Page 59 of The Alpha: Part Three
“Later. I haven't had any contractions yet. I just didn't want her to be surprised. Tell her to go back to bed and expect a call in the morning, unless something drastic happens once Obi gets here.”
Talia laughs. “Tell her nothing drastic will happen and she'll be just fine. I'm just a phone call away. Kaleb will come with me, and Reid. Jasper is coming. But I'm not telling Corso you called. He'd take up residence on your couch. Just let me know when she's ready and we'll be there. Are you alright, Seth?”
I nod, then realize she can't see that through the phone. “I'm alright. Just worried.”
“She'll be okay, Seth. Just do what she needs you to and don't do anything she doesn't. Keep her comfortable and hydrated. And don't forget to trust her to know what she needs.”
“Thank you. I will. I'm going to call my mom.”
I end that call and get right back on the phone with Mom. She answers on the first ring. “Is it time? Is she okay? What do you need?”
“She's okay. Her water just broke.”
“Have you called Oberon?”
“Ben's calling him.”
“Any contractions?”
“Not yet. She said to call everyone first.”
“Good, good,” she says. “John said it will take us an hour to get there. We don't want to be underfoot, but I know it was important to Desir'ee that we be there when the baby arrives. Oh, Seth! I'm so happy and excited. Just let me know when we should drive up, alright?”
“I will, Mom. Try to go back to sleep for a while.”
She laughs at me. “I'm sure I'll have no trouble at all falling asleep now that we’re on baby watch. Don't worry about me, honey.”
I end the call just as Ben walks in with Mateo on a video call. He goes to Desir'ee's side and holds the phone so that she's in the frame. “Desie, please tell your brother that you're okay before he gets on a plane.”
She glances at the phone and continues arranging things. “I'm okay, Mateo. Don't get on a plane. We've got this under control. I just wanted you to know what's happening. I'll call you when we have a baby.”
“See?” Ben says, turning the phone back to him. “She's fine. But I'm going to go now. I'll keep you updated.”
Desir'ee sits down in the middle of the nest she's put together over the past few days. It's similar to the nest she maintained before, but there are differences. More pillows and cushions at one end. Only one of her favorite blankets. More bed sheets. Similar but different. “Obi?”
“He's on his way,” Michael answers. “I texted.”
Desir'ee has the first contraction about an hour later and they start coming regularly a few hours after that. She has rested between every one of them and has ordered us to do the same. That's obviously not happening. Every sound or movement has us jumping to her side. Obi has thoroughly enjoyed our nervousness, and Ben might thoroughly enjoy decking him once this is over.
My phone buzzes with a text. From Jasper. I'm trying, but I'm still not used to him texting me.
Any progression? How is she doing?
I'm not sure how much she's progressing. Obi is monitoring everything in a very hands-off kind of way. I think it's partially due to the fact that Desir'ee might rip his arm off if he suggests checking to see if she's any more dilated than she was a while ago. I text him back with the best update I can give.
She's ok. Not distressed. Obi says the baby looks ok.
Those things are true. Neither the baby nor Desir'ee are distressed. I know this can't be rushed, but she's been in labor for hours. The sun is going to come up soon, the birds are already screaming outside the windows.
Jasper sends another text.
Need anything? Talia is up and making breakfast. I can bring something over.
There's no way we could eat anything right now.
No, we're good, but thank you. I'll text you in a little bit.
~
