Page 118 of Reckless

We smile at each other likefools.

“Morning.” Brady comes stomping in and pauses when he seesus.

I wave him in. “I’m done crying. You can do whatever you have todo.”

He tells Kat he needs to pick up his check at the tattoo parlor in Austin, and then he’ll get Izzy from his parents’ house. “It shouldn’t take longer than two hours.” Worry knits his brows. “But maybe I should ask one of the guys to drop off thecheck.”

I squeeze my sister’s hand. “I’ve got Kat. If anything happens, I’m right here.” He frowns, and I mock being offended. “What? I watch all those medical shows.Grey’s Anatomy, reruns ofER,House. I got you, bro.” Plus, my parents are driving up later today. They want to be here the moment this babyarrives.

Still frowning, he kisses his wife’s forehead. “You’re sure you’re okay? You moaned allnight.”

“Oh my God, you guys.” I cover my ears. “Too muchinformation!”

Brady snickers and shakes his head. “She was moaning because she’s so pregnant, doofus. Not because I was giving her the midnightexpress.”

“LOL.” ThankGod.

My sister laughs. “I don’t think you’re supposed to say LOL inperson.”

“Says who? I do things my way. You do it yours.” I’m difficult, but she knowsthis.

Brady eventually leaves after we assure him—again—that Kat’sfine.

The first half hour alone goes well. We drink this weird ginger pregnancy tea, and I make my sister some scrambledeggs.

But then my luck goessouth.

Reallysouth.

Because her waterbreaks.

Kat looksat me like I’m crazy. “Let’s just wait forBrady.”

“He’s probably in Austin right now, and your contractions are five minutes apart.Five. Why didn’t you tell me your back hurtallnight?”

“I didn’t think they were contractions!” Her voice is wheezy since she’s trying to breathe through thepain.

“Look, I’m driving you to the hospital. It’ll be fine. If we hurry, we’ll beat the noon rush. Bet you can pop out this baby before dinner. I’m a speed demon when I want to be, remember? We can drag-race on the waythere.”

Her death grip on my hand makes me pause. “Stop trying to befunny.”

“I’m nottrying. I’m naturally funny. Now get your ass in the truck. Come on, I’ll help you waddle.” In the meanwhile, hopefully Brady will get my messages and haul himself backhere.

Except, shit. Now we’re headed to the hospital. Whatever. One crisis at atime.

We only make it to the Lone Star diner when I have to pull over because Kat says she has topush.

All I know is that’sbad.

I run into the packed restaurant screaming like a crazy person. “I need a doctor! A nurse! A paramedic! Someone who knows more than McDreamy references.” Everyone stares atme.

Fuck my life, nothing ever works like it does in themovies.

Rounding the truck, I open the passenger door. “How youdoing?”

Sweat beads her forehead, and she reaches for me with a clammy hand. “Baby’s coming. Like,now.”

Can’t freakout.

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