Page 148 of Playing For Keeps
He stands, taking my files with him. “I’ve got you covered if she needs anything. You just enjoy your new little bundle whenever he or she arrives.”
“Thanks, Danny. You can call if you need anything, and I’m sure I’ll stop by from time to time during my time off.” I walk him out, rubbing my aching lower back.
“Jamison said you wouldn’t be able to stay home, but my advice is to soak it up. Time flies when you have a little one.” Danny retreats into the hallway near my door.
“I’m sure it does. Thanks for your help.” I face Mel. “Give me five minutes to make sure I have everything, and we can be off. I can’t wait for the massage you scheduled for me.”
She plops down on a chair in front of my desk. “Auntie Mel could use one too.”
Jami peeks his head in. “How are you doing? Can I get you anything?”
“I’m still doing well from the last ten minutes when you came in to check on me. And I still don’t need anything.” I scan my checklist to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. “Thank you for asking, though.”
“I’m just making sure. Your due date is three days away. It could happen at any moment.” Jami steps into the room, noticing Mel. “Oh, hi. I didn’t see you.”
“That’s because Dori’s protruding belly was blocking me.” She stands and gives Jami a hug. “How are you hanging in there, big guy?”
“Nervous as fuck. I’m not sure this night out is a good idea. Dori’s been having back pains. What if something happens?” His concerned gaze flits between Melanie and me.
I’m about to protest, but another Braxton Hick contraction hits. This one is a little worse than the last one I had. I brace myself and breathe through it, rubbing my stomach to help relax.
“Oh no, mister. You aren’t taking away our girls’ night. It’s mandatory for Dori and me to go out.” Melanie doesn’t see my contraction happen, but Jami does.
He treks over to me and places his hand on my very pregnant belly. “Dori, that’s at least the fourth time today I’ve been in your office where you’ve had a contraction. I’m not sure getting a massage is the best thing right now.”
“Jami, I could really use it. The doctor said it’s safe to get one. Please, trust me on this. My back has been killing me since last night. I promise I’ll be extremely careful.” I give him the best pleading face I can give.
His brow creases together. His jaw sets tight. He’s been protective of me during my pregnancy, but the last month he’s been downright overprotective.
And today he’s been extreme. I understand where his worry is coming from, but I need this self-care time.
I give him a moment before I tilt my head. “Please don’t worry. Women have babies every day. I’ll be fine.”
“They don’t havemybaby, and I’m only concerned aboutyou.” His gaze sweeps over me.
Mel interjects. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll check in with you every ten minutes. Well, at least until my massage time.”
He runs his palm over his stubbly chin with anxiety shooting off him like firecrackers. “You promise to watch out for her? She’s in a delicate state. I’m convinced she’s getting close.”
“Yes, Pops. I promise.” Mel pulls out her phone. “I’ll send you text updates as soon as we leave.”
“Jami, is that necessary?”
He stares at me with a take-it-or-leave-it glint in his eyes. “Since you’re not telling me every time these contractions of yours happen, I’d feel a lot better if she did.”
“I don’t tell you about them every time, because if I did, I’d be saying it so often it would feel like I’m an annoying child pestering you. I’m trying to keep you sane.”
As soon as I say it, another contraction starts, but this time it takes my breath away. I bend forward and squeeze my eyes shut. I couldn’t hide my discomfort if I tried.
Maybe Jami’s right.
“That is not a Braxton Hicks contraction, and your last one was not even two minutes ago.” He checks the time on his watch. “I’d stake my life on it that you’re in labor.”
Mel rushes to my side. “Dori, I think Jami’s right.”
I take a moment, trying to relax as the contraction lets up. “That was intense, and they seem to be getting stronger.”
Jami’s face pales. “Really? Do you think you are? Fuck, I wasn’t sure, but now I am.”
