Baby, breathe.” Asher’s voice brings me to reality. How is he so calm? “Hadley, baby? I need you to look at me.”

Our eyes meet, and so much is said without words.I love you. Thank you for being here. I’m yours. Don’t leave me.All things that not only can I convince my mouth to say, but have been too stubborn to say before now. If there’s one thing we both have learned, we shouldn’t take the time we have with our loved ones for granted. I will never do that ever again.

“I’m scared, Asher.”

“I know, me too. But I want you to focus and breathe with me, okay?”

Asher rests his forehead against mine, and we both close our eyes. We inhale together and exhale together.

When I open my eyes again, it hits me like a ton of bricks. We’re about to have a baby. We’re finally going to meet our daughter.

“How are you so calm right now?” If he is freaking out at all on the inside, it’s not showing like mine is. My hands are shaking when his strong hands encompass mine.

“I don’t know,” he admits. The vulnerable look on his face tells me he’s surprised at his confession. “I guess if this is going to happen, at least we’re already at the hospital.”

I let out a giggle right at the exact moment a sharp pain shoots in my stomach. I’ve been having Braxton Hicks the past few weeks, but I think this is the real deal. This pain is sharper and deeper. I writhe in pain in Asher’s arms. “Don’t make me laugh.”

“Right, okay. Sorry. I’m going to go in and get you a wheelchair, okay? Can you stay right here and not leave me?”

I nod, clutching my stomach. “I’m not going anywhere, but if you don’t hurry it up, it might not be just me out here for very much longer.”

“Good point.” He snaps his fingers.

What feels like seconds later, he reappears in the hospital entrance pushing a wheelchair.

“Your chariot awaits, m’lady.”

I settle into the chair, and as soon as my feet hit the stirrup feet holders, Asher is off.

“Oh my God, Asher, slow down.”

“First you tell me to hurry up, now you want me to slow down. Make up your mind, woman.”

He wheels me through the busy halls, following the signs to the maternity ward. Asher reminds me of the scene inMrs. Doubtfirewhen Robin Williams is running in the restaurant yelling, “Help is on the way, dear.” Only Asher is yelling, “Excuse me,” “Sorry,” and “Mama in labor coming through.” I imagine he must have looked similar running here which, if it wasn’t for the pressure I was feeling in my lower back and abdomen, I might actually be laughing about it. Fuck, these contractions came out of nowhere and came on fast.

I howl in pain. “Asher, hurry.”

“We’re almost there, baby.” I’m not sure if he’s talking to the actual baby or me right now. He called me baby a few times earlier, and I know by the way the butterflies fluttered in my stomach that my feelings for him hadn’t changed; they’re stronger than ever. Seeing him reassured me of that. I’m wondering if the butterflies were butterflies at all and not the onset of labor.

The welcome desk of the maternity ward finally comes into view. Asher wheels me to the front.

“We need some help. My girlfriend—” He hesitates, catching his words, and his eyes meet mine. “—is in labor. We were outside, and her water broke.”

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