Page 35 of Banking on Love

“Holy shit!” I shouted as she proceeded to destroy my hand.

“Con… Contraction!” she screamed.

“It’s… It’s okay,” I lied, fighting through the pain radiating from my fingers up to my shoulder. “You’re doing great, Beautiful. Just breathe.”

“Everyone out except dad,” the nurse said, ushering the others out the room. No one protested. They just hurried out the room quietly. The nurse closed the door then walked over to the sink.

“Nick,” Kensi whimpered. I looked down to find her staring up at me with tar-filled eyes. My heart broke.

“Oh, Beautiful. Don’t cry. You’re doing great,” I smiled then leaned down and kissed her forehead. “You’re so amazing. And strong. I’m so proud of you.”

Kensi didn’t reply. Her grip loosened on my hand. I rubbed her belly with my free hand as she did the Lamaze breathing that we had learned in the birthing class.

“You’re doing great, Kensi,” I continued assuring her as time ticked by.

“You did wonderful!” the nurse cheered, when the beeping sound finally slowed.

“Thanks,” Kensi panted.

“Let’s check you because I have a feeling that the baby might be ready to make her appearance,” the nurse smiled brightly.

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Kensi and I were about to be parents. Sure we had known this moment would arrive, but now it was actually showtime.

“Don’t pass out, Nick,” Kensi giggle weakly. I looked down at her.

“Wouldn’t dream of doing that,” I grinned. “I’m going to put on my big boy pants.”

“I hope so because if you pass out, I won’t let you live this down.”

“Neither will we,” the nurse informed me with a smirk, making Kensi laugh.

“Is it the world versus Nick day?” I chuckled.

“Yes,” they both said, smiling at each other.

“Okay, Mrs. Campton, I’m going to check you. Okay?” Kensi nodded in response then positioned her legs so the nurse could do her thing. The nurse lifted the sheet and checked Kensi. Her eyes widened.

“What?” I asked, refraining to look down there. I didn’t want to be scarred for life.

“Let me go grab the doctor. It’s time,” she said excitedly.

“Oh,” Kensi whispered.

“You’ll do great,” the nurse replied, scurrying over to the trashcan. She tossed her gloves then washed her hands before barrel-assing out of the room.

“She’s right, Beautiful,” I kissed Kensi softly. “You’re going to do amazing.”

“I’m so scared,” Kensi laughed nervously.

“I know. I am too.”

“Is that why you were hiding out in the hallway?” she teased.

“Kind of,” I shrugged. “I didn’t want to see you in pain.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet, Nick.”

“That’s what the twins said,” I rolled my eyes and chuckled. “I expected everyone to talk crap to me.”

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