Page 45 of Be With Me
Shifting her legs to push the footrest down, Debbie felt a pain go across her lower back. Thinking it was just another Braxton Hicks contraction, she rubbed her stomach.
“Few more weeks, boys. Then mama will give you all the cuddles you want.” When she stood, she realized that her leggings were wet. “Oh no you don’t, boys. It’s not time for you to come and your daddy isn’t here.” Another pain had her doubling over. There was no way she could drive to the hospital and she was not calling an ambulance.
She grabbed the home phone from where she’d dropped it on the table after talking to her mom about the baby shower this weekend and pushed speed dial for Luny. Breathing hard, she moved slowly toward the nursery. They hadn’t set up much in here yet. The furniture was in place, Luny’s parents had bought matching cribs and changing tables and his brothers had come to help him set them up.
“Luna,” her husband’s sleepy voice came over the line.
“Luny, wake up!” Debbie ordered. He wasn’t here and she needed him now.
“Debs? Are you okay?” He was awake now.
“Your boys are impatient and have decided now is the time,” she told him as she looked for the diaper bag. She knew Luny had packed it according to the list in the baby book.
“What?” he exclaimed. “They can’t. They’re not due for another seven weeks.”
“You know that, and I know that, but they don’t know.” Debbie breathed through a contraction and heard Luny doing the breathing along with her, making her smile.
“Okay, found out yesterday that today is only a half day for a test. I’ll reach out to the lead instructor as soon as it’s… what time is it?” He must’ve looked at his phone or a clock because he answered himself. “Almost four. I can’t get him until six. I’ll see about skipping PT and taking the test and leaving. Shit, need to wake Mallory.”
“How long before you’re here?” Debbie knew she didn’t sound strong, but she wanted her husband now.
“It’s a four and a half drive, add in the time for the test, can’t talk to the instructor for two… should be there by two?” Luny didn’t sound too sure on that timeline. “I can’t just leave, Debs, as much as I want to jump in the car and speed to you. I’d be considered AWOL.”
Debbie took a deep breath and blinked away the tears forming. She knew he’d be here if he could. At least he wasn’t deployed. Debbie grabbed the diaper bag…thank you Stacy for not waiting for the shower… shuffled into their bedroom for her bag then slowly walked down the stairs.
“Debs, what are you doing?”
“Just grabbed the diaper bag and my bag. I don’t know that I should drive,” she answered as she dropped the bags on the couch. “Who should I call?”
“Call Mackey. I’m going to wake Mallory and clue him in on what’s going on. I love you, Debbie.”
“I love you too, my lunatic,” she responded.
“Tell those boys of mine to slow things down for daddy,” he requested.
“As you wish,” Debbie responded before hanging up and dialing Mackey.
“Sergeant MacNamara,” Mackey’s voice came over the phone, groggy but alert.
“Mackey, I need you.” No beating around the bush tonight.
“Debbie, what do you need?” Mackey sounded completely awake now.
“I need you or one of the others here thirty minutes ago. Seems these boys are eager to meet us.” She blew out hard as another pain came, this time across her stomach.
“What? Mooney’s not here.” Debbie heard some rustling over the phone so Mackey was moving as he talked.
“I’m aware of that, Mackey, but his sons don’t care at this point. Please?” Debbie begged.
“I’m on my way and I’ll call the others. We’ve got you and one of them will get Mooney’s ass back,” Mackey said. “You’ve probably got a hospital bag packed? Grab it or whatever you want and I’ll be there ASAP.”
She went to sit down but wasn’t sure if she’d be able to stand back up, so she paced from the kitchen to the door and back. Realizing she didn’t know how far apart her contractions were, she stopped and waited for the next one, noting the time on her watch, then going back to pacing.
Before the next contraction came, there was a banging on the front door followed by, “Debbie, I’m here.” Mackey’s voice came through the door. It took her a minute to get over to the door. “I’ve got you. Do you have some sandals to slide on?” He wrapped an arm around her. She pointed at the flip flops on the floor.
“Thank you, Mackey. It’s not supposed to be this way.” Debbie blinked so she could see through the tears. “Luny’s supposed to be here.”
“We will do our fucking best to get his ass here,” Danny said as he appeared in the doorway. Debbie took one look at him and started laughing. He had on one sneaker, one boot, with shorts and a sweatshirt. “Mackey, get her in your car. Debbie, where are the bags?” Not waiting for her answer, he moved into the living room.
