Page 39 of Hera

“I still need you to track the feelings of pressure,” Hera said. “Can you sit up? This needs to go on your lower back as well.”

“It’s like a mini massage,” Chloe said happily. “This stuff is a lifesaver.”

“I am good at what I do,” Hera said absentmindedly, rubbing the lotion in. “We’ll have to reapply this every two hours, and every one hour once you get in the tub. Now, let’s check vitals.”

Once Chloe was lying back again, Hera listened to both Chloe’s and the baby’s heartbeats, marking them down along with the time. She got permission from Lucifer to call a continuous monitor into existence, and hooked it up to Chloe’s belly, explaining everything as she went along.

“Everything looks better than good,” Hera said, getting to her feet and facing the couple. “There’s plenty of time to decide, but what would youliketo do?”

“I’d really rather be here at home where I feel safe,” Chloe said pleadingly to Lucifer.

Hera almost smirked, but kept her face neutral. Chloe was pulling out the big guns.

“Show me this tub,” Lucifer said with a sigh.

“She’d be very comfortable, and you could get in behind her to support her,” Hera said, pointing to her sketch. “She can do just her labor in the tub, or the whole thing. The baby would be in no distress. Coming out in the water has been theorized to be less traumatic for the baby, according to some studies.”

“Really,” Lucifer drawled. He looked at Chloe, reclining on the lounge, one hand on her belly. “If this is what she wants, then this is what we will do. But the instant, and I mean millisecond, that there is any trouble, we are going immediately to the hospital.”

“Of course,” Chloe said serenely. “How long do you think we’ll have before the big show?”

“I’ll know better in about half an hour when I check you again,” Hera said. “Then, I can estimate time based on progression.”

“Honey, I need to pee,” Chloe said suddenly, sitting up straight. “And maybe...”

Hera held out her hand, helping Chloe to her feet. “You don’t have to worry about the baby coming out, yet. You can go to the bathroom with no worries.”

Chloe looked at her gratefully. “Thank you.”

“And you had better not be squeamish around body functions,” Hera said sternly to Lucifer as Chloe left the room. “You’re going to help with the diapers, right?”

Lucifer drew himself up and frowned. “Of course.” He took a hesitant step after Chloe. “Should I go with her?”

“We’ll keep an ear out if she needs help, but she should be fine on her own,” Hera replied. “The tub, if you please?”

Lucifer squinted at the paper again and then one side of the spacious room was filled with the perfect replica of Hera’s drawing, in pink.

Hera smiled. “For the baby?”

Lucifer flushed. “Too much?”

“It’s perfect. Why don’t you go get some towels? One tea towel, to drape over the baby once she’s here, and several larger ones for drying her off.”

Chloe returned just after Lucifer. “Oh!” she exclaimed when she saw the tub. “It’s perfect!”

“How are you feeling?” Hera asked, helping her to sit back down.

“Fine. I had another contraction while I was on the toilet, which took some extra time because my body didn’t really want to do what it was supposed to do.” Chloe sounded frustrated.

“Don’t worry. Your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.” Hera checked the time. “I can check you again, if you like, or we can wait another couple minutes.”

“Now, please,” Chloe said. “I’m eager to know the timeline.”

Hera chuckled as she checked her. “Looks like we’ll be here for a while. You haven’t progressed much at all. Do you have any cards?”

“Should we be worried?” Lucifer asked quickly.

“Not at all,” Hera replied calmly. “The monitor would tell me immediately if there was any change that I need to be aware of. The baby’s just taking her time. It’ll give your body time to adjust,” she said to Chloe. “This is fine.”

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