Page 77 of The Billionaire's Most Unexpected Triplets

“Do you need anything?” Grandpa asks. “Anything for the babies or you?”

I shake my head. “I think I have everything I need, but thanks for asking. I’m just looking forward to seeing you both.”

There’s another tightening in my belly, but this one is different. Stronger and longer.

Which is weird. Braxton-Hicks have never felt like this.

My grandmother is saying something about names, but I can’t focus. The sensation in my abdomen is taking all of my attention.

“Leah,” she says. “Are you okay?”

I smile, the wave having passed. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired. I think I should go lay down.”

“Of course.” She nods vigorously. “Don’t push yourself, all right? Take it easy.”

I promise her that I will and say goodbye, hanging up the call. Maybe I have been pushing myself too hard. I have a C-section scheduled for next week, and I should probably be resting up.

Deciding I’ll take a nap on the couch, I stand. As I do so, there’s an audible pop, and liquid gushes down my legs.

I gasp.

Holy shit. My water just broke!

My heart rate increases. That’s not supposed to happen. Spontaneous labor has never been a part of the plan!

“Okay, think.” I place my hands on my belly, trying not to freak out. “This is okay. This is just fine.”

Another tightening. This one is longer, stronger. I have to close my eyes and breathe through it.

These are real contractions. They have to be.

And how close together are they? Three minutes? Two?

In the childbirth class I went to, the teacher said to go to your birthing place when the contractions are four minutes apart and you can’t talk during them. Well, these are way closer than four minutes apart.

This is it. The babies are coming.

Panic sets in as I try to remember everything I learned in the class — which isn’t much. I didn’t really focus on the techniques for navigating labor, and I didn’t think I would ever experience contractions.

I waddle to the door and put on my shoes, grabbing my hospital bag on the way out. The contractions are coming closer and closer together now, and I know I need to move fast.

Halfway to the car, I stop and breathe through yet another one. They’re getting even closer. I need to move.

In the car, I call Taylor. The phone rings once… a second time…

“Hey,” she answers.

“My water broke,” I tell her as I leave my driveway. “And I’m having contractions.”

Taylor’s voice sounds calm as she responds. “Okay, Leah. You’re going to be fine. Just keep breathing through the contractions and focus on getting to the hospital.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Right. I’m on my way there now. I’ll call you when I get there.”

“Good. And don’t worry, I’m going to be right behind you. We’ll get through this together.”

Her words offer some comfort as I focus on driving. The contractions are getting more intense now, and I have to pull over a few times to breathe through them.

With the most recent contraction passed, I get back onto the road. I have to fight the urge to speed. Maybe I should call an ambulance?

---