Page 14 of Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me

“Everyone get in my car,” I called. “I’m driving. Charlie, sit in the front seat, and Wilder, sit in the back. Let’s go.” I herded them to my car and locked the door on my way out.

Charlie hopped in the front passenger seat, and Wilder sat in the middle of the back.

“Holy cow,” Wilder called. “You’re gonna be a dad.”

Charlie braced his hands on the dash and started hyperventilating. “I’m... having... a... baby.”

I cranked up the car and backed out of the driveway. “Your girl is having a baby, Charlie; you’re just freaking out because your whole life is about to change.”

“Dude,” Wilder laughed. “Is that supposed to help him feel better?”

It was meant to shock him, and wake him up.

“You’re right.” Charlie dropped his hands and turned to me. His eyes were clear, and a smile was on his lips.

Maybe it had worked.

“You guys realize we're about to witness the miracle of life, right?” Charlie exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “I mean, I've seen all those birthing videos, but this is the real deal!”

Wilder chuckled from the backseat. “Yeah, Charlie, but don't forget it's also the miracle of sleepless nights and diaper changes. Are you ready for that?”

Charlie feigned a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over his heart. “Oh, the horror! But seriously, guys, I've been practicing my dad jokes. I'm ready for the dad life.”

I couldn't help but laugh. “You've been practicing dad jokes?” This was much better than Charlie freaking out.

Charlie nodded a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Absolutely. Check this out: Why did the scarecrow become a successful dad? Because he was outstanding in his field!”

Wilder and I burst into laughter, and even Charlie couldn't help but join in. His joy was infectious, and for a moment, the impending sleepless nights and diaper changes seemed like minor inconveniences to him.

“You happen to remember what bag we’re picking up?” I asked.

“Yeah, it’s right by the front door.”

“Man,” Wilder laughed. “How the hell did you just do a one-eighty?”

Charlie sat back and sighed. “I don’t know, man. I’ve been waiting for months for this, and now it’s here. I think I was just shocked for a second.” He rubbed his hands together. “I am so ready for this. Bring on that little baby girl.”

The car was now buzzing with a mix of excitement and anticipation as we sped toward the hospital.

It took him thirty seconds to run into the house, grab the bag, and return to the passenger seat.

Charlie, the soon-to-be dad, now had a grin that could rival a Cheshire cat's. His eyes darted between the road and the floorboard, where his Missy’s hospital bag sat.

As we approached the hospital, Charlie's grin widened. “I can't wait to meet our little one. And you guys better be prepared for some top-notch dad humor. It's gonna be legendary!”

Wilder glanced at me, shaking his head with a smile. "Well, Blake, get ready to be the uncle with the eye-rolling jokes."

I chuckled, realizing that life was about to change for all of us, and Charlie's lighthearted humor was the perfect way to kick off this new chapter. Little did we know, we were in for a ride full fun, laughter, and Charlie's legendary dad jokes.

Chapter Seven

Shannon

I stepped into the delivery room, where Missy lay on the hospital bed with Charlie standing next to her. The room was filled with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.

I put on my calm demeanor and approached Missy, who looked both excited and apprehensive. I was still her friend, but now I needed to be her doctor. Charlie seemed to have pulled it together from the phone call and couldn’t stop smiling.

"Missy, we're here for you. Everything is going to be okay," I reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. I checked the monitors, ensuring that both Missy and the baby were doing well.

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