Page 33 of Doctor Mile High
“Who’s Muffin?” I ask, spreading her legs a little wider.
I can’t hide the jealousy no matter how hard I try.
“He’s an old biker I met today on the plane. He’s so nice. He made me feel comfortable, and I know it’s weird because I’m half-naked, but I’m giving birth in an airplane without my family and friends around. I’d like to have someone here who makes me feel at ease.”
I swallow the emotion clinging to my throat, wishing I could be that person instead of the doctor that has to help.
“I understand.”
“Little lady?” Muffin’s booming voice has me turn.
The man is a giant. He has to bend down to prevent hitting his head on top of the plane when he enters through the curtains.
“Muffin.” Dove begins to cry. “I’m in labor.”
“I see that. What do you need from me?” he asks, taking off his sunglasses and hat.
“I need you to support her. She’ll need to hold on to something to push,” I order, noticing the head is about to breach. “Okay, you need to get behind her now. Dove, this baby is coming right now, okay? There’s no time. We can’t wait until we land.”
“We have fifteen minutes. Can she wait?” Nancy asks.
Dove narrows her eyes at the flight attendant. “Bitch, would you want to wait?” She screams when another contraction rips through her. “I’m sorry,” she cries. “I didn’t mean to call you a bitch.” She digs her nails into Muffin’s arms, and the man doesn’t flinch a muscle.
I can see why she preferred him.
“It’s okay, ma’am. Really. It’s fine,” Nancy reassures, peeking out to the rest of the passengers. “We definitely have an audience,” she whispers to me.
“Well, tell them the truth. It’s not like we can hide what’s going on. Right now, we’re only separated for physical privacy. Ease their minds so no one comes back here. No one can come back here, okay, Nancy?”
“No problem. I can make an announcement.”
“You’re doing great, little lady. I know it’s painful, but you’re doing good. Anyone have a cool washcloth or something for me?” Muffin is a great support system. I couldn’t ask for a better birthing partner—and let’s face it, that’s exactly what he is. “Don’t forget to breathe,” he adds.
“Here you go.” Nancy gives him a cold washcloth before grabbing the phone attached to the side of the plane to make an announcement.
“Oh my god, that feels good,” Dove groans, leaning against Muffin as he dabs her forehead with the rag.
I swallow down my jealousy again. She needs me right here. I’m exactly where I need to be. I just hate that she has to have another man support her. This isn’t how it should be. I should be the one by her side to comfort her.
“The captain has already reported our status to air traffic control. The paramedics will be on the runway when we land,” Nancy states.
“Great. Thanks Nancy.” I hold my hands between Dove’s thighs. “Push for me, Dove. The next contraction, push as hard as you can.”
“I can do that.” She swallows, inhaling a deep breath before she bears down, pushing through another contraction.
“That’s it! You’re doing great, Dove. A few more seconds. Don’t stop.” I grin when I see the head is out and notice he or she has a head full of black hair. “Head is out! The hardest part is the shoulders, Dove. I know it hurts, but you’re doing so good, sweetheart.” The endearment slips out of me, wanting nothing more than to wrap my arms around the woman I’m obsessed with.
“Take my hands, little lady. Squeeze them to break them. I can handle it,” Muffin orders with his aged voice.
Dove does as she’s told and begins to breathe very fast. In through the nose and out through the mouth. While she’s in pain and showing half her body to strangers, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her look more beautiful. This moment is raw and pure. I’m seeing her give birth unmedicated, which I know she probably didn’t want, in a damn airplane.
This has only made me fall in love with her even more.
“We’re descending,” Nancy advises. “Just thought you should know.”
“Thank you, Nancy.”
“I can’t,” Dove mumbles, placing her head on Muffin’s shoulder. “I can’t do it. I’m so tired. It hurts so much. I can’t.” She closes her eyes, taking a much-needed moment to herself. Tears soak her face as she shakes her head back and forth. “I can’t.”
