Page 82 of The Jackpot Screwer
I grabbed the case and ran back down the hallway, through the kitchen, the living room and then out the door. I started banging on the buttons for the elevator when my door swung open and Dad came out.
“Son, you forget something?”
I looked down at the bag, felt my pocket for my keys and cursed. “No keys. Fuck.”
“Well, yeah, you’ll need keys,” he dangled them in front of me, “but I think you need Bronte too.”
“Baby, it hurts so much.” Bronte was being helped by Jim and Darcy, while Mom followed close behind with Mani on his leash.
I took the two steps to her and pulled her into my arms. “Okay, Lollipop, it’s going to be okay. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”
“Dr. Baskin will meet you there,” Mom said, her voice cracking. “We’ll all be right behind you, I texted Nancy and she’s okay to take Mani.”
At that moment Nancy’s door opened and she and Minnesota stepped into the hallway.
“Good luck, buddy.” Minnesota slapped my back, while Mom handed over Mani to Nancy.
I looked between everyone gathered outside our apartment and bit my lip to stem the cry of fear that threatened to escape. I had to hold it together for Bronte. She didn’t need me losing it, no matter how much I wanted to crumple in a heap of uneasiness.
“Elevator is here, son.” Dad got the other side of Bronte and helped me get her into the lift. Once we were in, he held the door open for Darcy to join us, so she could replace him at Bronte’s side.
“We’ll see you down there.” Dad gave me a tight smile and I gave him a chin lift in return as he threw me my keys.
“Okay, sweetheart,” Darcy said as the doors closed. “Let’s get you to hospital.”
“But, Mom, it’s too early.” Bronte’s hand tightened around mine and I guessed there was another pain—a contraction—hitting her.
“That baby will be healthy and strong. It’s going to be fine.” She glanced at me and though it was quick, I saw the panic in her eyes.
“It’s all good, Lollipop,” I said. “Everything is all good.”
* * *
“It’s too early right, doc?” I asked as Dr. Baskin led me from the room where he’d left Bronte with Annalise, the Doula we’d been working with at our childbirth classes. Darcy had called her on our way over and seeing her waiting outside for us had been a huge relief.
“It’s a little early, yes but baby is definitely coming. There’s no getting away from that fact I’m afraid.”
Dropping my gaze to the floor, I ran a hand over the back of my head, wondering how the fuck I was going to keep it together. Dr. Baskin placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
“Baby is a good size, Carter but we may have some respiratory issues. Unfortunately, we won’t know until it’s here.” He led me further away from the door and my stomach lurched, threatening to bring back the dinner Bronte had cooked earlier.
“What is it?” I asked, feeling my legs shake.
“I just want you to be aware that we’ll have to take the baby straight away. Annalise is explaining it all to Bronte now, but I think we’re going to need you to keep a tight hold of her and keep her calm.”
“We can’t hold him first?”
“A few minutes but then we’ll really need to get the tests done in case treatment is needed. Okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, okay.”
“Good. Now you get in there with Bronte and just act like it’s a normal birth, no issues, keeping it nice and calm. Everything is going well, so far all signs are good, so Annalise will beep me when it’s time.”
With one last tight smile, he walked away leaving me in the hallway feeling out of my depth and with no idea what to do. Looking up and down the hallway, watching out for what I had no fucking clue, I was relieved to see Mom and Darcy approaching me.
“Hey, honey.” Mom pulled me into the hug I was desperate for. “You all set?”
She kissed my cheek and then let me go, only for Darcy to drag me into her arms.
