Page 93 of Last Call

Andie’s glazed eyes slide over to mine. She grips my hand. “Kiki, thank God you’re here. There’s not enough time. I’m having this baby now.”

“Oh shit. Okay, Teej, talk me through what you know.”

“I’m a doula, Kinky, not a midwife.”

“Oh my god, I’m going to die,” Andie whimpers.

“No, no, don’t say that. We’ve got you.” I press a cool cloth TJ hands me to her forehead.

“I tried singing to her but she threatened to cut off my testicles. She’s scarier than you are during labor.” TJ stands and picks up the other baby out of the bassinet and then hands Charleigh a sippy cup of milk.

“Andie, how close are the contractions?”

“About five, I think. Maybe less. I can’t do this, Kiki…”

I look up at TJ, feeling completely helpless.

“I’ve already called the paramedics, but there’s a big accident on the highway, so they’re delayed. But don’t worry, I’ve got this,” he says, sounding way more confident than I feel.

“You almost threw up when you saw the water on the floor,” Andie pants.

“Andie, we’re going to do this and I’m going to need your help.”Think, Kiki. “I need you to take your leggings and underwear off so I can see how many centimeters you’re dilated, okay? I’ll cover you with a blanket. Do not push, okay? TJ, google how to deliver a baby at home.”

I race to their bedroom and fling open the doors to their linen closet. I grab a blanket and several clean towels, then run back to the kitchen. TJ is pacing back and forth mumbling about smelling salts. Charleigh is watching us curiously while she sucks on her sippy cup.

“Teej, I need you to keep it together, okay? I cannot have you fainting while holding two babies. In fact, why don’t you sit on the floor in case you drop on me.”

“I’m not going to faint, Kiki.”

Andie strips off her clothes and I check to see how dilated she is. “Holy shit, you’re crowning. There’s no time to think. We’re delivering right now.”

“I need to push,” Andie cries.

“I feel dizzy.” TJ slumps down against the cabinets next to Andie. “I don’t think I’m ready for this. I mean we’ve practiced, but when it comes down to D-day, I only know breathing techniques. I’ve never delivered a baby before—”

“Jesus, Tinker Jam, please stop talking and hand me Rilee before you pass out.”

He hands the baby over and I place her in the bassinet. Cara is fast asleep in the Baby Bjorn and seems okay at the moment, so I leave her with him.

“Okay, Andie, hold TJ’s hand and take a deep breath.”

TJ takes a dramatic deep breath next to her and holds it while looking at me expectantly.

I roll my eyes. “On the count of three, you’re going to push, got it?”

Andie and TJ both nod.

“One, two three, push!”

Chapter 35

Sarah

Wyatt jostles inmy arms as I run into the waiting room with Enzo gripping my other hand. I spot Kiki and TJ sitting by the window, with their heads down. Kiki looks like she’s been crying. “Guys, are you okay? I got here as fast as I could. What happened?”

Kiki looks up, her eyes glazed with tears. “She had a little boy. Cameron Thomas Forbes. Eight pounds and six ounces.”

I sink into a seat across from them and put Wyatt and Enzo in the chairs next to me. “That’s incredible—”

---