Page 55 of Love Me Again

“No.”

Shayla scowls, “What do you mean, no?”

I take hold of her arms and pull her close to me. “No. I’m not divorcing you.” I declare sternly while I stare into her eyes. Shayla shakes her head, and before she could say another word, I cup her face in my hands and press my lips to hers. Shayla squeaks, surprised at first but kisses me back for a very brief second before she pulls back and blinks up at me, then slowly looks down at the ground.

“Oh god.” She whispers.

I frown and look down at the puddle of water on the floor. “Did you just—”

“My water broke.”

My frown deepens as I look at her, perplexed. “What does that mean?”

Shayla’s eyes go wide, and she shakes her head. “It means she’s coming.” I gape at her and take a step back.

“Now?” I look around frantically, “She’s coming now, like right now?!” I shout, panicked, and Shayla shakes her head slowly. She visibly pales. “I still have four weeks. She’s early. It’s too soon. She can’t come yet!”

I pace the office, “Okay, okay, we should go to the hospital, right?” I utter, and she looks at me motionless. This is where you need to be the strong one and comfort her, Cole. Get your shit together! I exhale and walk over to her; I take her face into my hands and look into her fear-filled eyes. “Hey, listen to me, it’s going to be okay, it’s going to be fine,” I assure her, and she blinks and looks at me, her eyes swimming in tears.

“Oh God, what if she’s not. It’s too soon.” Shayla cries, and I shake my head and kiss her forehead.

“No, baby, no, don’t think like that. Our baby is fine. She’s just ready to come out and meet us, that’s all. She’s probably sick of hearing us bickering.” I joke, and Shayla laughs sadly. “Let’s go. We can call your doctor on the way,” I tell her, and she nods as we walk out of my office toward the elevator. “Are you okay? Do you need me to carry you?” I ask worriedly, and she shakes her head.

“No, I’m okay. I can walk.” She sighs, closing her eyes. “Oh God, I’m so scared.” I watch her pressing herself up against the wall. “Cole, I’m not ready to have this baby yet.”

I step in front of her and rub her arms while we wait for the elevator. “Sweetheart, stressing yourself out right now isn’t good for you or the baby. You are the strongest, most courageous woman I know. Now, I know you’re scared, and so am I, but you got this, and I’m going to be right there by your side the whole time, okay?” I reassure her, and she nods while I dry her tears.

* * *

Ten minutes later,we are on our way to the hospital. Shayla called Janet, her midwife, who told her not to panic and come in right away. I look over at Shayla, who winces a little while she inhales and exhales slowly. “You okay, sweetheart?” Shayla shakes her head, closing her eyes.

“I’m getting contractions.” She whispers, rubbing her stomach. I bite my lip, feeling so utterly useless. What the hell do I do? I’m trying so hard not to panic and stay calm for her, but I am freaking the fuck out inside. “I need to call my mum and the girls. The hospital bag, my medical file, it’s all at home.” Shayla explains, taking out her phone but stops when she gets another contraction. “Cole, please hurry.”

“We’re almost there, baby, just a little bit longer.” I drive faster, and each time I hear Shayla whimper in pain, my insides clench tight. We finally get to the hospital, and they take her in right away and hook her up to a CTG machine that measures the baby’s heart rate and her contractions. I take hold of Shayla’s hand as the midwife examines her.

“Okay, Shayla, you’re about six centimetres dilated already. This little princess is very eager to come out and meet you both.” Janet says with a warm smile. “I know you’re worried because she’s a little early, but everything looks good. She’s happy and healthy as far as we can tell, so you don’t worry. You just focus on your delivery and nothing else.” Shayla heaves a sigh and nods, resting her head back on the pillow.

“Ahh, shit,” She hisses, squeezing my hand as she breathes through her contraction. “Where is Aimee with my mum? Can you call her?” She cries, and I nod; taking out my phone, I dial Aimee’s number, and she answers right away.

“Cole, did we miss it?” Is she here?!” Aimee shrieks down the phone, and I wince, pulling the phone away before she bursts my eardrum.

“No, not yet. Shay’s asking where you are?” I ask and hear Shay’s mother in the background.

“Cole, how is my baby? Is she okay?” Sara asks, and I look at Shayla, who was breathing heavily through another contraction.

“She’s okay for now, but she needs you here. Just hurry. The midwife said the baby is eager to come out,” I inform them while I kiss Shayla’s hand.

“We’re literally ten minutes away. See you in a bit.” Aimee hangs up, and I set the phone on the side and focus on Shayla. I feel so powerless. What can I do other than offer her my hand to hold while she’s in agony? An hour later, her contractions were more severe and closer together, which meant the baby was ready to come out, and I was ready to pass the fuck out. Luckily, Shay’s mother was there with us, and she was doing great at keeping Shayla calm. Josh, Aimee, Jo, Sam, and my parents were all outside in the waiting room.

“You’re doing great, baby. Just keep breathing. It’s going to be over real soon,” I whisper to her as she sobs.

“Ahhh! It hurts so much. This is all your fault! You did this to me, you stupid, selfish knobhead! I hate you!” She growls at me, and I look at Sara wide-eyed, who shakes her head smiling.

“She doesn’t mean that, darling. It’s just labour talk.” She assures me while she presses a cool compress to Shayla’s flushed face.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” I mutter more to myself and shake my head when Sara gives me a confused glance.

“All right, Shayla. It’s time to start pushing.” Janet tells her as she snaps on her gloves and mask. Shayla and I exchange glances, and she nods, tightening her fingers around mine. “On the next contraction, I need you to take a deep breath and push for ten seconds. Okay?”

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