Page 87 of The Last Man on Earth
“I love you, too.”
I’m kinda throwed by how easily that just slipped out my mouth. It’s true, though. I been feeling it for a while. I just didn’t think I’d say it any time soon.
And she just goes back to braiding my hair like we didn’t just declare our love, but then again, maybe it’s not that big a deal for some people.
For me?
It’s everything.
Chapter 42
Ari
The night air feelsa little cooler tonight. I’m wrapped in Vincent’s arms, relaxed and content.
So of course, I break the peaceful silence to talk about something very muchnotpeaceful.
“What was it like when your fiancée had JR?”
He’s quiet for a beat. “Messy,” he finally says. “Loud. Scary as hell. Stressful. But the second you hear that baby cry for the first time, it’s like somebody flipped a switch on in your life. The whole world changes in half a second.”
“Did you see it?”
“Yeah, I saw everything. Cut the cord, too.”
“That must’ve been—“
“Wild,” he says. “I can’t even describe the feeling.”
“Was she in a lot of pain?”
He hesitates again. “At first, yeah.”
I nod. “If we’re still here…do you think you’ll know what to do?”
“I think so, yeah. It seems like once labor starts, the baby’s comin’ the fuck outta there regardless. It’s just a matter of how long it takes. But it’s comin’ out. It’s nature.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll cut the cord. I think you have to tie it. I remember the doctor putting a clamp on it. Must be a reason.”
I nod, feeling ashamed that I don’t know any of this. I’m thirty-seven with two nieces and I don’t know shit about having babies.
“Don’t worry. I know you’re scared, but it’s gonna work out. I got you.”
And I believe him.
I believe every word.
“Ari.”
My eyes are so heavy right now. I’m warm and comfortable, darkness all around me. I think I hear Vincent calling me, but I can’t get my eyes open. I must be dreaming.
“Ari!”
The whisper is sharp this time, with a razor’s edge. My eyes open halfway.
“Hm?”
