Page 32 of Breedable Boys from Outer Space
There were already discussions of a dedicated birthing center to ease the strain on the hospital and allow them to focus on higher-risk deliveries. Unfortunately, that didn’t help right then.
I cuddled Lumi tight as he breathed through another contraction.
He slumped against me once it was over. “How long?” he mumbled.
I kissed his hair. “Four and a half minutes. We’ll be able to go to the hospital soon.”
He whimpered. “Ok.”
I gazed down at his face and ran my hand over his bump. “Soon you’ll be able to hold our little Liaka.”
Lumi smiled. “Our baby.”
“Our baby girl,” I replied.
He huffed out a wet laugh. “I have never met a female, now I will be a father to one.”
I chuckled. “It’s because I still carry the instructions to make girls.”
His fingers weaved with mine over his stomach. “My fathers have informed me that researchers have yet to find remnants of the virus that killed our females. There is hope that the girls will be able to travel safely to Lyll.”
I ran my nose through his hair. “I hope so. It’s such a pretty place, and she deserves to know where her bapi comes from.”
He sniffled. “Bapi…”
“You’re going to be a great bapi,” I murmured. “I know it. You’ve already got the most popular cafe on base. Fatherhood is just a new challenge.”
He let out a pained laugh. “I do not know about most popular. There are only seven restaurants. Scarcity causes us all to be busy.”
I kissed his head. “And I hear the discussions around base of where to go for lunch. You win most of the time.”
“That is because you are my mate.”
“It’s because you’re an amazing cook, my Lumi.”
He seemed on the verge of arguing, but instead tensed and let out a tiny whimper.
I glanced at the clock as I held him through the contraction.
“Four minutes,” I said when he slumped against me. “I’ll call the hospital to let them know we’re coming. Your bag, the carrier, and everything else you wanted is already in the car.”
“Thank you,” he whispered.
I shifted, set him on the couch, and called the hospital while I opened up the car. I held him through his next contraction, then we were on our way.
The hospital waiting room reminded me of a box of sidewalk chalk as a nurse wheeled Lumi in. A few men seemed to be there for appointments or injuries, but several were in labor, and I could overhear the nursing staff trying to sort out rooms.
Soon we were moved to a regular room close to the maternity section as all the labor rooms were occupied.
Harried-looking medical staff flitted in and out, checking on Lumi every few minutes as his contractions got closer together. Then, finally, they determined him close enough to move to a delivery room.
The OB was the color of a ripe peach, striding in with an air of confidence. I’d seen him during Lumi’s checkups, but the way he seemed unfazed by the busy night was impressive.
“Hello Lumi,” he said as he sat and wheeled a stool between my mate’s legs. “How are you today?”
“I am ready for my baby to be out of me,” Lumi whined.
The doctor chuckled. “Your baby seems to agree. Allow me to determine how close you are.”
